Why an Effective Asheville Real Estate Agent Matters More Than Ever

According to the National Association of REALTORS® Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, today’s consumers consistently rank one factor above all others when choosing a real estate professional: effectiveness. In an increasingly complex market, buyers and sellers are looking for agents who can deliver results, guide them confidently through the process, and advocate for their best interests from start to finish.

For buyers, effectiveness means far more than opening doors. It’s about identifying the right home based on lifestyle, budget, and long-term goals. It’s about skillful negotiation—securing favorable terms and pricing in competitive situations—and managing the paperwork and timelines that can otherwise feel overwhelming. A strong buyer’s agent acts as both advisor and protector, helping clients make informed decisions every step of the way.

For sellers, an effective agent is one who understands how to position a home to stand out. This includes pricing the property strategically based on current market conditions, developing a targeted marketing plan, and attracting qualified buyers who are ready to act. Sellers also rely on their agent to manage showings, negotiate offers, and keep the transaction moving smoothly so their home sells within their desired timeframe.

While national reports provide valuable insight, real estate is ultimately local. There is no single housing market in the United States—there are thousands of distinct, hyperlocal markets, each shaped by its own trends, inventory levels, neighborhoods, and buyer demand. What works in one city, or even one ZIP code, may not work in another.

That’s where local expertise becomes invaluable. The most successful agents are those who have spent years building relationships, understanding micro-markets, and earning the trust of their communities. They know the nuances of neighborhoods, the rhythm of the local market, and how to adapt national trends to local realities.

In real estate, experience, local knowledge, and effectiveness are not optional—they are essential. Whether you are buying your first home, selling a long-held property, or making a strategic move, working with an agent who truly understands your market can make all the difference.

Give us a call to discuss your real estate plans for the new year. 828-258-2953

At Preferred Properties of Asheville, we’re keeping a close eye on the market so you don’t have to.
Here’s a quick look at the November 2025 housing market statistics:
 Percentage change is year-over-year from 2024.
As we move toward year-end, all three market areas are showing similar trends: higher inventory, longer days on market, and cooling prices compared to last November—yet closed sales are up across the board. 

 City of Asheville
The city saw significant movement this November. Closed sales nearly doubled, while inventory climbed to a 5.8-month supply. Prices softened with the median sales price down 8.5% year-over-year. Homes are averaging 69 days on the market.
New Listings: 179 (down 1.6%)
Pending Sales: 148 (up 16.5%)
Closed Sales: 147 (up 90.9%)
Median Sales Price: $485,000 (down 8.5%)
Average Sales Price: $620,766 (down 5.3%)
Percent of List Price Received: 92.1% (down 1.9%)
Days on Market: 69 days (up 32.7%)
Inventory: 872 homes (up 64.2%)
Months Supply: 5.8 months (up 45.0%)

 Buncombe County
Buncombe experienced strong buyer activity with a 66.3% increase in closed sales. Inventory rose to 5.5 months, giving buyers more options. Prices dipped slightly compared to last year.
New Listings: 325 (down 0.6%)
Pending Sales: 289 (up 24.0%)
Closed Sales: 276 (up 66.3%)
Median Sales Price: $482,500 (down 2.5%)
Average Sales Price: $650,987 (up 6.7%)
Percent of List Price Received: 91.5% (down 3.4%)
Days on Market: 69 days (up 23.2%)
Inventory: 1,578 homes (up 63.2%)
Months Supply: 5.5 months (up 48.6%)

 Asheville Region (13-county area)
Across the larger region, closed sales rose 31%. Inventory increased significantly, now at a 5.5-month supply. Median prices saw a mild 1.2% decrease, showing a more balanced market emerging across Western North Carolina.
Includes Buncombe, Burke, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Swain, Transylvania, Yancey.
New Listings: 895 (down 3.9%)
Pending Sales: 813 (up 14.2%)
Closed Sales: 764 (up 31.0%)
Median Sales Price: $415,000 (down 1.2%)
Average Sales Price: $542,429 (up 5.1%)
Percent of List Price Received: 91.5% (down 2.0%)
Days on Market: 69 days (up 15.0%)
Inventory: 4,611 homes (up 40.9%)
Months Supply: 5.5 months (up 31.0%)

What it means:
Inventory is expanding and homes are on the market longer, but buyer activity remains solid. Prices are adjusting from the peaks of recent years, creating more opportunity for well-prepared buyers while sellers should expect realistic pricing and longer market times.
 Thinking about making a move?
Call our agent on duty today!
 828-258-2953
 www.preferredprop.com
#AshevilleRealEstate #MarketUpdate #BuncombeCountyHomes #AshevilleHomes #AshevilleLiving #WNCRealEstate #RealEstateMarket #ashevillenc

At Preferred Properties of Asheville, we’re keeping a close eye on the market so you don’t have to.
Here’s a quick look at the October 2025 housing market statistics:
📈 Percentage change is year-over-year from 2024.
📍 City of Asheville
Average Sales Price: $572,007 ⬇️ 8.3%
Average List Price: $755,481 ⬆️ 15.2%
Closed Sales: 192 ⬆️ 131.3%
Pending Sales: 176 ⬆️ 220.0%
Days on Market: 64 ⬆️ 64.1%
Home Inventory: 922 ⬆️ 72.0%
📍 Buncombe County
Average Sales Price: $571,671 ⬇️ 14.3%
Average List Price: $715,817 ⬆️ 15.5%
Closed Sales: 341 ⬆️ 79.5%
Pending Sales: 351 ⬆️ 161.9%
Days on Market: 64 ⬆️ 36.2%
Home Inventory: 1,697 ⬆️ 73.7%
📍 Asheville Region
(Includes Buncombe, Burke, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Swain, Transylvania & Yancey Counties)
Average Sales Price: $527,734 ⬇️ 1.7%
Average List Price: $643,323 ⬆️ 17.8%
Closed Sales: 952 ⬆️ 38.4%
Pending Sales: 998 ⬆️ 99.6%
Days on Market: 70 ⬆️ 40.0%
Home Inventory: 4,961 ⬆️ 47.0%
🔎 What it means:
The Asheville market is staying active despite some price adjustments! 🏡 While average sales prices have dipped slightly, listings and pending sales have surged—indicating a more balanced market with opportunities for both buyers and sellers. With inventory up and homes taking longer to sell, now is the perfect time to connect with a local expert who knows how to position your home or your offer for success.
💬 Thinking about making a move?
Call our agent on duty today!
📞 828-258-2953

 

At Preferred Properties of Asheville, we’re keeping a close eye on the market so you don’t have to. Here’s a quick look at the September 2025 housing market statistics:

Percentage change is YOY from 2024.

City of Asheville

Average Sales Price: $604,038 17.3%

Average List Price: $745,270 3.3%

Closed Sales: 138 0.7%

Pending Sales: 186 87.9%

Days on Market: 72 46.9%

Home Inventory: 923 56.4%

Buncombe County

Average Sales Price: $593,586 14.4%

Average List Price: $740,016 1.7%

Closed Sales: 271 6.3%

Pending Sales: 337 64.4%

Days on Market: 69 40.8%

Home Inventory: 1,711 59.3%

Asheville Region

(Includes Buncombe, Burke, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Swain, Transylvania, and Yancey Counties)

Average Sales Price: $518,579 7.1%

Average List Price: $622,707 1.1%

Closed Sales: 892 23.7%

Pending Sales: 978 51.6%

Days on Market: 69 46.8%

Home Inventory: 5,037 39.9%

What it means: The Asheville housing market is showing some interesting shifts! While average sales prices are down across the city, county, and region, pending sales and inventory are up significantly—meaning more opportunities for buyers and sellers alike. With homes staying on the market longer, now is the time to strategize with a knowledgeable local agent.

Thinking about making a move? Call our agent on duty today.

828-258-2953

www.preferredprop.com

#AshevilleRealEstate #MarketUpdate #BuncombeCountyHomes #AshevilleHomes #RealEstateMarket #asheville #ashevillenc

Congratulations to our October 2025 Peak Performers!

We’re proud to celebrate the outstanding accomplishments of our top agents this month:

Top Producer – Grady Bradshaw, 828-455-9630

Top Listing Agent – Sandy Lindsey, 828-230-5816

Top Buyer Agent – Ann Clark, 828-712-0033

Your dedication and excellence continue to set the bar high!

– Preferred Properties of Asheville –

preferredprop.com | 828-258-2953

#PreferredPropertiesAVL #AshevilleRealEstate #TopAgents #RealEstateExcellence #PeakPerformers #WNCRealEstate #OctoberTopProducers #ListingAgent #BuyerAgent

 

8 Fairway Place, Biltmore Forest

Welcome to 8 Fairway Place—a rare opportunity to live just steps from the 7th fairway of the golf course. This beautiful home offers more than luxury living—it offers a lifestyle centered around golf, community, and timeless elegance.

1.89 Acres in Biltmore Forest

https://my.matterport.com/show/?m=Fk2gwnTmHtZ

The grounds of 8 Fairway Place are as impressive as the home itself, with professional landscaping that frames the residence in timeless elegance. A winding stone walkway leads through thoughtfully designed garden beds filled with a variety of shrubs, evergreens, and seasonal plantings, creating year-round visual interest. Mature trees add privacy and a natural boundary. Stone retaining walls and terraced beds enhance the property’s architecture, seamlessly blending the home with its surroundings. Expansive views of the adjacent golf course offer both beauty and tranquility right outside your door.

Offered at $8,500,000

Contact Preferred Properties of Asheville to schedule your private showing.

828-258-2953

www.Preferredprop.com

#BiltmoreForest #AshevilleHomes #PreferredPropertiesAVL #LuxuryLiving #GolfCourseLiving #AshevilleLuxuryHomes

Home Value (also referred to as Market Value)

Definition:
The value of a home is the amount a property is actually worth in the current market. This value is determined based on several factors, such as:

Comparable Sales (Comps): The sale prices of similar homes nearby that were recently sold.

Location: How desirable the home’s neighborhood is, its proximity to schools, work, public transportation, and amenities like parks or shopping centers.

Condition of the Property: The state of the home, including any renovations or repairs that have been done, or if it's in need of updating.

Market Conditions: Current economic factors, like interest rates, the supply of homes for sale, and the overall demand from buyers.

Appraisal: A professional appraisal is often conducted by a licensed appraiser to establish an objective value based on all these factors.

 

Key Point:
Home value is a more objective measure, reflecting what buyers and sellers in the market are willing to pay for a property. It’s based on data and current market conditions. Home value can fluctuate over time based on changes in these factors.

 

 

 

Listing Price (also known as Asking Price)

Definition:
The listing price is the amount a seller decides to ask for when putting a home on the market. It’s the price the seller hopes to receive but is often open to negotiation. The listing price can vary depending on the seller's motivation, market trends, and their perception of the home’s value.

Factors Influencing Listing Price:

Seller’s Goals and Motivation: If a seller needs to move quickly (due to a job relocation, financial need, etc.), they might list the home at a lower price to attract offers quickly. Conversely, if they’re not in a hurry to sell, they might set a higher price and be more patient.

Perceived Home Value: Sometimes sellers price their home based on a sense of what they believe the home is worth rather than relying on objective market data.

Real Estate Agent Strategy: An agent may suggest a price based on current market trends, comparable sales, and buyer demand in the area. Sometimes, agents will recommend a price that’s slightly above or below the home’s actual value to either create demand or encourage negotiation.

Negotiation Room: Many sellers will price their homes slightly higher than their target sales price, anticipating that buyers will negotiate and come in with offers lower than the asking price. This gives room for flexibility.
 

How the Two Are Related:

• Overpricing: If a home is listed for more than its actual value, it might sit on the market for a long time without receiving offers. Buyers will often recognize the discrepancy between the listing price and the home’s value, especially if comps in the neighborhood show lower sale prices for similar homes.

• Underpricing: If a home is listed below its true market value, it could create a bidding war, where multiple buyers make offers, potentially driving the final sale price above the listing price. However, underpricing can also lead to quick offers but leave the seller with less than what the property is truly worth.

• Strategic Pricing: Some sellers list their homes slightly below market value to attract more buyers quickly, then adjust the price once there’s significant interest, or they may price it higher with the expectation of negotiating down.
   

Why the Difference Matters:

For Buyers:

Understanding the difference can help you assess if a home is overpriced or a good deal. If a home’s listing price is much higher than similar homes in the area, you might be hesitant to make an offer. However, if the home is priced too low, there could be a risk of it being undervalued, or there might be underlying issues (structural problems, needed repairs) driving the price down.

For Sellers:

Knowing the difference can help you price your home more effectively. If you set the listing price too high, you risk alienating potential buyers, especially in a buyer’s market or a market with high interest rates. If you price too low, you might sell quickly but leave money on the table.

For Agents:

Real estate agents play a crucial role in helping sellers understand the true market value of their home and in setting a competitive but realistic listing price. They rely on CMAs (Comparative Market Analyses) to suggest a price that aligns closely with the home's value in the current market conditions.
​

The listing price is what the seller is asking, and it often doesn’t reflect the true value of the home. The value is a more grounded, data-driven estimate of what the home is likely worth in the market. The difference between the two can have a significant impact on how quickly a home sells and for what price.

If you’re buying or selling a home, it’s essential to understand this distinction so that you can make informed decisions and avoid pricing traps—whether that means adjusting your listing price or ensuring you’re not overpaying for a home that’s listed too high.

 

At Preferred Properties of Asheville, we’re keeping a close eye on the market so you don’t have to. Here’s a quick look at the August housing market statistics:

City of Asheville

Average Sales Price: $717,661

Average List Price: $717,730

Closed Sales: 150

Pending Sales: 173

Days on Market (until sale): 73

Inventory of Homes for Sale: 899

Buncombe County

Average Sales Price: $644,648

Average List Price: $689,267

Closed Sales: 287

Pending Sales: 314

Days on Market (until sale): 67

Inventory of Homes for Sale: 1,684

Asheville Region

(Includes Buncombe, Burke, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Swain, Transylvania, and Yancey Counties)

Average Sales Price: $561,656

Average List Price: $620,117

Closed Sales: 885

Pending Sales: 1,005

Days on Market (until sale): 63

Inventory of Homes for Sale: 4,999

What it means: Inventory is up across the board, giving buyers more options. Prices have softened slightly in Asheville and Buncombe, but remain steady in the broader region. Sellers should be prepared for longer days on market, while buyers may find more negotiating power.

Thinking about making a move? Call our agents on duty today!

www.preferredprop.com

828-258-2953

#AshevilleRealEstate #MarketUpdate #BuncombeCountyHomes #AshevilleHomes #RealEstateMarket #asheville #ashevillenc

✨ PRICE IMPROVEMENT – Now $199,500! 
($25,000 reduction!)
📍 25 Liner Ct, Waynesville, NC
🏡 2 Bedrooms | 1 Bath | 740 Sqft | 0.07 Acres
MLS4276868
Totally renovated and move-in ready! This charming Waynesville home features:
✔️ New roof + low-maintenance vinyl exterior
✔️ Central AC/heat pump (2018)
✔️ Kitchen appliances (2018) + washer/dryer (2024)
✔️ Covered deck with Weber grill & fenced side yard
✔️ Off-street parking for 2
Conveniently close to shopping, dining, schools, and historic downtown Waynesville—just 1 mile away! Perfect as a personal home, affordable starter, or income-producing rental.
Contact Listing Agent
James McDuffie
828-275-8890
 

#WaynesvilleNC #WesternNCRealEstate #PriceImprovement #StarterHome #WNCRealEstate

July 2025 Housing Market Statistics

Asheville Region
Closed Sales: 916 914
Avg. List Price: $622,512 $653,228
Inventory: 3,155 4,925
Months Supply: 3.8 6.4
(6 months is considered a balanced market.)

Buncombe County
Closed Sales: 293 321
Avg. List Price: $683,136 $780,685
Inventory: 904 1,633
Months Supply: 3.1 6.4
(6 months is considered a balanced market.)

City of Asheville
Closed Sales: 134 164
Avg. List Price: $707,723 $823,235
Inventory: 498 884
Months Supply: 3.4 6.7
(6 months is considered a balanced market.)

More inventory = more options for buyers.

Thinking about making a move? Call our agents on duty today!
www.preferredprop.com
828-258-2953