Asheville
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Moving to Asheville? 4 Must-Do Steps Before You Relocate
Thinking about moving to Asheville, NC? Whether your timeline is three months or a year, there’s plenty you can do right now to set yourself up for success. From navigating school choices to finding the perfect neighborhood, here’s your essential relocation checklist — from a local expert who knows the market inside and out.
1. Research Asheville Schools Using the NC School Report Card
One of the most common questions I get is, “What’s the best school in Asheville?” The truth? It depends on your child — and your priorities.
I always recommend that buyers explore the North Carolina School Report Card. It offers detailed information on school performance, teacher qualifications, class sizes, and more. Whether you have school-aged children or not, understanding the local education system is important — strong schools often mean strong resale value.
2. Get Pre-Approved with a Local Asheville Lender
Before you fall in love with a house, know exactly what you can afford. Getting pre-approved by a trusted local mortgage lender gives you a realistic price range and makes your offer much stronger in today’s competitive market.
Can you use an out-of-town lender? Technically, yes — but a local lender understands Asheville’s unique market nuances and can ensure a smoother, faster closing process. Trust me: sellers notice.
3. Define Your Location Priorities
Location matters — especially in a geographically diverse area like Western North Carolina.
Ask yourself:
- Do I need to be close to Asheville Regional Airport?
- Would I prefer cooler temperatures at higher elevations?
- Is proximity to Mission Hospital essential for my work schedule?
- Do I want walkability to shops, restaurants, and breweries?
Identifying your lifestyle and logistical needs upfront helps narrow the search and avoids wasting time on homes that won’t work long-term.
4. Partner with a Local Asheville Realtor®
This is one of the biggest purchases of your life — don’t go it alone. An experienced local real estate agent not only helps you identify properties that fit your needs, but also connects you with vetted inspectors, reliable closing attorneys, and essential information about offers, contingencies, and due diligence fees (yep — that’s a thing in North Carolina!).
At Asheville Realty Group, we’re proud to have over 40 experienced Realtors® ready to guide you through every step of your move.
Ready to Make Your Move?
Let’s chat about your timeline, goals, and questions about the Asheville housing market. Whether you’re relocating for work, lifestyle, or a little bit of both — we’re here to help make the transition smooth and successful.
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Moving to Asheville? 4 Must-Do Steps Before You Relocate
Thinking about moving to Asheville, NC? Whether your timeline is three months or a year, there’s plenty you can do right now to set yourself up for success. From navigating school choices to finding the perfect neighborhood, here’s your essential relocation checklist — from a local expert who knows the market inside and out.
1. Research Asheville Schools Using the NC School Report Card
One of the most common questions I get is, “What’s the best school in Asheville?” The truth? It depends on your child — and your priorities.
I always recommend that buyers explore the North Carolina School Report Card. It offers detailed information on school performance, teacher qualifications, class sizes, and more. Whether you have school-aged children or not, understanding the local education system is important — strong schools often mean strong resale value.
2. Get Pre-Approved with a Local Asheville Lender
Before you fall in love with a house, know exactly what you can afford. Getting pre-approved by a trusted local mortgage lender gives you a realistic price range and makes your offer much stronger in today’s competitive market.
Can you use an out-of-town lender? Technically, yes — but a local lender understands Asheville’s unique market nuances and can ensure a smoother, faster closing process. Trust me: sellers notice.
3. Define Your Location Priorities
Location matters — especially in a geographically diverse area like Western North Carolina.
Ask yourself:
- Do I need to be close to Asheville Regional Airport?
- Would I prefer cooler temperatures at higher elevations?
- Is proximity to Mission Hospital essential for my work schedule?
- Do I want walkability to shops, restaurants, and breweries?
Identifying your lifestyle and logistical needs upfront helps narrow the search and avoids wasting time on homes that won’t work long-term.
4. Partner with a Local Asheville Realtor®
This is one of the biggest purchases of your life — don’t go it alone. An experienced local real estate agent not only helps you identify properties that fit your needs, but also connects you with vetted inspectors, reliable closing attorneys, and essential information about offers, contingencies, and due diligence fees (yep — that’s a thing in North Carolina!).
At Asheville Realty Group, we’re proud to have over 40 experienced Realtors® ready to guide you through every step of your move.
Ready to Make Your Move?
Let’s chat about your timeline, goals, and questions about the Asheville housing market. Whether you’re relocating for work, lifestyle, or a little bit of both — we’re here to help make the transition smooth and successful.
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My Advice for Selling in 2025
If you haven’t heard, the real estate market has shifted—and today’s buyers are looking for a deal. With that in mind, preparing your home for sale in 2025 looks a bit different than it has in years past. Here are three affordable recommendations for today’s market that will give buyers peace of mind.
To get the highest and best price (and avoid haggling over repairs), your home needs to be in top shape. One simple piece of advice: if your HVAC system is over five years old, have it serviced before listing. Go a step further and leave the receipt in the listing binder. Providing peace of mind that this major system is in good working order is not only smart—it’s cost-effective in the long run. It also signals to buyers that you’ve taken great care of your biggest investment.
My second piece of advice—for those with basements—is to run a dehumidifier. Asheville and much of the surrounding area lie within a temperate rainforest. You heard that right. The rain keeps our area lush and our gardens, orchards, and farms thriving. However, high humidity levels in basements are common and can create a musty smell. Running a dehumidifier helps eliminate odors and that stale-air feeling. If you don’t mind emptying a bucket once or twice a week, you can find a plug-in system for $200–$400. If you prefer a self-draining option, consult a plumber.
My final tip speaks to the old saying, “You never get a second chance to make a first impression.” Take time to paint your front door. Pressure wash the sidewalk and entryway. Plant annuals in pots to add a pop of color. Remove cobwebs from porch lights and make sure the bulbs work. Sweep away leaves and debris. And finally, put out a fresh welcome mat.
It takes just seven seconds to make a first impression, according to Psychology Today. Make sure your home shines from the moment a buyer walks up.
Homes in Asheville are selling. Buyers are out there and ready, willing and able. A few simple improvements will get you the highest and best price in today’s market.
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Is Asheville turning into A buyers market?
It’s May 2025, and yes—the market has changed.
I wouldn’t go as far as to call it a buyer’s market, but it has become more balanced. Inventory is on the rise. The days of buyers offering astronomical due diligence fees, waiving inspections, and lining up to see homes the moment they hit the market are over.Yes, homes are still selling—especially when they’re appropriately priced in hot areas. Those are still going under contract quickly.
Is “appropriate pricing” the same as in 2024? No. Sellers are learning that pricing high (or using pre-Helene numbers) leads to more days on the market and eventual price reductions. More sellers are now offering concessions and making repairs to get deals closed.
It’s important to use comps from the last 3–6 months when determining a list price. I advise my buyers to do the same when making offers.
My goal? To get the highest and best price for my sellers, and the best deal for my buyers.
As the saying goes: I’ve got you!
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My New Arrival
I couldn’t be happier to announce the new arrival of Bear Wareham. My children have begged for a puppy for months (even doing a power point presentation on the topic). Our fear was that Jack (our 10 year old dog) would not take to a new sibling. Jack has enjoyed all of our attention for years, never having to share the cuddles, hugs, pets, walks etc. Would he feel like we were replacing him? Fortunately, things couldn’t have gone better between the fur babies. The new puppy wants to be with Jack all the time. They cuddle, play with toys, walk together, you name it. As you can see from the picture, they even share a seat in the car. This is by choice I may add. I can’t thank Brother Wolf Animal Rescue for providing me with two amazing dogs within the last 10 years. My family will forever be in debt to you. https://www.bwar.org/
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Shelter Dog Transport Alliance
If you are looking for a volunteer opportunity where you receive tail wags, kisses, and exercise, look no further than Shelter Dog Transport Alliance. Almost every week, The Shelter Dog Transport Alliance partners with over a dozen county shelter systems that are experiencing overcrowding and are in need of valuable space. When our shelters are at capacity, they safely transport at-risk dogs and cats to Northern rescue partners where forever homes anxiously await them. Because of strict spay/neuter laws, our Northern states have tackled pet overpopulation and are able to open their homes and hearts to our shelter animals in need.
Volunteers meet at Smokey Park Supper Club in the River Arts District of Asheville and spend an hour walking the dogs along the greenway to tire them out before their long van ride to the North. You don’t need to bring anything except yourself. There is no sign up, just grab a leash, learn your dogs name, and bring them back in an hour.
This past week I had the pleasure of walking “Honey”. She was so sweet, thankful, and fantastic on a leash. Honestly, I would have kept her if it were an option. The best way to learn about upcoming transports is to follow Shelter Dog Transport Alliance on Instagram or Facebook. It is one of the highlights of my week. See you there.
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A Hop, Skip and a Jump
The last 2 weekends I have gone on road trips to Nashville and Lexington, KY. Each trip was approximately 4 and a half hours via car from Asheville. Definitely doable for a 48 hour trip to some fun destinations. Nashville was a college reunion with my floor mates from Brumby dorm at the University of Georgia. Even though we hadn’t seen each other in years, we picked back up like we had seen each other yesterday. We rented an Airbnb in East Nashville and ventured to The Gulch and Broadway for some live country music.
This past weekend I took my 10 year old son to the University of Kentucky for his first big arena basketball game. The building was packed and they beat the University of Tennessee. We hit up a bowling alley downtown, the hotel pool and drove through the college campus.
One of the great things about Asheville is that it is 3 hours from Atlanta, 3.5 hours from Charleston, 4.5 hours from Nashville and Lexington, KY.
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Family Tradition
When I say “Family Tradition” I don’t mean it in the Hank Williams Jr. sense. On Christmas Eve, my family heads to our favorite sushi restaurant after church for dinner. The past few years we have gone to Soba in the town of Weaverville. It is a nice break from cooking and cleaning up and the food does not disappoint. This year, the temperature was hovering around 8 degrees which is much colder than usual. Unfortunately, the crowded restaurant lost heat so we sat around in our coats. We laughed and joked and had a fabulous meal. It ranks up there with our Covid Christmas where we ordered sushi take out and in the 15 minutes we waited for our food, Asheville got an inch of snow.
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Sailing Take Me Away
Last weekend I hopped on a direct flight from Asheville to Chicago Midway on Allegiant Airline. I love that we now have direct flights to some of my favorite cities (Boston, NYC, DC, Chicago, Denver, Austin, Miami etc). Travel is incredibly easy out of the Asheville airport.
I traveled with 3 of my cousins to visit another cousin that lives in the Lincoln Park neighborhood in Chicago. We chartered a sailboat on a gorgeous fall day and cruised around the downtown area of Lake Michigan. What a great way to see the city.
Aside from shopping, we hit up a show at Second City, walked around the waterfront downtown, tested our golf skills at Top Golf and laughed and laughed. I even met a potential client along the way.
Fabulous weekend!
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One and Done For The Year
Two weekends ago I did my one and only tri for the year. A couple of girlfriends and I loaded up our bikes and drove 9 hours from Asheville to Gulf Shores Alabama for the Brent Robinson Olympic Triathlon. The weather was sunny and warm and the ocean was moving but not to choppy. Unfortunately, there was an influx of jellyfish and I got stung multiple times on the open ocean swim. Even though I was stinging like crazy, I kept going. The bike was flat and fast with a tailwind going out and headwind coming back on the double out and back ride. The 6 mile run was hot! The wind was on our face going out to the turn around point which made the first 3 miles pleasant. Boy did it get hot when you turned around to head back to the finish. The run was stocked with water and powerade every mile which helped the steamy conditions. After I finished, I concluded that I would have felt much better if I had appropriately trained. All in all, the race was great.
