If you're planning a trip to North Carolina, the “Gateway to the Blue Ridge Mountains” should be on your list. Steeped in history and surrounded by natural beauty, the town of Old Fort offers something for everyone. Whether you’re a history buff, an outdoor or mountain biking enthusiast, or simply seeking a quiet escape from the bustling city, this charming slice of small-town America is the perfect destination.

Top Things to Do in Old Fort, NC

1. Hiking at Catawba Falls

Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Catawba Falls is a must-see for nature lovers. One of our personal favorites, the 1.5-mile family- and pet-friendly trail is accessible for hikers of all skill levels and leads to breathtaking cascades—the perfect spot for a picnic and postcard-worthy photos. 

While stunning year-round, each season brings its own kind of magic: discover native flora and fauna blooming to life in spring, cool off in the natural swimming pools during the heat of summer, admire vibrant foliage reflected in the water during fall, and marvel at icy formations that transform the falls into a sculptural winter wonderland. Bonus: During the summer months, treat yourself to craft-boiled peanuts and refreshing lemonade from The Thirsty Peanut, a roadside stand along the way to the falls! 

The U.S. Forest Service’s extensive upgrades following Hurricane Helene included permanent footbridges, strategically numbered emergency markers along the way, and a 60-Foot Observation Tower with panoramic views of Upper Catawba Falls and the surrounding mountains, bringing even more visitors to this already beloved trail!

As summer transitions to the fall color season in the mountains of Western North Carolina, year-to-date median prices are flat across the board. Buncombe has flatlined at $490,000. Burke County sits at $273,500, and McDowell County is at $300,000. In July's report, year-to-date median prices were down 2.8% in Buncombe, 1.8% in Burke, and 6.7% in McDowell. Pending sales are sending opposing messages across counties, with Buncombe down 9.8% in September, Burke up 28.6%, and McDowell up 17.6%.

Regional Scorecard: Buncombe, Burke & McDowell

Buncombe County: Steady Closings, Inventory Edging Up

In Buncombe County, closed sales are up 7.3% year to date (2,636 vs. 2,457) and 3.2% in September. Third-quarter closings were up roughly 9%, based on year-to-date totals.

In July, we asked whether Buncombe's inventory growth would begin to outpace closings. In June, Buncombe closings (+18.6%) were running well ahead of inventory (+5.6%). By September, inventory (+4.8%) edged ahead of closings (+3.2%). Year to date, closings still lead, so September is a signal to watch, not yet a trend.

Days on market remain well above last year's pace (+28.6% year to date), though the gap has narrowed since July, when it was +43.4%. September ran faster than last September, with days on market at 66, down 5.7%. List-to-close is up 15.2% year to date at 114 days, and sellers received 93.2% of their original list price year to date, down from 94.1%.

September pending sales fell 9.8% (296 vs. 328), which could point to softer closings in Q4, though seasonality may explain part of it.

Burke County: Closings Improve as Inventory Keeps Growing

YTD closings in Burke County improved from an 11.9% decline to a 2.9% decline. September closings increased an impressive 34%, 71 closings vs 53. Months' supply rose from 4.6 in June to 5.2 and inventory is up 21.8% alongside a new listing increase of 10.4% YTD. Unlike Buncombe and McDowell County, Burke County was the only county where sellers were able to capture more of their list price YTD – up from 93.4% to 94.3%. Days on market and list-to-close times are flat.

McDowell County: A Soft Market With Prices Holding

McDowell County has shown itself to be a soft market in previous months and it remains so. Months' supply sits at 7.2 and percent of list price declined from 92.3% to 91.3%. Days on market are up 19%, and list-to-close time is up 8.3%. YTD closings are down 9.2% but new listings are flat in the County and inventory is only up 5.8%.

What Changed Since Q2 and Our July Report?

In July we posed three questions. Here is where the answers landed.

Will Buncombe's inventory growth outpace closings?

Not by much, and only recently. By the end of June, closings were running a good bit ahead of inventory. As the end of September rolled around, inventory edged ahead. Closings are up 7.3% YTD, while new listings are up just 0.9%, so supply isn't seeing a large increase.

Will Burke's months' supply continue to rise?

Yes, it climbed from 4.6 in June to 5.2 in September. Inventory is up 21.8% from a year ago. Burke's sales have recovered, but listings grew at a quicker clip.

Will McDowell's price softening find a floor?

It looks like it has hit the floor. McDowell's YTD median price went from down 6.7% in July to up 0.3% at $300,000. However, McDowell only closes around 30-40 homes a month, so a handful of sales can skew the number in one direction or another.

A couple other items changed. Median prices flattened in all three counties. The slowdown eased: YTD days on market growth moderated from +43.4% to +28.6% in Buncombe and from +24.6% to +19% in McDowell.

Sellers

Best advice? Plan for lengthier timelines. Price for your county.

• List-to-close is running at 114 days in Buncombe County, 118 in McDowell – nearly four months from listing to closing. Burke is showing steadier signals at 100 days, unchanged from last year.

• Buncombe County sellers are receiving 93.2% of their original asking price (down from 94.1%), and McDowell sellers are receiving 91.3% (down from 92.3%). Burke sellers are actually receiving more than last year at 94.3% (up from 93.4%). The list price and sales price gap is most notable in McDowell County.

• Buncombe's September ran faster than its year-to-date pace. Days on market were 66, down 5.7% from last September, while the year-to-date figure is still up 28.6%. Homes that are priced correctly are still moving.

Buyers

Buyer leverage varies by county.

• McDowell: has the most buyer leverage of the three counties. Months' supply is 7.2, homes are selling for 91.3% of original list price, and days on market are up 19%.

• Buncombe: months' supply is 6.3, above the 6-month mark. This is often utilized as the red line between a balanced and buyer-leaning market, though it is down from 6.7 a year ago. Buyers have room to negotiate, but conditions are not looser than the same time last year.

• Burke: inventory is growing fastest (up 21.8%), yet sellers still captured a higher share of their list price than last year.

What to Watch in Q4

• Buncombe: Will September's 9.8% decrease in pending sales (296 vs 328) show up as fewer closings this quarter? Will September's faster pace hold through Q4? Worthwhile to compare this against Q4 2025, since the fall slowdown is a seasonal trend.

• Burke: Was September's closing surge (71 vs 53) a pattern set in motion, or just a strong month? It will also be interesting to see if sellers continue to capture 94% of list price as inventory climbs.

• McDowell: Watch whether the $300,000 median holds firm, and whether September's 17.6% increase in pending sales (40 vs. 34) shifts into closings.

Common Questions About the 2026 Regional Market

Is the Buncombe County (Asheville) real estate market slowing down in 2026?

The market isn't slowing down in closings. It is slowing down in speed. Buncombe County closed sales are up 7.3% YTD (2,636 vs 2,457) and up 3.2% for the month of September. Burke County closings are down 2.9% YTD – an improvement from an almost 12% decline in July. September closings jumped 34%. McDowell County closings have decreased 9.2% YTD, however September was up 5.3%. Buncombe's September pending sales being down 9.8% could correlate with softer closings in Q4.

Are home prices dropping in Western North Carolina?

No, not at the moment. Year-to-date median prices have flattened in all three counties: $490,000 in Buncombe, $273,500 in Burke, and $300,000 in McDowell. In July those figures were down 2.8%, 1.8%, and 6.7% respectively. Buncombe County's average price is up 4.6% YTD – likely higher priced sales pulling the average sales price above the median sales price.

Why are homes taking longer to sell in 2026?

It varies by county. YTD, days on market are up 28.6% in Buncombe (72 days) and 19% in McDowell (75 days), while Burke is flat at 59 days. Buncombe's pace has improved since July, when it was up 43.4% and September was 5.7% faster than last September. Closed sales and pending sales YTD are both up in Buncombe County so the slower pace appears to be related to buyers taking their time with negotiation. McDowell, on the other hand, may reflect softer demand with both closings and pending sales down YTD.

Which Western North Carolina county has the most buyer negotiating power right now?

McDowell County. The county has the most supply (7.2 months), sellers are receiving 91.3% of original list price YTD, and days on market are up 19%. Burke's inventory is growing the fastest, up 21.8% from a year ago. However, sellers are receiving more of their asking price than last year (94.3%).

Need a competent guide to help you navigate a market that is continually changing? GreyBeard Realty has agents at office locations across the region: Asheville, Black Mountain, Old Fort, and Lake James. Contact our team to ensure a seamless real estate process from start to finish.

Crisp days, colorful mountain views, and a curl-up-and-stay-a-while porch—what more could you ask for this fall? If the season of sweaters and slow living has you dreaming about a place to call your own, one of these five cottages might be just what you’re looking for. Priced under $500K, each one pairs plenty of character with a picturesque mountain lifestyle that’s perfect for turning your cottagecore daydream into an Asheville-area address.  

East Asheville Cottage with a Detached Garage

3 Byrdcliffe Lane, Asheville, NC 28805 | $370,000 | ACTIVE

This quaint, lovingly cared-for yellow cottage packs plenty of charm into a convenient East Asheville locale. Built in 2012, the 1,180-square-foot home features 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, warm wood floors, granite countertops, and a rare detached 1-car garage with extra space for storage, hobbies, or your next creative project.
 

Dreaming of tending a garden or simply having a little outdoor space to call your own? The beautifully maintained yard comes with established landscaping and a scenic mountain backdrop, giving you a head start on creating a green-thumb escape.

And while it may feel like a peaceful retreat, Downtown Asheville and Black Mountain are both less than 10 minutes away, and the Blue Ridge Parkway is just 2 miles from home. Move-in ready and low-maintenance, this sweet cottage makes it easy to enjoy the best of mountain living.

Old Fort Log Cabin on 1.17 Acres with a Gazebo

2428 Old Fort Sugar Hill Road, Old Fort, NC 28762 | $439,000 | ACTIVE

Tucked into a peaceful Old Fort country setting, this charming 2-bedroom, 2-bath log cabin was made for snug evenings by the fire. Set on a beautifully landscaped, level 1.17-acre lot with mountain views, the home offers plenty of space to garden, gather, or simply enjoy a little more room to breathe.

Inside, the open living, kitchen, and dining area features vaulted ceilings and a propane fireplace that adds to the cabin’s warm, welcoming feel. A bedroom, full bath, and washer/dryer closet make up the main level, while upstairs offers a spacious bedroom loft and second full bath.

Spend your afternoons reading in the gazebo, lingering over dinner on the deck, and enjoying a front-row seat to the changing seasons. When you’re ready to venture out, head into Old Fort for craft beer and trivia at Hillman, and end the night at home watching a movie by firelight. This home embraces country living without feeling far away, as it’s just 5 minutes to Old Fort, 15 minutes to Black Mountain, and 30 minutes to Asheville.

Gateway Mountain Retreat with Lake and Waterfall Access

1795 McKenzie Way N, Old Fort, NC 28762 | $375,000 | ACTIVE

Tucked into the mountains and ready to enjoy from day one, this turnkey home has all the makings of a storybook retreat. The main level features a primary bedroom and a dramatic floor-to-ceiling fireplace at the heart of the living space, while two spacious rooms and a full bath upstairs provide plenty of room for guests, hobbies, or a comfy reading nook.

Outside, the wraparound deck and screened porch invite you to savor the mountain setting—sipping tea while the breeze rustles through the trees, rainy afternoons journaling, and brisk evenings under a blanket with a glass of wine in hand. Easy paved access makes coming and going simple in every season.

As part of the Gateway Mountain community, which spans more than 3,000 acres, you’ll enjoy exclusive access to a lake, waterfalls, and hiking trails. Gather with neighbors for TGIF evenings at Lake George or wander over to Waterfall Park when you’re craving a little solitude (and the tranquil sound of cascades). When adventure calls beyond the gates, downtown Old Fort is just 9 miles away, while Black Mountain and Lake Lure are within a scenic 18-mile drive.

Black Mountain Cottage Near Downtown, Currently a Vacation Rental

109 Portmanvilla Road, Black Mountain, NC 28711 | $475,000 | ACTIVE

This adorable 3-bedroom, 2-bath cottage is just a short stroll from downtown Black Mountain, putting local restaurants, breweries, boutiques, galleries, parks, and community events practically at your doorstep. Currently operating as a successful vacation rental, the home offers plenty of flexibility as a mountain getaway, investment property, or full-time residence.
 

Back at home, the fully fenced backyard is ready for four-legged friends, garden beds, outdoor dinners, or afternoons spent savoring the fresh mountain air. Inside, an inviting floor plan makes it easy to settle in after a day exploring town.

And when life calls for a little adventure, the Blue Ridge Parkway, Montreat, and Asheville are all within easy reach, so you can maximize your time hitting the trails. Spend the first part of the day hiking, bike into town for lunch, browse the local shops, and still be home in time for a quiet evening soaking up golden hour in your own backyard.

4-Bedroom Eden Glen Home on a Corner Lot in Black Mountain

38 Eden Glen Road, Black Mountain, NC 28711 | $479,900 | ACTIVE

Easygoing mountain living takes center stage in this move-in-ready 4-bedroom home on a rare corner lot in Eden Glen. Vaulted ceilings and an open floor plan give the main living spaces a bright, airy feel, while the split-bedroom layout creates a peaceful primary retreat separate from the two secondary bedrooms.
 

Upstairs, a finished room over the garage offers space to make your own—whether that means a guest room, home office, art studio, or tucked-away writing room. Outside, the screened porch is perfect for lingering with the one you love and thinking up weekend plans, while covered front and rear porches and the extra yard space offer plenty of opportunities for gardening and gathering alike. 

Thoughtful everyday features include a mudroom, a laundry area, a heated two-car garage, and a gas log fireplace for chilly mountain nights. And with downtown Black Mountain’s shops and restaurants just minutes away and the Blue Ridge Parkway an easy drive from home, you can enjoy a quieter pace without giving up your favorite haunts in town. 

Let GreyBeard Help You Live Out Your Cottagecore Dream

Whether you envision a full-time home or a second home in the mountains where you can slow down and enjoy the seasons, these cottages priced under $500K bring the dream of Western North Carolina living within reach.

Ready to trade scrolling through cottagecore inspiration on Pinterest for a set of keys? Reach out to our local GreyBeard Realty agents who can help you find an Asheville home for sale, a bungalow in Black Mountain, and beyond—where morning coffee overlooking vibrant mountain landscapes and cozy nights around the fire pit can become part of your everyday life. 

The Asheville Market Numbers

After years as a tight seller's market with stable pricing, the Asheville market is now sending mixed signals. Median price is down 4.3% YTD, from last year's $515,000 to $493,000, and days on market until sale have jumped 41.5%, from 53 to 75 days — both signs of softening demand relative to recent years.

As we move through the middle of 2026, the year-to-date numbers are in — and they tell a story of two markets. Buncombe County and Asheville, the region's commercial and population center, are diverging sharply from the trends emerging in Burke and McDowell Counties. 

Buncombe's closed sales are up in June (+18.6%) and 6.1% year-to-date, while Burke and McDowell are showing clear signs of cooling — fewer closings, softer prices, and inventory building faster than demand can absorb it.

Why Black Mountain, NC is One of Western North Carolina's Best Places to Live

Yes — Black Mountain, NC is one of Western North Carolina's best places to live, thanks to its incredibly walkable downtown, simple 10-15 minute commute to Asheville, and access to 40+ miles of hiking trails in the neighboring Montreat wilderness area. The town [...]

Spring is in full swing in the mountains of Western North Carolina, and the GreyBeard Realty team is back with insights on what has been happening in the real estate market in 2026 for the first few months of the year. Numbers through March reveal a continuation of a theme that was a large part of the narrative of 2025: A shift from a fortified seller’s market to a more neutral, balanced market, and, as we’ll see in some particular counties, the trends are shifting in favor of buyers. 

Buncombe County and Asheville Area Market Real Estate Trends

Is Asheville and Buncombe County a buyer's or seller's market?

Real estate activity was strong in Buncombe County at the start of 2026. Pending sales through Q1 increased 7.2% year over year. March showed a 20.5% increase in pending sales compared to the same period last year. March also saw an 8% increase in new listings; however, it’s worth noting that YTD, new listings declined by 3.5%. While this provides a mixed picture, inventory levels remain higher than last year by 20.2% or 1,232 homes for sale. 

Are affordability and interest rate concerns impacting the market?

Days on market trends through Q1 increased an eye-popping 42.2% year over year to an average of 91 days. Last year, that number was 64 days. Closed sales YTD decreased by 2.1%, and the median closed price slid to $460,000, a decrease of 2.9% compared to last year. Average sales prices are still strong at $623,089 YTD, an increase of 5.7%. This opposing story for the average sales price suggests that higher-end properties are still appreciating. Overall, these numbers suggest that the real estate process is shifting towards a buyer's timetable, and they are taking their time to make purchasing decisions compared to last year.

How close to the asking price are sellers able to achieve in the current market?

For folks listing their homes for sale in Buncombe County, the percent of original list price received has declined by 2.9%, or 91.7%. Last year, the ratio sat at 94.4%, slightly more in favor of sellers. This statistic aligns with the lengthened days on market trends and suggests that buyers are having more success with negotiations than in past years. With higher inventory levels, buyers are willing to wait for the right property at the right price, and sellers will do well to price with intention. 

McDowell County and Asheville Area Market Real Estate Trends

Is McDowell County a buyer's or seller's market?

Marion, Old Fort, and the whole of McDowell County are showing more profound signs of a cooling market than their neighbor, Buncombe County. YTD closed sales declined by 12.4%, and pending sales fell 9.5% compared to Q1 of last year. New listings look almost identical to last year, with 144 listings compared to 145 at the same time last year. Spring’s notoriety as the “listing season” for our region has come through with a notable 42% increase in new listings and 11.5% in closed sales. It will be interesting to see if this trend continues through the spring and summer months.

It is worth noting that McDowell County may have been a harbinger of the buyers’ market to come, as it experienced indications of softening earlier than Buncombe County in the previous year.

Are affordability and interest rate concerns impacting the market?
 

Of the three markets we report on each month, McDowell County leans on the more affordable side. YTD, the median sales price was $295,000, a decrease of nearly 5% from last year when it sat at $310,000. YTD days on market show a 36% increase from 77 days last year to over 3 months or 105 days this year. Buyers are moving cautiously and taking advantage of the shift in real estate trends.
 

What else is notable about McDowell County?
 

The average sales price of $422,253 is an increase of 14%. However, it is worth noting that this is based on a small number of homes and could be skewed by a handful of high-value sales. The months’ supply of inventory is almost identical to last year, at 5.2 months vs 5.3 months at this time last year. 

Burke County Area Market Real Estate Trends

Is Burke County a buyer's or seller's market?
 

Burke County is experiencing a contraction of supply and demand simultaneously. New listings decreased 12.1%, and closed sales have declined 13.9%. Inventory also decreased 7.4% to 212 homes for sale. Compared to Buncombe and McDowell, Burke has a much tighter supply after Q1. 
 

What are the pricing trends in Burke County?
 

Median prices were dialed in at $274,900, a mild 1.5% decrease from last year’s $279,000. The average sales price decreased slightly. Burke County is currently faring better than both McDowell and Buncombe County for the percentage of the original list price ratio – 93% (up a minor .2% compared to last year). The overall transaction volume is slow, but prices appear to be stable in this market, and supply is also tighter.
 

What other trends are worth noting in Burke County?

Burke County hasn’t been immune to days on market increases. During Q1, Burke County days on market trends shifted to 81 days compared to 75 days last year. This is not as dramatic as Buncombe and McDowell County, but it is an increase nonetheless. Burke County is already the most affordable of the three we report on, and prices appear relatively stable.
 

Conclusion

We continue to see normalization in Buncombe, Burke, and McDowell counties. Buyers have more leverage than they did in past years. Days on market are increasing in all markets, and prices are softening. Activity levels have balanced, but demand appears to still be present. As we write this in early May, it will be interesting to see what the numbers reveal as we get deeper into the spring months and early summer. Typically, Q1 numbers capture traditional seasonality, which can impact inventory levels. 

Explore more market trends on our website, or contact the real estate experts at GreyBeard Realty today with any questions.

GreyBeard Realty has proudly called Asheville home for over a decade, and we're excited to announce that our continued growth has brought us to a new location in the heart of downtown Asheville. As a company with over 25 years in business, and with Asheville being the second of our four offices, our presence in this community runs deep — [...]

GreyBeard Realty and its all-local broker team is hosting a Tour of Homes Open House event that will feature listings across Black Mountain, Swannanoa, and Montreat on Sunday, April 26th from 1-4 p.m. Explore a variety of homes for sale, from charming ranch-style homes in the heart of Swannanoa to modern townhomes and renovated cottages [...]

Ready to shake off those winter blues and start your hunt for the perfect home? Spring is an ideal time for clean slates and new beginnings, and real estate is no exception. If you’re tired of cookie-cutter listings and ready for something a little different that puts your creativity and innovative spirit to the test, we’ve rounded up [...]