James Lockwood Asheville Realtor

05/19/2026

New listing! Immaculately maintained townhome at 2 Chanbers Garden in Arden. Minutes from everything yet tucked away and peaceful🧘‍♀️ Come experience low maintenance living in the mountains and schedule a showing today🏔️

05/12/2026

I am so happy for Benita and Pierre! We found shangri la! Such a peaceful environment to come home to with 180 degree mountian view just 20 minutes from downtown Asheville. Every home search has a story and this one was certainly a ride, but the payoff of finding THE home, a forever home, is the only detail this matters.

04/25/2026

Ever dreamed to own your own mini farm? Now listed 5 acres of country bliss! 2400 sq ft ranch home, chicken coop, detached 2 car garage, and a small barn with 3+ acres of rolling pasture. Schedule your visit for 882 Queentown rd in Canton NC today!

04/21/2026

04/21/2026

Here’s a question I’m often asked as a realtor in Asheville North Carolina. Can we have chickens on our property? The answer is yes….but…..The type of lifestyle and neighborhood you are searching are going to impact your ability to raise chickens on your property.

🏠 HOA communities are typically going to prohibit raising chickens. There are expectations to this rule but they are few and far between.

🏡 That leaves us with the rest. Within Asheville city limits, backyard chickens are generally 👉allowed, but with conditions:

🎟️Permits are typically required through the city’s animal services

🐔 Roosters are prohibited in residential areas

🐓 Hens are allowed, usually with a limit (commonly cited around ~7–10 depending on interpretation and updates)

🥚 Coop requirements:
Must be enclosed and sanitary
Must meet setback rules (distance from property lines and neighbors)
Chickens generally must be kept confined (no free roaming)

04/15/2026

Around Asheville, you’ll find a wide variety of hiking trails that cater to just about every skill level and interest, thanks to its location in the Blue Ridge Mountains all within just a few miles from downtown.

Sometimes those trails will be right out of your front door depending on your location or even what neighborhoods you live in. Travel times will depend on what you are trying to get yourself into.

For beginners or those looking for a relaxed outing, there are gentle forest walks and riverside paths with minimal elevation gain. These trails often wind through hardwood forests, alongside creeks, or lead to calm picnic spots—perfect for a casual, scenic stroll. These trails can be found throughout the area and would be closer to town in abundance.

Moderate and experienced hikers can explore trails that gradually climb overlooks and ridgelines, like the Bearwallow Mountain trail offering rewarding views without being overly strenuous. Many of these routes feature a mix of terrain, including switchbacks, rocky sections, and shaded woodland stretches. These trails can be anywhere from 15-30 out of town.

One of the highlights of hiking near Asheville is the abundance of waterfall trails, mainly in the Hendersonville and Brevard areas. Short hikes can lead to cascading falls tucked into lush coves, while longer routes may connect multiple waterfalls in a single trek. All within a 30-45 proximity depending on your location.

You’ll also find iconic routes along the Blue Ridge Parkway, with access from areas like South and East Asheville, where trailheads are easily accessible and views are consistently stunning, especially during fall foliage season.

Overall, the Asheville area offers everything from easy nature walks to demanding mountain climbs—all surrounded by rich biodiversity, fresh mountain air, and ever-changing seasonal beauty.

Thinking about making a move to the Asheville area? Reach out and let’s talk about what area is the best fit for your lifestyle in the mountains!

04/13/2026

🌄 Living outside Asheville (20+ minutes out)

🌟 Pros
1. More space & privacy�Larger lots, mountain views, wooded land—much quieter and more secluded.
2. Lower housing costs (generally)�You get more house/land for your money compared to in-town.
3. Nature access�Closer to hiking, rivers, and scenic drives without crowds.
4. Slower pace of life�Less traffic, less noise, more “small-town” feel.

⚠️ Cons
1. Car dependency�You’ll need to drive for almost everything—groceries, dining, entertainment.
2. Longer commutes�Driving into Asheville for work or social life can take 20–45 minutes depending on location and traffic.
3. Fewer amenities nearby�Limited restaurant, shopping, and healthcare options depending on how rural you go.
4. Internet/utilities can vary�Some rural areas have slower internet or less reliable infrastructure (though getting better)

03/28/2026

Always a pleasure to help my fellow Floridians find a place to call home here in the mountains!

My folks were in search of several non negotiable needs including room for their 4 kids as well as a home that would allow business to be conducted (not as easy as it sounds!). Despite those challenges we were able to find a beautiful home in Hendersonville that checked all the boxes!

03/07/2026

Relocating from a big city to Asheville can be a challenge I personally understand from my own experience. So happy we were able to find the perfect balance in the Royal Pines neighborhood in South Asheville, close to creature comforts, downtown, and the great outdoors!

01/11/2026

Closing out 2025 and looking back on an absolutely amazing year! I want to thank everyone who chose to work with me this year and allow me to guide their home buying journey!