Are you visiting Asheville, NC for the holidays?
Did you know that Asheville is renowned for its historic homes that reflect a diverse architectural heritage and the city's cultural evolution? Here are some fascinating facts about Asheville's architectural [...]

Wrapping Up the Year: Why End-of-Year Real Estate Transactions Can Be a Smart Move

As the year winds down, many people turn their attention to holiday festivities, family gatherings, and upcoming resolutions. However, for savvy homebuyers and sellers, the end of the year also presents a unique opportunity in the real estate market. At [...]

Discover Walkable Neighborhoods in Asheville, North Carolina

Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville, North Carolina, is a vibrant city known for its eclectic culture, thriving arts scene, and stunning natural surroundings. For those who prefer to explore by foot, Asheville offers several walkable neighborhoods that combine charm, [...]

Homebuyers in 2025 are focusing on features that blend sustainability, comfort, and style.
Here are the top trends based on emerging preferences:

Energy Efficiency: Whole-home batteries and solar panels are increasingly desirable, as buyers look for sustainable solutions to reduce energy costs and maintain resilience during power outages. EV [...]

Understanding the Real Estate Market: A Guide to Trends and Terminology

By Preferred Properties of Asheville

The real estate market can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re new to buying or selling property. With fluctuating trends, industry jargon, and complex factors influencing home values, understanding the basics is crucial. At [...]

Should You Renovate Before Selling? A Cost-Benefit Analysis

By Preferred Properties of Asheville

When selling a home, many homeowners wonder whether investing in renovations will lead to a higher sale price or faster sale. While some updates can provide a strong return on investment (ROI), others might not be worth the time, effort, or [...]

Staging Secrets to Sell Your Home Faster

By Preferred Properties of Asheville

When selling your home, first impressions are everything. A well-staged home not only looks appealing but helps potential buyers envision themselves living there. At Preferred Properties of Asheville, we know how to highlight a home’s best features to attract [...]

The Pros and Cons of Buying a Fixer-Upper

By Preferred Properties of Asheville

The idea of buying a fixer-upper can be exciting. It’s a chance to transform a home into your dream space while potentially saving money. However, the journey isn’t without its challenges. At Preferred Properties of Asheville, we believe in helping buyers make [...]

Hidden Costs of Buying a Home: What You Need to Know

Buying a home is one of life’s most significant investments, and while the purchase price is a key consideration, it’s not the only cost you’ll encounter. Many first-time homebuyers are surprised by the additional expenses that come with homeownership. To help you prepare, here’s a [...]

Top Tips for First-Time Homebuyers

Buying your first home is an exciting milestone, but it can also feel overwhelming. From securing financing to finding the perfect property, there are many steps in the process. [...]

An open house is an event organized by a real estate agent, seller, or broker to showcase a property for sale to potential buyers. The event is typically scheduled for a few hours on a specific day, allowing interested buyers to tour the home without needing an appointment. Open houses are designed to attract a broad range of visitors, [...]

REALTORS Add Real Value
247 Reasons why it's worth working with a Realtor.® 

1. Give an overview of current market conditions and projections.

2. Review and explain transaction/ agency brokerage relationships.

3. Explain working relationships based on state law, the Realtor® Code of Ethics and the brokerage’s business policies.

4. Explain Federal and State Fair Housing [...]

As a home seller, you have a wide range of choices when deciding how to market your property. This includes whether you'd like to offer-or authorize your agent to offer-compensation to a buyer's agent as a way to attract potential buyers. Here's what you need to know as you consider your options related to offering compensation:

1. What is an offer of compensation and why make one? An offer of compensation is when you­the seller-or your agent compensate another agent for bringing a buyer to successfully close the transaction. Offers of compensation help reduce out-of-pocket costs for prospective buyers, which in turn may bring more potential buyers for the transaction. These costs can be especially significant for first-time buyers, lower- to middle-income buyers, or those from underserved communities.
2. Are offers of compensation mandatory? No. It is up to you to determine if making an offer of compensation is the best approach for selling your property. Agents who are REALTORS® are here to help answer your questions and guide you to make a decision that works for you.
3. As a seller, does my agent need my permission to offer compensation to a buyer's agent? Yes. Your agent can only offer compensation or make a payment to a buyer's agent if they have your written approval and signoff on the amount.
4. What types of compensation can I offer? There are many options available to you as a seller to discuss with your agent. These could include a flat fee paid directly to the buyer's agent or allowing your agent to share a part of their compensation with the buyer's agent. Beyond compensation, you could also consider offering a buyer certain concessions, such as covering closing costs, to make the total home purchase more affordable for them.
5. How will a buyer's agent know if there is an offer of compensation? Offers of compensation can be advertised in many ways. If you approve an offer of compensation, it can be shared through common marketing methods such as flyers, signs, brokerage websites, social media posts, or simply through a phone call or email. Offers of compensation cannot be listed on Multiple Listing Services (MLSs), on line platforms that compile home listings from many different sources.
6. Do I have to advertise an offer of compensation if I decide to make one? No, it's up to you to decide. Advertising can help get the word out to bring more buyers to the table, but you can also choose not to advertise and instead negotiate the offer in a purchase agreement.
7. You mention concessions-what does that mean? A seller concession is different than an offer of compensation. It is when a seller covers certain costs associated with purchasing a home for the buyer. Concessions can make home ownership more accessible for buyers by reducing upfront expenses. These can cover things like some transaction costs or property repairs.
8. How do I know what option is best for me? When you work with an agent who is a REALTOR®, you are working with a professional guided by ethical duties under the REALTOR® Code of Ethics, including the pledge to protect and promote the interests of their clients. Your agent will work with you to weigh your options, answer questions, and develop a strategy you are confident in. You can read more about REALTORS'® duty to put client interests above their own here.

Practices may vary based on state and local law. Consult your real estate professional and/or consult an attorney for details about state law where you are purchasing a home. Please visit facts.reg/tor for more information and resources.

CONSUMER GUIDE: FAIR HOUSING

Buying or selling a home is more than a transaction-it's fundamental to your long-term goals and financial future. Consumers and agents all have rights and responsibilities to promote a home buying or selling process free from discrimination. Here's what you need to know:

What is "fair housing" and how does it help me? The federal Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing and housing-related transactions based on race, color, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), national origin, religion, disability, or familial status. Local and state fair housing laws may prohibit discrimination on additional protected classes. The bottom line is that discrimination hurts all sides of a home transaction, closes the door on the American dream of homeownership, and perpetuates economic inequality. Homebuyers, home sellers and real estate professionals depend on strong fair housing laws and practices for our communities and economy to thrive.

How do fair housing laws apply to me as a buyer? You should expect to receive the same professional service in the homebuying process regardless of any protected characteristic. This includes equitable treatment by your agent, the seller, the seller's agent, appraisers, lenders, and others involved in your home search and purchase. You should also expect your agent to provide you with home options in your price range regardless of the racial or ethnic composition of neighborhoods.

How do fair housing laws apply to me as a seller? You cannot discriminate when selling your home based on the buyer's race, color, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), national origin, religion, disability, or familial status. You also cannot instruct your agent to conduct a sale any differently based on these prohibited reasons. That means you cannot advertise your home to just one or to a limited number of groups.

How does working with an agent who is a REALTOR® help ensure fair housing practices are followed? In addition to an obligation to comply with applicable fair housing laws, REALTORS® adhere to the highest ethical standards. the REALTOR® Code of Ethics obligates REALTORS® to provide equal professional services to all consumers. Among other ethical duties, REALTORS® must not discuss the demographic composition of a neighborhood, advertise a property in a way that indicates any preference, limitations, or discrimination for a prohibited reason. Read more about REALTORS'® duty to put client interests above their own here.

Where can I report suspected discrimination in the homebuying or selling process? Report housing discrimination to the Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO) at the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and ethical violations to your agent's state or local REALTOR® Association (find an association here). You can also report concerns to a local nonprofit fair housing organization (find by ZIP code here). Fair housing laws prohibit harassment or intimidation if you report discriminatory behavior.

The Fair Housing Act is a federal law; many state and local laws provide additional protections. Consult your real estate professional, an attorney, and your state's housing authority for details about applicable fair housing laws where you are selling or purchasing a home. Please visit facts.realtor for more information and resources.

CONSUMER GUIDE: LISTING AGREEMENTS 
If you choose to work with a real estate professional to sell your home, one of the first things you'll do is negotiate and sign a listing agreement with the agent you've selected. Here's what you need to [...]