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 double digits both in June (+18.6%) and 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.

Buncombe County: A Resilient Metro Market Amid Rising Inventory

In Buncombe County, closed sales YTD are up 6.1% (1,651 vs. 1,556). June closings are up 18.6% YoY. Pending sales show strong momentum, with a 12.7% YTD increase. Median prices are down nearly 3% YTD to $480,000, but average prices are up 4.0%, indicating that higher-end properties are propping up averages while traditional-home pricing softens. Months' supply of inventory tightened from 6.6 to 5.9 as raw inventory grew 5.6%, suggesting sales are outpacing supply.

Burke County: Moving Toward a More Balanced Market

Meanwhile, in Burke County, closed sales YTD are down 11.9%, and June closings are down 13.5%. Median price YTD decreased by 1.8% to $275,000. Months' supply spiked from 3.5 to 4.6, a 31.4% increase. Burke has experienced the most dramatic shift of the three counties, moving from a seller's market toward a balanced market. Inventory in the county is up 22.3% YTD.

McDowell County: Prices Soften as Inventory Expands

Closed sales in McDowell County are down 9.8% YTD, while pending sales are down 10.9%. Median prices are down 6.7% to $293,750, the most notable decrease for the region. Months' supply is flat at 6.9 months. McDowell County was already in a balanced-to-buyer's-market position, and it is staying firmly in that position. Days on market are up 24.6% YTD.

What Rising Days on Market Really Means for Buyers and Sellers

While days on market (DOM) are up in all three counties, the narrative is not the same across all counties. Rising DOM can indicate a rebalancing market, including buyers regaining leverage, not necessarily a decrease in buyer demand.

For sellers, pricing accuracy is critical for success. Homes priced in alignment with market reality are still seeing movement, whereas overpriced listings are the ones dialing up days on market. List-to-close time is up across all counties: Buncombe +21.6%, McDowell +5.2%, Burke +5.7%. Sellers would be wise to plan for a longer time frame from list to close, not merely a longer time to receive an offer.

On the flip side, buyers have more time to evaluate their options, less pressure to offer over the asking price, and more negotiating room. This is especially true in Burke and McDowell Counties, where inventory is outpacing sales.

Regional Takeaways — What to Watch in the Second Half of 2026

The region's cooling effect is happening at different speeds and in different ways. Buncombe County has had the tightest inventory of the three counties in recent years and therefore has the least room to loosen, whereas Burke and McDowell counties are experiencing supply outpacing sales. In the coming months, we'll be watching whether Buncombe County's inventory growth (+5.6% YTD) begins to outpace closings the way it already has in Burke and McDowell counties. Will Burke County's months' supply continue to increase or stabilize? Whether McDowell County's price softening finds a floor or continues will be worth watching as well.

For sellers in these markets, having a pricing strategy that aligns with the specific county's pace is essential. For buyers in Burke and McDowell counties, negotiating power is currently in their favor — however, if inventory growth begins outpacing sales the way it has in Buncombe, that window may close.

Need a guide to help you navigate the changing market trends? GreyBeard Realty has agents at office locations throughout the region — Asheville, Black Mountain, Old Fort, and Lake James. Contact our knowledgeable team to ensure a smooth real estate process from start to close.

 Common Questions About the 2026 Regional Market

Is the Asheville real estate market slowing down in 2026?

Not across the board. Buncombe County and the Asheville region are showing resiliency with closed sales up 6.1% YTD and 18.6% in June. Burke and McDowell Counties, however, are experiencing a cooling trend with closed sales down 11.9% and 9.8% year-to-date, respectively. 

Are home prices dropping in Western North Carolina? 

Median prices have softened in all three counties so far in 2026. Median prices are down 2.8% in Buncombe, 6.7% in McDowell, and 1.8% in Burke. However, average sales in Buncombe County are being propped up by the higher end of the market and are up 4%.

Is it a buyer’s market or a seller’s market in Asheville right now?

Buncombe County is positioned closest to a seller’s market, with months' supply of inventory tightening to 5.9 months. Burke County is showing a shift from a seller’s market to a more balanced market, whereas McDowell County is already squarely in the balanced-to-buyer’s-market category.

Why are homes taking longer to sell in 2026?

Days on market trends are up across all three counties. It’s important to distinguish that this reflects buyers regaining negotiating leverage rather than a drop in consumer demand. This is particularly true in Buncombe County, where days on market increased 43.4% while closed sales also increased. 

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

To date, Burke and McDowell Counties offer more opportunities for buyers to negotiate against the backdrop of inventory growing faster than sales. Inventory is up 22.3% in Burke and 11.1% in McDowell County. 

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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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