Asheville Real Estate Market-July 2009 July 2009 2008 Difference Homes Sold 431 439 -1.83% Dollar Volume $108,651,191 $119,145,010 -8.81% Avg. List Price $269,199 $286,648 -6.09% Avg. Sell Price $252,091 $271,401 -7.11% Med. List Price $217,500 $229,900 -5.39% Med. Sell Price $207,500 $220,000 -5.68% Days on Market 144 114 +26.3% Numbers are from the WNCRMLS as of 8-9-09. Total Sales for: SingleFamilyResidential/Condo/Townhouse/Preconstruction July 2009 Asheville Real Estate Reports sales_history_report- 5 year Asheville residential sales history. sales_trend_report- Asheville residential sales trend indicator. sales_medians_report_by_type - 5 year Asheville residential median price by type. active_listings_report- Asheville active listings report. percent_sold_report- Asheville Listing... 08/09/2009

July - 2009 To have some idea of the health of the market, you must compare the current inventory to the number of sales that has taken place to project the actual number of months supply of homes. The repetitive question is: What is a Healthy Real Estate Market? That is not always an easy question to answer, but usually, inventory of unsold homes available should not equal more than a 5 to 7 month supply. Asking prices and inventory seem to set the theme. Half way through the year, it is obvious that Asheville is not yet experiencing the "healthy" market we had 2 years ago. In 2008, Asheville and Buncombe County were continuing to hold steady at about 14 months supply, on average. So far, in 2009, the average is over a 20 month supply. As indicated below, we have 2.44 times more homes ... 08/09/2009

Dateline Asheville, North Carolina, August, 2009Real Estate News and Views from Green Asheville's "Stay-in-Your-Home" Eco-Steward  Always on the look out for excellent information, my colleagues at our Firm and I  have attended many classes and  seminars on short sales-sale of a home  in which the proceeds will be less than the balance owed on the mortgage loan here in Asheville  and beyond.  One of my favorites was presented by two (2) real estate attorneys and a CPA where I learned to ask the "right" questions.(see below)  . Think of the combined experience the seminar leaders possess, and you will know why I say that learning experience is "one of my favorites"....  Nowadays, it is important to have a handle on the entire short sale process and then to be able to convey it to client... 08/07/2009

Asheville Real Estate-The Early Numbers for July 2009. July 2009 2008 Difference Homes Sold 393 439 -10.5% Dollar Volume $98,847,681 $119,145,010 -16.2% Avg. List Price $268,268 $286,648 -6.4% Avg. Sell Price $251,521 $271,401 -7.3% Med. List Price $219,000 $229,000 -4.7% Med. Sell Price $207,500 $220,000 -5.7% Days on Market 144 114 +26.3% Data is from the WNCRMLS as of 8-1-2009 for Single Family Residential. Search Asheville Foreclosures. Do you want to search for green built, short sales, master on main, mountainviews. etc? Go to our advanced search page and fill in the remarks field with what interest you. Search Asheville Real Estate Search Biltmore Park Search Hendersonville Real Estate Search Coventry Woods Search Biltmore Forest Real Estate Search Glen Crest Search Arden Real Es... 08/01/2009

Living in the Raleigh North Carolina area, we're lucky enough to be within 2 hours of the North Carolina coast and beaches, or a few hours drive to the mountains and the gorgeous city of Asheville, North Carolina. Probably best known for the "Biltmore" mansion and it's wineries, Asheville also has an active art and music community. My family is lucky enough to have friends that live close to Asheville so we are able to visit this area fairly often. There's always something new to do or someplace to explore. Last weekend Asheville was holding it's annual Bele Chere street festival. Many streets were blocked off to make way for all the craft booths and food vendors. With 4 stages set up for music, each one hosting a band with a different genre, music filled the air wherever you walked.   ... 07/31/2009

Its been a tough year in the Real Estate business, no one would argue with that fact.  Asheville, which has often been insulated from national real estate problems, felt the pain of the rest of the nation in the first quarter of 2009.  But starting in late May, all the indicators began to point towards an uptick in many sectors of the housing market in Asheville.  Agents, Home Inspectors, Lenders and Attorneys tell the same story, that June 2009 numbers were right in line with June 2008; this, mind you, is still way off our market high in the summer of 2007.  Yet, agents are starting to use muscles we haven't used in months!Everyone in our office is busy all of a sudden--what a great feeling!  One trend is becoming apparent in this buyer's market.  If you have a ready, willing and able ... 07/30/2009

Biltmore Park Home Sales for the last 12 months as of 7-21-09 MLS # STREET PRICE DATE  BR  BA  1/2BA  SQFT 443609 414 COOPERS HAWK 1,400,000 7/13/2009   5   5   1 4185 445166 706 BANEBERRY 870,000 7/13/2009   5   3   1 4200 425300 1651 OLMSTED DRIVE 700000 7/8/2009   4   3   1 4108 435335 218 LEUCOTHOE LN 380000 6/30/2009   3   2   1 1950 433173 1349 HEAHBROOK CIR 385000 6/29/2009   4   2   1 2835 427297 909 WOODVINE RD 445000 6/25/2009   4   2   1 2850 438404 1122 BURNSIDE 795,000 6/23/2009   5   5   1 5281 437688 8 DIANTHUS DRIVE 640,000 539000   4   3   0 3332 439432 12 WHITE ASHE 475,000 6/17/2009   3   2   1 2428 429157 302 RED FOX CIRCLE 552,500 5/27/2009   4   3   1 3652 436597 916 WOODVINE 555,000 5/5/2009   4   3   1 3400 431423 19 BENT OAK LN 485,000 4/29/2009   4   2   1 2720... 07/23/2009

Vacant Land, Lots, and Acreage Sales- Buncombe County, NC - June 2009 Buncombe County includes the cities or areas of Asheville, Leicester, Weaverville, Black Mountain, Arden, Skyland, Candler, and Biltmore Forest.    110 parcels of vacant land have been Sold in 2009 in Buncombe County with an Average Sold Price of $98,149>, up from last month. The first 6 months have started off with a a slower rate of sales, which is not unusual for the first 3 months of year, but by June, sales should be increasing at a faster pace than we are currently experiencing. This would indicate that investors, builders and speculators are still waiting for the market to stabilize and to plan for the future growth of the area. Of course, the risk of waiting to purchase is that once the Asheville market heats ... 07/20/2009

Weekday afternoons are a great time to go shopping at the WNC Farmers’ Market, especially if you don’t like crowds. The blackberries are just as big, apples are just as crisp, and the view of The Biltmore Estate is just as spectacular! Great produce, great prices, and best of all, shopping at the WNC Farmers’ Market means we are supporting our local farmers. Yesterday was a great time to ride to Asheville and take photose at the WNC Farmers' Market. The WNC Farmers’ Market is open 7 days per week, so any day is a good day to go shopping for fresh, delicious, local produce. Directions to the WNC Farmers’ Market. 2009 Promotional Events at the WNC Farmers’ Market. What’s In Season? Some of my other websites: HORSEALICIOUS Breaking Horse News Breaking Asheville News Original posted on Buck... 07/17/2009

Asheville Real Estate Market June 2009 2008 Difference Homes Sold 439 492 -10.8% Dollar Volume $102,901,057 $126,439,574 -18.7% Avg. List Price $249,025 $270,658 -8.0 Avg. Sell Price $234,399 $256,991 -8.8% Med. List Price $209,000 $225,000 -7.2% Med. Sell Price $195,000 $215,000 -9.4% Days on Market 143 116 +23.3% Numbers are from the WNCRMLS as of 7-11-09. Total Sales for: SingleFamilyResidential/Condo/Townhouse/Preconstruction June 2009 Asheville Real Estate Reports sales_history_report- 5 year Asheville residential sales history. sales_trend_report- Asheville residential sales trend indicator. sales_medians_report_by_type - 5 year Asheville residential median price by type. active_listings_report- Asheville active listings report. percent_sold_report- Asheville Listings sold divided... 07/15/2009

I love visiting Asheville's Arboretum, and I think, so will you!   Asheville's 434-acre Public Gardenis a splendid gathering place. If you live in, are relocating to, or simply are visiting Asheville, North Carolina you can expand your dreams and ideas, brighten your days and feed your heart and soul within our eco-friendly community.  Whether you walk the Arboretum's trails or take the Seg mode, you will find so much in which to delight. Added to the views and visual enrichment is the opportunity to learn.    The photo of the Seqway adventurer's is courtesy of Wikipedia  Here, for example is what the Arboretum is offering this summer  Canning and Preserving Made Easy Do you want to learn more about canning or just brush up on the newest information about preserving high and low acid fo... 07/15/2009

South Asheville Restaurants In South Asheville, the dining fare ranges from casual but tasty Mediterranean cuisine to martinis and 18-ounce steak along the waterfront. This area, with close proximity to Asheville Regional Airport and Biltmore Estate, boasts a mix of both casual and upscale restaurants. Eat a brunch of beautifully-presented gourmet southern cuisine like shrimp, andouille sausage and grits on a porch studded with white columns. Sample Chinese food at one of the first restaurants to eliminate all use of MSG and which also offers an extensive vegetarian menu. South Asheville's restaurants cater to a wide variety of tastes and moods. One of my favorite locally owned restaraunts is Tuscon Southwestern Grill.  It has great healthy choices of burritos and low carb bowls, but my... 07/09/2009

MAY 2009 Buncombe County is the home of Asheville, NC. This statement is redundant from the past reports, but: Buncombe County and the surrounding areas of Asheville, Leicester, Black Mountain, Biltmore Forest, and Arden, like the rest of the country, have been experiencing many of the trends that have kept the real estate markets unsettled, higher than normal inventory and lower number of units sold. However, unlike most of the country, our prices have basically held fairly firm with only a modest drop of about 5% in 2009. For more on that story: The Asheville Citizen Times has the story at Holding Value  The Active listings inventory normally increases this time of year as expected. An EXCESS in the inventory numbers, which is beginning to develop, is not desirable. High inventory num... 07/04/2009

It is July Fourth, 2009. Here in Asheville, we are celebrating in the traditional ways: back yard gatherings, blue grass music, fireworks downtown.Tonight I will be able to see the fireworks dazzle the mountains and surprise the night sky. In Asheville, a number of us are adding   another color to this celebration of life and liberty on the Fourth. Complimenting the traditional red, white and blue  canvas is a backdrop of green. Here's what I mean-see photo. 07/04/2009

Asheville Real Estate-The Early Numbers for June 2009. I hate to say it but it's nice to see dollar volume down just 20% from the previous year. June 2009 2008 Difference Homes Sold 431 492 -12.40% Dollar Volume $100,915,797 $126,439,574 -20.19% Avg. List Price $249,099 $270,658 -7.97% Avg. Sell Price $234,143 $256,991 -8.89% Med. List Price $209,000 $225,000 -7.11% Med. Sell Price $195,000 $215,000 -9.30% Days on Market 142.00 116.00 22.00%   Search Asheville Real Estate Search Biltmore Park Search Hendersonville Real Estate Search Coventry Woods Search Biltmore Forest Real Estate Search Glen Crest Search Arden Real Estate Search Cotswolds Search Fletcher Real Estate Search Poplar Ridge Search Fairview Real Estate Search Glen Arden Heights     07/03/2009

Asheville, Buncombe County, NC Real Estate Market Statistics -  May 2009                       Active and Sold - May 2009 and 2008 Comparisons   Our Active Residential Listings (Inventory) numbers are increasing and are up 2% over this same time last year.  The Average Asking Price had a decrease (4%), which the slower market influenced, and the Median Asking Price has decreased 7%. That is because of the higher priced homes taking "price reductions". May sales had a decrease of 42% over May 2008. April 2009 showed a slight increase from the Mar 09 numbers but May was still down below normal, when normally, sales would be on the increase due to the Spring demand. That is the real problem we still face, the SOLD numbers are down for the year to date. As you can see by the chart below, we... 07/02/2009

WHAT is THIS??? Hint: R = (CH2)14CH3 orR = (CH2)7CH=CH(CH2)5CH3 orR = (CH2)7CH=CHCH2CH=CH(CH2)2CH3 orR = (CH2)7CH=CHCH2CH=CHCH=CHCH3 orR = (CH2)7CH=CHCH2CH=CHCH2CH=CH2 and others Sitting on my upper deck the other evening, I noticed a tree that seemed to have sprouted overnight. I took this photo right away. I was amazed and curious. I had a sense that this tree could even be "dangerous" to those who happened upon it unexpectedly. The leaves on this "Tree" looked somehow familiar:  leaves alternating, with 3 leaflets, each smooth margined or shallowly lobed.  Germination: We have had a lot of rain this year, I mused. Could that have made this tree grow so tall (over 10 feet!) when it was not there last year???   "YIKES! It may be a monster," one visitor laughed. "Certainly not something... 07/02/2009

Dateline Asheville, North Carolina, June, 2009News and Views from Asheville's Greenolina, Real Estate Eco-Steward  Here is Part  2 of a series on what goes in to preparing to introduce Asheville's land buyers to amazing properties in our area. Part 1 reviews a letter that one of our eco-friendly conservation land buyers' received from a member of the "Green Team" at our Firm. Possibly you will be interested  in  checking out Part 1 to see details of just what goes on in preparation for the review of land and prior to our clients' arrival.  Whether a land purchase is for the purpose of a family legacy, a private estate, an equestrian facility, or conservation easement ere in Asheville, there's lots to do . . .(see photo) In addition, we are committed to evaluating each property in terms ... 06/27/2009

As both a father and a grandfather, I know that involving children in activities that promote their mind and their body's health is a wonderful step in creating a thriving member of the community.  One great event that the Asheville City Market is hosting throughout the summer is the Kids Corner Market.  Hosted by the Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project (ASAP), the Kids Corner Market is a series of free activities to promote local farmers as well as a healthy, well-balanced diet and fun exercises for kids to enjoy.  It's also a great way to connect with other members of the Asheville community.  The Kids Corner Market will be held every Saturday from 10am-12:30pm at the Asheville City Market (161 S Charlotte St) until August 29th and is absolutely FREE to the public. The schedul... 06/25/2009

Dateline Asheville, North Carolina, June, 2009News and Views from Asheville's Greenolina, Real Estate Eco-Steward The Greater Asheville area is full of potential for those seeking a welcoming atmosphere and quality of life. People want to be here. They arrive  from elsewhere with high hopes. Before investing in property however, we advise them to think about correctly structuring  the real estate transaction. Getting it "right" means 1. Understanding  the topography, the geology, the aesthetic 2.. Asking good questions3.. Utilizing  resources4.. Asking local experts about the trends in the real estate market 5. Observing subtleties . . .all of this while still taking into consideration their insights as well as the normal activities of categorizing, comparing, and measuring.   (photo sh... 06/24/2009