Asheville, NC Real Estate Blog

Tour Asheville from your Living Room!!

2008-02-07T14:30:00.001-05:00

The DVD is here! If you have always wanted to take a tour of the neighborhoods here in Asheville and see the area, this is the best way to do it from the comfort of your living room. The Buyer's Agent of Asheville has produced a DVD that gives you a great look at Asheville and the homes and neighborhoods that you will see here. You can see downtown Asheville, as well as, all of the surrounding areas in the county.Learn more about Asheville while you are at home. If you would like a copy of the DVD please respond in the "comments" section under this post and we will send you one FREE!

Business Week Names Asheville one of the Best Places to Buy

2007-12-29T12:01:00.001-05:00

On MSN Real Estate you can find a wealth of information about the state of the housing market all over the United States. Asheville seems to be popping up on these lists on a regular basis. The links below will provide you with some idea of where Asheville ranks with other cities across the US in terms of afforabilty and investment potential.

The first link is to a slideshow of the Top 10 housing markets for the third quarter of 2007. Asheville ranks as #9 and is the only Southeastern city named on the list.
See the slideshow by clicking here : http://realestate.msn.com/slideshow.aspx?cp-documentid=5892595&imageindex=1

Next look at the list here for the Best Affordable Suburbs in the US. This list includes 50 Suburbs in the US and Arden, a small suburb of Asheville, is lited as #34. http://images.businessweek.com/ss/07/12/1213_bestaffordable_subs/index_01.htm?campaign_id=msn

All things considered Asheville is still a strong market to purchase in. If you are considering relocation or would like additional information please don't hesitate to call or e-mail.

Office: (866) 645-8797 Toll Free
e-mail: jason@ashevillehomebuyer.com

Green Homes Mark Milestone in Region

2007-12-27T12:15:00.000-05:00

Asheville – While home sales slump nationwide, the market keeps growing for houses that can save money for homeowners and perhaps help save the planet.
“Green builders are all staying busy,” said Greg McGuffey of Earthtone Builders.
McGuffey’s latest project outside Black Mountain will be certified as the 100th N.C. HealthyBuilt home for Western North Carolina. Homes earn the certification by fulfilling a long checklist of details that include raising energy efficiency and using recycled materials while cutting down on waste and damage to the environment.
HealthyBuilt homes in the region priced from $150,000 to $500,000 spent between two and 75 days on the market, compared with an average of 108 days for conventional homes, real estate agent Mary Love said.

Read more by clicking post title.

Apartments get county OK

2007-12-14T10:32:00.000-05:00

Buncombe postpones decision on 2nd project

"A county board Wednesday approved a 380-unit apartment complex proposed for the Erwin Hills area but postponed a decision on another that would bring 308 units to Reynolds. The Buncombe County Board of Adjustment voted unanimously to approve plans for Springs of Asheville, a complex to be located on more than 33 acres at 906 and 912 Leicester Highway, immediately to the west of the Leicester Village development.
Paul Sakalosky, an official with Milwaukee-based Continental Properties Co., said the Erwin Hills complex would be landscaped, surrounded by a privacy fence and have units with garages and more upscale architecture. Rents in the companys complexes typically average about $900, he said."

-For the entire article by Mark Barrett, check out the Business Section of Thursday's Asheville Citizen-Times, or click the above title.

Asheville Moves to Obtain Parkland

2007-12-10T11:47:00.000-05:00

City spent $876,000 [on parkland] in last 5 years...

"Haw Creek [a community in East Asheville] residents say they like the 'country in the city' feel of their valley. But they also say their neighborhood is losing its bucolic character as pasture and woodland give way to new subdivisions. They are now urging the city and Buncombe County to help preserve some land as a park. 'Open spaces and the opportunity to preserve them are becoming less frequent,' said Chris Pelly, president of the Haw Creek Community Association.

The situation isn't unique to the East Asheville neighborhood. With recent increases in construction around the city, residents are calling for more land preservation. One way officials have responded is to use city taxpayer dollars and other money to create parks. Since 2002, Asheville has used $876,000 from city coffers to acquire parkland. It has also received millions in donations from oraganizations and individuals, as well as state grants. Total parkland acquired by Asheville or by other entities that intend to give the land to the city for parks is 80 acres..."

-For the entire article by Joel Burgess, check out Monday's edition of the Asheville Citizen-Times, or click on the above title.

Buncombe County Spends $1.6 Million on Easement Purchase

2007-12-05T14:34:00.000-05:00

Buncombe County commissioners voted Tuesday to spend 1.6 million dollars on conservation easements to prevent the development of 852 acres of land. Conservation easements give property owners either parcel compensation for the value of their land or tax benefits in return for giving up their right to develop or subdivide the land. While buying these easements does not give the county actual property rights to the land, it is far less expensive than an outright purchase and still protects Asheville's beautiful mountain landscape. For more on this topic, check out the 12/5 Business Section of the Asheville Citizen Times or click on the above title.

Condo Conversion Underway in West Asheville

2007-11-29T11:56:00.000-05:00

The Canturbury Heights apartment complex located off Pisgah View Rd. in West Asheville is currently being renovated and revamped into Canterbury Heights condominiums. The apartments, built in the 1970's, are undergoing a major interior overhaul including new cabinets, flooring, doors, woodwork, countertops, and fixtures with a projected completion time of 12 to 18 months. Prices range from $74,ooo for a 1-1 to $129,000 for a 4-2. For more information call The Buyer's Agent of Asheville at 828-210-4663 or visit http://www.canterburyheightscondos.com/.

Mission Among Nation's Top 100 Heart Hospitals

2007-11-19T12:40:00.000-05:00

I know that many people who are considering Asheville as a place to re-locate are also considering what type of health care is available. This article in the Ashevlle Citizen-Times helps to give that answer. The Mission Hospital complex has been named a "Top 100 Hospital" for the sixth consecutive year.

You can learn more about this by clicking on this post title and reading the article from the Citizen-Times.

State of the Market Here in Asheville

2007-11-14T12:55:00.000-05:00

I would guess that many of you are wondering how the real estate market is holding up here in Asheville. We have slowed somewhat in the past month. Most of buyers come from other large metro markets which, quite frankly, are doing hooribly. A fact that I'm sure I don't have to point out to many of you.

Florida, in particular, drives our local market to a great degree. Things have certainly taken a turm for the worse there this year and so buyers are scarce here. For those of you how may be considering a move in the very near future, the time couldn't be better. Many local builders and larger developers have resorted to giving some really great incentives for purchasing now and dumping inventory. Most of those incentives do not show themselves in pricing and are passed in the form of free upgrades. So, local prices aren't falling on paper, but there are great deals to be had.

I assume that most sellers will hold out as long as they can through the winter and get more agressive in the spring and summer. Re-sale units at that point, barring a major movement in the number of buyers in the market will more than likely not see any major movement until springtime.

We are working very hard here in our office to stay ahead of the curve with respect to the overall market. If you have specific questions please feel free to contact us toll free.
1(866)-645-8797

New Hotel Slated for Asheville

2007-10-10T15:39:00.000-04:00

ASHEVILLE — As debate continues over a 23-story hotel and condominium building downtown, developers of a similar, 13-story structure are already laying plans for construction to start early next year.
The boutique Hotel Indigo will be built where the former Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce building now sits on Haywood Street. The building will contain 100 hotel rooms and 12 condominium units.

It will apparently be the first new hotel construction downtown since the Haywood Park Hotel opened at the corner of Haywood Street and Battery Park Avenue in the mid-1980s.

The NY Times Loves Asheville Too

2007-10-01T16:14:00.000-04:00

Touting Asheville as an Appalachian Shangri-La, the New York Times gives tourists everywhere 36 jam-packed hours of all things Asheville...

The Times features Asheville's obvious must-sees such as the Grove Arcade, the Biltmore Estate, and the Blue Ridge Parkway, but also highlights many local favorites starting with Mela's, Old Europe Bistro, and Early Girl Eatery, just to name a few. Other popular spots mentioned are Woolworth Walk, the Flatiron Building, and the Orange Peel, while even such hidden treasures as the River Arts District and Western North Carolina Farmer's Market received shout outs. From the heart of downtown to the top of Mt. Mitchell, the Times' 36 Hours in Asheville, N.C. lets Asheville's proverbial cat out of the bag.

For the complete 36 hours of sight-seeing, exploring, and, of course, eating, click the above title.

Tipping point for US housing market...unless you live in Asheville, NC

2007-09-06T11:20:00.000-04:00

Financial publication Money Week articulates the woes of the current housing market but highlights strong markets like Asheville:

In July, existing home sales fell for the 5th straight month.
The number of homes on the market hit a 16-year high.
The Natl. Association of Realtors says if no new homes were built, it would still take over 9 mos. to sell all existing houses on the market.

To put it mildly, this is one tough environment...UNLESS you're lucky enough to own a home in a strong market like Austin, TX or Asheville, NC...

*For the entire article found in Money Week, click the above title.

Home prices still rising locally

2007-09-05T15:55:00.000-04:00

Echoing the last post written earlier this week the Asheville Citizen-Times published this short blurb in Wednesday's edition. Obviously, if you are looking to buy here rising prices aren't what you want to hear. However, it does point to the fact that the local market is still strong and people are still buying. So if you are wondering if buying here now is the right decision and wondering if the market is going to collapse - here is some evidence that things are holding steady at the very least.

Click the post headline to be linked to the full Citizen-Times article.

Asheville Ranks 10th on City Appreciation List

2007-08-31T09:08:00.000-04:00

The following is an excerpt from an article that was shown to me by one of our brokers here in the office that is on MSN Money. It ranks 287 metro areas according to their respective appreciation rates. Asheville ranks 10th on this list this year. If you would like detailed information about statistics about the real estate market here in Asheville feel free to respond to this post or call us at (866) 645-8797.

Appreciation in U.S. housing prices stayed just barely in positive territory in the second quarter, according to the Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight.
Of 287 metro areas, however, 131 recorded decreases in house prices during the quarter, the OFHEO reported today. More than 60 recorded year-over-year decreases in prices. But over a five-year period, no metro area shows a decrease in prices.
Nationwide, prices were up 0.1% compared with the first quarter, the OFHEO said, and up 3.2% from the first quarter of 2006.
Findings of the report include:
Florida and California are bearing the brunt of the current declines. Of the 20 worst-performing markets over the past year, 18 are in those states. Prices in the Merced, Calif., area have fallen 8.7% over the past four quarters, worst of any metro area.
As a region, New England performed the worst for the quarter and for the past year, declining 0.6% in the second quarter and rising just 0.51% over the past four quarters. Over five years, though, the upper Midwest has shown the smallest price growth, up just 22%, compared with New England's 44.5% and the West Coast's 83.7%.

Click the post headlne to see the entire article and the table of appreciation rates for the 287 metro areas.

Buyer's Agent of Asheville Broker finalist for National Award

2007-08-27T14:03:00.000-04:00

Every year the National Association of Realtors names a group of "Good Neighbors." They are a group of Realtors that really strive to make a difference in the community that they live in. This year one of our own is a finalist for that award. Randall Barnett has been a consistent performer in our company since the day he started and continues to serve his clients with the same enthusiasm that he exhibits with the community. Below is the copy from an article released in our local paper, The Asheville Citizen-Times, on Randall.

Asheville Realtor finalist for national award
CHICAGO — The National Association of Realtors recently announced 10 individuals as finalists for Realtor Magazine’s 2007 Good Neighbor Awards. Randall Barnett of The Buyers Agent of Asheville was one of the finalists.
The Good Neighbor Awards program, now in its eighth year, recognizes Realtors who volunteer countless hours to improve the quality of life for others. This year there were more than 320 entries — an all-time high.
For 26 years, Barnett has been a Boy Scout leader for a unique troop of boys with mental and physical disabilities, the only troop like it in the state. Barnett holds weekly meetings for 27 boys, teaching them typical scouting skills like knot tying, building campfires, and how to properly fold an American flag. He also takes them on outings and camping trips.
Five winners will be selected from among the 10 finalists and will receive travel expenses to the Realtors Conference & Expo in Las Vegas in November, national media exposure for their community cause, and a $10,000 grant for their charity. Five honorable mentions will each receive a $2,500 grant. The winners will be announced in the November issue of Realtor Magazine.

Tiger Woods to Build His 1st US Golf Course in Asheville

2007-08-08T11:05:00.000-04:00

Located just outside of Asheville in the heart of the Carolina Preserve, the master-planned, private golf community The Cliffs is about to add a famous new name to their already impressive list of links designers. The world's number one ranked golfer, Tiger Woods, is set to join Jack Nicklaus and Tom Fazio as one of The Cliff's premier course designers.

The Charlotte Observer reported Woods confirmation Tuesday that he will attend a press conference next week in Travelers Rest, South Carolina, where an official announcement of the new course is expected to be made. Invitations to the press conference referenced a new development called The Cliffs at High Carolina which will be located east of Asheville.

For the rest of the Observer's article or for more information on The Cliffs click the following provided links:

http://www.charlotte.com/sports_breaking/story/227375.html
http://www.cliffscommunities.com/

Asheville Keeps it Green

2007-08-08T10:54:00.000-04:00

Asheville is looking to reduce emissions and use of fossil fuels by switching to alternative fuels. City vehicles as well as partner agencies, such as Asheville City Schools, the Asheville ABC Board, and Asheville transit buses have switched to biodiesel and ethanol blends, a press release from the city said.

Based on software developed by the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI), the city’s use of the new fuels will result in a 7.2 percent reduction in carbon dioxide emissions, the release said. The change is projected to achieve an annual reduction of 525 tons in carbon dioxide emissions, (The Asheville Citizen-Times).

New Life for West Asheville Church Site

2007-07-16T12:36:00.000-04:00

What: Mixed-use development on the former site of St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church in West Asheville.

Where: 919 Haywood Road, between Blue Ridge and Mitchell avenues on the western end of West Asheville’s traditional business district.

When: Demolition work began recently. Project plans are working their way through Asheville’s approval process. The first building should be open in early 2008, developer Kevin Crump said. Crump said he hopes the entire project will be done by the end of next year.

To read the entire Asheville Citizen-Times article, click the above title.

Where to Live Now - The 30 Best Towns in America

2007-07-11T15:56:00.000-04:00

Not only did Asheville make Outside Magazine's list as one of the 30 best towns in America, it made the cover of the mag's August, 2007 issue. Hailed as "fit, fun, and packed with adventure" Asheville truly has something to offer everyone. From its plethora of outdoor activities to its vibrant downtown, it's no wonder Asheville is once again featured as the place to live in the Southeast.

"You can learn a lot about a town from the stickers on local cars. One that's always nice to see: KEEP ASHEVILLE WEIRD. An island of liberal alternative culture, the town attracts artists, musicians, and, of course, plenty of outdoor funhogs. Cradled in a lush green bowl anchored by 5,721-ft Mount Pisgah and surrounded on all sides by the Appalachian Mountains, Asheville serves up more than 2,000 miles of hiking and mountain-biking trails and some of the nation's finest whitewater creeking. In downtown's compact grid, infused with art-deco brick buildings, it's not uncommon to see a "suit" in deep confab with a natty dread about the past evening's mountain-bike ride at Cane Creek..."

For more about Asheville and the rest of this article, click the article title above.

The Ellington

2007-06-07T13:26:00.000-04:00

Here is a great article from the Mountain X-press talking about the new high-rise slated for dontown Asheville.

A group of investors on Monday unveiled plans for a new, 23-story luxury high-rise in downtown Asheville. And while the sucker is big, it stands apart from the rather pedestrian new condos and other major construction that has taken place downtown in recent years.
The Ellington, dubbed a luxury-boutique hotel by the investors — which include the Grove Park Inn Resort and Spa — honors the legacy of Art Deco maestro Douglas Ellington, the man behind some of the city’s most intriguing buildings, including City Hall, First Baptist Church, S&W Cafeteria, and Asheville High School.

Spring Home-Buying Guide: Six Ways to Do It Right

2007-05-11T09:52:00.000-04:00

One of our brokers her ein the office found this great article on Yahoo.com that outlines some really good steps to take when you are in the market to purchase a home.

When you read te article pay close attention to Step #2. It outlines how and what to look for when you are hiring an agent. Specifically, for those of you buying a home it makes perfect sense to hire a buyers agent. If you ask us we believe that every buyer should have an "Exclusive Buyer Broker" working only with them and representing a company that has no listings. That way the "client" would have the representation that they need and deserve.

Also, the article mentions that buyers should be aware that when wrking with an agent representing them it is recommended that the buyer pay close attention to ensure that the home they are looking at does not offer some type of bonus to their agent. If it does then there is the idea that the agent would obviously steer the client towards this home in hopes of gaining that bonus. Here at The Buyer's Agent is has been policy since our inception that any bonuses offered by the seller or listing agent on a property that our clients contract on be passed directly to our clients. We take no bonuses!! We will happily direct them to our clients.

I hope that you enjoy the article. If you ahve specific questions you can visit our website at www.ashevillehomebuyer.com, or call me directly: (828) 210-4658 office, (866) 645-8797 toll free.

What's a 'green' home, anyway?

2007-04-27T15:47:00.000-04:00

In a market like Asheville's one of our brokers thought it would be a great idea for youto have an understanding of what constitutes a "green building." I agree. This type of constrction is becoming very popular here in Asheville with several companie specializing in this constrction process. You can read this excerpt and the full article from MSN.com by clicking on the post headline.

Green" is the big trend in homes right now, but you're forgiven if you're still not sure exactly what that means. A home with solar panels, a composting toilet and energy-conserving, water-miser Energy Star appliances may sound like an easy call. But what about a larger home with traditional heating and electrical systems that also has low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) paint, drapes and carpets that don't outgas? Or is building green as simple as building smaller?
Actually, any of the above would be a step in the right direction. Going green can mean anything from where and how you build a home to the appliances and materials you pick, to strategies for cutting water and energy waste.

Buncombe passes zoning ordinance

2007-04-25T12:36:00.000-04:00

Asheville – A majority of Buncombe County commissioners withstood a wave of opposition Tuesday in passing a countywide zoning ordinance.

The 3-2 vote moves the county toward erasing its distinction as being the largest in North Carolina without countywide zoning and follows years of debate on the issue.

Fifty-five percent of voters in a 1999 nonbinding referendum rejected the idea of countywide zoning, a fact opponents since have relied on as a rallying point. Speaker after speaker urged the board Tuesday to allow another vote.

Click post headline to read more.

Blue Ridge Beauty

2007-04-24T13:09:00.000-04:00

“You can’t go home again,” Thomas Wolfe famously wrote in his lyrical, dishy novel “Look Homeward Angel” about his hometown of Asheville. But he did … living out his last years in North Carolina even though some of the gossip revealed in his book (which was banned by the Asheville library for years) made him persona non grata among many of his old friends there. But heck, it’s not hard to understand why he returned. Picturesque (with those majestic mountains cutting into the horizon) and filled with eccentric, counter-culture characters, in a day you’ll get an inkling why Wolfe — and dozens of other artists, would-be artists and people who like to hang with artsy types — haven’t been able to resist the pull of this Blue Ridge beaut.

Click post headline to read more.

Buncombe zoning appears imminent

2007-04-24T13:07:00.000-04:00

ASHEVILLE — At a recent meeting of the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners, a zoning opponent presented Commissioner David Young with a new pair of pink flip-flops.

It wasn’t that Eric Gorny wanted to make sure that Young had the right footwear for his next trip to the beach. Rather, the gesture was a dig at the commissioner’s change of heart on the controversial issue of enacting zoning regulations.

Click on post headline to read more.

Relocate-America's™ Top 100 in 2007

2007-04-20T09:43:00.000-04:00

Asheville has done it again!! Asheville generaly finds itself at or near the top of several publications "best of" list. This time the publication is Relocate-America.com. Every year they rate the best 100 places to relocate to based on several factors. This year Asheville takes the top spot!

Click on the post headline to read the full article.

Click on this link for a follow-up article out of "Market Watch by Dow Jones."
http://http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/asheville-nc-tops-americas-10/story.aspx?guid=%7BC2024D80%2D519E%2D4C8C%2DB407%2DBA22FE09250F%7D

5 lousy excuses for not buying a home

2007-04-18T10:09:00.000-04:00

A good chunk of the U.S. population refuses to give up renting. We're not sure how many renters are stubborn holdouts because the U.S. census doesn't measure in terms of obstinacy, although we do know that the majority of Americans -- about 69% -- own their own homes.
For many, the American dream is simply out of reach for financial reasons. But for others, it's not the money, it's the . . . well, we've come up with five reasons why people don't want to buy real estate.

*Click headline post to read more

The Buyer's Agent of Asheville Community Tour DVD

2007-04-06T10:46:00.000-04:00

The DVD is here! If you have always wanted to take a tour of the neighborhoods here in Asheville and see the area, this is the best way to do it from the comfort of your living room. The Buyer's Agent of Asheville has produced a DVD that gives you a great look at Asheville and the homes and neighborhoods that you will see here. You can see downtown Asheville, as well as, all of the surrounding areas in the county.Learn more about Asheville while you are at home. If you would like a copy of the DVD please respond in the "comments" section under this post and we will send you one FREE!

Growth rates vary throughout WNC

2007-04-06T10:33:00.000-04:00

Hayesville – Clay County Superintendent of Schools Scott Penland may soon be kicking the tires on a new classroom or two.
After several years of relatively steady enrollment, an influx of families with children in the county has resulted in a sudden increase in students in the small system in far Western North Carolina.
“We’re out of space. We have not had a mobile unit on campus for 15 years now, but it looks like we’re going to be in the mobile unit business again” for the start of the 2007-08 school year this fall.
Recent estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau say several WNC counties like Clay have seen fairly rapid growth since 2000 while others have trailed state and national rates.

Click post headline to read more.

Construction update: Condos coming to S. Buncombe

2007-03-29T08:28:00.000-04:00

What: Mills Creek Condominiums, a 75-unit condominium complex.

Where: On about 9.75 acres in the vicinity of 84 Mills Gap Road, a little southwest of the intersection of Mills Gap and Sweeten Creek roads

The units: Two-story condominiums of 1,324 square feet each with three bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths and a one-car garage. Prices start at $161,900.

Status: Site work began in January. Work on the units themselves should start in the next few days. The first should be completed in about five months and the entire project is to be completed in about a year, Jackson said.

For more information on these units, or any other properties in the Asheville market contact The Buyer's Agent of Asheville at 828-210-HOME (4663) or online at www.ashevillehomebuyer.com

Zoning debated during Buncombe forum

2007-03-29T08:24:00.000-04:00

ENKA — Buncombe County is losing 2,800 acres of rural land a year to development, a rate that would deplete the supply in 60 years, a zoning proponent said Tuesday. D.J. Gerken, an attorney with the Asheville office of the Southern Environmental Law Center, also said the county will grow by about 70,000 residents — roughly the current population of Asheville — over the next 20 years, and those people will be looking for places to live.

Read more by clicking on the link.

N.C. ‘million acre’ plan falling short

2007-03-29T08:21:00.000-04:00

Rising land values have shoved North Carolina well off track with its drive to set aside 1 million acres for preservation by 2009. Spending on measures that include buying property, development rights and easements have brought in less than half that amount since work started in 1999.

Read more by clicking on the headline.

Enka growth brings new development

2007-03-24T09:55:00.000-04:00

ENKA — A developer is making plans for a mixed-use development here designed to take advantage of the influx of new residents — and buying power — that Biltmore Lake and other new residential subdivisions have brought to Enka-Candler.
Tony Fraga, whose FIRC Group owns Westgate shopping center near downtown Asheville, says he will invest about $100 million in a development to be called Main Street at Biltmore Lake. Fraga also is involved in development in south Florida and elsewhere.

The development would be just to the southwest of the intersection of Sand Hill Road and U.S. 19-23-74.
Current plans call for more than 110,000 square feet of retail space, 150 to 180 residential condominiums, about 100 apartments and more than 65,000 square feet of office space.

Read more by clicking on the headline.

Asheville bucks national housing trend as property values climb

2007-03-24T09:52:00.000-04:00

ASHEVILLE - While many homeowners in major cities nationwide have seen their house values drop over the past year, Asheville homeowners continue to see their values going up.

The annual appreciation rate for Asheville was 11.7 percent for 2006 while the rate nationwide stood at only 5.9 percent, a rate that declined in each of the last four quarters.
While many housing markets were affected by speculative buyers "flipping" houses for profit, "people buy houses in Asheville to live in," said Tom Tveidt, research director for the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce.

City swaps $2.5 million for development’s annexation

2007-03-21T06:54:00.000-04:00

Biltmore Park

ASHEVILLE — The city will give developers $2.5 million to build an “urban center”-style development in South Asheville and to let the city annex it without a fight.
The unusual arrangement for Biltmore Park Town Center, which ties economic incentives in part to annexation, is a first for Asheville. City officials supporting the move said it would boost the economy and encourage orderly growth.

What's planned?

Additions planned in the Town Square area of Biltmore Park:
• 200,000 square feet of retail space.
• 100,000 square feet of office space.
• A multiscreen movie theater, with 15 screens and seats for more than 3,000, according to the head of the company that will operate it.
• 264 housing units, 175 apartments, 89 condominiums and town homes.
• A 150-room hotel.
The Town Square area already has 80,000 square feet of office space, 37,000 square feet of retail and the Reuter YMCA.

Read more by clicking on the headline.

Developers plan community in Oakley

2007-03-19T13:12:00.000-04:00

A group of developers and planners is putting together plans for what would be one of the city’s largest new housing developments in recent years along Fairview Road in Oakley.
But instead of the mountainside sites that are drawing so much interest from developers in the region — and retirees moving to the area — the development would be located in an urban setting on 30 acres that’s now either graded and empty or occupied by two buildings, one industrial and one retail.

Click post headline to read more.

Featured Neighborhood of the Week-Biltmore Lake

2007-03-10T09:51:00.000-05:00

I was on vacation last week in Florida. I like getting away there but honestly nothing makes me appreciate Asheville more than spending a week in another state. I loved the warm weather and Disney is always great, but there is not a better feeling than finally seeing mountains again after 9 hours of driving. When I was at Disney I rode a new ride there - Expedition Everest. I was told it's the largest mountain in Florida. I don't know if that's true but I know I couldn't live that far away from these mountains.

Enough about Florida, how about a great neighborhood here in Asheville. This week I think I'll profile a neighborhood that I drove through just last night with my wife and daughter - Biltmore Lake. This neighborhood is still fairly new at almost 3 years old. It is located on the west side of Asheville in a community called Enka.

If you like the Craftsman Style then this is the place for you. Biltmore Lake is a small lake and used to be a public "fishin hole." Biltmore Farms purchased the lake and about 600 or so acres around the lake to develop. Yes, this is the same Biltmore as the Biltmore House. The family has expanded into real estate development as well. Now the lake is a private lake with some 300 or so homesites.

The community features of course the lake which as a resident you can canoe or fish in. It also has a clubhouse for entertaining, basketball courts, a great firepit, and walking trails around the lake. The homes, as I stated above, are mostly craftsman style homes featuring plenty of stone and cedar shake. Most of the homes are larger around 2500-3000 square feet and above, but there are sections of the community where there are homes in the 1700 square foot range.

Asheville, contrary to opinion, actually has very few lakes and none that are navigable by anything other than a canoe, so lake property is at a premium. Homes in Biltmore Lake now start in the low $400's and move to well over $1 million.

As one enters the commmunity from Sand Hill Rd. you may notice that there is also a large manufacturing facility across the street. The Enka Plant of BASF is now mostly vacant. About 25% of the plant is being used at all for any type of manufacturing and the administrative buildings are being used by the local community college for classes. Biltmore Lake is located very near I-40 and I-26 so that makes it especially attractive.

If you would like to see a representative home in Biltmore Lake please click on the title to this post and you will de linked to one. If you would like to learn more about Biltmore Lake or any other development here feel free to call us here at The Buyer's Agent of Asheville tol free 1-866-645-8797 or you can fill in you contact info using the "comments" section at the end of this post and I will send you a DVD that profiles several areas and communities here in Asheville.

A Community Tour of The Asheville Market DVD

2007-03-09T22:28:00.001-05:00

25 Markets to Watch

2007-03-07T10:01:00.000-05:00

A friend of mine just showed me this little list published in "Unique Homes." It lists the top 25 most unique markets in the US. Asheville ranks second just behind Annapolis, MD and just ahead of Aspen, CO. I would say that's pretty good company! The list gives a general idea of what Asheville has to offer. Please click on the headline to view the entire article. If you would like more info. let me know and I will send you, free of charge, the new Tour of the Asheville Market DVD. It gives you a great idea of the neighborhoods and areas surrounding the city as well as the city itself.

If you would like one just let me know where to send it by commenting about this post in the "comments" section below. Also, watch out for The Featured Neighborhood of the Week every Friday here on the blog!

Featured Neighborhood of the Week - The Cliffs at Walnut Cove

2007-02-23T10:45:00.000-05:00

If golf is your thing and you have a taste for luxury then The Cliffs at Walnut Cove is the place for you here in the mountains. Walnut Cove offers the best in upscale community living and golf that is available around Asheville. The community is located just south of Asheville in the Avery's Creek area just a short 15 minute drive to downtown Asheville.

Make no mistake about it, the Cliffs communities spare absolutely no expense in creating the premier living experience. The community models a mountain village and extends through a beautiful valley surrounding a Jack Nicklaus designed golf course. Members get to enjoy this golf course as well as other Cliffs communities in the area.

The Cliffs is an upscale community where average prices range from just over $1 million to $3 million. The Walnut Cove community is in it's final stages of development now and there is another Cliffs community planned for an area just east of Asheville as well as one planned for Travelers Rest which is about an hour away in South Carolina.

If you would like to see an example of the type of home available in The Cliffs please click on the headline of this post. If you would like additional information about this and other communities like it here please feel free to contact us at any time. You can reach an agent here anytime between 9am and 6pm 1(866) 645-8797. If you would like to see our new Asheville Community Tour DVD just let me know by giving me your contact information in the "comments" field below.

Proposed zoning plan reworked

2007-02-20T09:23:00.000-05:00

ASHEVILLE — More than 300 Buncombe County property owners dislike how their land would be zoned under a proposed county ordinance and have applied for a change.
Many live in areas that would have an open-use designation, which allows nearly all land uses, and would prefer greater protections offered by a residential zoning designation. Others run businesses in areas planned for residential zoning and want the zoning for their property changed to commercial. Buncombe County Planning Board members pored over maps Monday as they continue to refine a zoning plan to be presented to county commissioners in April.

Click on post headline to read more.

Featured Neighborhood of the Week - Montford

2007-02-17T10:26:00.000-05:00

This week I'm going to come back into the city to tell you about one of the most historic neighborhoods that Asheville has to offer. Montford is on the Northwest corner of the central city area and is still one the most desirable places here to live. Most of the homes here are turn of the century Victorians and Traditionals and many are still in their original state.

At the turn of the century people flocked to the Asheville area as a place to relax and get away. The railroad didn't make it into Buncombe County until 1890 so getting here until that time was a major headache. When the railroad was complete, people came in droves to see this mountain paradise. Affluent people started settling here shorlty thereafter and many of those people bought or built homes close together in Montford. It was the place to live for anyone who was anyone.

Today Montford is still as desirable as it was then. Many of the homes have been restored and some serve as Bed and Breakfast establishments. The tree-lined streets that surround the homes in Montford give one the feeling of stepping back in time. Montford's location also makes it a great place to live. Most of its inhabitants take advantage of the easily walkable streets and proximity to downtown to get out and walk instead of drive. Montford is a popular place to take a jog throughout the year. Because of its unique character, Montford homes are generally on the more expensive end of the price spectrum. Homes here can range from $280,000 to over $1 million. The average home here is in the $470,000 range.

There are new construction homes in Montford but they are surely a minority. Most people who buy in Montford appreciate the character that the community and the older homes provide. Being that it is an historic area all of the homes must adhere to a strict set of historic guidelines when any renovation, updating, or building is done.

If you would more information on Montford or any of the communities that Asheville has to offer please do not hesitate to call us here at The Buyer's Agent of Asheville: (866) 645-8797 (toll-free). If you would like to tour the Asheville market without leaving your home or your computer we have a great gift for you. We have recently developed a DVD tour of the Asheville market. If you would like one sent to you free of charge please let me know by filling out the "comments" section of the blog below this post. Give me your contact info and I will send you one ASAP. Lastly, if you would like to see a representative home in the Montford community click the title of this post and you will be linked to one.

If you are visiting the Asheville area and find yourself driving through Montford, stop in and see us. Our office is located at the head on Montford at 37 Montford Ave., directly across from the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center.

Buncombe tightens rules on subdivisions

2007-02-12T13:57:00.000-05:00

ASHEVILLE — Neighbors of new housing developments in Buncombe County used to find out about the construction in a pretty jarring way.
But that changed with a new rule requiring developers of subdivisions to notify adjoining property owners about their plans by certified mail.

“Before, you wouldn’t know a subdivision is being done until the bulldozer showed up next door,” county planner Jim Coman said.
The notification requirement is just one of the changes contained in an amendment to the county Subdivision Ordinance approved by the county Board of Commissioners last month.

Click on the post headline to read more.

Biltmore Ranks 8th on American Institute of Architects' Top Ten List

2007-02-08T15:07:00.000-05:00

The American Institute of Architects' top ten favorite structures was released Wednesday and the Biltmore House landed at number eight. Also on the list the Empire State Building, Golden Gate Bridge and the Washington National Cathedral. Just an FYI the Biltmore is offering twenty dollars off admission this month and children under 16 are free with a paying adult.

Featured Neighborhood of the Week-Twin Brook Hills

2007-02-08T11:43:00.000-05:00

Just to the north of Asheville, yet still in Buncombe County, is a small town called Weaverville. Weaverville is a quaint town that is easily walkable, has great shops and restaraunts, but is still very convenient to the city of Asheville. From most places in Weaverville you could get to Asheville in less than 15 minutes.
This area of Buncombe County is quickly growing and it has seen some commercial building just beginning. If you want to live in the country this is still one of the best places to be. Most people come to this area either looking for a subdivision and retail options, or they want to be out in the country on top of a mountain or near a stream or pond. The North Buncombe area offers the country setting with either subdivision living (and by subdivision I mean lots that are still around .5 to 1 acre large) or a home on a few acres with a view.
Twin Brook Hills is an example of a subdivision in the Weaverville area that still provides some elbow room for its inhabitants. The houses range from around 1500 square feet to over 2500 square feet. Twin Brook Hills is an easy drive down Hwy. 19-23 (Future I-26) into Asheville, or you could take advantage of the small town of Weaverville itself. Either way you get the pleasure of living in a country environment and while remaining very close to the city of Asheville.
If you would like to see a representative home in Twin Brook Hills just click on this headline post. Also, don't forget to let us know if you would like the Asheville Community Tour DVD. Weaverville is profiled as well as the North Buncombe County area. Just respond in the "comments" section below and let us know where to send it and we'll do the rest. If you have questions you can cal us toll free at 1-866-645-8797.

Southern Hospitality

2007-02-06T14:15:00.000-05:00

Although this article is written from the standpoint of looking at Asheville as an investment opportunity for multi-family type properties I beleive it really gives you a feel for what Asheville is all about.

The article gives some historical perspective as well as pointing the reader to what makes Asheville a great investment and why.

Click on the post title to read more!

Featured Neighborhood of the Week-Kenilworth

2007-02-02T14:09:00.000-05:00

This week I am going to tell you about a city neighborhood that is a great find if you are looking for something very convenient to downtwon Asheville. Kenilworth provides just about any type of home that you could imagine. Beautiful tudors, traditional brick homes, and even a log home or two are indicitive of this city neighborhood. The original developer of this neighborhood sold only lots and never built any spec homes. For that reason there are varying styles and sizes.

There are three distinct areas to Kenilworth. The neighborhood extends from the Tunnel Road area in East Asheville all the way over to Biltmore Avenue in the south central area of the city. The area closest to Tunnel Road is dominated by 1960s and 70s brick ranch homes. These homes border Kenilworth Avenue which is the main thoroughfare through the neighborhood. Also on the East Asheville side of Kenilworth is the area that borders a small in-town "lake." I use the term lake loosely as it is nothing more than a medium-sized pond. This area has a hodge-podge of homes built from the 1960s through the 1980s.

The main portion of Kenilworth, however, is dominated by large arts and crafts style bungalows and turn-of-the-century traditionals. The Kenilworth area that is closest to the Biltmore Avenue area is by far the most desirable portion of Kenilworth. It is very close the hospital system and the downtown area. It may not be close enough to walk to downtown, but it is very convenient and because of the age of the neighborhood it feels like a forest in the middle of the city.

Right now the downtown area is being revitalized with upscale condos, urban shops, restaraunts, and art galleries. Many people would love to live close to all of this, but would rather not live in a condo. For them, Kenilworth is the perfect option. So if you really like the city scene here in Asheville, but would like to feel like you were living in a neighborhood nowhere near the city, Kenilworth has what you are looking for.

To see samples of the types of homes that are available in Kenilworth click on the post title. Also, if you would like a tour of the Asheville area in the comfort of your own home let us know and we will send you our new Asheville Market Tour DVD. The DVD provides the perfect way for you to see the Asheville area while you sit in front of TV or computer. Under this post, simply let me know that you want the DVD by entering your contact inf0 with your mailing address in the comments field, and I will send you one out ASAP free of charge.

Thanks,
Jason

State agrees to buy Chimney Rock Park

2007-01-30T16:06:00.000-05:00

Chimney Rock – Gov. Mike Easley came to Chimney Rock Park Monday morning to make it official — the state will buy the 996-acre property from the Morse family for $24 million.
The deal adds a key piece to what will become North Carolina’s 30th state park, Hickory Nut Gorge State Park. The state already has acquired 2,264 acres on the north and south sides of the rugged gorge.

Click on post headline to read more!

Community Tour of the Asheville Market DVD

2007-01-26T11:18:00.000-05:00

The DVD is here! If you have always wanted to take a tour of the neighborhoods here in Asheville and see the area, this is the best way to do it from the comfort of your living room. The Buyer's Agent of Asheville has produced a DVD that gives you a great look at Asheville and the homes and neighborhoods that you will see here. You can see downtown Asheville, as well as, all of the surrounding areas in the county.

Learn more about Asheville while you are at home. If you would like a copy of the DVD please respond in the "comments" section under this post and we will send you one FREE!

Council OKs deal to renew East Riverside property

2007-01-24T08:12:00.000-05:00

ASHEVILLE — The city has set the stage for development in blighted areas in East Riverside, south of downtown. A 6-0 vote Tuesday by City Council advanced a deal to sell 10 acres of city property on Ralph and Choctaw streets to Mountain Housing Opportunities and the Green family.

Read more by clicking on the headline.

Featured Neighborhood of the Week - Ashley Woods

2007-01-23T14:07:00.000-05:00

Ashley Woods is a beautiful newer subdivision on the southern side of Asheville. The homes in Ashley Woods are larger family homes, most with plenty of yard space for kids, pets, and gardening. Right off of Brevard Road (Hwy. 191) it is conveniently located near the Blue Ridge Parkway and Interstates I-40 and I-26.

If you aren't familiar with South Asheville, let me give you a quick overview of the area. South Asheville tends to have slightly higher average home prices compared to the rest of the Asheville area. It is dominated by modern coveniences such as familiar retail shops, movie theaters, restaurants, and coffee shops (yes, two Starbucks). Many people who move to Buncombe County from larger cities are accustomed to close proximity to these ammenities and therefore are drawn to the south side of Asheville.

South Asheville and Ashley Woods are a short drive to Biltmore Village and the Biltmore Estate. From there you are less than five minutes to downtown. Hwy. 191 winds along the French Broad River leading you to the entrance to the Blue Ridge Parkway, Bent Creek (for mountain biking enthusiasts), and the NC Arboreteum. Another plus of South Asheville is its close proximity to the Asheville Regional Airport, a top priority for frequent travelers.

The only "downside" of living on this side of town is traffic. Now, I have to admit that as a local I am not used to driving more than twenty minutes to get anywhere in the Asheville area. But there are times on I-26 that you it may take you thirty-five minutes to get into the city. To me, that's traffic. To people moving here from say, Miami, that might not be bad at all. I guess it's all relative.

If you would like more info on the Asheville area in general, or south Asheville specifically, you can always contact us here at The Buyer's Agent of Asheville. We now have a great DVD that we can ship to you that has an in-depth video tour of the greater Asheville area with profiles of specific neighborhoods. Let us know you would like one by telling me so in the "comments" section below and we will send you one out today. Please be sure to include your full mailing address and your DVD will be on its way!

Click on the post title to see a sample home in Ashley Woods.

Cliffs plans Fairview, Swannanoa expansions

2007-01-16T13:25:00.000-05:00

Cliffs Communities President and CEO Jim Anthony today formally announced plans for a large residential community on about 2,500 acres in Swannanoa and Fairview.
The announcement represents a significant expansion of previously revealed Cliffs Communities plans. Word that the Cliffs was eyeing property to the south of Interstate 40 in Swannanoa leaked out last July after the Cliffs submitted plans showing 592 lots on 1,289 acres to Buncombe County government.

Click headline post to read more.

City to take up zoning issues

2007-01-16T13:22:00.000-05:00

The Asheville City Council today will take up two thorny zoning issues, including one that has dominated talk over whether the city has been too easy on developers.
The city in responding to complaints has been trying to win concessions from Staples office supply store that would change the look of its business on Merrimon Avenue near Interstate 240.

Click headline post to read more.

Attic insulation helps keep house warmer in winter

2007-01-15T11:37:00.000-05:00

Here is a great interview with a local specialist in the field of insulation. You never know how much it means to keeo your house well insulated until you don't do it. Please click on the post headline to read the entire article from the Asheville Citizen Times.

Developer scales down building plan

2007-01-11T19:34:00.000-05:00

ASHEVILLE — A developer has scaled back plans for what would have been a landmark building on downtown’s eastern end and plans to begin work on a smaller building soon.
The proposal for an office building at the corner of College and Oak streets at one time had called for as many as 10 stories.

Read more by clicking on the headline.

Biltmore Lake resident wants to take fight to federal court

2007-01-11T19:32:00.000-05:00

ASHEVILLE — The city has pulled plans to annex three areas, including a high-end Candler subdivision, though the move appears to be a delay rather than a halt.
The issue was pulled from Tuesday’s City Council meeting agenda, and a note was posted online that the annexations would be discussed in February. City Manager Gary Jackson said he intends to be ready to consider the annexations within 30 days.

Read more by clicking on the headline.

Biltmore Estate Grows by Building Brand

2007-01-10T10:43:00.000-05:00

If you have visited Asheville I hope that you have taken time out to visit the Biltomore Estate here. George Vanderbilt created one of the moust astounding estates in the US. Originally a family summer home, now the estate boasts a winery and vineyards, an outdoor center, a fully operational farm, and a five star inn.

I found this article in the Seattle Examiner and thought it told a great story about the building of this great estate. To read the article just click the post headline.

Zoning notices to go to landowners

2007-01-03T11:03:00.000-05:00

ASHEVILLE — Buncombe County will send all county property owners letters next week letting them know how zoning might affect their land. The 115,000 notices also will invite residents to a series of seven community meetings, scheduled from Jan. 22 to Feb. 5. Residents at the meetings can check out zoning maps and question county planners, Assistant County Manager Jon Creighton told county commissioners Tuesday.

“We plan to go to every middle school,” Creighton said. “We really encourage people to come. We definitely want your input.” Commissioners got an update on preparation of a zoning ordinance, which would go to them for a vote. County planner Jim Coman said he hopes that could happen in early April. First the ordinance will have to go back to the Planning Board to incorporate any needed changes after public comment, he said. “I think the more public input you get on this document, the better the document will be,” Coman said. Commissioners Chairman Nathan Ramsey encouraged other commissioners to attend the public meetings. Residents can drop in at any of the meetings between 6 and 9 p.m. to ask questions and make their concerns known. Eric Gorny of Swannanoa said he doubts the benefits of zoning.
“I don’t see how zoning is going to stop all the construction going on,” he said. “All that’s going to do is make things much more complicated.”

America's Best Eco-Neighborhoods

2006-12-14T10:53:00.000-05:00

Our picks for the country’s top urban neighborhoods encourage the healthy, eco-conscious good life. These burgs boast community involvement; shopping, libraries and schools within a walkable area; public transportation; and locally owned businesses.

ASHEVILLE, NC RANKS #1 !!!!

Read more by clicking on the link.

Woodfin Town Center plan secures $25M from county

2006-12-04T12:41:00.000-05:00

Buncombe County commissioners agreed at their last meeting to provide $25 million in financing to help Woodfin develop a new town center. The unanimous vote followed a public hearing at which no opposition was expressed to the plan. The tax increment financing, made possible by legislation passed last spring, will pay for public roadways, municipal parking, water and sewer utilities, greenspace development and pedestrian walkways. The county is joining with the town and Cherokee Investments to bring $210 million in economic redevelopment to the town. Officials said the project could increase the town's tax base from $5.3 million to $277 million and will cost county taxpayers nothing.

Click on the headline post to read more.

Buncombe Zoning Looks Likely

2006-12-04T12:18:00.000-05:00

Buncombe County planners have completed a draft of a zoning ordinance that for the first time would extend land-use regulations to the borders of the county. The 54-page document and zoning maps still on the drawing board will detail, down to the level of individual lots, what can be built where.

Click the headline post to read more.

The Cliffs to follow new rules for slopes

2006-12-01T11:31:00.000-05:00

After some disagreement about wether or not the Cliffs Comunities actually did enough to br grandfathered in under the old slope ordinances it was decided yesterday that they did not. Under presurre form several groups, developer Jim Anthony decided to voluntarily adhere to the new steep slope development rules.

Click the headline post to read more.

City earns global spot

2006-11-30T10:20:00.000-05:00

Frommer’s lists Asheville in world’s top 12 destinations

ASHEVILLE — Where in the world should you take a trip next year? The editors of one of the country’s top travel publications suggest Asheville. The city is among a dozen spots around the globe, and just five in the United States, named “the most unique and enticing destinations” by Frommer’s for the coming year.

Read more by clicking on the link.

The art of the lowball offer

2006-11-13T11:43:00.000-05:00

So everyone wants to know how to get a "deal" in a real estate market like the one we find ourselves in now. As the market slows a bit and, for many areas, starts looking more like a buyers market, how can buyers capitalize on the change. Many of our clients are inclined to make the ever popular "low-ball" offer. Well, if you are going to do it you might as well do it right. I think this article captures some of the nuances of the "low-ball" offer.

Read up, and if you have more questions then give us a call. We are always available to help people sort through the many options of purchasing.

Jason Ingle
(828) 210-4658 Office
(866) 645-8797 Toll Free

What Will Your Realtor Do With That Bonus???

2006-11-10T12:12:00.000-05:00

Due to the softening market in many areas, builders are beginning to offer incentives to buyers and their agents. What will your agent do with the bonus they are being offered? Today's Wall Street Journal talks about how consumers are being affected by such bonuses. Call The Buyer's Agent of Asheville to find out what we do with bonuses we are offered.

Cliffs still working on project

2006-11-08T07:43:00.000-05:00

SWANNANOA — An official with South Carolina-based luxury residential developer The Cliffs Communities says planning to develop nearly 1,300 acres of mountain land here continues but the project is still in the “early stages.”

Read more by clicking on the headline.

Do New Homes Need a Home Inspection?

2006-11-06T09:52:00.000-05:00

Ok, I think we are going to switch to a lighter subject for today. The last post on the state of the market here really set off a series of e-mails that wasn't expected. So, today I'm lightening the mood by hopefully presenting a topic that is a bit less controversial. One of the most frequent questions I get asked representing buyers in "does the house really need a home inpsection?" In every case the answer is "yes." The cost of a professional home inspection and the knowledge aquired from it are one of the most beneficial pieces of information that a buyer can have in the real estate purchasig process.

Many people also belive that the home inspection is needless in the case of new construcion. That's not so at all. I could share numerous stories of people who opted out of the home inspection of a new construction home who called weeks later to tell me that they had aproblem with the house. More times than not the problem would have been identified through the home inspection. Others tell me that they are opting out in new comstruction because the builder will be offering a builder warranty. Two things to know about a builders warranty. 1) They only cover items that were defective as a result of faulty craftsmanship, 2) a builder is not going to come to the home every couple of weeks to repair even those items that are covered. Most will ask that you call them 6 months in and give them a list of repairs and then call them again at the 12 month mark and give another list. All in all it's better to know while you are still in the "transaction management " phase of your contract rather than finding out later.

This article ran in our local newspaper over the weekend and I thought it would be beneficial to read. As always, call with questions if you need more direction.

(828) 210-4658 Office
(828) 242-0351 Mobile
jason@ashevillehomebuyer.com

Can a Home's Value be Assesed Online?

2006-11-01T13:34:00.000-05:00

If you have been keeping up with what is going on in terms of home valuations you no doubt have come across several websites offering to give you the value of a particular home. In our local market in Asheville we have been somewhat skeptical of these values based on what we know about how they are determined. Many of the online valuation services determine value based on tax assesment. Although that may be a fair value in many areas we have found these values to be off as much as 20% in our local market.

I was sitting in a an attorneys office to day and while I waited I flipped through a recent issue of Money Magazine (September 2006 issue to be exact) and found a great little blurb about these valuation techniques and their accuracy. If you have the issue I believe the graphics tell the whole story much better, but if you do not just click the headline to this post and you will be linked to the story on Money.com.

The bottom line is that the valuations given by 3 different online services varied wildly based on the information used to determine value. The highly marketed Zillow.com gave the lowest value. All of these values were compared with an licensed appraiser in that area to determine how close the valuations were. Zillow.com, by the way, was off by $166,000. The long and short of it is that no online service can replace or replicate the dynamic of a specific market. Take your time and do your research. Chances are as the real estate industry changes there is a local company out there on the leading edge (insert here The Buyer's Agent of Asheville) that will give you the market data to help you make an educated decision. And finally, remember this - Fair Market Value is defined as: The amount any one buyer is willing to pay for any product (home).

By the way, we do offer (free of charge) market data to help our clients determine the value of a house in this market, as well as, the trends of the market itself. If you would like a copy of this data link to our website and click the button the 2003-2005 Market Analysis as well as check out the 2006 mid year report. Need more info? Just give me a shout and I will get it to you.

(828) 210-4658 Office
jason@ashevillehomebuyer.com

An Insiders Look at the Asheville Market

2006-10-31T09:38:00.000-05:00

The internet and television are awash with stories of tanking real estate markets all over the US. All at once it seems that every buyer in America threw up their hands, said "enough is enough" and just decided to quit paying the prices that sellers wanted. If only that were the case, but it isn't. There are indeed some large markets across the US that are slowing considerably and yes this is causing reverberations in other markets, but to say the bottom has fallen out would not be accurate.
Many of you who are reading this blog are considering a move to Asheville, but may now be on the fence wondering if it is the right time. Obviously, you would want some assurance that your investment will not be worthless in 5 or 10 years. So, I would like to take a moment to profile the typical real estate buyer here in this area and you can determine what, if any, affect the national market will have here.

1) The typical new resident here, notmoving here because their job made them, but because their job allowed them to. Meaning that they can work form anywhere in the nation they choose and they chose here. That means that the want to be here, in many cases, because of the aesthetic beauty of the area and are willing to pay a little more to have it.
2) There are a large number of retirees moving in. Typically they have been planning the move for several years and this will be their final home. Although they are very concerned with their investment they are also very ready to be here and again typically willing to pay a little more.
3) Independently wealthy buyers, who have chosen this area for their second homes are again willing to pay a little more.

These three buying groups alone are keeping the real estate market stable here. There is a large group of people who are still looking from the Florida area who are having a harder time selling their home before coming here, but we have not seen a decline in those people attempting to make the transition. 2005 was a banner year for real estate and if one compares '06 to '05 then there superficially would be cause for concern. It turns out that in comparison to '04 the real estate market is still continuing on a very healthy 10%-15% appreciation rate per year.

As an Exclusive Buyer Agency we study closely the changing market and quite frankly would welcome a more buyer friendly market. I believe that the large areas of the nation where the market is "tanking" are actually going to provide opportunities for people who have been on the sidelines to get into the game. That's a good thing.

If the market changes enough to call it a "buyers market" trust me, we will be the first to know and the first to sound the trumpets. As a matter of fact, the one lone factor that could signal this change will be inventory. If a large number of people decide that they cannot buy right now and back off for awhile I beleive that inventorynumbers, pushed by new construction, will far outpace the demand. If that happens, hold your hat, because you will see significant buying opportunites, and we will let you know about them.

If you have specific questions about the market here in WNC please do not hesitate to call or e-mail. We look forward to helping people make up their minds about moving here.

(828) 210-4663 Office
Jason@ashevillehomebuyer.com

West Asheville's revival spreads east on Haywood Road

2006-10-21T14:07:00.000-04:00

WEST ASHEVILLE — Alice Oglesby ticks off the names of new businesses bringing new life to the east side of Haywood Road.
Harvest Records and Second Gear. Blue Barnhouse and BookWorks. Image 420 and Black Box Studio. There are buildings occupied by artists Stephan Bonitz, Mimi Strang, Christopher Mello and Cindy Wynn, Oglesby said. The Rocket Club, which has been trying to open all fall, is expected to bring even more people and investment to an area in West Asheville — east Haywood Road — that many considered dicey a year ago.

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A user's guide to autumn's show

2006-10-14T09:21:00.000-04:00

Autumn in Western North Carolina is one the most beautiful things you can experience. Because of the change in elevations, our fall leaf season lasts almost a month. Starting high on the parkway near Mt. Mitchell early in October and then extending
late in the season all the way to Lake Lure and Chimney Rock there is plenty of time to catch the colors.

Click the headline post to read more.

A cool time for a run in the woods

2006-10-12T11:19:00.000-04:00

This time of year here in WNC is perfect for getting outdoors. Temps are generally in the 70's and the sun is out most of the time. If you are a runner this time of year also offers several opportunities for getting out and testing yourself on the trails or on the road.

I found this article highlighting several races here in the Asheville area that, if you are a runner, you might be interested in too.

Click post headline to be linked.

Wal-Mart on its way to Weaverville

2006-10-04T09:31:00.000-04:00

WEAVERVILLE — Wal-Mart Stores is making plans to locate a supercenter store at the intersection of U.S. 25-70 and U.S. 19-23, a company spokeswoman confirmed Tuesday.
Spokeswoman Tara Stewart said, “It’s early in the process” and that she could not say when the store might open.

Read more by clicking on the headline.

No Bubble? Asheville Immune?

2006-10-03T13:20:00.000-04:00

According to Kendra Todd, "the first and only woman to win Donald Trump's smash hit NBC show, "The Apprentice" on NBC, Broker of Florida-based MyHouseRE.com, host of the popular HGTV Show "My House Is Worth What?" and a regular real estate contributor on Fox News Live", there is no bubble. What is more, the Asheville market is a "promising market".

Click the link to read her take on the current state of real estate.

Fuel up with biodiesel in Arden

2006-10-02T14:58:00.000-04:00

For those of you who are interested in alternative fuel sources you should be aware that Asheville boasts several biodiesel fuel stations. The newest one is located in Arden, which is in South Asheville.

Click on the post headline to read more.

McCormick Field more than a baseball venue

2006-10-02T14:33:00.000-04:00

Long known as one of the most beautiful and most historic baseball parks in the United States, McCormick Field opened it's doors to a different type of entertaimnment Saturday night. The Indigo Girls played to a packed stadium here in Asheville inside the ballpark. McCormick field has seen the likes of Willie Stargell, Ty Cobb, and Babe Ruth, and now you can count the Indigo Girls among those who have graced this historic field of dreams.

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Has Broadway’s time for renewal arrived?

2006-09-29T09:07:00.000-04:00

This artile was posted this morning in the Asheville Citizen-Times. The Broadway Corridor is a section of town just north of the city center that has been on the verge of boom for several years. Kevin Kerr, who is also one of the owners of The Buyer's Agent of Asheville, has been instrumental in this revitilazation. He is quoted in this piece as the developer with several projects that are happening now on the corridor.

If you would like more information about these projects please fel free to call us here at (828) 210-4663.

Click headline to read article.

Great Questions about Purchasing a Condo

2006-09-27T11:17:00.000-04:00

If you are thinking about purchasing a condo in the Asheville market, or any market for that matter, I found this great article on Realty-Times.com about the things you should be aware of before purchasing a condo

Here at The Buyer's Agent of Asheville our brokers are very educated in these and other questions that you may have when purchasing a condo. This is a very large sector of our downtown real estate market. So if you have specific questions about purchasing a condo here, please do not hesitate to e-mail or call.

Click post title to read the article.

What's going on in WNC!!!

2006-09-26T13:57:00.000-04:00

If you were sitting there wondering what type of activities and events go on here in WNC, then click on the headline of this post and see for yourself. Take5 is a local distribution that details the goings on here in the area. Bookmark it for quick access so you can check it from time to time to get a feel for the events in the area.

Click on post title to be linked.

First Steps for First-Time Homebuyers

2006-09-21T17:24:00.000-04:00

Buying your first house can be a scary, exciting, and ultimately rewarding experience. Not sure where to begin? Here's what every first-timer should know...

To read more, please click on the headline above.

Mountains are Lucrative for Second Homes

2006-09-16T13:58:00.000-04:00

When deciding where to choose a second home, the trend nationally seems to favor the mountains.

To read more, click the headline above.

‘Model city’ sees burst of fresh development

2006-09-12T14:32:00.000-04:00

High-end housing on the rise in Swannanoa

SWANNANOA — E.W. Grove envisioned in 1924 a planned community filled with homes, where residents could shop, go to the post office and swim in nearby lakes.
At the time, according to one history of the Swannanoa community, Grovemont-on-Swannanoa was billed as a model city, the nation’s first expert city-planned municipality. Visitors would stay in the hotel. Everyone would enjoy the nearby country club...

Learn more by clicking on the Headline.

Asheville commission supports 13-story condominium project

2006-09-08T14:18:00.000-04:00

ASHEVILLE — The city’s Downtown Commission gave its blessings Thursday to a 13-story condominium/apartment building on Coxe Avenue and heard what might be a preview of a debate over a larger project on downtown’s south slope.

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BUSINESS BRIEFS: Development items on agenda

2006-09-06T09:25:00.000-04:00

Development items on agenda

ASHEVILLE — Changes to city rules on development on ridges and steep slopes are among several items on the city Planning and Zoning Commission agenda today.

Also to be considered are proposals to:
• Rezone property at 430 McDowell St. to allow a day care center.
• Rezone property at 2 Iris St. in South Asheville from commercial industrial to multifamily residential to allow 84 rental units.
• Modify the commercial zoning for 103 N. Bear Creek Road to allow a temporary classroom structure.
• Grant a variance from building orientation and window placement requirements for a building in the Riverbend Urban Village project.
• Make changes in the city’s Unified Development Ordinance rules on design standards and town houses.
• Change the UDO to allow wireless telephone towers in a multifamily residential zoning district, subject to conditions;
• Amend the UDO provisions regarding open space and retaining walls. The open space changes would allow developers to pay a fee in lieu of providing open space in some cases.
The commission meets at 5 p.m. in the city Public Works Building at 161 S. Charlotte St. Rezonings and changes to city rules would require City Council approval to take effect.

Boomers love Asheville

2006-09-02T09:54:00.000-04:00

A recent survey posted in the Asheville Citizen-Times shows that baby-boomers still love to visit an re-locate to Asheville. The article also identifies the typical boomer coming to the area.

Click Headline to read more.

Here come the Condos

2006-08-30T10:21:00.000-04:00

For all of you intersted in the state of the condo market here in downtown Asheville, this article should help you to get a grasp of what is happening here. Condos are starting to dominate the landscape in the downtown area in a big way. You can contact our office if you would like more specific information about the condo market here in general. Toll Free 1-866- 645-8797.

BUSINESS BRIEFS: Local home affordability falls

2006-08-30T09:13:00.000-04:00

ASHEVILLE — It is getting tougher for a typical family to afford a typical home in the Asheville area, figures recently released by the National Association of Home Builders suggest.

A family with the median income for the area was able to afford only 46.8 percent of the homes sold during the second quarter of 2006, according to the NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Opportunity Index. That’s the smallest share in several years.

Learn more by clicking on the headline.

Artists make Asheville popular destination

2006-08-22T08:20:00.000-04:00

I came across this great article in The Indianapolis Star that i thought was well written and describes some of the great features of Asheville very well. Please click on the post tilte above to be taken to the article. If you have specific questions about any of the features that you read about please e-mail or call us and we would be happy to give more detail.

N.C. bucks national home sales slump

2006-08-16T10:34:00.000-04:00

Sales of NC homes increased 11 percent this year even as the rest of the country experienced a slow down in the market. Twenty-eight states reported a decrease in home sales over this same time last year, while only 20 states recorded an increase.

To read more please click the title of this post.

Airport Road expected to get even busier

2006-08-14T16:41:00.000-04:00

ARDEN - With the explosion of traffic along Airport Road, developer Dick Fusco sees plenty of opportunity for business. Fusco opened his Airport Centre shopping center in 2001 before Target and other big-box stories arrived on the scene at the nearby Southridge shopping center last summer.

Learn more by clicking on the headline.

Board approves Skyland condominiums

2006-08-09T17:22:00.000-04:00

ASHEVILLE - The Buncombe County Board of Adjustment approved today plans to put 150 condominiums northwest of the intersection of Overlook Road and Westridge Drive in Skyland.

Some neighbors said the development would put too much traffic on Overlook Road.

Learn more by clicking on the headline.

Slope development opposed

2006-08-02T08:05:00.000-04:00

ASHEVILLE — A group of residents submitted a petition to Buncombe County commissioners Tuesday opposing plans for a large housing development on the slopes of a rugged cove northeast of Weaverville.

Brittain Knob would involve 123 to 189 lots on a 279-acre tract off Dula Springs Road, according to plans submitted to the county Planning Department.

Read more by clicking on the headline.

Police seek peace between drummers, condo dwellers

2006-07-20T15:56:00.000-04:00

ASHEVILLE — For condo resident Sigrid “Ziggy” Lobov, it was an unexpected and blessed quiet. For the drummer who goes by Ebiaz D’air, it was the day the heartbeat of Asheville stopped. But after the shutdown of a Pritchard Park drum circle Friday evening by Asheville police upon complaints from downtown residents, it was unclear if the silence would last.

New vision for city property

2006-07-20T15:52:00.000-04:00

Some parcels could be used for affordable housing, parks

ASHEVILLE — City Council is considering using more than a dozen pieces of city-owned property to change the look of downtown with affordable housing, parks and even a performing arts center.

Asheville already has taken its first steps in calling for developers for less than 10 acres of open land scattered around South French Broad and Asheland avenues. Responses are due next week.

Read more by clicking on the headline.

City wants a green, thriving Merrimon

2006-07-19T10:05:00.000-04:00

Merrimon Avenue might gradually become greener and more densely developed under a plan being rolled out Thursday.
City government is holding a public meeting to get comments on proposed zoning changes along much of North Asheville’s primary commercial corridor. The changes would require new buildings on much of the street to be at least two stories tall, located close to the curb and have doors and windows oriented to the street.

Read More by clicking the title of this post.

City wants a green, thriving Merrimon

2006-07-19T09:42:00.000-04:00

ASHEVILLE — Merrimon Avenue might gradually become greener and more densely developed under a plan being rolled out Thursday. City government is holding a public meeting to get comments on proposed zoning changes along much of North Asheville’s primary commercial corridor. The changes would require new buildings on much of the street to be at least two stories tall, located close to the curb and have doors and windows oriented to the street.

Learn more by clicking on the headline.

Cliffs looking at Swannanoa

2006-07-12T11:09:00.000-04:00

Luxury development may expand property.

SWANNANOA — The Cliffs Communities, which has developed several luxury residential communities in North and South Carolina, is considering placing one on property south of Interstate 40 here.

Read more by clicking on the headline.

County board to consider Skyland condo proposal

2006-07-12T11:07:00.000-04:00

SKYLAND - The county Board of Adjustment is scheduled to decide at noon today whether a Saluda developer and partners can build 150 condominiums on Overlook Road.

Developer Chuck Robinson has asked county permission to place the units on 22.4 acres a little northwest of the road’s intersection with Westridge Drive.
Neighborhood opposition helped kill a proposal floated last year to put 252 condo units on roughly the same site.
The board meets in room 204 of the county courthouse.

I-240 junction traffic switches

2006-07-07T09:07:00.000-04:00

ASHEVILLE — There will be a new traffic pattern at the juncture of Merrimon Avenue, Woodfin Street and Interstate 240 beginning Saturday. Taylor & Murphy Construction Co., a contractor for the N.C. Department of Transportation, will begin work at I-240 eastbound, Exit 5A. Traffic leaving I-240 will be directed to Woodfin Street. Traffic heading east on I-240 will have to enter at the intersection of Woodfin Street and the I-240 on-ramp. Traffic will remain in this pattern for several months. This new traffic pattern will allow the contractor to construct a new exit ramp to a new signalized intersection with Merrimon Avenue.

Hendersonville council says yes to taller buildings

2006-07-07T06:55:00.000-04:00

HENDERSONVILLE — City Council voted 3-2 Thursday to raise the height limit for buildings in parts of downtown to 80 feet after a heated debate over how the city should grow.

Read more by clicking on the headline.