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.

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.

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For those who have been spending the winter months pondering listing their Asheville homes for sale, it is not uncommon to list in spring, just before what some have termed the "summer selling season." For Asheville, the spring and summer months are a popular time to sell due to the warmer temperatures. However, Asheville's tourist economy also tends to center around the summer months, making it the perfect season to get more eyes on your home as folks visit the area from out of town. 

If you want to sell your home quickly and for top dollar, you need a plan that goes beyond listing it on the market. Staging your home can turn it from "just another house" to a "must-have property," especially in the Asheville real estate market.

In this post, we’ll explore why home staging is a game-changer for sellers in Asheville, NC. We'll break down the fundamentals and offer tips for specific rooms in your house, giving you the tools you need to make a lasting impression on potential buyers.

Why Staging Matters in Asheville, NC

Staging a home can significantly impact its market performance. In Asheville, where the real estate market is vibrant yet competitive, staged homes can often sell faster and for higher prices. Buyers in this scenic city have high expectations, and a well-staged home can meet or even exceed those expectations. 

While it is not the most common form of buying real estate in our area, our Asheville realtors at GreyBeard Realty can often recount sales in which the buyer purchased a home without setting foot on the property. This reality can make putting your "best foot forward" with staging even more important. 

Boost Your Sales Price in Asheville

Studies consistently show that staged homes sell for more than non-staged homes. In Asheville, where properties often feature diverse architectural styles and stunning views, staging can showcase these elements to their fullest potential.

Speed Up the Sale

The time a home spends on the market can significantly affect its final selling price. Homes that linger tend to attract lower offers. Proper staging can create a sense of urgency, making buyers more likely to submit strong offers quickly.

Stand Out in Asheville's Market

With its eclectic mix of historic and modern homes, Asheville's real estate market is diverse. Staging helps your home stand out by highlighting its best features, ensuring it appeals to a wide range of buyers no matter how they are viewing the home -- whether by video tour or in person.

Key Principles of Home Staging

Declutter and Depersonalize

One of the first steps in staging is to declutter. Remove personal items, excess furniture, and anything that doesn't contribute to a clean, cohesive look. Depersonalizing the space allows potential buyers to envision themselves living there rather than feeling like they're intruding into someone else's home. 

Enhance Curb Appeal

First impressions matter. Make sure the exterior of your home is inviting and well-maintained. Simple fixes like a fresh coat of paint, trimmed bushes, and a new welcome mat can make a huge difference.

Optimize Light, Space, and Color

Use natural light to your advantage by opening curtains and blinds. Arrange furniture to create a sense of spaciousness. Neutral colors are universally appealing and can make rooms feel larger and more inviting.

Staging Tips for Different Areas of the Home

Living Areas

In the living room, arrange furniture to create a cozy yet open space that encourages conversation. Use area rugs to define spaces and add warmth. Fresh flowers or plants can bring life to the room.

Kitchens and Bathrooms

These are key areas that buyers scrutinize. They are also the areas that have likely undergone higher value updates if they have been renovated. Keep countertops clear and store away small appliances. In the bathroom, new towels, a clean shower curtain, and a few select decorative items can create a spa-like feel.

Bedrooms

Create a serene, inviting atmosphere in the bedrooms. Use neutral bedding and minimal decor. Ensure closets are tidy and not overstuffed, as ample storage space is a big selling point.

Professional Staging Services vs. DIY Staging

The Benefits of Hiring a Professional

Professional stagers have the expertise to highlight your home's strengths and appeal to potential buyers. They can provide furniture, accessories, and a fresh perspective that you might not achieve on your own. In Asheville, professional stagers are familiar with local buyer preferences and can tailor their services accordingly.

Budget-Friendly DIY Tips

If hiring a professional isn't in your budget, you can still stage your home effectively. Use what you have creatively. Rearrange furniture to improve flow, and use inexpensive items like throw pillows and mirrors to enhance the space. Decluttering costs nothing but has a massive impact.

Learn More with GreyBeard Realty

Staging is a crucial step in the home-selling process, especially in a competitive market like Asheville. By following these tips and understanding the local market, you can enhance your property’s appeal and maximize its value.

Ready to elevate your home selling game and achieve the best possible outcome? Reach out to the dedicated and experienced agents at GreyBeard Realty, who are ready to provide you with expert tips, personalized advice, and strategies tailored specifically to your unique situation. With our extensive knowledge of the local market and a commitment to your success, we are here to guide you every step of the way. Don’t hesitate—contact us today to start your journey toward a successful Asheville sale! 

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