July 2025 Market Report for the NC High Country
The July 2025 MLS REPORT reveals the latest trends for the High Country real estate market, covering Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, and Watauga counties. This month, there were 182 closed sales for single-family homes, condos, and townhouses—totaling $114.3 million in sales volume. The median sales price across all counties came in at $515,000, showing strong buyer activity in premium markets.
National Market Snapshot
Nationwide, housing inventory in June was up 16% year-over-year, giving buyers more choices than they’ve had in years. Since COVID, the U.S. economy has added 7 million jobs, yet home sales remain near 30-year lows. According to the National Association of Realtors, contract signings fell 0.8% in June and are 2.8% lower than a year ago.
While pending sales have slowed, economists believe buyer demand will rebound as inventory continues to grow. Despite slower transactions, home prices are still climbing and many homeowners are seeing record-high equity gains.
Inventory Trends in July 2025
- Residential: Across all four counties, there were 1,136 active listings for single-family and condo/townhouse properties, with 317 new listings added in July. This represents a 6.2 months’ supply of inventory.
- Land: There were 49 land sales with a median price of $98,000, up 50.8% from June. Active inventory reached 1,391 listings, with 159 new listings—a 28.5 months’ supply.
- Commercial: The MLS reported 46 active commercial listings, slightly down from June. Three commercial sales closed in July—all in Ashe County—totaling $885,000.
County-by-County Highlights
Alleghany County
- Residential: 10 closings (down 33.3% from June), median price $397,500 (+3.2%).
- Inventory: 90 active listings, 24 new listings.
- Land: 5 sales, median price $250,000; 242 active listings, 7 new.
Ashe County
- Residential: 34 closings (+3% from June), median price $385,000 (+15.6%).
- Inventory: 205 active listings, 64 new (-15.8%).
- Land: 23 closings, median price $95,000; 349 active listings, 52 new (-5.5%).
Avery County
- Residential: 44 closings (+63%), median price $450,000 (+28.6%).
- Inventory: 356 active listings, 80 new (-8%).
- Land: 8 closings (+166.7%), median price $102,500 (+17.8%); 322 active listings, 41 new.
Watauga County
- Residential: 94 closings (+11.9%), median price $564,500 (-12.5%).
- Inventory: 485 active listings, 149 new (-9.7%).
- Land: 13 closings (-38.1%), median price $115,000 (+21.1%); 485 active listings, 59 new.
What This Means for Buyers & Sellers
- Buyers: With inventory on the rise, now is a good time to explore more options and negotiate favorable terms—especially in Alleghany and Ashe counties, where pricing remains competitive.
- Sellers: Premium properties continue to attract strong offers, especially in Avery and Watauga counties. Strategic pricing and professional marketing are key to standing out.
Work with a High Country Real Estate Expert
Understanding the market is the first step to making the right move. Whether you’re buying a mountain home, selling a property, or investing in land, working with a knowledgeable local Realtor® ensures you have expert guidance in a changing market.
About Lori Eastridge
Working with a local real estate professional is crucial when buying or selling your home. If you’re looking for a seasoned Realtor® in North Carolina’s high country, go no further than Lori Eastridge, Realtor®/Broker of NC High Country Real Estate, powered by Realty One Group Select. As a Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist™ (CLHMS) epitomizes the pinnacle of professionalism in the high-end real estate market, offering unparalleled expertise and knowledge in luxury properties. This prestigious certification is a testament to an agent’s exceptional skills in marketing, negotiating, and selling upscale homes, ensuring that they can meet and exceed the unique needs of affluent buyers and sellers. A CLHMS has access to exclusive market insights and a global network, enabling them to effectively target and attract the right audience for luxury listings. By choosing a Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist™, clients can rest assured that their high-value real estate transactions are handled with the utmost care, precision, and effectiveness, leading to successful outcomes that align with their refined lifestyles and aspirations.
Lori has an in-depth familiarity with the market and surrounding areas, a tailored marketing plan second to none, allowing her to help you sell your home with low stress and at the best possible price. Lori supports buyers and sellers by giving them the best professional advice and will get to the closing table with ease. Lori’s commitment to ensuring her clients are happy and well educated shines through in the individualized service she provides.
Because of Lori’s many connections in the high country, she is able to offer full-service assistance to her clients at every stage of the home-selling and home-buying process. Lori is fully invested in your success throughout the entire process, from the first call or meeting to negotiation and closing. Lori’s attention to detail and client satisfaction are her primary goals and what set her apart from other real estate professionals. She strives to exceed client expectations. Get in touch with Lori today at 828.773.2080.
