If you’re gearing up for a move, keeping the environment in mind is easier than you might think. The Asheville area offers plenty of resources for a green move, making the impactful life change less impactful on the environment.

Moving containers

Little things like opting for eco-friendly moving containers and supplies can cut back on [...]

Mosaic Community Lifestyle Realty’s new responsive website was just ranked among the top 10 best mobile realty sites in the nation, according to REAL Trends’ annual review. With catered landing pages, one-click quick searches, and simple account creation to make the search process easy, especially on a mobile device, www.mymosaicrealty.com is the one-stop destination for clients looking to buy or sell property in Asheville and surrounding Western N.C.

REAL Trends – a trusted source of news, analysis and information on the residential brokerage industry since 1987 – examined sites from across the country to determine its annual rankings. The idea of responsive Web design is to make websites that easily adjust to fit multiple screen sizes, from desktop computers to mobile devices. Fluid layouts, flexible images and individually catered landing pages are the three technical factors for responsive Web design.

Seeking to streamline the real estate experience, Mosaic created its new responsive website using the same strategies it implements to help its clients: listening to customer needs and taking action on their feedback. People most often start their home searches online. As a shift to mobile phone use grows, the importance of responsive Web design is greater than ever. 

Accessing www.mymosaicrealty.com on a mobile device reveals a user-friendly experience, with large tabs, streamlined menus, and simple forms for creating personalized searches. Mosaic’s mobile site also offers homebuyers easy-to-use quick searches by listings, neighborhoods, lifestyles and price. Users can dig deeper, with quick links to advanced search options like green builds, newly listed or featured properties, and affordable homes. And with a click of a button, potential clients can go beyond real estate listings to learn all about life in Asheville and the surrounding areas.

For more information about real estate in the Asheville area and Western N.C., contact us at Info@MyMosaicRealty.com, or call us anytime at 828-707-9556.

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As more of the U.S. population settles into working remotely, real estate migration patterns are shifting. So-called “Zoom Towns” – places that boast urban amenities, access to nature, and a lower cost of living than larger cities – are experiencing an influx of interest. Asheville is one such town, as many people from major metropolitan areas who can now work remotely consider the popular Western N.C. mountain destination as a place to call home.

A pandemic-prompted work shift

After the coronavirus pandemic sent many American workers into remote-only mode, one survey by MIT researchers estimated the share of virtual workers in the U.S. quadrupled to nearly 50% of the workforce. An Upwork Future Workforce Report, which polled 1,500 hiring managers, found that 56% of hiring managers felt the shift had “gone better than expected,” with more than 60% noting their employees will be working remotely moving forward. 

Remote employment is also spurring homeowners to take a closer look at workspace possibilities in their potential home. Factors that best support remote working situations, such as Internet connectivity, home size and affordability, and urban amenities, place many Southern cities, including Asheville, in a desirable position.

Low interest rates

At the same time that migration patterns are accelerating interest in Asheville, low interest rates are driving buyers who have been waiting for just the right moment to make a move. 

According to Freddie Mac, September logged the lowest rates ever, with an average 30-year fixed rate of 2.86%. Rates aren’t expected to rise much anytime soon either: A survey by the Mortgage Reports of Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and the Mortgage Bankers Association found the 30-year fixed rate mortgage is likely to average 3.18% through 2020. 

Asheville home sales

Recent home sales in Asheville lend validity to the “Zoom Town” migratory trend. During the third quarter, home sales in Asheville showed a strong uptick, with 457 home sales in the city and 952 home sales in Buncombe County.  The county had the highest number of home sales per quarter by 16%, and the city had its second-highest quarterly home sales.  This was a sharp departure from the second quarter, where there were fewer sales happening because of the initial COVID-related slowdown in both demand and supply.

If you’re interested in relocating to the Asheville area or Western N.C., or listing your Asheville-area property, contact us at Info@MyMosaicRealty.com, or call us anytime at 828-707-9556.

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Read More: Regional Market Analysis

From a quaint Main Street to ideal proximity to outdoor adventures, Marshall, N.C., is home to a range of rich experiences. A short 28-minute drive from Asheville, this idyllic town in Madison County, with easy access to trails along the French Broad River, features a downtown lined with historic buildings, including a century-old [...]

Waynesville, Haywood County's biggest town with about 10,000 residents, has been a favorite North Carolina mountain retreat since the early 1800s. The reasons for its popularity back then – cool, clean air and water and spectacular scenery – still exist today, but add to its modern allure a quaint, urban charm, a walkable shopping district, a vibrant farm-to-table restaurant and craft beer scene, and amazing proximity to exhilarating outdoor activities.

Waynesville sits about 25 miles west of Asheville, off of I-40, between the Great Smoky Mountains and the Blue Ridge Mountains. The town of Waynesville was founded in 1810 by Colonel Robert Love, a Revolutionary War soldier. He donated land for the courthouse, jail and public square, and named the town after his former commander in the war, General “Mad” Anthony Wayne. Waynesville boasts a number of historic places, including the Boone-Withers House, the Haywood County Courthouse, the Dr. J. Howell Way House and the Masonic Hall, among many others.

Home styles in Waynesville run the gamut, from rustic log cabins to majestic mansions to compact townhomes. Many properties come with plenty of acreage ideal for spreading out and soaking in the beauty of Waynesville’s natural surroundings. Waynesville is part of the Haywood County Schools system. Residents also have access to a handful of private parochial schools.

Downtown destinations

Downtown Waynesville's restored historic buildings and brick sidewalks are the perfect backdrop for browsing the town’s many specialty stores, galleries and antique shops. And when you’re ready for a bite (or a beverage), there is no shortage of restaurants, coffee shops and breweries. There is plenty of free parking along Wall Street (parallel to Main Street).

Waynesville is home to a number of annual festivals: Folkmoot U.S.A. (July) is a 10-day celebration of world dance and music with performers from around the globe. Church Street Art & Craft Show (October), a popular juried art show, also features mountain music, clogging, entertainment and food. Apple Harvest Festival (October) celebrates all things apple – think cider, fried pies and donuts – and showcases mountain music, dance, craft and demo booths. 

Nearby outdoor adventures

Maggie Valley, just 8 miles from Waynesville, is home to lots of fun winter destinations, including Cataloochee Ski Area and Tube World. Lake Junaluska, just 3 miles away, offers the perfect spot to spend a Saturday. There are 13 peaks above 6,000 feet in Haywood County, including the famed Cold Mountain. Take a scenic drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway to waterfalls, hikes and camping destinations. The Pigeon River section of the Great Smoky Mountains is home to plenty of outdoor adventures, including ziplining and whitewater rafting. 

Waynesville NC real estate

For these many reasons, you can see how Waynesville makes for a lovely place to live. For more information about real estate in Waynesville, or anywhere in the Asheville area, contact us at Info@MyMosaicRealty.com, or call us anytime at 828-707-9556.

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As people around the country consider relocating to areas with more space and less density, Asheville continues to attract attention as the ideal balance of city and country. Thinking of making a move to Asheville, but wondering about employment and business opportunities? The Asheville area is lucky to have both low unemployment and strong [...]

Asheville is an enjoyable place for every member of your family – including the four-legged ones. Dog-friendly restaurants, hikes and parks abound in and around town, promising that your furry pals can join in on all the non-stop fun Asheville has to offer. And with a growing number of restaurants and other establishments shifting to [...]

Since “social distancing” entered our everyday lexicon in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, finding ways to hang out with small groups of friends in a safe setting has required new, creative outlets. The warmth of Asheville’s summer lent itself to outdoor, spaced and small gatherings (widely accepted to be the best way to see friends and family without spreading the coronavirus). As the chill of fall in Western North Carolina sets in, continuing outdoor meet-ups and hang-outs is still possible. Here are some ideas for fall fun with family and friends while still social distancing.

Fired up – Patio firepits offer an ideal focal point for small outdoor get-togethers. Besides providing warmth, they can do double-duty as a cooking source: Think s’mores on a stick or roasted hotdogs or kabobs on a skewer. Once the fire dies down and you’re left with hot coals, you can treat everyone to a campfire-foil “meal” (chopped veggies and a protein combined in a single-serve packet, placed in the coals – never the fire); this can also work on a grill, and eliminates the need for clean-up or shared serving dishes.

Hot spot – When the temperatures drop, turn your backyard into a cozy outdoor “living room.” Heated blankets and portable space heaters can keep your guests toasty while you socialize under the stars. Or shift hang-outs to the afternoon, while the sun is out and has had a chance to warm things up. 

Garage bond – If you have a spacious garage, roll up the doors, move out the cars and set up some spaced-apart seating for a socializing spot that’s protected from the elements. Also consider carports, covered patios and screened-in decks for small gatherings that can stay safely outdoors.

Heightened activity – Even though hiking in the mountains is often associated with warm weather, the activity can be enjoyed year-round. Bundle up and meet friends on the trails for a fun way to socialize and get in some blood-pumping exercise. While the Blue Ridge Parkway closes in the colder months, there are still plenty of spots in Western N.C. to hike year-round. Pack a thermos of hot chocolate or savory soup to warm up while you take in the splendor of iced-over foliage, crisp long-range views, and clean, invigorating air. Bonus: Hiking hotspots tend to thin out during the colder, less-busy seasons, which means locals can take advantage of the open spaces to social distance while still enjoying the company of friends.

Happy trails – Asheville is replete with in-town greenways and trails, which means you can enjoy a social stroll or bike ride almost anytime. Take a group mountain bike ride (which naturally lends itself to social distancing!), either in town or a short drive away at one of the popular trails in DuPont State Forest or Pisgah National Forest. 

Eat, drink and be merry – safely – Breweries and restaurants around Asheville have gotten creative since the start of the pandemic, setting up outdoor dining areas, offering touchless ordering, limiting numbers in a group, and taking extra cleaning and safety precautions to stop the spread of coronavirus. As the weather shifts, breweries and eateries continue to offer outdoor seating options, adding heat lamps and space heaters to keep customers warm. So grab your coat and head out for a brew and a bite with friends.

To learn about Real Estate in Asheville, contact us at Info@MyMosaicRealty.com, or call anytime at 828-707-9556.

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A quintessential small town nestled amid stunning scenery, Sylva sits an hour southwest of Asheville in the Great Smoky Mountains. Sylva’s Main Street is a popular downtown destination, packed with restaurants, specialty shops, galleries, bookstores and breweries. It’s the perfect spot to stroll tree-lined streets, and take in the crisp fall [...]

Apple-picking around Western North Carolina is a favorite fall pastime, and everything that comes with an outing to an orchard – think corn mazes, hay rides, and chowing down on warm apple fritters – is what makes autumn in [...]