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

 

✨ 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

May 2025 Housing Market Update

In Buncombe County, The City of Asheville, and the Asheville Region.

 

 

Buncombe County – May 2025 Summary

New Listings: Up 36.9% (698 homes) compared to May 2024.

Closed Sales: Down 20.6% (285 homes).

Average Sales Price: Dropped 11.1% to $611,124.

Inventory: Rose 81.1% to 1,518 homes for sale.

Months Supply of Inventory: Increased from 2.9 to 5.9 (up 103.4%). 6 months is considered a balanced market

Days on Market Until Sale: Increased 18.9% to 44 days.

City of Asheville – May 2025 Summary

New Listings: Rose 41.7% (367 homes).

Closed Sales: Dropped 9.8% (157 homes).

Average Sales Price: Declined 17.0% to $616,034.

Inventory: Up 90% to 819 homes.

Months Supply of Inventory: Jumped from 2.9 to 6.1 (up 110.3%). 6 months is considered a balanced market

Days on Market Until Sale: Increased significantly to 46 days (+35.3%).

Asheville Region – May 2025 Summary

(Covers 13 counties including Buncombe)

New Listings: Up 28.5% (1,844 homes).

Closed Sales: Fell 13.8% (839 homes).

Average Sales Price: Decreased 7.5% to $504,917.

Inventory: Increased 57.3% to 4,488 homes.

Months Supply of Inventory: Jumped from 3.4 to 5.8 (up 70.6%). 6 months is considered a balanced market

Days on Market Until Sale: Increased to 53 days (+20.5%).

Have questions? Give our floor duty agent a call today:

www.preferredprop.com

Preferred Properties of Asheville

#ashevillelistingagent #ashevillenc #asheville #homesinnc #wnchomes #HousingMarket2025 #realestate #realestateagent #homesforsale #AshevilleRealEstate #BuncombeCountyRealEstate #AshevilleHomes #WNCRealEstate #JustListed #NewListing #OpenHouse #DreamHome #AshevilleLiving #MountainsOfNC #HousingMarketUpdate

 Price to Today’s Reality, Not Yesterday’s Peak

• Many sellers are anchored to 2021–2022 peak prices. That market is gone.

• Median sale prices have softened or plateaued in parts of Buncombe. Price reductions are increasingly common, especially for homes over $700k.

• Price just under key thresholds ($499k instead of $510k) to boost search hits on Zillow, Realtor.com, etc.

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  Location-Based Strategy

• Homes in rural or mountain areas (Leicester, Fairview, Barnardsville) take longer to sell now unless they offer strong value or unique appeal.

• Highlight walkability for in-town homes (West Asheville, Montford, North AVL) and view/privacy for rural homes.

• Reframe location-based challenges: e.g., “30 mins to downtown, but only 10 mins to Weaverville & Blue Ridge Parkway.”

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 Condition is King

• Buyers in a cautious market are more selective. Even minor flaws = deal-breakers.

• Invest in:

  • New interior paint (neutral colors)

  • Updated fixtures

  • Landscaping cleanup

• Staging is worth it, especially in more expensive or vacant homes.

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Refocus on Buyer Needs

• Some buyers’ agents are struggling to find homes that feel “worth it.”

• Offer bonus commission on stale listings for buyer agents.

• Have Broker-only tours with catered food from local restaurants.

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 Final Advice:

• This isn't just a market slowdown—it's a market shift.

• The sellers who adapt fastest—will still thrive.

• Buyers are out there—they're just pickier, slower, and more value-conscious. Speak their language.

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 history.
Diverse Architectural Styles
Asheville's historic neighborhoods feature a wide array of architectural styles, including Victorian, Arts and Crafts, Colonial Revival, Tudor Revival, and Mid-Century Modern.
The Grove Park Historic District is particularly famous for its Arts and Crafts-style homes, many of which were influenced by the work of architect Richard Sharp Smith.
Biltmore Village Connection (Currently being re-built after Helene Flooding)
Biltmore Village, developed by George W. Vanderbilt in the late 19th century, was originally built to house workers for the Biltmore Estate. Many of its homes were designed by Richard Morris Hunt, blending Tudor Revival and Arts and Crafts styles.
Thomas Wolfe's Birthplace
The Thomas Wolfe Memorial, also known as the "Old Kentucky Home," is a historic house that inspired Wolfe's famous novel, Look Homeward, Angel. This 29-room Queen Anne-style boarding house was run by Wolfe’s mother in the early 20th century.
Montford Historic District
The Montford Historic District is one of Asheville’s most famous neighborhoods, listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
It showcases homes built between the late 19th and early 20th centuries, blending Queen Anne, Colonial Revival, and Arts and Crafts styles.
Unique Construction Materials
Many homes in Asheville incorporate local materials, such as river rock and timber, which were readily available in the region. This is particularly evident in Arts and Crafts-style homes.
The Influence of the Arts and Crafts Movement
Asheville became a hub for the Arts and Crafts movement in the early 20th century, influenced by the establishment of the Biltmore Industries by Eleanor Vance and Charlotte Yale.
This movement emphasized craftsmanship and harmony with nature, which is reflected in many historic homes in the area.
Preservation Efforts
Asheville has a strong commitment to preserving its historic homes and neighborhoods. The Historic Resources Commission of Asheville and Buncombe County oversees preservation efforts and helps maintain the city’s architectural legacy.
Hidden Gems
The Smith-McDowell House, Asheville’s oldest surviving house (circa 1840), is now a museum showcasing local history and the lives of its early inhabitants.
Grove Arcade’s Ties to Residential History
Although primarily a commercial building, the Grove Arcade was originally envisioned as a mixed-use development, reflecting Asheville's early aspirations for innovative living spaces.
Storybook Elements
Some homes in Asheville resemble storybook cottages, with whimsical designs that include steeply pitched roofs, rounded doorways, and ornate woodwork.
These homes are not only architectural treasures but also offer a glimpse into Asheville's vibrant past, showcasing the lives of the people who shaped the city into what it is today. If you’re interested in exploring these homes further, there are walking tours and guides dedicated to Asheville's historic neighborhoods.
#ashevillerealestate #ashevillehistory #ashevillearchitecture #ashevilleneighborhoods