With signals of an improving economy beginning to mount - a DOW above 10,000 for the first time in more than a year, increased activity in pending home sales for a record eighth straight month, gains in homebuilder stocks, and increases in new home construction, just to name a few - winter's approach marks the perfect time for savvy homebuyers to find their dream home.

"The financial panic is behind us," said famed investor Warren Buffett, speaking at Columbia University last week after making what he calls, "an all-in wager on the economic future of the United States" by investing $34 billion to acquire Burlington Northern Santa Fe earlier this month.

But why buy now? Consider the following. As buyer activity traditionally declines in the winter months, decreased demand means lower potential for a costly bidding war between you and other prospective buyers. Also in your favor, the current market's high inventory of homes provides more options in a wider variety of price ranges than ever before. Additionally, today's historically low mortgage rates ensure you will get the maximum value for every dollar you spend. Completing the perfect storm, the recent expansion of the federal homebuyer tax credit to increase income limits and allow eligible current homeowners a tax savings of up to $6,500 on the purchase of a new home could save you even more. The result is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity you can't afford to miss!

To help you in your search, visit Southern Community Guide today and browse hundreds of detailed private community profiles. Or, take a look at the news and notes from this month's featured communities below. Who knows, maybe this will be the year you celebrate the holidays in your very own mountain or coastal dream home!

Catatoga - Lake Toxaway, NC
Catatoga is a carefully planned community created with respect for the beauty and integrity of the natural landscape, holding true to the beliefs of the Cherokee that cherished the land. Situated in Lake Toxaway, NC, the community offers a veritable nature lover's paradise with Lake Catatoga, Indian Creek Falls, Catatoga Falls, streams and miles of trails... Learn more!

Lodges at Eagles Nest - Banner Elk, NC
Nestled high atop the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina and only 5 minutes away from the charming village of Banner Elk, The Lodges at Eagles Nest is fashioned with every recreational opportunity imaginable while incorporating the refinements of an upscale community... Learn more!

Montaluce Winery & Estates - Dahlonega, GA
Amid the rolling countryside, Tuscan-inspired architecture and lush vineyards of Montaluce Winery & Estates, you can sit back with a good book in one hand, a glass of wine in the other and know you’re living la bella vita. This Dahlonega, Ga. community sets itself apart from other developments with a unique amenity that’s defined as its heart and soul... Learn more!

Catawba Falls Preserve - Black Mountain, NC
Bordered by the Catawba River and the Pisgah National Forest, Catawba Falls Preserve in Black Mountain, N.C. provides residents with spectacular scenery, endless mountain views and complete privacy. Your custom home, nestled among the lush woods of the Blue Ridge Mountain, can be a secluded retreat from the world below... Learn more!

Crystal Cove - Rockwood, TN
Situated in the heart of the Tennessee River Valley, Crystal Cove features the ideal retreat for relaxation or recreation. Located just west of Knoxville between the Cumberland Mountains and the Great Smoky Mountains, the community is nestled peacefully on the shores of Watts Bar Lake... Learn more!

Chapel Ridge - Pittsboro, NC
Tucked among more than 1,000 acres of scenic rolling hills is Chapel Ridge, a master-planned golf community in Pittsboro, N.C. Here, avid golfers and beginners alike can enjoy world-class golf surrounded by sweeping panoramic views of the beautiful countryside... Learn more!

The Reserve at Lake Keowee Announces
Builder Showcase Program

Greenville, SC – The Reserve at Lake Keowee recently announced the launch of its new Builder Showcase Program. Through this new partnership, eight prestigious builders, who all are Reserve members themselves, will soon be offering over twenty new home plans available in the Lake Keowee area exclusively at The Reserve.

“We’re excited to be working with these top builders and even more excited for the customer since these new home plans can provide them both a cost and time savings. Customers can also customize each plan giving them even more flexibility to match their tastes to their ideal homesite here at The Reserve,” said Chuck Pigg, VP and Community Manger of The Reserve… Read more!

For more information visit The Reserve at Lake Keowee's community profile.

Hendersonville Ranks 10th in
Best Small Town Category

Hendersonville, home to Cummings Cove Golf & Country Club, was voted number 10, in the Best Small Town category, in the Southern Living Reader Choice Awards. Readers from Texas to Delaware weighed in on their annual survey. The Readers Choice Awards were listed in the January 2009 issue of Southern Living. The other towns (in order) include: Beaufort, SC, Fairhope, AR, Fredricksburg, TX, Blowing Rock, NC, Franklin, TN, Eureka Springs, AR, Oxford, MS, Grand Rivers, KS, Madison, GA and Hendersonville, NC… Read more!

To learn more visit Cummings Cove Golf and Country Club's community profile page today!