Asheville real estate sales show strength in numbers.

Even a quick glance at the Asheville real estate numbers for 2012 indicates positive signs for the western NC market.  In Buncombe County, the number of homes sold increased 21% for the year while in Black Mountain homes sold moved up 8%.  In addition, total sales volume increased 25% for the County and 17% for Black Mountain. These numbers confirm what Realtors in our market have been feeling all year.  The Asheville real estate market is back in business.

It is easy to see in the numbers provided by MLS that units sold and sales prices have bottomed out and are definitely rebounding.  What's even more impressive is that, for the first time since 2007, sales volume, price and median price for Asheville area homes all improved. While still not at the peak of 2007, the picture painted by the 2012 real estate market numbers is certainly a positive one.

While the numbers show that 2012 was a very good, solid year, the statistics also bode well for the 2013 real estate market as well.  One example to support this positive outlook is the sales to list price improving to 94%, indicating that homes are regaining value.  In addition, inventories of homes on the market decreased which indicates that supply is tightening a bit which should lead to higher prices if that trend holds true.

In assessing the 2012 numbers, the only statistic not showing improvement is Days on Market, but it is anticipated that that number will improve in 2013, particularly with the decrease of homes on the market.  For anyone waiting until the market bottoms out to enter into the buyers' market for Asheville, it's time to move forward.

Overall, the Asheville real estate market was very positive in 2012. For the most recent Asheville market numbers, check out our latest market statistics and trends. Yes, prices are still below peak prices before the recession, but almost all of the numbers indicate a very impressive upward trend.  And with the decrease in number of homes on the market, the prices should continue rising. In short, with the basic economic theory of supply and demand as support, the market is well on its way toward recovery. For more information on western NC real estate listings, contact Greybeard Realty.

With our commitment to continually improving service, Greybeard Realty is happy to announce its website redesign, completed in time for the New Year.  With a fresh look and even simpler selection options, we look forward to assisting you in making your selection for a new home in western North [...]

Real estate buyers in Asheville can benefit from a few simple steps to ensure that when they find the house of their dreams, it won't become a nightmare. For every handful of happily-ever-after buyer stories, there is one house-that-got-away tale.  To be sure a buyer is prepared for house hunting, Greybeard Realty has assembled The ABCs for Buyers, six simple steps to get ready for a home purchase.

Simple steps to assist buyers.

In short, buyers should know what they need and what they can afford.  Very often, house hunters set off without taking into account they need a first floor bedroom or can only afford a fixer-upper home. Doing a brief assessment of needs and assets can shorten the list of homes a prospective buyer needs to check out.

Also, home buyers in western NC should do their homework about where they want to live. Are they heart set on city life in a home in Asheville or do they crave a peaceful mountainside home in Montreat? Regardless of the home's location, buyers can benefit from having a Realtor they know and trust to show them the various options.

For more information about how to prepare to buy a home, check out our buyers' notes.  To meet Greybeard's Realtors and get more information about the Asheville real estate market, please contact Greybeard Realty.

As indicated in Greybeard's 2012 mid-year market report blog, Western North Carolina Real Estate has begun to show signs of recovery. This month features a blue moon, meaning two full moons in one month, a very rare occurrence. Similarly, the Asheville market, with near record low interest rates available and a good supply of homes, may [...]

The Asheville Real Estate market has not experienced the large number of foreclosure properties  that other areas across the nation have. Despite that, Greybeard's Asheville foreclosure properties listings offer a wide range of homes, and our Realtors understand the special considerations a buyer needs when purchasing a distressed [...]

Asheville real estate market followers understand the seasonal nature of our area real estate sales.  At Greybeard Realty, we encourage buyers and sellers to do some spring cleaning as they enter the Asheville market.

For sellers, a literal spring cleaning of the home can be very useful in preparing a home to go on the market.  Clutter and personal items in a home have been noted as two factors that can affect potential buyers who have a more difficult time seeing a home as their own if it's still chock full of the present owners' belongings.  Hiring a professional to conduct a home inspection can save the sellers from getting deal-breaking surprises at closing time. And be sure to showcase your home in its best light with a professional photographer like Greybeard Realty's choice, Gary Leive, photographer.

Sellers and Buyers can benefit from a good spring cleaning

For buyers, spring clean your credit report.  Take advantage of the free reports everyone is privy to annually and see if there are mistakes.  Know your price limit and have your financing in order so you will know whether to seek a high-end home or a small fixer-upper Asheville cabin.

If you are a buyer of a second home as a potential Asheville rental vacation home, understand the expenses and perhaps delegate the management of that property to Greybeard's award-winning property management team.  If you presently own an Asheville rental vacation cabin, we can arrange for your spring cleaning and have it ready when the first guests arrive.

For more information about Asheville real estate, contact Greybeard Realty.

Buyers searching the Asheville real estate market for a second home will find many suitable listings, and, with the Asheville real estate market on the uptick, now would be a great time to consider that investment.  A second home can be a great weekend/summer getaway spot for you.  It can also serve as an Asheville rental home until you are [...]

Pristine Mountain Cottage

This special Black Mountain cottage is pristinely maintained and offers its new owners an enviable location, just a five minute walk from the town of Black Mountain and Lake Tomahawk.

The three bedroom, two bath home features gleaming hardwoods and an up-to-date kitchen with granite countertops.

While it would make a wonderful second home or retirement home, it also can be used as an in-town rental property.  For more information on this cottage or other Asheville real estate property, please contact Greybeard Realty.

The Asheville real estate market received a potential boost October 4^th when Buncombe County commissioners voted unanimously to change the current zoning ordinance for vacation rentals.  Since December 2009, residential rental restrictions have been in place, limiting new properties from entering the rental market. 

With the rental [...]

If you're headed to visit your own Asheville real estate or want to know if it's a nice day to property hunt, be sure to check out the Greybeard Webcam and see Black Mountain in action.  Located atop My Father's Pizza, the webcam captures daily life as it's happening which enables viewers to see current weather conditions and observe traffic right on Cherry Street. 

Check out real time weather at Greybeard's webcam

With the arrival of the autumnal equinox comes varying weather in the Asheville area.  Greybeard's webcam lets you see road conditions in real time.  As a property owner, do you need to know when the cold hits so you can winterize your home?  Are you worried about whether roads are passable? As a potential buyer are you eager to see what winter means in Black Mountain?  If so, tune in to our webcam and vicariously enjoy a beautiful mountain day.

For more information or to explore real estate offerings in the Asheville area, please contact Greybeard Realty.