In the News
Wire fraud alert — 2026
1 in 5 homebuyers now receive suspicious communications at closing. BEC attacks are up 1,760% since AI tools became widely available.
Americans lost $275 million to real estate fraud in 2025. Always verify wire instructions by phone — never by email alone. Source: CertifID 2026 State of Wire Fraud Report
Community Award — 2026
Ashemont Title wins Spirit of Boone Community Involvement Award
The Boone Area Chamber of Commerce named Ashemont Title the 2026 recipient of the Wade Brown Award for Community Involvement, represented by Lindsay Miller, Director of Community Outreach. The award will be presented at the Chamber's 77th Annual Membership Gathering on September 24, 2026.
Title insurance
Industry data
Title insurers generated $4.5B in premiums in Q2, with the first half of 2025 up 13.2% — reflecting strengthening transaction volumes as the market stabilizes.
Title insurers generated $4.5B in premiums during Q1 2026, up from $3.9B a year earlier. Claims paid declined 6.2% to $151M as the industry continues to protect property rights.
ALTA · Q1 2026
ALTA update
The updated framework includes new IDV guidance for combatting impersonation fraud, plus two new policy endorsements covering seller impersonation before and after closing.
ALTA · August 2025
Technology
A Qualia survey finds near-universal AI adoption across the title industry, with executives focused on technology and efficiency to build resilience ahead of market recovery.
HousingWire / Qualia · 2026
NC market update
NC median price
$375K
Months of supply
6.03
Active listings
+6.2%
30-yr rate
6.65%
Statewide
Total sales fell 13.2% year over year while active listings rose 6.2%. Median price held steady at $375,000, though buyers now have more time and more options than a year ago.
NC Realtors · July 2026
Rates
Freddie Mac's weekly average stood at 6.65% as of August 20. Fannie Mae now projects 30-year rates near 6.8% by the end of 2026 — an upward revision from its earlier 6.4% outlook, as bond market volatility pressures rates higher.
Freddie Mac / Fannie Mae · August 2026
High Country spotlight
Watauga median
$560K
Year over year
-6.7%
Days on market
75
Avery County median
$490K
Watauga County
Mid-year 2026 data shows Watauga County's median sale price down 6.7% year over year, even as sales volume climbed 6.2% to 359 closed units. Boone led the county with sales up 9.3%.
Mountain Homes NC / HCAR · H1 2026
Region
Watauga, Ashe, and Avery counties combined for 691 closed sales in the first half of 2026 — up 10.2% year over year. Avery County led all counties with sales volume up 48.5% and median price up 22.7% to $490,000.
Mountain Homes NC / HCAR · H1 2026
Industry resources & data