Samantha Marsh - Howard Hanna Beverly-Hanks Real Estate Broker

Samantha Marsh - Howard Hanna Beverly-Hanks Real Estate Broker šŸ”‘ Asheville REALTORĀ®
šŸ”Helping you buy, sell & thrive in Western NC
šŸ“²803-429-6738
šŸ’»Ready to make your move? Text or DM me. Let’s make a plan.

09/12/2026

If you’ve looked at the same listing 17 times… šŸ‘€

That might be your sign to stop scrolling and go see it.

Sometimes you can’t tell if a home is the one from photos, a floor plan, and a 3D tour. You need to walk through it, stand in the kitchen, check out the backyard, and see how it actually feels.

And if it’s not the one? That’s okay, too. At least you’ll know.

If there’s a home in the Asheville area you keep coming back to, send it my way. I’ll help you take the next step — no pressure, no obligation. šŸ”

09/09/2026



Ask an Asheville Realtor #10: "What exactly does a home inspector look for?"

If you've never bought a home before, you might imagine the inspector walking around with a flashlight saying:

ā€œYep. Looks good.ā€ šŸ˜‚

There's actually a LOT more to it.

A home inspection is a detailed look at the home's major systems and components, including things like:
šŸ  Roof and attic
šŸ’§ Plumbing
⚔ Electrical systems
šŸ”„ HVAC
🧱 Foundation and structure
🚪 Windows and doors
šŸŒ§ļø Drainage and water intrusion
🌲 Exterior conditions

…and plenty of other things you probably don't think about during a normal showing.

But here's something important:

A home inspection isn't a pass/fail test.

Older homes are going to have older-home issues. New construction can have issues too. No house is perfect.

The purpose of an inspection is to help you understand:
What am I buying?
What needs attention now?
What might need attention later?
And what could potentially be a significant expense?

And in Western North Carolina, there can be some additional things worth paying close attention to depending on the property—think steep terrain, drainage, crawl spaces, septic systems, wells, retaining walls and more.

Your inspector's job is to identify and document what they find.

Your Realtor's job is to help you understand what that information means for your transaction.

That's why I don't think an inspection report should simply get dropped into your inbox with a ā€œGood luck!ā€ šŸ˜‚

It's about understanding the information and making an informed decision.

What real estate question should I answer next?

When your agent knows your pup’s name and still asks how the new fence turned out, you know they’re listening, not just ...
09/08/2026

When your agent knows your pup’s name and still asks how the new fence turned out, you know they’re listening, not just selling.

Because the little things matter.

It’s remembering that you wanted a fenced yard for the dog.

Knowing which neighborhood you loved (and which one you didn’t).

Checking in after the closing because you mentioned a project you were excited about.

That personal touch is what makes the home journey feel more like a friendship than a transaction.

As a Realtor, my goal isn’t just to help you buy or sell a house. It’s to understand what home looks like for you—and be someone you can count on throughout the process.

If you’re thinking about making a move in Asheville or Western NC, I’m always happy to be a resource—even if you’re just in the ā€œmaybe somedayā€ stage. šŸ”šŸ¾

wncmountains

09/04/2026



Ask an Asheville Realtor #9: "Can I negotiate the price after the inspection?"

Short answer: Sometimes.

And this is where things can get a little confusing for buyers.

An inspection report can come back with a LOT of information.

Loose handrail? āœ”ļø
Old water heater? āœ”ļø
Cracked outlet cover? āœ”ļø
A list that somehow feels 47 pages long? āœ”ļø

But seeing something on an inspection report doesn't automatically mean the seller needs to fix it—or reduce the price.

The real question is:

What matters, what is reasonable, and what should we actually negotiate?

Depending on the situation, a buyer may be able to negotiate repairs, a credit, or other terms after the inspection.

But you also have to consider the bigger picture.

If you're buying a home you really love in a competitive situation, asking the seller to fix every cosmetic issue probably isn't the best strategy.

On the other hand, discovering a significant structural, safety, or costly issue? That's a very different conversation.

This is one of the reasons I think having a Realtor who can help you interpret the information—not just hand you the inspection report—is so important.

The goal isn't to get the seller to fix everything.

The goal is to make sure you understand what you're buying and make a smart decision with the information you have.

That's another question answered by your friendly Asheville Realtor. šŸ˜‰

What should I tackle next for ?

My little boy turned 3 on Friday and today he started preschool. šŸ¤Three. School?!I know everyone says it, but I truly do...
09/01/2026

My little boy turned 3 on Friday and today he started preschool.

šŸ¤Three. School?!

I know everyone says it, but I truly don’t understand how it happened so fast.

It feels like just yesterday I was bringing him home, wondering if I would ever sleep again... and now he’s running through the house, telling me exactly what he wants, and somehow already developing very strong opinions. šŸ˜‚

Watching him grow has reminded me of something: life doesn’t stand still.

The things we need change. Our routines change. Our priorities change. And sometimes, the home that once felt like the perfect fit starts to feel a little different too.

Maybe you need more space. Maybe less.

Maybe you need a yard for little feet to run around in. Maybe you’re dreaming of a shorter commute, a different neighborhood, or simply a home that fits the life you’re living now.

That’s one of the reasons real estate feels so personal to me. It’s never just about buying or selling a house. It’s about the life happening inside of it.

And if I’ve learned anything from becoming a mom, it’s that the years really do go by faster than we expect. šŸ¤

This week, I’m putting real estate aside and soaking in my sweet 3-year-old... because these are the moments that make a house feel like home.

I’m getting asked all the time if now is a good time to buy or sell, but I think that’s the wrong question. The real que...
08/31/2026

I’m getting asked all the time if now is a good time to buy or sell, but I think that’s the wrong question.

The real question is what strategy works in today’s market, because every shift creates new opportunities and challenges.

If you’re thinking about making a move, I’d love to help you navigate the current market - what’s your biggest concern about buying or selling right now?

Let’s chat about what today’s market means for you!

08/29/2026



Ask and Asheville #7: "What is due diligence money in North Carolina?"

If you're buying a home in North Carolina, you're probably going to hear the phrase ā€œdue diligence moneyā€ pretty quickly.

And if you're a first-time buyer, you might be thinking…

ā€œWait… I'm giving the seller money just to look at the house?ā€

Not exactly. 😊

Due diligence money is an amount the buyer agrees to pay the seller directly when the contract is signed.

In exchange, the buyer gets the due diligence period—a negotiated period of time to do things like inspections, review documents, investigate the property, and make sure the home is actually the right fit. It also removes the sellers home status on the MLS from "active" to "active under contract" or "contingent". Most buyers are not going to look at a property listed this way because there's a high probability they won't get the house.

Who want to fall in love with a house they know they probably won't get?

Here's the important part:

Due diligence money is generally non-refundable if the buyer terminates the contract during the due diligence period. It is typically credited toward the purchase price at closing if the transaction closes.

So how much should you offer?

There's no magic number. It depends on the property, the market, how competitive the offer is, and your overall strategy.

And this is one of those areas where understanding the why behind the numbers matters just as much as knowing the numbers themselves.

Buying a home is a big financial decision. You shouldn't have to nod along to real estate terminology and hope someone explains it later.

That's what is all about.

Have a real estate term you've always wondered about? Drop it below—I might answer it next!

Did you know the seller may be able to help with some of your closing costs? šŸ‘€It’s called a seller concession, and it ca...
08/28/2026

Did you know the seller may be able to help with some of your closing costs? šŸ‘€

It’s called a seller concession, and it can be a helpful tool for buyers—especially when you’re trying to figure out how to make the numbers work.

The rules depend on your loan, down payment, and the property, so it’s not one-size-fits-all. We have an outstanding mortgage department, but also work with many local lenders. You just need to have a conversation.

Buying in Western NC and wondering if this could be an option for you?

Send me a DM. I’m happy to help you make sense of it—without the real estate jargon. 😊

08/27/2026

My son starts back to school next week, and I’m not quite sure how we got here already. 😭

Soon it’ll be backpacks by the front door, first-day photos on the porch, and the familiar back-to-school chaos that somehow becomes part of the rhythm of home.

And honestly, this time of year always makes me appreciate home a little more.

There’s something special about having a place where your kids grow up, where the little everyday moments happen, and where you get to watch each season of life unfold.

That’s one of the things I love most about real estate—not just helping people buy a house, but helping them find a place where their life can happen.

For me, it’s my son heading back to school.

What’s one little thing about your home that you’re especially grateful for right now?

John Rock Trail definitely reminded me that ā€œstrenuousā€ is not just a suggestion. šŸ˜‚šŸ„¾There were a few moments when I was ...
08/24/2026

John Rock Trail definitely reminded me that ā€œstrenuousā€ is not just a suggestion. šŸ˜‚šŸ„¾

There were a few moments when I was questioning my life choices, wondering how much farther we had to go, and seriously considering turning around.

But I kept going.

And when I finally reached the top and took in that view, I was reminded of something I probably need to remember more often:

The hard parts are usually part of the journey.

Buying a home can feel a little like that sometimes.

There are a LOT of steps. Some are exciting, some are confusing, and some might have you wondering, ā€œWhat did I get myself into?ā€ šŸ˜‚

But having someone who knows the trail, can help you navigate the unexpected turns, and keeps you focused on where you’re trying to go can make all the difference.
And then you get to the best part…

You open the door, look around, and realize, we made it.

Maybe that’s one of the reasons I love both hiking and real estate.

I don’t mind the climb.

Especially when I know there’s a pretty great view waiting at the end. šŸ”ā›°ļø

Address

300 Executive Park
Asheville, NC
28801

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