Josh Smith | Walnut Cove Realty

Career

Josh Smith became president of Walnut Cove Realty in 2020, after purchasing it from his father and the founder, Kent Smith. Since his ownership, he has more than doubled the roster of agents, built a sales office and retail center and achieved the highest luxury sales volume in western North Carolina.

Josh was the number one real estate agent for all seven of The Cliffs communities from 2014 - 2020 while he earned promotions to Sales Manager then to Director of Operations. He began his real estate career in 2005 working on development projects such as Firefly Cove and Somersby Park before moving to Asheville to work on Thoms Estate.

Josh grew up in the Carolinas, where his father and mother were both involved in real estate development. He earned a BS in business from the University of South Carolina, getting his start in the hospitality and tourism industries. Those skills have served him well in real estate where he has a sterling reputation for providing legendary service.

Accolades and Accomplishments

#1 Agent in Western North Carolina, Canopy MLS, 2023

Allen Tate Companies Platinum Circle Award, 2023

#1 Real Estate Entrepreneur in the Southeast, Forbes, 2022

#1 Agent in North Carolina, REAL Trends, 2022

#1 Agent in Western North Carolina, Canopy MLS, 2022

#1 Agent for The Cliffs Communities, 2014 - 2020

First agent in North Carolina to sell $100 million worth of real estate, twice

Cumulative career sales total of more than $659M

Josh Smith’s Approach to Luxury Real Estate

Your real estate represents a major investment. With that in mind, we immerse our clients in all that Asheville has to offer, from state-of-the-art medicine to its national caliber culinary and arts scene, to social clubs within communities that interest them—all to give them a taste of the region and help them decide if they want to put down roots.

When you book a private tour with us, we identify what matters to you in a location—not just in a home. First we help you find the city, neighborhood, and amenities package that checks your boxes, then the property of your dreams.

Hear What our Happy Home Buyers and Sellers Have to Say

“I have been in the construction industry and on both sides of real estate transactions in western North Carolina for 40 years and have never seen anything as efficient and professional as Walnut Cove Realty. I highly recommend this real estate firm for anyone moving within, to, or away from western North Carolina.”

— Dick Jennings

“We started with Walnut Cove Realty when we first came to the area in 2009. I had dealt with realtors all over the country, looking at different properties, and I got a sense there was something a little different about how they operated. They were on the premises. There wasn’t a lot of pressure. They were very knowledgeable about the property itself. They knew the Asheville area and the local communities. Dealing with them wasn’t the same as dealing with an ordinary realtor who is trying to sell you a property. Walnut Cove Realty is selling you a lifestyle, and they give you a lot of input, so it was very comforting for us. We had a good feeling about the community and kind of knew eventually we would probably get here. Walnut Cove Realty was involved with everything. We just had to get here ourselves, and have a mover bring our stuff.”

— The Rodbells, Home Buyers

“Walnut Cove Realty helped us with so many aspects of the building process and acclimating here. Our realtor took us to see the properties. There were only four in our price range, so we decided to build a house for the first time. He pointed us in all the right directions and helped along the way with the title company, finding insurance, and all the little details. We were texting and on the phone with him all the time, asking questions, and we never felt like we were bothering him.”

— The Lewises, Property Buyers

“Walnut Cove Realty we knew had been here from the beginning. They knew the neighborhoods. They had a database of people who were selling and buying property. They seemed to know when property might come on the market when we didn’t find anything we liked, so that gave us a lot of confidence in using them which is why, with their help, we ultimately purchased and/or sold four properties.”

— The Affeldts, Property Sellers

“We were fortunate enough to get Josh as our realtor. He was wonderful—showed us the community and the golf course. We looked at lots and houses. He didn’t stop at anything to get us what we wanted. Walnut Cove Realty understood what we wanted. He didn’t push something that he wanted us to have. He allowed us to dictate to him what we wanted. He did a great job of finding homes that fit that bill, and we found one. It’s more than business. It’s really evolved into friendship.”

— Randy, Home Buyer

“I hired Josh because of his strong reputation in the market area. He brought the first buyer for our home in 24 hours, and produced three more buyers maximizing the value of our sale. I would suggest anyone reading this should call Josh immediately if you want to buy or sell a home. I have never experienced such world class service. Walnut Cove Realty operates with integrity, professionalism and transparency. They are problem solvers and honorable to deal with. They are simply amazing!”

— Jay Nisberg, Home Seller

About Josh Smith