By Wes and Cathy Cleary
With the holiday season upon us, we naturally reminisce about moments and experiences with family, friends, and particularly those loved ones who are no longer with us. After literally two years of controlled chaos in the real estate industry, we also feel an enormous sense of gratitude for those who’ve given us the opportunity to serve their needs. One of the many reasons we love being in this business is we get to know and become friends with wonderful people! While some move away, others are moving in with so much to discover and explore. It’s an exciting and fulfilling process to see unfold, especially as this is how our North Carolina tradition began.
Like so many, we used to vacation here with our kids when they were babies. All the vegetation, bugs, and rocks were so captivating to our “Florida Grown” kids. Hiking with Cole & Brooke in backpack carriers, camping, roasting marshmallows, catching fish, and playing in the rivers and lakes was just good honest healthy fun, leading us to eventually make Lake Lure our hometown. Of course, this is just part of the story & how we’ve defined “Luxury” for our family. We recognize this term means something different for others, it’s unique to the individual and is simply an experience that brings contentment and joy. Whether this means living here full-time, seasonally, or vacationing in a tiny house or mansion, Lake Lure and the surrounding areas of Western North Carolina offer an abundance of options for buyers and sellers to find their version of “Luxury”.
While the Asheville region hit a second month of slower sales, Rutherford County’s sales rose 21.6 percent year-over-year, and new listing activity rose 13.8 percent, according to a recent report from Canopy MLS. The Asheville region includes Burke, Buncombe, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Swain, Transylvania and Yancey counties. In Lake Lure & Chimney Rock, closed transactions for Single Family Homes, Condos, & Townhouses are outpacing 2020 by 5% with 12 additional sales, and Lots/Land sales are up by 82 closings.
More options coming on the market is good news for buyers. Sellers remain in a favorable position as new listings are not keeping pace with sales. There continues to be solid demand, and we expect the winter months should prove to be a productive end to the year. So, while sitting on our back deck, overlooking the rockface of Rumbling Bald Mountain, we’ll count our blessings, soak in the sounds of nature, and share a toast in honor of those who have been part of our lives, and also to those we have yet to meet. Cheers to you all and best wishes for a safe, happy, and healthy holiday season!
Wes and Cathy Cleary of Team Cleary Real Estate, Inc. are full-service licensed NC & SC Realtors® who live in Lake Lure. TeamClearyWNC@gmail.com; call 828-785-2115 for Wes or 828-808-6790 for Cathy; www.TeamCleary.com
