by John Haynes | Aug 14, 2026
This amazing 70 acre property is ideal for homesteading or prepping. Click here for the full listing. Situated on a dead end, paved road between Asheville and Waynesville, North Carolina in a rural setting, this property provide privacy and security for its owner. ...
by John Haynes | Jun 15, 2020
From all that’s going on in the world, now is the time to buy a bug out property. Never have we seen more uncertainty on all fronts, and as a result folks are looking for bug out properties here in the mountains of western North Carolina. I wouldn’t say...
by John Haynes | Jul 16, 2019
You’ll be had pressed to find a better value than this ten acre private farm in northwestern Buncombe County (Asheville). Situated on its pristine ten acres is a beautifully maintained three bedroom, three bath home with all the modern comforts and conveniences...
by John Haynes | Jul 12, 2019
Hurricane season is now in full swing with the first tropical storm/hurricane of Barry hitting the Gulf Coast as I write. Although its not a Category 2, 3 or 4, the rains it brings along with the flood stage Mississippi is the concern. This is a reminder that...
by John Haynes | Feb 26, 2019
This system rests on a pedestal and opens up like a Japanese fan in the morning, rotating on two axis then closes up when the sun goes down. Not only does it keep the panels at optimal position relative to the sun, it has a self-cleaning feature that keeps the panels...
by John Haynes | Dec 15, 2018
Announcing that we recently sold and listed more properties. In the past couple of weeks, the Bluebird Farm went to contract, we closed on the Spruce Pine Getaway and listed the 102 acre homestead in Mitchell County. Its been a busy season and we’ll soon be...
by John Haynes | Dec 12, 2018
A recently released DHS report on the power grid presents a thorough review of the frailty of our power grid and a potential failure’s long term impact on this nation. Most folks totally ignore the power grid. Flip a switch, and the lights come on. Go to the...
by John Haynes | Dec 5, 2018
Its always rewarding to get a very nice letter of reference. For those of you who have met me to look at property, many of you have seen the three ring binder I carry with me that contains dozens of letters of reference. Its a nice thing to show prospective clients...
by John Haynes | Dec 3, 2018
Here’s a great, simple recipe for a homemade antiseptic. When we get scrapes or small cuts, we often reach immediately for the alcohol or hydrogen peroxide, but this all natural ointment does even better by attacking any infectious bacteria but also soothing...
by John Haynes | Nov 30, 2018
According to a recent New York Times article written by Alyson Krueger, the cry “Head to the hills” is becoming more common as the talk of climate change continues to grow. Whether you believe the reports or not, things are changing in the world around us...
by John Haynes | Jul 17, 2018
Invasive plants such as Kudzu aren’t anything new in these mountains, but one in particular is especially disturbing. As I write this post, I have a mild case of Poison Ivy. Its a real inconvenience, but not much more than that. However, have you heard of the...
by John Haynes | Jul 13, 2018
To that end, we have updated the testimonials page on this site so that viewers can read several letters from buyers and sellers. I have dozens of additional letters I can share as well. For those of you whom I’ve met in person, you likely saw the three ring...
by John Haynes | Jul 2, 2018
Our good friends at Carolina Readiness Supply in nearby Waynesville are hosting the Sensible Mountain Preparedness Seminar on July 14th from 9 AM to 6 PM. Come for the whole day or part of it. This is shaping up to be a very informative day of seminars featuring...
by John Haynes | May 21, 2018
Did you realize you can heat your house with solar forced air? Yes, it is true (to a certain extent). Basic physics teach us that hot air rises, and if you can capture hot air, then funnel it into your living space, you can heat up a sizable room with a very simple...
by John Haynes | May 7, 2018
This new property listing is located about 40 minutes northeast of Asheville in Yancey County on a quiet, picturesque country road lined with multi-generational farms. Yancey County is home to Burnsville and Mt. Mitchell (highest point east of the Rockies) as well as...
by John Haynes | Apr 29, 2018
Made me realize that in a catastrophic grid down situation, the sound of a gas or diesel generator will be the same as a light bulb for a moth. It will attract those who do not have power and are in desperate need of it. One of the things about being off-the-grid or...
by John Haynes | Apr 22, 2018
If you’ve not yet heard of Cape Town’s Day Zero, do a google search or just read about it here in USA Today. “Day Zero” is the day government officials in Cape Town, South Africa estimate the city’s taps will run dry. Due to years of...
by John Haynes | Apr 21, 2018
The second is the Ultimate Sustainable Homestead Property located outside Hayesville with its micro-hydroelectric and solar array systems providing off-the-grid power to this immaculate four bedroom home with pond, huge garden and double garage. Its located in a...
by John Haynes | Apr 14, 2018
These affordably priced ten acres with excellent access and features is offered with owner financing. This is a rare find. The property sits at 4,000′ elevation in a very private, small lot community behind a locked gate for security with covenants designed to...
by John Haynes | Apr 5, 2018
It is now April, so that means two things: The Masters in Augusta, Georgia and the Heritage Life Skills Event at Carolina Readiness Supply. Each year our good friends at Carolina Readiness Supply host the Heritage Life Skills weekend event. This is a tremendous...
by John Haynes | Mar 16, 2018
An unusual thing happened yesterday; we closed two sales in one day. In my 30 years of real estate, I don’t recall ever closing two transactions on the same day. While it was certainly rewarding for everyone involved, it was also stressful leading up to that...
by John Haynes | Mar 6, 2018
For those looking to go off-grid or just become less dependent on the power grid, micro hydroelectric power is something to consider if you have the right resource: water. We’ve all seen Hoover Dam and other large hydroelectric projects such as Fontana Dam here...
by John Haynes | Mar 5, 2018
This new Ken Cove listing is a wonderful and yet affordable mountain retreat or bugout property in the greater Asheville, NC area. Well off the beaten path, yet accessible via paved roads, it is totally hidden from view in a very private cove. There is a large...
by John Haynes | Feb 23, 2018
For those of you who don’t have an acre or more for a garden, the Garden Patch Grow Box is a must. I purchased some of these last year and was amazed at the results. It takes up very little space, is easy to maintain and produces an incredible amount of...
by John Haynes | Feb 15, 2018
Asheville is effectively the capital of western North Carolina. When people contact me about relocating to western North Carolina, they tend to have at least heard of Asheville, or more often have a good knowledge of it. Most say “We want to be within thirty...
by John Haynes | Feb 9, 2018
“Whistle while you work” is a good habit to follow when out in the woods. In my business, I do a lot of hiking on large land tracts, often by myself. Therefore, I always carry a few things with me, and one of those is a whistle. If I have an accident, a...
by John Haynes | Feb 3, 2018
Its nice to be recognized as one of the best among one’s peers. That’s what happened just this week when survival blogger Tara Dodrill included Retreat Realty as the #2 such agency on her nationwide “Best Survival Real Estate Agencies” post on...
by John Haynes | Jan 30, 2018
This new listing in Burnsville has a lot going for it. With 133 acres including over ten acres of rich, flat bottom land and over 1,000′ of high volume creek frontage, it provides ample room for homesteading and prepping. Yet at the same time, it is just five...
