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If you are new to the stunningly beautiful Cape Fear region, you might be trying to decide on whether to buy an existing home or build anew. With the current economy, labor costs are at all time lows, so if you ever desired to design and build your own home, now could be the time.

“We have so much to offer with our golf, our climate, our cultural component, our historical component, and the people are just so friendly,” said Cathy Altman, president and CEO of the Brunswick County Chamber of Commerce. “Everybody has a sense of community, so even if you’re new to the area, you’ll fit right in. It makes for a very well rounded place to live.”

There are many advantages to building your own home, but probably the most important is customization. Having the home tailored to suit your every whim is one of the most rewarding feelings you can have when the job is completed.

The ability to choose things like cabinetry, tiling, counter tops, and fixtures, not to mention the size of the bonus room, carries a lot of weight for most people when trying to determine whether to buy an existing home or building their own.

According the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), the first thing to do is to find a reputable builder that you have a good rapport with. Places to obtain a list of builders include your local homebuilder’s association or check www.move.com, the NAHB’s official new homes listing Web site.

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