Chip Craig, Greybeard Realty founder, studies the Black Mountain market regularly.  In a recent Asheville-Citizens Times article, he notes that the return of positive numbers in the local market is not surprising to him.  “It was growing a lot before this downturn,” he said. “We were one of the last areas to feel it, so it makes sense we’d be one of the first areas to improve,” said Craig.  Check out the entire article for the full story. 

Black Mountain Views

In addition, Buncumbe County continues to show positive signs of real estate growth.  Another piece in the Citizens Times attributes the growth to new buyers and price shifts.  Be sure to read the particulars of this article  for more insight into the steadily improving market.

From the previously mentioned articles, it appears the numbers indicate that the local real estate market is headed toward more steady growth. As other areas of the country improve, and more people can sell their existing homes in those areas, expect to see even more people coming to Black Mountain to enjoy what the area has to offer.

What if you want it all?  Can you find an Asheville cabin minutes from the city with an incredible mountain view and all of the modern amenities plus some extras?  Yes, if you check into Cedar View, one of our most recent additions to the Greybeard Realty rental homes.

This cedar planked home, located on a secluded cul-de-sac, features remarkable views from its two level decks.  Just up Town Mountain Road, a mere ten minutes from downtown Asheville and the Blue Ridge Parkway, this recently renovated house has a screened-in porch and a six-seat hot tub.  Walk through the beautifully landscaped gardens, play pool, surf the net, or bathe in the claw-foot tub.

Greybeard Realty experienced a 14 % increase in home sales volume for 2009.  That figure in itself is impressive, but when it is compared with area sales volume overall it becomes even more dramatic.

Home sales volume declined 17% in Buncombe County in 2009.  In Black Mountain, home sales volume fell 8% for the same period.

Greybeard Realty, Black Mountain, NC

For Greybeard founder Chip Craig, his company’s increase in sales volume directly links with his company’s focus on advanced technology and expertise.  He notes that nationally 87% of home buyers use the internet while searching for new homes.  In the last year, he has noticed a strong increase in web visits to the Greybeard website with 65% of his company’s web traffic coming from outside of North Carolina.

“Our web traffic is up 85% for 2009,” he says.  “In terms of page views, we are up 137% which means visitors are exploring more of our site.  We have done quite a bit of search engine optimization to ensure that our site appears at the top of Google and Bing (two heavily used search sites).”

Greybeard utilizes the internet to market itself through paid website banners and has increased this exposure in the last year while other companies have had to reduce advertising expenditures. Read the rest of this entry »

Among the spectacular view is Asheville: the Blue Ridge Parkway

Asheville is known as the Paris of the Southeast

Anyone with an Asheville cabin hoping to keep Asheville’s special appeal a secret will be disappointed to learn that the fall issue of Ideal Living magazine cited the city as one of the top five retirement cities in the United States.

The article describes Asheville as “the Paris of the Southeast” and points to its appeal to artists, adventurers and romantics alike.

It highlights the Biltmore Estates and the Biltmore Village, as expected, but it also covers the city’s commitment to going green.  In particular, it discusses the discounted building permits the city offers for LEED buildings as well as the effort underway for Caterpillar to retrofit city buses.  In addition, it covers market analysis of the area as well as the unique architecture within the city.

For more information on annual events in Asheville such as “Shindig on the Green”, an annual summer ritual, and to read the article firsthand, click on contents on Ideal Living, a digital magazine.

Last month I cited my father’s advice in saying “if you can’t say something nice then don’t say anything.”  This month, I would like to point to the wisdom of Albert Einstein when I say, when considering the annual numbers for homes sales for Black Mountain, just remember, “It’s all relative.”

A quick glance down the column of percent change for the annual home sale statistics for Black Mountain homes in 2009 (provided by MLS) would seem to indicate a slow market.  The largest positive percent change is in Read the rest of this entry »

For some people, simply choosing an Asheville cabin for a romantic getaway is just the beginning.  For people looking for the ultimate romantic experience, Guest Services of Greybeard Realty now has a romantic vacation package that assembles all the elements needed for the perfect escape.  Read the rest of this entry »

The ground hog predicts more winter, but Spring is showing some promise in the Asheville Real Estate Market (photo RomanticAsheville.com)

Punxsutawny Phil is not the only one making predictions and prognostications this time of year. Industry experts  have noted the trends within the Asheville real estate market of the last few months, and for these observers, the future appears to be one of improvement.

A recent front page article in the Asheville Citizens-Times cites a 50% increase in monthly home sales in Buncombe County for December, marking the fourth straight month of sales increases over the previous year.  The dramatic increase is tempered by the knowledge that the fall and early winter of 2008 were economically challenging times for the area.  The four month trend upward, however, indicates that the market appears to be headed in a better direction.

“All my graphs are starting to point in the right direction,” said Chip Craig, owner of GreyBeard Realty in Black Mountain. From Asheville Citzen Times

For the specific statistics and to read the whole article which includes more comments from Greybeard Realty founder, Chip Craig.

The View - A vacation rental in the Asheville Area with the most amazing views

Looking for spectacular Western North Carolina mountain views? The View has got exactly what the doctor ordered.

Come and enjoy the spectacular views from this breath-taking vacation home!  You’ll want to bring to bring your best friend, four-legged or biped, to this pet-friendly retreat.

This 3-bedroom, 2-bath log home is a great place to get together with friends and family and kick back and relax.

Amenities include air-conditioning, deck/porch, DVD player, TV, washer and dryer, cable, dishwasher, a grill for entertaining, and some of the most beautiful views in the area.

The view from the deck at The View - an exceptional vacation rental in the Asheville Area

Enough said. A picture is worth a thousand of them; you’ll be at a loss for them as you recline and take in the best view in the Asheville Area. Contact Greybeard for more.

Asheville Area Antique Farmhouse MLS #450999

Picture yourself on this porch swing of Antique Farmhouse in Asheville overlooking 48+ acres

Among our Asheville homes for sale, this farmhouse stands out. It is unusual to find an antique farmhouse of this caliber in the Asheville area, particularly one on such a generous lot.

Built in 1901, this charming home was renovated and expanded in 1994. The careful details such as the exposed beams and working wood stove give the house a charm of the olden days while the thoughtful remodeling offers the modern amenities of today.

The loft area provides ample bedroom space. To appreciate the special features and character of this home, you really need to tour the unique space.

The perfect site for your Asheville Horse Farm 48+ acres

In addition to the farmhouse, the property itself is a one of a kind. The 48.5 acres of pastures and woodlands include several creeks in a truly gorgeous setting. An ideal location for a horse farm, the existing outbuildings include run-in shelters for horses. There is potential for multiple additional building sites if desired.

With its close proximity to Asheville, this wonderful property can enable its owners to live the simple life in a secluded setting while still providing easy access to civilization. Again, to appreciate this unique property, prospective buyers really need to experience the amazing location. For more details, please contact Chip at Greybeard.

Greybeard Realty is pleased to announce the launch of a new site dedicated to meeting your Asheville Vacation needs: Greybeard Guest Services. This new service provides everything from golf packages to spa days to rock climbing adventures.

Make your next Asheville vacation stress-free. Rent a cabin, Sign up for Guest Services, arrive, relax…