High Country Real Estate Sales Report February 2025
Spring is right around the corner, and as we transition from the winter months, it’s important to take a close look at how the real estate market is shaping up in our beautiful High Country. February 2025 brought a mix of challenges and opportunities, with fluctuating sales, increasing inventory, and shifting buyer behavior. Here’s a closer look at the latest market trends in Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, and Watauga counties.
High Country Market Overview
The High Country real estate market saw a 17.2% decrease in sales compared to February 2024, with a total of 101 closed transactions on single-family homes and condo/townhouse properties. While sales volume declined, inventory rose by 7.1%, giving buyers more choices as they navigate the market. February 2025’s total closed sales amounted to $61.2 million, down from $81.8 million in February 2024. Weather conditions, including wind and ice, may have played a role in the slowed pace of sales. However, the median sales price climbed to $470,000, a 17.6% increase from the previous year.
National Market Trends
According to the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), housing affordability continues to be a challenge due to elevated mortgage rates and increasing home prices. Existing-home sales dipped 5% in January 2025 compared to December 2024. NAR’s Chief Economist, Lawrence Yun, noted that while the Federal Reserve has implemented several short-term rate cuts, mortgage rates remain stubbornly high. Nationally, the median existing home sales price rose to $396,900, a 5% increase from last year, reinforcing the trend of rising home values across the country.
High Country Inventory Snapshot
Residential Listings:
The four counties saw 555 active residential listings in February 2025, with 174 new listings hitting the market. This represents a 5.5-month supply of inventory, a 29.2% increase compared to February 2024.
Land Listings:
The High Country had 1,249 active land listings in February, with a 27.2-month supply, a 45.7% increase from February 2024. Land sales for the month totaled $6.5 million.
Commercial Listings:
There were 35 active commercial properties listed in the High Country MLS in February. Three commercial sales closed during the month, totaling $2.7 million.
County-Specific Market Highlights Alleghany County
Alleghany County recorded 12 residential sales, with a median price of $357,500, a 19.2% increase from last year. The county had 5 land sales, with a median price of $87,500.
Ashe County had 24 residential sales, with a median price of $393,750, reflecting a 1.3% decrease from February 2024. The county also reported 13 land sales, with a median price of $56,550.
Avery County saw 28 residential sales, with a median price of $434,000, a 37.1% increase from last year. The county recorded 10 land sales, with a median price of $85,000, up 13% from February 2024.
Watauga County led in residential sales, with 37 homes sold at a median price of $594,000, a 41.4% increase from last year. The county had 17 land sales, with a median price of $60,000, a 36.8% decrease from February 2024.
What This Means for Buyers & Sellers
For Sellers: Rising median sales prices indicate a strong demand for well-priced homes, especially in Watauga and Avery counties. With increased inventory, strategic pricing and expert marketing are crucial to standing out in a competitive market.
For Buyers: Higher inventory levels create more opportunities, particularly in the land market. While mortgage rates remain a challenge, working with a local expert like Lori Eastridge can help navigate the complexities of financing and negotiations.
Disclaimer: Figures are based on the High Country Multiple Listing Service information. Data is for informational purposes only and may not be accurate due to MLS reporting processes. This data reflects a specific point in time and cannot be used in perpetuity due to the fluctuating nature of markets.
Report graphics generated from Domus Analytics pulled from the HCAR Web API feed. HCAR Realtor® members can access these detailed and customizable reports and graphics for professional use by logging into the HCAR dashboard. A public graphic is available on our website homepage at highcountryrealtors.org.
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.
