The disconnect between national real estate headlines and local market realities takes center stage in this illuminating podcast. While media reports focus on rising interest rates and cooling demand, Henderson County's housing market tells a remarkably different story – one of resilience, continued growth, and strategic opportunity.

Greg shares compelling local data revealing that Henderson County has actually seen more homes sold this year than during the same period last year – 42 more properties have changed hands despite the supposedly challenging market conditions. This strength persists even as mortgage rates have climbed from 2.98% in 2021 to current levels around 6.81%.

What explains this contradiction? For one, approximately one-third of Henderson County home purchases are cash transactions, creating a significant buffer against interest rate fluctuations. Additionally, persistently low inventory levels (just 498 active single-family listings) continue to maintain healthy demand-supply dynamics that support stable pricing. While the median days on market has increased from 21 to 33 days year-over-year, today's pace still represents historically strong activity.

Beyond the numbers, Greg shares powerful insights about focusing on what matters most – your specific circumstances rather than national headlines. Drawing inspiration from Michael Phelps' Olympic comeback story, he illustrates how success comes not from worrying about competitors but from concentrating on your own lane and goals. This mindset proves particularly relevant for navigating today's evolving real estate landscape.

The podcast also explores fascinating opportunities in real estate wealth transfer, with baby boomers currently in the midst of transferring $53 trillion in wealth, of which $19 trillion is tied to real estate. For those considering strategic planning, innovative approaches to real estate gifts can create powerful legacy options while providing significant tax advantages.

Whether you're curious about your home's current value, considering a move despite higher interest rates, or planning longer-term real estate strategies, this episode offers clear-eyed analysis and practical wisdom. Connect with the George Real Estate Group at 828-393-0134 to discuss your unique situation and discover the possibilities that exist beyond the headlines.

Margit Nelson's remarkable journey from Head Start parent to heroic community leader takes center stage in this heartwarming episode of the George Real Estate Group's Hometown Hero Series. After finding quality early childhood education for her own three children through Head Start, Margit transformed that personal experience into an 18-year career with Western North Carolina Source, where she now serves as procurement and operations manager.

When Hurricane Helene devastated parts of Western North Carolina, Margit's dedication to her community truly shined. Through her pivotal role at WNC Source—a vital nonprofit serving Henderson, Polk, Transylvania, and Rutherford counties—she helped coordinate an impressive emergency response. Working alongside leadership teams and community partners, Margit helped mobilize critical resources including food, water, clothing, and emergency support for families and staff affected by the disaster.

The episode also reveals the broader impact of WNC Source across the region. With 235 employees continuing a legacy that began in 1966, the organization provides comprehensive services including Head Start and Early Head Start programs serving over 400 children, public transportation in Henderson County, housing assistance programs, and nutrition services for older adults. Despite severe flooding at their Etowah Center during the hurricane, the organization continues moving forward with plans to reopen the facility by August while simultaneously expanding services elsewhere, including a new Early Head Start center in Columbus serving 24 children.

Noah George also shares valuable insights into Henderson County's resilient real estate market, noting a surprising 7% increase in home sales during the first quarter despite national downturns. With average home prices holding steady around $544K and approximately 126 single-family homes selling monthly, the local market demonstrates remarkable stability even amid challenging times. Want to learn more about local real estate opportunities or nominate a deserving Hometown Hero? Contact the George Real Estate Group at 828-393-0134 or visit realestatebygregcom to connect with this community-focused team today.

Ever wonder why national real estate headlines don't match what you're seeing locally? This eye-opening episode dives deep into Western North Carolina's resilient housing market, revealing how Henderson County defied national trends with a 7% increase in first-quarter sales while the broader market declined.

We break down the real numbers behind today's market: Henderson County's limited 3.8-month inventory supply, Buncombe County's higher $676,000 average home price, and Transylvania County's surprising luxury market strength with more $2 million+ sales than you might expect. These neighboring communities tell a fascinating story of micromarket variations that smart buyers and sellers need to understand.

The episode highlights North Carolina's remarkable 72% home price appreciation over the last five years, substantially outpacing the national average of 57%. This growth means the average homeowner now sits on approximately $311,000 in equity - wealth that can be leveraged for downsizing, upgrading, renovations, or even funding new life adventures.

For buyers concerned about today's interest rate environment, we offer a fresh perspective worth considering: the tradeoff between yesterday's lower rates with frenzied bidding wars versus today's higher rates with more negotiating power. Would you rather pay $100,000 over asking with a low rate or get $100,000 off with a higher rate? This nuanced discussion challenges conventional thinking about "waiting for the perfect time" to enter the market.

Looking ahead, housing experts consistently project continued appreciation through at least 2029, creating compelling financial arguments for homeownership versus renting. A $400,000 home purchased today could gain nearly $80,000 in value by 2030 - while renters paying $1,500 monthly would spend $90,000 with nothing to show for it. That's a potential $170,000 wealth difference over just five years.

Ready to explore your options in today's market? Whether you're considering buying before selling, selling before buying, or simply want to understand what your home is worth in today's environment, we're here to provide clarity and guidance tailored to your unique situation.

What happens when a school teacher's concern for her students transforms into a mission to ensure every child has a safe, warm place to sleep? In this heartwarming episode, we delve into the remarkable story of Sleep Tight Kids, a nonprofit organization that's become a lifeline for children and families across Western North Carolina.

Founder Jill Schwartzkopf shares how a literal dream became reality when she established Sleep Tight Kids in 2009 after noticing students coming to class cold, tired, and without basic necessities. What began as collecting blankets and comfort items has evolved dramatically, especially in the wake of Hurricane Helene. Today, the organization delivers approximately 15 beds weekly to families rebuilding their lives, many whose children have been sleeping on floors for months.

The conversation reveals the often-overlooked challenges families face during disaster recovery. While homes may be repaired, starting over without beds, linens, and basic household items creates another layer of hardship, particularly for children. Sleep Tight Kids fills this crucial gap with a 100% volunteer-operated model serving 14 counties.

Between heartfelt stories of impact, we also explore the resilient local real estate market. Henderson County continues showing balanced activity with 53 new listings and 55 homes under contract in just the past week, demonstrating healthy demand despite interest rate concerns.

The episode highlights an upcoming community event at Village Pub in Biltmore Village and opportunities to support Sleep Tight Kids through donations and raffle tickets. For listeners touched by this story of neighbors helping neighbors, visit sleeptightkids.org to learn how you can contribute to ensuring every child has a comfortable place to sleep tonight.

Kat Carlton stepped into her role as Executive Director of United Way of Henderson County on October 1st—just days after Hurricane Helene devastated the region on September 27th. What followed was an extraordinary demonstration of leadership, community mobilization, and innovative problem-solving that helped Henderson County navigate its darkest hours.

"We didn't have power and internet at our office for a month," Kat explains in this powerful conversation. Yet despite these fundamental challenges, she and her team created manual systems that kept vital information flowing. They established physical routes to deliver updates to fire stations throughout the county, launched a landing page for nonprofits to coordinate resources, and—perhaps most remarkably—mobilized over 1,000 volunteers in just the first month after the disaster.

The conversation reveals the evolution from emergency response to long-term recovery through the Disaster Recovery Partnership, which now unites over 50 organizations working collaboratively to rebuild Henderson County. This partnership, fiscally sponsored by United Way, creates a streamlined experience for residents seeking help while preventing duplication of services—a crucial efficiency when resources are stretched thin.

What shines brightest throughout Kat's story is the spirit of her community. "Neighbors helping neighbors is really the core of our community," she reflects, noting how consistently people asked one simple question: "How can I help?" United Way's role in creating structured pathways for that generosity demonstrates why organized humanitarian response matters in crisis situations. As Kat emphasizes, the recovery work continues as a marathon, not a sprint, with their Days of Caring events in May already attracting hundreds of eager volunteers.

Want to support Henderson County's ongoing hurricane recovery? Visit liveunitedhc.org to donate, volunteer, or access resources if you've been affected by the disaster.

The real estate landscape in Henderson County reveals fascinating contrasts as we navigate 2025's market realities. Despite mortgage rates hovering at 6.81%, one in three homes still sell for cash, underscoring the resilience of local demand. Contrary to alarming headlines, the market isn't crashing—it's evolving in response to historically low inventory levels.

What grabbed my attention was the striking parallel between 2024 and 2008: both years saw approximately 4 million homes sold nationwide. But today's market couldn't be more different. While 2008's numbers reflected distressed sales (nearly 40% of transactions), current figures stem from limited inventory rather than economic distress. With only 1.15 million homes available nationally—well below the historical average of 1.98 million—prices remain relatively stable despite slower sales activity.

Henderson County's weekly snapshot tells the story clearly: 56 new listings balanced against 57 new contracts and 50 price adjustments. This pattern indicates a healthy, balanced market where properly priced homes still attract multiple offers. The average single-family home price has softened slightly from its peak but remains strong at $5.43 million, showcasing the enduring appeal of our region compared to neighboring Buncombe County where average prices exceed $674,000.

For sellers, pricing strategy has never been more critical. Homes priced right from the start continue to generate competitive bidding, while overpriced properties face extended market times and eventual reductions. For buyers, despite higher financing costs, the age-old wisdom holds true: "Don't wait to buy real estate; buy real estate and wait." With its proven track record as an inflation hedge and wealth-building vehicle, property ownership continues to offer stability in an uncertain world.

Whether you're responding to life changes, considering investment opportunities, or evaluating career options in real estate, we're here to provide clarity amid the noise. The sky isn't falling—it's just changing colors. What real estate moves make sense for your unique situation?

Western North Carolina's real estate market remains steady despite economic fluctuations, with the George Real Estate Group reporting 54 new listings and 47 homes under contract in Henderson County within just the past week. These statistics reaffirm that regardless of market conditions, real estate transactions continue to happen around life's inevitable transitions.

Special guest Phillip Trees, a top agent with the firm and community fixture, brings a unique perspective from his decades of local involvement. From his family's purchase of the iconic Alley Cat restaurant in the 1970s to his leadership at Feed and Seed—a century-old building housing both church services and a beloved bluegrass music venue—Phillip's deep community connections mirror the relationship-focused approach of the George Real Estate Group.

The upcoming "To Helene and Back" benefit concert scheduled for April 20th at 7pm marks six months since Hurricane Helene devastated the region. This event, featuring the renowned Sons of Ralph band, demonstrates how community members continue supporting neighbors in need long after initial recovery efforts fade. As Phillip notes, "People tend to forget" after the initial outpouring of support, making these ongoing fundraising efforts vital for sustained recovery.

Market analysis reveals fascinating trends: first-quarter home sales increased 7.6% compared to last year, new listings rose 12%, while days on market extended by 21%. The average single-family home price in Henderson County currently sits at $544,000—a slight decrease from previous peaks but still indicating a robust market.

Phillip shares a powerful parallel between his recent backcountry skiing adventure and navigating real estate transactions: both require guidance, perseverance, and the willingness to face challenges step by step. As Phillip reflected, "If you want to go fast, go alone, but if you want to go further, go with someone."

Whether you're buying your first home, selling a property, or exploring investment opportunities, the George Real Estate Group brings over 100 years of combined experience to serve as your guide. Reach out at 828-393-0134 or visit realestatebygregcom to discover how their expertise can help you navigate your next real estate journey.

Scott Burnette never expected to be fighting a fire at his own fire station. After 36 years in firefighting, the Interim Chief of Mills River Fire Department faced this surreal scenario in January 2024 when their substation burned down - just months after Hurricane Helene devastated western North Carolina.

"When you're fighting your own house fire, like our firefighters did that night, it's very emotional and very impactful," Burnette explains, reflecting on the loss of the station built on land donated by a founding member's family. Despite this setback, plans are already underway to rebuild on the same site, with construction expected to begin this summer and completion within 12-18 months.

The conversation reveals how Burnette's entire career stemmed from a childhood experience when the fire department saved his family home from a wildland fire. Walking through the damaged woods with a junior firefighter friend who simply said, "you should join us," launched a lifelong commitment to protecting others. Now leading a department of 73 members (5 full-time, 68 volunteers), Burnette warns that Hurricane Helene's aftermath creates significant wildfire dangers that will persist for 3-5 years due to downed trees and debris.

This powerful episode highlights both the challenges faced by rural fire departments and the extraordinary resilience of first responders who continue serving their communities through multiple disasters. Whether responding to medical emergencies, rescues, hazardous materials incidents, or educating the public, Mills River's firefighters exemplify what it means to be hometown heroes. For those inspired by their story, Burnette offers encouragement to consider the fire service: "It's the best job in the world," with opportunities for training, education, and meaningful community impact available to people of all ages.