Leah Howard – It’s a Rising Tide Culture at Team Billy Taylor, Asheville Realtor

Updated: Oct 8

An Asheville native, Leah knows the region inside and out. She’s also a local business owner and heavily invested in the region’s economy, culture, and community. When customers have questions, she’s got the answers.

What do you love most about working in real estate – do you have a favorite part of the process?

I love working with buyers and diving into what’s available on the market. I am very customer-service oriented and really focus on specific customer needs. When they find that perfect home – it’s priceless.

Technology has created far more resources than ever before for both buyers and sellers who think they can “do it on their own” – what do you say to folks who think they don’t need a real estate agent anymore?

They can do it, but they’re not going to be as satisfied with the process. If they go it alone once, they’ll likely need a Realtor for the next transaction. It’s a live and learn experience.

Real estate is considered a fairly competitive industry in the greater AVL area, with numerous agencies and a steady stream of new agents. What differentiates you and TBT agents from the rest of the WNC real estate crowd? What is your favorite thing about working with the TBT team?

Like many of TBT’s Realtors, we live and breathe this area. Many of his grew up here, including myself. We went to the local high schools and are just immersed in the culture and community. Our investment in the area far exceeds our real estate pursuits. There’s a real camaraderie between all of us and there’s room for everyone to succeed. The saying “a rising tide lifts all boats” really rings true at TBT. As a result, every client gets a whole team, not just one person, so the outcome for the client is the best it can be.

Takeaways from what you’ve learned in your industry: What is the most important piece of advice you would give to prospective homebuyers? And to home sellers?

For buyers: They really need to sit in the space. They should do things like drive past it before and after work and during errands. They should try and incorporate the property into their daily routine so they really know this is the place they want to be.

For sellers: Trust your agent. Try and take the emotion out of the process and focus on the facts.

Can you share the funniest or most memorable moment – anecdote or experience – you’ve had during a real estate deal (positive or negative)?

I recently looked at a home with a buyer and there was what appeared to be an unfinished closet with nothing more than plywood. I questioned the seller about this was told it was “compressed cedar chips.” He further explained that “unfinished” was now actually now the “new finished” – more trendy. I didn’t buy the explanation, but it was a nice try. It was just plywood.

Any predictions on where the real estate market will go next, or new trends you are seeing?

It’s becoming a buyer’s market, but that’s not going to be a forever thing. It’s a great time for scoop up some investment land now.

Do you have a favorite hobby, pursuit, or interest that might surprise your clients – or that has worked to your advantage in connecting with clients?

In addition to working as a Realtor, I own a local business, Cultivated Cocktails. I also know a lot about underground utilities because my husband and father are contractors. I’ve picked up a great deal of knowledge over the years and that often surprises clients. I think that helps to establish additional confidence because quite often they don’t expect me to know about these things. I also live on a mini-farm with my husband and 10-year-old son. We have goats, chickens and two great Danes. People find that fun and interesting.

Team Billy Taylor RealtorsⓇ is a top-producing real estate team, a division of Allen Tate | Beverly-Hanks, REALTORS, based in Asheville, North Carolina, and serving all of western North Carolina. Team Billy Taylor Realtors was founded by Billy Taylor, an Asheville native with a long history in Asheville real estate, from managing a ranch to grading land. He bought his first property at 18. Billy already has many years of construction, development, and real estate experience, and holds Real Estate licenses in North Carolina and South Carolina. He has quickly turned into the front-runner for real estate success in Western North Carolina.