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.

Previous month’s trends have shown the Western North Carolina real estate market is experiencing a cooling phase, and Q3 of 2025 is a continuation of that pattern with our once tight seller’s market shifting to a more balanced market – now in favor of a buyer’s market. The one data anomaly is a sharp increase in pending sales. While the 64% [...]

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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! 

Learn More About Selling

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