Samantha Marsh - Howard Hanna Beverly-Hanks Real Estate Broker

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Samantha Marsh - Howard Hanna Beverly-Hanks Real Estate Broker

🔑 Asheville REALTOR®
🏡Helping you buy, sell & thrive in Western NC
📲803-429-6738
💻Ready to make your move? Text or DM me. Let’s make a plan.

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 “due diligence money” pretty quickly.

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

“Wait… I'm giving the seller money just to look at the house?”

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!

08/28/2026

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

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?

08/24/2026

John Rock Trail definitely reminded me that “strenuous” is not just a suggestion. 😂🥾

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, “What did I get myself into?” 😂

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. 🏡⛰️

08/22/2026

Some houses are nice. Some houses make you start imagining your life there.

That’s the feeling I get with 39 Braeburn Way.

It’s the kind of place where you can picture slow mornings with coffee, coming home after a day exploring Flat Rock, enjoying your space without spending every weekend working on the house, and having a neighborhood that feels like a community—not just a collection of houses.

To be perfectly honest? That’s one of my favorite things about helping people find a home here in beautiful Western NC.

It’s not just about the countertops, square footage or number of bedrooms.

It’s about how you want your life to feel.

So if you’ve been thinking about making a move to Western NC—or you’re simply curious what’s out there—come take a look.

🏡 39 Braeburn Way | The Orchards of Flat Rock
📅 8.23.26
⏰ 2-4PM

Come see it in person. You might just surprise yourself.

And if Flat Rock has been on your “maybe someday” list, send me a message. Let’s talk about what that move could actually look like.

08/22/2026

Ask an Asheville Realtor #5:
“How long does it actually take to buy a house?”

If you’re thinking, “I’d love to buy a house, but I have NO idea how long this whole thing takes…” — you’re not alone.

The short answer?

It depends. 😅

But here’s a general idea of what the process can look like:

🔎 Finding the house: This could take a weekend… or a few months. There is no prize for finding the house fastest.

✍️ Making an offer: Once you find the one, things can move pretty quickly.

🏡 Under contract: This is where the behind-the-scenes work really starts—inspections, appraisal, lender paperwork, title work, negotiations and more.

🔑 Closing: For many financed purchases, you're looking at roughly 30–45 days from contract to closing, although every transaction is different.

And here's the thing I wish more buyers knew:

The timeline isn't just about how quickly you can find a house. It's about giving yourself enough time to make GOOD decisions. Buying a house is the single biggest financial decision most of us will ever make in our lifetime. So trust me, you don't want this process to be hurried.

You don't want to rush through an inspection because you're worried about the calendar. You don't want to skip asking questions because you're afraid the seller will move on.

And you definitely don't want to find yourself saying, “Wait… we're closing WHEN?” 😂

A good Realtor's job isn't just to help you find the house.

It's to help you understand what happens next—and when.

Thinking about buying in Asheville or Western NC and wondering what your timeline might look like?

Send me a message. Let's talk through it before you start the house hunt.

08/20/2026

🌲Tucked away in Flat Rock, but close to everything you need.

If you’ve been looking for that perfect blend of Western North Carolina scenery, neighborhood charm, and total convenience, this is it.

This townhome gives you all of that with a layout designed for easy, comfortable living.

Don’t daydream about it—this community makes the most sense when you actually experience it in person.

✨ Come see me at the open house!
📩 Can’t make it? DM me “BRAEBURN” for all the details.

08/19/2026

Ask an Asheville Realtor #4: “Should I get pre-approved before I start looking?”

Short answer: YES. And preferably before you fall in love with the house. 😂

I get it. You want to start browsing. You want to see what's out there. You want to get a feel for Asheville neighborhoods and figure out what you like.

But getting pre-approved first can save you a LOT of frustration later.

Here’s why:

🏡 You’ll know your realistic price range.
Not just what you think you can afford, but what a lender says you may actually qualify for.

💰 You’ll understand your monthly payment.
Because the purchase price is only part of the equation.

📋 You’ll be ready to make an offer.
In a competitive situation, having your financing lined up can make your offer much stronger.

😅 You avoid falling in love with a house that's outside your budget.
Trust me. This one matters.

And here's something a lot of first-time buyers don't realize:

Getting pre-approved doesn't mean you have to buy a house.

It simply gives you a much clearer picture of what buying could look like.

My advice?

Talk to a lender → get pre-approved → THEN start seriously shopping.

It makes the whole process less stressful and a lot more productive.

And if you're thinking about buying in Asheville or Western NC but aren't sure what your first step should be, send me a message. I'm happy to help you figure out where to start.

08/18/2026

Should you buy now—or wait for mortgage rates to drop?

That’s not a question I think buyers should answer based on the interest rate alone.

Because if rates fall but home prices continue rising, you could end up paying significantly more for the same home.
The real comparison is:

🏠 Purchase price 📉 Interest rate 💰 Monthly payment 📈 Potential appreciation 💵 Equity you’re building ⏰ The cost of waiting

And here in Western North Carolina, the answer can vary significantly from one market and price range to another.

I’m not here to tell every buyer to buy today.

I’m here to help you understand the numbers so you can make an informed decision.

If you’re currently waiting for rates to drop, DM me WAIT and let’s compare your options.

08/17/2026

I’ve realized recently that my love of thrifting and my love of helping people find homes have a LOT in common. 😂

Case in point: this dress. (Swipe)

I found this Halston Heritage dress while thrifting for $6. SIX DOLLARS. 😳

And then I got to wear it in Europe for my cousins wedding. ✈️❤️

I love walking into a thrift store and thinking, “There’s something good in here. I just have to find it.”

And honestly? That’s pretty much how I feel about house hunting in Western NC.

Not every house is going to look perfect at first glance. Sometimes the best ones need a little vision. Sometimes you have to know what’s worth fixing, what’s just cosmetic, and what’s a hard pass. And sometimes… you just have to be patient until the right one shows up.

I LOVE that part.

Finding the overlooked gem.
Seeing potential.
Knowing when something is actually a good deal.
And helping someone turn “I don’t know…” into “I think this could be HOME.” 🏡

So yes, I’m your Realtor… but I’m also the person who will happily spend a Saturday digging through a thrift store looking for the thing everyone else walked right past. 😉

And maybe that’s why I love what I do.

Whether it’s a $6 designer dress or a home in Western NC, I love finding the hidden gems.

If you’re thinking about buying in Western NC, send me a message and tell me what you’re looking for. I’d love to help you find yours. 💛

Address

300 Executive Park
Asheville, NC
28801

Telephone

+18034296738

Website

https://samanthamarsh.allentate.com/, https://online.flippingbook.com/view/487479048/, https://online.flippingbook.com/v

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