What determines a good location differs from client to client. In my experience, especially prior to 2020, a good location was often associated with a place of importance in the client’s life, perhaps the kids’ school, one’s work or one’s church. By taking that fixed point (school, work, church, etc.) and creating a 15-20-minute-drive parameter, clients often settled on their preferred location. 

In the past, most of my business was in Watauga County or Southern Ashe County because of a client’s new employment at the hospital, university, Samaritan’s Purse, etc- these locations best suited my buyers, in general. However, this year, I’ve shown and sold property in Miller’s Creek, Alleghany County (where you can have a river and mountain view), North Wilkesboro, the backroads between Blowing Rock and Lenoir, Crossnore, and the corners of Ashe, Avery, and Watauga Counties. This has provided me with educational opportunities as real estate process protocols differ in these broader circles. 

When inventory is low, as it is now, and a buyer doesn’t have the ability to pay above the listing price to compete with other buyers, they might compromise their first location criteria by changing schools or finding a new place of worship or by stretching their preferred travel times thereby enlarging the circle of their preferred location. I’ve seen a lot of this in 2021 and 2022.

Over the past couple of years, in an active and dynamic market, I’ve watched clients reevaluate the possibilities, adjust visions of their future, and explore new possibilities. I’ve seen them face disappointments, surrender dreams, and create new dreams. I’ve admired the grit and determination they employed to make home ownership possible. 

Here’s to enlarging the borders, learning new territories, courageous buyers that are willing to create their own “norm”, and agents to make it work.