Triangle Business Journal reported that North Carolina won top honors in the "Top Business Climate for 2006″ survey conducted by Site Selection magazine. Corporate executives voted North Carolina into this top position for the second year running, citing the ease of doing business in the state, a capable and plentiful workforce, and higher education resources.

The "Anhold State Brands Index" recently named North Carolina the most desirable state in which to live. The Anhold poll asked more than 9,000 U.S. citizens to name the most desirable states to call home. North Carolina also ranked highly as a lifestyle destination, and placed in the top 10 for climate, physical attractiveness, amenities, employment opportunities, commercial opportunity, and education. 

Single Family Residential Homes

Number Sold: 126

Median Sale Price: $234,950

Average Sale Price: $308,984

Average DOM: 60

Condos

Number Sold: 21

Median Sale Price: $198,000

Average Sale Price: $264,712

Average DOM: 203

Townhomes

Number Sold: 10

Median Sale Price: $173,900

Average Sale Price: $216,144

Average DOM: 72

Source: Search performed in the WNC Regional MLS. Search excludes manufactured and modular homes

Real estate broker Lee Pantas recently released the third edition of his best selling guidebook entitled The Ultimate Guide to Asheville & The Western North Carolina Mountains. The book comprehensively covers area attractions, lodging, restaurants, outdoor recreation, schools, shopping, and relocation information for the entire Western North Carolina region.

To obtain your copy or read about daily Western North Carolina events, visit http://www.ashevilleguidebook.com/.

The Doors of Asheville fundraising event will kick off this year with a preview at the Grove Arcade this evening from 5:30-6:30 pm. Unique artwork donated by local artists will be on display and food and wine will be served. The event is free and open to the general public.

Each year, one-of-a-kind "doors" created by local artists are auctioned in support of Neighborhood Housing Services, an organization that promotes affordable home ownership.

In addition to the auction, a scavenger hunt will be held with 30 participating businesses, culminating in a drawing for a specially commissioned piece of artwork. “The Purple Door to Asheville” by Jacque Allen, pictured on the left, is part of the art hunt.

This year's auction will be held on November 10th at 6:30 pm at On Broadway, located at 49 Broadway Street in downtown Asheville. Tickets are $55 per person or $100 per couple. For tickets, call 251-5054.

Yahoo! Real Estate recently published an article discussing whether a national real estate bubble exists. The article concluded that the bubble is " a myth" and "a matter of perception".  

Of particular interest: Asheville was listed as a hot "secondary market" and a promising market for investors. Despite recent increase in inventory and the winding down of the warm tourist season, the Asheville real estate market remains strong.

The nationwide average mortgage rate is 6.44% according to HSH Associates Financial Publishers. This is the lowest rate since March. HSH predicts that with this week's release of stronger economic numbers for manufacturing and service business, construction spending, and factory orders, rates may nudge a few points higher.