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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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I spy
I spy my old house. One of my former neighbors has enlisted me to sell their adorable bungalow in North Asheville. It made me so happy that they trusted me with their adorable home. Last weekend, my daughter and I went back to the old neighborhood and chatted with some of our old friends. We had the best time catching up and seeing that the more things change the more they stay the same.
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Paris
I had the best time taking my 14 year old daughter to Paris for a week in June. It felt great to travel and to get to spend some quality time with my main girl. We met my college roommate and her daughter and stayed in an Airbnb by the Louvre. I couldn’t have asked for a better trip. The weather was perfect with blue sky’s and not hot. Every morning, Elizabeth and I would run down the Seine to the Eiffle tower and back. We tried to do one touristy thing a day so that the girls weren’t worn out. It was Fashion Week and the Solstice so the city was alive with music and entertainment. Can Asheville Realty Group set up and office in Paris?
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Don’t Go Chasing Waterfalls
On a hot summer day, I drove my son and his buddy to Dupont Forest to play in the waterfalls. It is a short hike from the parking lot and brought hours of entertainment. The scenery is gorgeous and even Hollywood noticed. According to my child, this particular waterfall was in the move “The Hunger Games”. It is the perfect spot to cool off and then sit on the rocks and take in the surroundings.
Dupont is about 45-50 minutes from Asheville and close to the adorable town of Brevard. I believe this is an excellent location for those that want to be surrounded by world class hiking and mountain biking but don’t want to be in the city.
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Setting Up Shop In A New Town
Moving to a new town is hard. Let’s not sugar coat it. We can skip over finding a house, moving in and getting the lights turned on. What about the little things like where is the closest grocery store, who is a reputable dry cleaner, is it to late to get my child on a soccer team, just to name a few?
When I moved to Asheville, I had all of these questions. My daughter was 4 months old and I had no idea how to fill my days in a new city. One day while walking around Beaver lake with my parents, my mom said, “Emily, I am going to find you some friends”. She knew I was struggling and lost. Two young women were strolling together in the distance, my mom walked over to them and said, “My daughter is new to town and needs some friends. Y’all look nice.” Little did I know that my mother hit the jackpot. One of the women happened to be a Realtor and gave me her card. My husband and I were renting at the time and considering buying, so I gave her a call. Fast forward 10 years and I now work with that Realtor at Asheville Realty Group, our daughters went to the same preschool and now elementary school and we live in the same neighborhood.
The moral of my story is that you never know how one new person will change the trajectory of your life. My mom gave me the nudge to put myself out there and make new friends. Thank goodness we were at the lake that day. My Realtor showed me the basics of Asheville living and I couldn’t be happier.
