Price to Today’s Reality, Not Yesterday’s Peak
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Many sellers are anchored to 2021–2022 peak prices. That market is gone.
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Median sale prices have softened or plateaued in parts of Buncombe. Price reductions are increasingly common, especially for homes over $700k.
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Price just under key thresholds ($499k instead of $510k) to boost search hits on Zillow, Realtor.com, etc.
Location-Based Strategy
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Homes in rural or mountain areas (Leicester, Fairview, Barnardsville) take longer to sell now unless they offer strong value or unique appeal.
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Highlight walkability for in-town homes (West Asheville, Montford, North AVL) and view/privacy for rural homes.
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Reframe location-based challenges: e.g., “30 mins to downtown, but only 10 mins to Weaverville & Blue Ridge Parkway.”
Condition is King
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Buyers in a cautious market are more selective. Even minor flaws = deal-breakers.
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Invest in:
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New interior paint (neutral colors)
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Updated fixtures
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Landscaping cleanup
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Staging is worth it, especially in more expensive or vacant homes.
Refocus on Buyer Needs
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Some buyers’ agents are struggling to find homes that feel “worth it.”
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Offer bonus commission on stale listings for buyer agents.
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Have Broker-only tours with catered food from local restaurants.
Final Advice:
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This isn't just a market slowdown—it's a market shift.
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The sellers who adapt fastest—will still thrive.
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Buyers are out there—they're just pickier, slower, and more value-conscious. Speak their language.
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