Albus’ Take on the Buncombe County Real Estate Market – Q2 2025

Hi friends,
Albus here—Chief Sniffer of Market Trends and Asheville Realty Group’s four-legged field reporter. I may not wear a suit or crunch spreadsheets, but I do have a nose for sniffing out what’s really happening around Buncombe County.

I’ve trotted through neighborhoods, eavesdropped on porch convos, and rolled in the grass outside open houses from Fairview to Weaverville. Here’s what this pup picked up on the Q2 market:

🏡 The Market is Slowing Its Roll

Sales are down—like “left the tennis ball at the park” down.
Compared to last year, home sales in Buncombe County fell 24.4%. That’s a noticeable shift from the frenzy we saw in years past, when homes were gone faster than a dropped sandwich at a dog park.

But slower doesn’t mean worse—it just means more balance. Buyers have more time to explore, sellers have to work a bit harder, and I get to spend more time sniffing around.

🐕 More Homes, More Sniffing Room

Here’s the good news: inventory nearly doubled since early 2024, and we’re now at a 6.2-month supply—a sweet spot that signals a shift toward a balanced market.

I even saw a few homes wagging their “price reduced” tails lately. Ruff times for impatient sellers, but a great moment for buyers to stretch out and explore.

💸 Prices: Holding Steady, Like a Loyal Pup

Even with fewer sales, prices in Buncombe County haven’t taken a tumble:

  • Median price is now $479,000, up just a smidge from $477,000 last year.
  • It’s not a leap, but it’s not a retreat either. Steady as a good sit-stay.

⏰ Days on Market: Lingering Like a Sunbeam Nap

Buyers are taking longer to commit.

  • The average days on market rose from 54 to about 64 days—giving folks time to actually think before fetching.
  • For sellers, that means patience. For buyers, it’s a chance to breathe (and maybe negotiate a treat or two).

🦴 Albus’ Advice by Role

Buyers:
Now’s your chance to sniff around! There are more listings than we’ve seen in a while. Bring your wishlist, get your financing ducks in a row, and be ready to fetch a good deal. And don’t be afraid to negotiate—some sellers are open to a little back-and-forth.

Sellers:
Time to be realistic. You can’t just bury a stick and expect top dollar. Price it right, prep it well (I recommend hiding the chew marks), and be patient. The right human will come along.

Investors:
With more short-term rentals hitting the market post-Helene, there could be bones to pick up—especially if you’re thinking long-term. Keep your paws sharp and your nose tuned in.

🐶 Final Sniffs

This quarter’s market isn’t wild and fast like it used to be—and that’s okay. A more balanced market makes space for better decisions, fairer deals, and a little less barking at the appraisals.

From East Asheville to the far reaches of the county line, there’s still plenty of life in the market—and plenty of trails left to explore.

Until next time,
Albus
Chief Pupdate Officer, Asheville Realty Group 🐾