Archive for the 'Asheville Homes for Sale' Category

Like other Asheville cabin owners, I have mixed feelings when I see that Asheville has made another top ten list.  While I am reassured by these lists that I have indeed chosen to live in one of the best places on Earth, I fear that more and more people will discover what those of us who live here already know.   The Asheville area is a very special place.

Andie MacDowell, Asheville Neighbor

The most recent top ten listing comes from Barron’s, the weekly business publication, and highlights the top ten places for second homes in the U.S. The article cites one real estate expert as noting that in addition to a good R&R site, investors are now on the prowl for solid investments as well.  The article points out that the decline in prices of luxury homes, in these second home markets, seems to have bottomed out.

Asheville came in at #9 on the list, trailing Maui, Kiawah Island, SC, and The Hamptons which finished 1,2,3 respectively.   Barron used as its criteria “gorgeous homes, spectacular views, world-class fishing and skiing, fine dining and great shopping.”  It also cautions that the rankings are somewhat subjective as are house styles, and that a return on investment in buying one of these homes may take a while. For Asheville, they list the median luxury home at $700,000, representing a 38% decline from peak pricing.   As a bonus, the article also notes the most famous movie star who could be your potential neighbor.  In the instance of Asheville, it is actress Andie MacDowell.  If you are a Barron’s subscriber, you can read the full article.  If you want to look for your own luxury home in a top ten setting, please contact Greybeard Realty.

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. (more…)

Building a green home in Asheville just got easier. The North Carolina State Energy Office, the NC Solar Center, the NC Home Builders Association and other professional building organizations joined forces to create the North Carolina HealthyBuilt Homes Program.

A statewide voluntary certification program, HealthyBuilt Homes offers a recognized green certification, technical assistance, field consultation, and other services that enable small and medium sized home builders to increase their green building expertise. These builders become more efficient and build better green homes and eco-conscious Asheville home buyers win! Help the environment, help the local economy and live in a beautiful home in Asheville.

Here are some Healthy Built homes in Asheville and the area:

33 WORDSWORTH ROAD Black Mountain

37 Shady Park Lane Asheville

There are also many homes in Asheville with recent green technology updates. This one is particularly notable: 250 North Griffing Boulevard Asheville

When it comes to quintessential mountain living, most people think of beautiful views.  Of course, to get those views, you usually need to gain elevation, which often involves negotiating a steep driveway or gravel road.  But that’s not always the case.  Laurel Ridge, a neighborhood just north of Black Mountain, is home to some of the most incredible mountain views in Western North Carolina, and you may be surprised how easy they can be to access.

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These days, a lot of folks are interested in “green” homes, and the Asheville area offers a wide variety of environmentally-friendly options.  Many of these listings are new construction properties on small lots.  But from time to time, an eco-friendly home is listed on a generous lot within an established neighborhood.  Such is the case with “Green Haven.”

Situated on 1.37 acres, this home offers space for gardening, mountain views, and an expansive covered front deck. 

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