All Forum Posts by: Cole Bossert

Welcome to the community! I’m also in NC, focusing on the mountain areas. Always open to connecting and discussing referrals.

Welcome to BiggerPockets! It’s great to have you here. With your experience in interior design and construction, you’re already ahead of the game. This is a fantastic community to learn, connect, and grow your real estate business.

That’s awesome! Welcome to the BP. Since you’re new, here’s a good starting point:

1. Start with Education – Read books like The Book on Rental Property Investing by Brandon Turner or Fix and Flip by Mark Ferguson. Also, BiggerPockets is a goldmine for learning and networking.

2. Networking is Key – Join local real estate meetups, attend auctions, and connect with investors, wholesalers, and contractors in your area.

3. Choose a Starting Strategy – House flipping and rentals are both great options, but consider starting with one. If you have construction skills, flipping might be a good first step to build capital. Rentals provide long-term wealth but require patience.

4. Run the Numbers – Every deal should make financial sense. Learn how to analyze properties using formulas like the 70% rule (for flips) or the 1% rule (for rentals).

5. Find a Mentor – Having an experienced investor to guide you can help avoid costly mistakes.

6. Consider Partnerships – If funding is a challenge, look into private lenders, partnerships, or even seller financing.

You’re on the right track—just keep learning, taking action, and surrounding yourself with experienced people. If you need help with specific questions, feel free to ask!

This deal sounds promising, especially with a 16% cap rate and solid gross income. Since it’s a mix of residential and commercial, it’s worth working with a regional real estate broker to ensure the property aligns with zoning regulations and that the leases are structured properly. Some areas have restrictions on mixed-use properties, and commercial lease terms can vary significantly. Having someone who knows the local market can help you avoid potential headaches.

Staging a home can make a big difference in how buyers perceive it and how quickly it sells. Studies show that 82% of agents say staging helps buyers visualize the home, and staged homes spend 73% less time on the market. They also tend to sell for more—sometimes up to 25% higher than unstaged homes. The average cost of staging is around $400, making it a relatively small investment for a potentially big return.
https://www.thezebra.com/resources/research/home-staging-sta...

https://www.nar.realtor/sites/default/files/documents/2023-p...

Tanner, that’s great to hear! Private lending is a solid way to stay involved in real estate while building long-term wealth. Sounds like you’ve already got some strong experience under your belt. Welcome to BP!

The real estate market in the High Country (Ashe, Avery, and Watauga Counties) is showing mixed signals, presenting both opportunities and challenges for investors.

Prices are rising – The median sales price jumped to $472,500, a 13.4% increase year-over-year and a 23% spike from last month. While demand remains strong, this price growth could test affordability for some buyers.

Sales activity is sluggish – Only 88 homes closed, marking a 20% drop compared to last year. However, sales did rebound 17.3% from January, suggesting some seasonal momentum.

Inventory is building up – With 498 active listings and 5.7 months of supply, inventory is higher than last year, giving buyers more options. That said, new listings dropped 12.6% year-over-year, meaning sellers might be holding back.

Time on market is increasing – Homes are taking longer to sell, with a median of 96 days on market, a 61.9% increase year-over-year. This signals that buyers are becoming more selective, and overpriced listings may sit.

Investor Takeaways:

• Buyers may gain leverage – With rising inventory and slower sales, well-capitalized investors could find better deals, especially on properties sitting longer.

• Cash flow considerations are key – At $299 per square foot, property values remain high, so investors need to ensure rental yields still make sense.

• Sellers should price strategically – The market isn’t as hot as last year, and homes that aren’t priced right may linger.

With shifting conditions, are you seeing more negotiating power in your market? Would love to hear what others are experiencing.

Hey everyone, I’m Cole Bossert, a real estate agent working in Boone, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk, and the surrounding areas.

If you're looking to buy a rental or investment property up here, you need an agent who understands more than just the MLS. I focus on finding properties that actually make sense—factoring in local rental demand, seasonality, expenses, and the realities of managing a property in the mountains. I'll give you real data, straight answers, and help you avoid the common mistakes investors make in this market.

If you’re serious about investing here, reach out—I’ll send you a free market report or even some example listings to give you a better idea of what’s available. DM me or drop a comment, and I’d be happy to help.

Sounds like you’re looking in some great markets—Raleigh and Charlotte, in particular, have been booming for multifamily investments. I just sent you a PM, looking forward to connecting!

@Brenda Reems Finding off-market deals comes down to getting in front of motivated sellers before they list. Driving for dollars is a great start—look for distressed properties and track down owners using county records or skip tracing services. Networking with wholesalers, realtors, and investor groups can also bring leads your way. Direct mail, cold calling, and texting can be effective if you’re willing to put in the effort. Online, you can check probate records, foreclosure lists, and even Facebook Marketplace for potential deals. It’s all about consistency and reaching sellers before the competition does.