The Right Time to Build a Log Home

With the U.S. real estate market and banking industry in its present state of flux, many are wondering if this is the right time to build your log home. There are concerns about:

• Global credit crunch
• If money is still available
• Will I be able to secure a loan
• Personal losses in the stock/financial markets
• Security in the workplace

Many articles have been published over past months in various national home publications; all provided excellent reasons why right now will for many be the best opportunity to put their plans into action. The following is a summary that applies to all construction whilst at the same time identifying the specialty requirements of the log home niche:

• If a custom log home is your requirement remember that they are a specialized niche and are not always subject to the volatility of other housing markets.
• Securing a mortgage or construction loan for a log home has always been a niche within the lending world. In the main due to finding appropriate comps (comparable home values). Nothing has changed from that perspective.
• The effect of the current situation varies widely by locale, and your area may not be affected in the same way as big cities with big developers who are selling large tracts of suburban homes.
• Most log home owners are in it for the long haul, as a log home is their dream home. Long-term real estate investments have performed extremely well in any period since the last great Depression.
• Large portfolio banks, usually the best sources for construction loans for custom homes, are weathering the credit crisis well, and they are ready for business.
• Interest rates are perhaps as low as one will ever see with the Federal Reserve adjusting rates as it tries to keep the economy moving.
• For consumers in the market for raw land great deals are to be had dependent on your area one can easily save 10-25% off the asking price and you may well be able to get more acreage for your money than previously thought.
• The slowdown in construction means that labor and materials are more readily available and typically savings can be made as a result.

For the consumer who has the financial wherewithal (in particular those already owning land), the timing does not really get any better than this. Staying focused on your eventual goal and doing your research will help you move forward. Be wary of dramatic media stories and concentrate on what you know is the right investment for you.

http://www.cnwloghomes.com/

Dealership Opportunities. If you dream about living in a log home and want to start a home-based business, consider becoming a dealer for CNW Log Homes of America Inc.

Log Home Dealer Spotlight

Dealer Spotlight: The Leelanau Log Home Company LLC

Brad Karikomi and Jim Coyle

Our dealers in Michigan are Brad Karikomi and Jim Coyle. They established The Leelanau Log Home Company in 2004 and have since become valued dealers and friends. As individuals they offer different skills and experience. That diversity is one of their strengths which allow them to offer complete log home services…from design to construction. Brad held several positions in a media corporation with 24 years successful experience in sales, marketing and customer care. Jim, an army veteran, has been a builder for the past 26 years and has established a reputation for quality craftsmanship. “Our different experiences and skill set allow us to serve our customers better by offering a wider range of services. Our customers find comfort in the one-stop shopping aspect since we’re able to serve our customer through the entire build process.” said Jim.

In addition to their log home business, they also operate a rustic décor web based retail operation called Rustic Cabin Accessories. They craft rustic furniture and accessories in their Traverse City, Michigan workshop, plus have carefully selected local artisans to offer a variety of rustic products for the log home, cottage or business.

We asked Brad, how do you juggle both businesses? “Sometimes it’s a challenge, it made us more efficient in our scheduling and so far it’s working out well. Juggling both is easier when you're passionate about what you do,” he stated. “Whether creating and crafting rustic decor or working with a client to design and build their dream log home, we take pride in our craftsmanship and continually strive to earn our customers trust.”

Over the years they have helped customers realize their dream of building a custom log home by carefully listening to their ideas and developing a custom design that fits their lifestyle and budget. If you’re considering building a custom home in Michigan or the Midwest, we highly recommend you give Brad and Jim a call.

The Leelanau Log Home Company LLC
Brad Karikomi and Jim Coyle
Phone: 231-275-5647
http://www.leelanauloghomes.com/
http://www.rusticcabinaccessories.com/

Dealership Opportunities. If you dream about living in a log home and want to start a home-based business, consider becoming a dealer for CNW Log Homes of America Inc.

Featured Log Home Floor Plan

Sequoia I Floor Plan Spotlight

Bedrooms: 2, Bathrooms: 1, Stories: 1 Total Square Footage: 1200.

We created this floor plan to offer simple elegance in a classic ranch-style log home. The open kitchen, dining and living rooms create a wonderful place for family gatherings. I often hear comments like "How come we always end up in the kitchen?” or “It’s great to be able to cook and still be a part of the party” The optional deck is also a great place to entertain with BBQ parties or to relax and read a good book!

Whether you want Swedish Cope, Hand Crafted or the popular D log profile, each has it’s own charm and will be a wonderful place to create memories to cherish forever. Click to download this floorplan.

CNW Log Homes of America Partners with Big Foot Manufacturing

CNW Log Homes has partnered with Big Foot Manufacturing (http://www.bigfootloghomes.com/) located in British Columbia, Canada to offer milled log, handcrafted and timber frame home packages. For more than 20 years Big Foot Manufacturing has sold quality homes in Canada, United States, Europe and Asia. “We are excited about the alliance with Big Foot Manufacturing and honored to be the exclusive dealer representative for the United States of America,” said Chuck Clark, President of CNW. We are impressed with Big Foot’s commitment to excellence and their product quality, which is demonstrated by their ISO 9001 and 14001 certified mill operations.

“A tidy work place is a safe work place” a phrase you will often hear, the mill at Big Foot is just that and as such creates a clean and tidy environment in which to mill their logs. After visiting the Big Foot mill we found people who work there from the management to the mill workers clearly enjoy what they do, nothing was too much trouble and no question went unanswered.