Eager to experience some exciting events and community opportunities in Asheville and Western North Carolina this August? Following are just a few of the many happenings around town, suited to a range of interests and lifestyles, and supported and curated by [...]
If you're buying or selling in Asheville or Buncombe County, the latest second-quarter market data provides valuable insight into where the Western North Carolina housing market is heading. The second quarter of 2026 continued the shift toward a more buyer-friendly market, with increased inventory, longer selling times, and modest price adjustments creating more opportunities for buyers than we’ve seen in several years.
We spoke with Mosaic Realty owner Mike Figura to break down the latest trends and what they could mean for buyers and sellers moving forward.
The Asheville and Buncombe County real estate market continued moving toward a buyer’s market during the second quarter of 2026, although most price ranges remain relatively balanced. A balanced market generally has about six months of housing inventory, enough supply to meet demand without giving either buyers or sellers a significant advantage.
Several higher-priced segments now exceed six months of inventory, while many lower- and mid-priced homes remain close to that benchmark. Overall, buyers have considerably more options than they did over the past several years and can often take more time evaluating homes before making an offer.
Yes. Three major indicators point to a market that is becoming increasingly favorable for buyers. First, Average Days on Market reached its highest second-quarter level since 2015 in both Asheville and Buncombe County, meaning homes are taking longer to sell. Second, inventory increased across nearly every price range compared with the previous four years, giving buyers more choices. Finally, the median price per square foot declined across most price categories, signaling that sellers are adjusting pricing to meet current demand.
For buyers relocating to Asheville or searching for a mountain home, these conditions provide greater flexibility and stronger negotiating opportunities than we’ve seen in recent years.
Prices have generally softened during the second quarter, particularly when looking at median price per square foot across most price ranges. While values haven’t fallen dramatically, the market is adjusting as increased inventory gives buyers more leverage.
These modest price corrections appear to be encouraging more buyers to re-enter the market. Rather than signaling weakness, the pricing adjustments are helping bring buyers and sellers back into better alignment.
Interestingly, yes. The second quarter of 2026 recorded more home sales than any quarter since the third quarter of 2024, before Tropical Storm Helene impacted Western North Carolina. As prices have become more competitive, buyers have responded by purchasing homes at a stronger pace. This suggests the market is functioning as expected. Lower prices are increasing buyer activity while helping move inventory that may have lingered earlier in the year.
Inventory continues to rise across most price categories compared to the second quarter of 2025, although there are early signs that growth may begin slowing.
Higher inventory has been one of the biggest drivers of today’s more balanced market. Buyers now have more homes to compare, while sellers face greater competition. However, recent seasonal trends suggest that fewer homeowners may be choosing to list as prices soften. If fewer new listings continue entering the market while buyer activity remains steady, inventory could begin declining over the coming months.
There are signs that the market may be approaching its most buyer-friendly point before beginning to stabilize. Lower prices have encouraged more buyers to purchase homes, while slightly slower listing activity may gradually reduce inventory and help stabilize pricing.
For buyers, this remains one of the strongest opportunities in several years to find more inventory, negotiate favorable terms, and avoid the intense competition that we saw in previous markets. For sellers, homes continue to sell, but success depends more than ever on strategic pricing, professional marketing, and presenting a home in its best possible light. Well-prepared, appropriately priced homes continue attracting buyers even as the market becomes more competitive.
Whether you’re relocating to Asheville, purchasing your first home, investing or preparing to sell, understanding local market conditions is essential. Local expertise can make all the difference, and that’s exactly what you’ll get from the experienced agents at Mosaic Realty. For more information about Asheville real estate or homes throughout Western North Carolina, contact Mosaic Realty at Info@MyMosaicRealty.com or call 828-707-9556.
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View: Q2 2026 Asheville/ Buncombe Market Analysis
Summer in Asheville and Western North Carolina is all about breathtaking mountain scenery, outdoor adventures, and plenty of sunshine. While the region is typically cooler than much of the Southeast, hot afternoons and humid days can still make keeping your home comfortable a challenge. But you can implement some simple strategies to help lower energy bills, improve comfort, and even add value to your home. Following are a few tried and true approaches.
One of the biggest perks of living in Western N.C. is the cooler nighttime temperatures. Opening your windows in the evening and early morning allows fresh mountain air to circulate through your home. Once temperatures begin to climb, close the windows and blinds to keep that cool air inside. This natural ventilation can reduce your reliance on air conditioning, especially in higher-elevation communities around Asheville.
Sunlight pouring through windows is one of the biggest sources of indoor heat. Close blinds or curtains during the hottest part of the day, particularly on south- and west-facing windows. Cellular shades or thermal curtains can provide additional insulation and help your home stay cooler longer.
A well-maintained heating and cooling system runs more efficiently and keeps your home more comfortable during the summer. Routine maintenance can help extend the life of your system while lowering energy costs.
Simple maintenance includes:
Ceiling fans don’t cool the air, but they make rooms feel cooler by improving air circulation. During summer, set your fans to rotate counterclockwise to push air downward. That way, you can raise the thermostat a few degrees and still stay comfortable.
Cool air can easily escape through gaps around windows and doors. Replacing worn weatherstripping and sealing small cracks helps your air conditioning work more efficiently and keeps indoor temperatures consistent.
Many household appliances generate heat, but small changes can noticeably reduce indoor temperatures. Consider using slow cookers or grilling outdoors instead of using the stove or oven, running the dishwasher and laundry in the evening, and replacing older incandescent bulbs with energy-efficient LED lighting.
A poorly insulated or ventilated attic can trap excessive heat, making your home harder to cool. Improving attic insulation and ventilation helps reduce heat transfer into your living spaces and can lower cooling costs throughout the summer.
Trees, shrubs and covered outdoor spaces can make a surprising difference. Deciduous trees planted near your home provide welcome shade during the summer while allowing sunlight through in winter. Shade structures like pergolas or covered porches also help keep patios and nearby rooms cooler.
If you’re preparing to sell your Asheville-area home, investing in energy efficiency can help your property stand out. If you’re buying, paying attention to these features can save money and improve year-round comfort. For more information on homes in Asheville or Western N.C., please contact us at Info@MyMosaicRealty.com, or call us anytime at 828-707-9556.
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From sweeping Blue Ridge Mountain views to quiet wooded settings, mountain homes offer options suited to a range of tastes and lifestyles. If you’re considering buying a home in the [...]
Thinking of tackling a home renovation? Whether you’re preparing to sell or simply want to make smart investments in your Asheville property, it’s important to remember that not every renovation delivers the same return on investment. The best home improvement projects increase both your home’s appeal and its market value, especially in Western North Carolina, where buyers often prioritize outdoor living, energy efficiency and move-in-ready homes.
If you’re wondering where to spend your renovation dollars, these 10 projects consistently offer some of the strongest returns on investment (ROI) in the Asheville real estate market.
Curb appeal is one of the biggest factors influencing buyers, and a fresh exterior instantly makes a home feel well-maintained. Updating faded paint, repairing damaged siding, or replacing worn trim can significantly increase buyer interest while protecting your home from the mountain climate.
Replacing an outdated front door is one of the simplest projects with an impressive payoff. Steel or fiberglass doors improve energy efficiency while creating a welcoming entrance. Even a new paint job can work wonders. A fresh front door paired with updated hardware and lighting can transform the entire look of your home.
You don’t necessarily need a luxury kitchen renovation to increase your home’s value. Minor updates often provide a better return than complete remodels.
Bathrooms are another area buyers scrutinize closely. Even modest improvements can make a home feel newer.
Outdoor living is a major selling point in Asheville and Western N.C. Buyers are drawn to homes that embrace mountain living. Projects worth considering include expanding a deck, adding a covered porch, and installing attractive yet functional outdoor lighting.
Taking out an old garage door not only improves your home’s appearance, it can transform the space behind it. New garage doors improve insulation and security, especially valuable in mountain communities where garages can serve as storage and workshop space.
Energy-efficient homes that reduce utility costs are always a draw. In Asheville’s varied climate, efficiency improvements provide year-round comfort while adding value.
Hardwood flooring remains one of the most desirable features among Asheville homebuyers. Rather than replacing existing wood floors, refinishing them can dramatically improve appearance at a relatively low cost. If your home has carpet covering hardwoods, uncovering and restoring the original flooring may provide an even greater return.
Because Western N.C. is known for its natural beauty, thoughtfully landscaped yards help buyers envision enjoying the outdoors. Landscaping doesn’t have to be elaborate to make an impact.
Today’s buyers increasingly appreciate homes equipped with convenient technology. These features can help your home feel current without requiring major renovations. Affordable upgrades include such things as smart locks, lighting and thermostats; video doorbells; and integrated security systems.
A major renovation mistake is making improvements beyond what the neighborhood can support. An expensive renovation may not significantly increase resale value if nearby homes sell within a lower price range.
Before investing in major upgrades, it’s worth consulting with a local real estate professional who understands current buyer preferences and neighborhood pricing. The right improvements can help your home stand out while maximizing your return when it’s time to sell.
At Mosaic Community Lifestyle Realty, our agents understand what buyers are looking for throughout Asheville and Western North Carolina. We’re happy to help you identify which improvements are most likely to increase your home’s value based on your neighborhood, price point and current market conditions. For more information, please contact us at Info@MyMosaicRealty.com, or call us anytime at 828-707-9556.
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Mosaic Community Lifestyle Realty is honored to announce that our office at 46 Orchard St. in Asheville, N.C., has received a prestigious Griffin Award for Rehabilitation from the Preservation Society of Asheville and Buncombe County (PSABC).
Presented during the 46th Annual Griffin Awards on May 21, the award recognizes outstanding efforts to preserve and rehabilitate historic properties throughout Buncombe County. The Griffin Awards celebrate projects and individuals whose work demonstrates exceptional craftsmanship, respect for historic character and materials, and a meaningful contribution to the community.
Constructed in 1923, the building at 46 Orchard St. (just north of downtown Asheville) was originally a residence built for Harriet and Claude Edwards. In the early 20th century, the Edwards family operated several apartment units from the property; the building continued serving as apartments until the 1990s.
When Mosaic purchased the property, the team was excited by the opportunity to rehabilitate a centrally located building filled with architectural character and abundant natural light. “Since the end of the pandemic we had been looking for a bigger home for Mosaic to provide more space for our growing team and a greater sense of community,” says Mosaic building manager Rachel Figura, who coordinated the renovation. “46 Orchard had great bones, ample parking, energy efficiency upgrades, and tons of natural light, so we knew at once it was the right fit for us.”
Equally intriguing were some of its mysteries, including the dual front doors and an unusual floor plan. “We learned that 46 Orchard St. was built with dual front doors – one for the [Edwards] family, and one for the tenants housed upstairs,” says Figura. “We discovered that an upstairs open-air sleeping porch had originally been part of the back of the house, partially enclosed in the 1940s, and fully enclosed during the 1970s. Harriet’s father, Jethro Miller, was a local carpenter, so it’s not hard to imagine that he had a large role in the construction.”
The property had endured decades of deferred maintenance and required extensive rehabilitation work. The rehabilitation warranted careful attention to both historic preservation and modern functionality. For example, when the original siding proved too deteriorated to restore, the project team invested in custom-milled 10-inch German lap siding that precisely matched the profile of the original material.
Another major issue was preserving the foundation. “Our largest renovation challenge was leveling the first floor without damaging the original brick foundation,” says Figura. “Repairing the mortar in the foundation was no small feat and required bringing in sand from Virginia Beach to match the color.”
A priority during the renovation was retaining as much of the home’s historic details while bringing the property into the 21st century. “We prioritized keeping the original trim and upstairs floors, sourcing historic heart of pine narrow plank floorboards to repair a damaged area of the upstairs floor and making trim to match the existing one for some places it was missing,” says Figura. “We installed historic crystal doorknobs, drawer pulls, hinges and mother of pearl push button light switches. We were able to keep two existing built-ins including retrofitting the grain bin in the kitchen to be a regular cabinet.”
The Griffin Award recognizes the many talented professionals who contributed to the successful rehabilitation of 46 Orchard St. Honorees include Asheville Flooring LLC, Astralwerks Architectural Finishes, CJE Roofing and Exterior, Greg Podlesney, JAG Construction, Jonathan Cervantes, Kacia Jurdi, Michael and Rachel Figura, Mr. Rooter Plumbing, Ryan Morin of Luxgrain, Volt Electric USA, and Willis Home Improvements.
The Griffin Awards recognize excellence across several categories, including adaptive reuse, rehabilitation, restoration, preservation, stewardship, research, education and compatible infill construction within historic districts.
Curious to see Mosaic’s new office in person? We invite clients, neighbors and community members to stop by and experience this beautifully restored piece of Asheville history for themselves. And for more information on real estate in Asheville or Western N.C., please contact us at Info@MyMosaicRealty.com, or call us anytime at 828-707-9556.
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Understanding the Western North Carolina real estate market takes more than a quick look at statewide statistics. Each mountain community has its own unique mix of pricing trends, inventory levels, buyer demand and market conditions. That’s why [...]
Meet Dana Brook, Mosaic Community Lifestyle Realty’s newest agent! We’re thrilled to welcome Dana and the varied professional skills he brings to the table to make your real estate journey a smooth and enjoyable one. Mosaic’s Christie Kafka caught up with Dana in a recent [...]
Eager to experience some exciting events and community opportunities in Asheville and Western North Carolina this July? Following are just a few of the many happenings about town, suited to a range of interests and lifestyles, and supported and curated by Mosaic Realty brokers!
Shindig on the Green (throughout July) – Presented by the Folk Heritage Committee, Shindig on the Green returns for its 60th season this summer, bringing free Appalachian music and dance performances to downtown Asheville’s Pack Square Park. This beloved Asheville tradition features bluegrass bands, clog dancers, storytellers and informal jams. Mosaic Realty is proud to sponsor this longstanding community tradition. Dates begin in July, but June is the perfect time to mark your calendar and plan summer evenings downtown.
West Asheville Tailgate Market (throughout July) – The West Asheville Tailgate Market continues every Tuesday (3:30-6:30 p.m.) from spring through Christmas, offering fresh produce, artisan foods, flowers, handmade goods, live music and family activities. A weekly gathering place for locals and visitors alike, the tailgate market showcases Asheville’s thriving local food and maker scene. Mosaic Realty and Ren Fridell are proud co-sponsors of the market this season.
“40 Views for 40 Years” (now through September) – “40 Views for 40 Years” at The North Carolina Arboretum celebrates the beauty, history and artistic inspiration of the Arboretum through the eyes of those closest to this popular Western N.C. destination. The photography exhibit delves deep into many facets of the Arboretum, offering visitors a uniquely intimate experience. Mosaic Realty is proud to sponsor this exhibit during the Arboretum’s milestone anniversary year.
Art in Bloom at Black Mountain Center for the Arts (June and July) – Art in Bloom returns to the Black Mountain Center for the Arts during June and July, blending floral installations with visual art exhibitions in one of the region’s most vibrant arts communities. Enjoy two gallery exhibits, live floral arrangements, and a local garden tour featuring working artists; afterward, take time to soak in the charming sights of downtown Black Mountain. Mosaic Realty and Shane Peters are proud co-sponsors of this summer event.
Groovin’ on Grovemont (July and August) – Groovin’ on Grovemont returns this season, bringing live music to Grovemont Park in Swannanoa. This free outdoor concert series benefiting The Friends of the Swannanoa Library and the Swannanoa Community Council offers family-friendly fun with local bands and food vendors. Mosaic Realty and Casey Conner are co-sponsors of the series for 2026.
Asheville Tourists Baseball (throughout July) – Summer evenings cheering on the Asheville Tourists baseball team are a classic warm-weather tradition in Asheville. Come enjoy themed nights, fireworks and special events throughout the summer, set against the breathtaking backdrop of historic McCormick Field.
Fourth of July Powwow (July 3-5) – This vibrant celebration in Cherokee, N.C., brings to life tradition and culture to honor indigenous heritage with lively dance performances and colorful regalia. Hosted within the Qualla Boundary of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, this annual event showcases performers’ skills in traditional competitions, storytelling, craft demonstrations and authentic cuisine.
Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands (July 16-19) – Held at Harrah's Cherokee Center in downtown Asheville, this celebration of Appalachian tradition and creativity features more than 100 juried regional artists across 12 media, including clay, fiber, leather and wood. Enjoy live demonstrations, hands-on craft education and the opportunity to shop handmade and meet the makers.
We hope to see you out in the community enjoying some of these exciting events! For information about lifestyles or real estate in Western N.C., please contact us at Info@MyMosaicRealty.com, or call us anytime at 828-707-9556.
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See The North Carolina Arboretum from the viewpoint of those most familiar with it!
From May 23 through Sept. 12 in the Baker Exhibit Hall, “The Arb in Focus: 40 Views for 40 Years” will offer visitors a uniquely candid view of the famed gardens through intimate images. Mosaic Community Lifestyle Realty, a longtime supporter of the [...]
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