Cherokee County is one of the fastest growing areas in the state of Georgia. The scenic mountain and lake views and the gorgeous weather combine with proximity to metro Atlanta to make the county a very attractive destination for everyone from single professionals to young and growing families to empty nesters who want to spend their retirement years in a little piece of heaven.

New home builders in Cherokee County have risen to the demand with an unprecedented rate of new construction. The newest homes being built in the County are often part of one of the planned communities that offer all the amenities one could want within a short distance of your front door. Unlike "subdivisions", planned communities start with a master plan that takes into account all of the needs of the community, including recreation, transportation and growth. The only problem with buying a home in an unfinished community is that it's difficult to judge the neighborhood while it's still a construction site.

If you're considering buying a home in one of the new developments in Cherokee County, there are some ways that you can check out the community even before it's built. Here are some suggestions for making sure that you'll be buying a home and not just a new house in a pretty neighborhood.

1. Ask the sales person about the community's master plan. Unlike the "subdivisions" of yesteryear, new developments are more than just streets and houses. They are fully planned communities that often include amenities like community centers, green spaces and parks, recreational facilities - even retail shopping areas and restaurants.

2. Ask about the builders who work with the development company. There are dozens of new home builders in Cherokee County and many of them work directly with management and development corporations. If you know which builders the development company works with, you can look for other developments and homes that they have built to get a feel for the quality of their work.

3. If the community is well into the development stage, ask for a personal tour so that you can get a feel for the layout and the "personality" of the neighborhood. A personal tour can also give you a sense of how the homes being built fit into their surroundings - and even give you a peek at how the various new home builders in Cherokee County deal with the construction process.

4. Ask about those who have already bought into the community. The salesperson should be able to give you an idea of the general demographics of those buyers who have already committed to owning a home in the new community. Are they older? Younger? Young families or empty nesters? Is it a demographic with which you'll feel comfortable?

5. Ask about other projects that the development company has completed and take a drive through them to see how they've stood up to time. Are the neighborhoods and streets attractive? Do the homes appear to be in good repair? Is it the kind of community in which you'd like to live?

6. Ask about the builder selection process. In some communities, you'll have little choice or say in which builder actually builds your new home. The company may have specific builders with expertise in the style of home that you've chosen, or have a specific system for assigning builders to work with new buyers. In others, you may choose a lot, and be given a list of builders that work with the development company and will meet their guidelines - and the rest is up to you.

7. If you have a choice of builders for your new home, take the time to interview each prospective builder to find the right one for you. The "right" builder for you is the one that

-is familiar with your style of house

-understands the process of working with the development company

-listens to your ideas, suggestions and desires

-works with you to find ways to incorporate your desires into the guidelines under which he must work

-places communication with the client high on the list of priorities for his company

-is comfortable for you to talk to and work with