Brock Buchanan, Head of Growth at Carolina Cabin Rentals, joins Jeff to talk about the High Country short-term rental market in 2026. Brock was the company's third employee nearly 15 years ago, when it managed about 20 properties. Today it manages more than 400. He walks through the market's ups and downs since 2019: the COVID boom, the supply correction of 2023, and the long recovery after Hurricane Helene. He also shares why 2026 has turned into a strong comeback year. For August through December bookings, reservations are up 40%, nights are up 18%, and revenue is up 27% compared to last year, measured per home.

Brock also gives practical advice for buyers thinking about a vacation home that pays for itself. He explains why Banner Elk is one of the few true four-season markets in the Southeast. He covers why you should "buy the property, not the projection" and how to plan for mud season. He also makes the case for choosing a property manager before closing rather than after. To request a free rental projection, visit CarolinaCabinRentals.com and click "List Your Property."

About the host:
Jeff Hamm is an expert real estate broker with Ivester Jackson | Christie's International Real Estate, serving Banner Elk and the greater high country of North Carolina. He specializes in luxury communities including The Lodges at Eagles Nest, Elk River Club, Farm at Banner Elk, Diamond Creek, and Echota. He focuses specifically on buyer representation and short-term rental and investment purchases, where his relationships with the region's top listing brokers, builders, and designers give his clients a measurable edge.

Jeff is also the founder and host of Banner Elk Living, a podcast, newsletter, and media platform that spotlights the Banner Elk area's most admired small businesses, nonprofits, and entrepreneurs every week. He publishes the annual Banner Elk Guide, regular market reports, and hosts the Banner Elk Business Network.

Contact Jeff:
Jeff Hamm, Real Estate Broker
Ivester Jackson | Christie’s International Real Estate – High Country Office
144 Poplar Grove Rd, Boone, NC 28607
(980) 422-6069 · jeff@bannerelkliving.com
bannerelkliving.com

Erica Frazier of Blue Ridge Mountain Rentals came up from Charlotte in 2017 for what was supposed to be one summer at Eagles Nest – and never left. She now helps oversee a portfolio of more than 700 High Country homes, and in this conversation she gets refreshingly candid about what short-term rental ownership around Banner Elk actually looks like.

If you own a place up here or you're thinking about it, this one's worth a listen.

Blue Ridge Mountain Rentals

Hosted by:
Jeff Hamm
Banner Elk Realtor
https://bannerelkliving.com/best-banner-elk-nc-real-estate-agent/

Jeff Hamm is an expert real estate broker with Ivester Jackson | Christie's International Real Estate, serving Banner Elk and the greater high country of North Carolina. He specializes in luxury communities including The Lodges at Eagles Nest, Elk River Club, Farm at Banner Elk, Diamond Creek, and Echota. He focuses specifically on buyer representation and short-term rental and investment purchases, where his relationships with the region's top listing brokers, builders, and designers give his clients a measurable edge.

Jeff is also the founder and host of Banner Elk Living, a podcast, newsletter, and media platform that spotlights the Banner Elk area's most admired small businesses, nonprofits, and entrepreneurs every week. He publishes the annual Banner Elk Guide, regular market reports, and hosts the Banner Elk Business Network.

Banner Elk Living
https://bannerelkliving.com/

Hosted by:
Jeff Hamm
Real Estate Broker
https://bannerelkliving.com/best-banner-elk-nc-real-estate-agent/

Jeff Hamm is an expert real estate broker with Ivester Jackson | Christie's International Real Estate, serving Banner Elk and the greater high country of North Carolina. He specializes in luxury communities including The Lodges at Eagles Nest, Elk River Club, Farm at Banner Elk, Diamond Creek, and Echota. He focuses specifically on buyer representation and short-term rental and investment purchases, where his relationships with the region's top listing brokers, builders, and designers give his clients a measurable edge.

Jeff is also the founder and host of Banner Elk Living, a podcast, newsletter, and media platform that spotlights the Banner Elk area's most admired small businesses, nonprofits, and entrepreneurs every week. He publishes the annual Banner Elk Guide, regular market reports, and hosts the Banner Elk Business Network.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bannerelkliving/

In this episode of Banner Elk Living, host Jeff Hamm sits down with Allison Schön of Elevate Land & Realty – the high country's top-producing agent so far in 2026. Allison shares how a friend's "crazy" idea to develop a mountain called Eagles Nest launched her real estate career over a decade ago, and how she's watched the community grow into one of the most sought-after destinations in the North Carolina High Country. She also gives listeners an inside look at one truly one-of-a-kind listing: the Glass House on Silver Eagle, a stunning mountain-modern home with walls of glass and unbeatable sunset views.

Jeff and Allison also dig into what makes Banner Elk such a strong investment market, including how short-term rentals perform season to season (hint: the busy season runs Memorial Day through ski season!), plus a full tour of Eagles Nest amenities – from the Elk River and outdoor amphitheater concerts to Epic Chop House, the Eagles Nest Winery, and the Beech Mountain connector that puts you six minutes from the slopes. Whether you're dreaming of a mountain getaway or considering an investment property, this episode is packed with local insight.

Allison Schön
Elevate Land & Realty
486 Main St W
Banner Elk, NC 28604
(704) 577-0939
https://www.instagram.com/allisonschoen_realtor/

Videos mentioned:

The Eagle’s Nest Glass House
294 Silver Eagle Trail
Banner Elk, NC 28604
Watch: https://youtu.be/tnXemlhC0tQ?si=0N8qLIZVH3S3JiU7

Sunset Ridge
200 Fernwood Trail
Elk Park, NC 28604
Watch: https://youtu.be/RoB0M9syGuY?si=_lwlzSMr9MOz7wOd

Hosted by:
Jeff Hamm
Banner Elk Realtor
https://bannerelkliving.com/best-banner-elk-nc-real-estate-agent/

Jeff Hamm is an expert real estate broker with Ivester Jackson | Christie's International Real Estate, serving Banner Elk and the greater high country of North Carolina. He specializes in luxury communities including The Lodges at Eagles Nest, Elk River Club, Farm at Banner Elk, Diamond Creek, and Echota. He focuses specifically on buyer representation and short-term rental and investment purchases, where his relationships with the region's top listing brokers, builders, and designers give his clients a measurable edge.

Jeff is also the founder and host of Banner Elk Living, a podcast, newsletter, and media platform that spotlights the Banner Elk area's most admired small businesses, nonprofits, and entrepreneurs every week. He publishes the annual Banner Elk Guide, regular market reports, and hosts the Banner Elk Business Network.

In this episode, Jeff interviews Michael Sharpe, the owner of Blowing Rock Woodworks.

Michael shares his journey from a career in furniture transportation to owning a woodworking business, the challenges faced during the pandemic, and the unique products they offer.

He emphasizes the importance of relationships in business and shares valuable lessons learned as a small business owner.

The conversation also touches on future aspirations for the company and a love for the high country region.

Blowing Rock Woodworks
251 Dick Watson Rd
Deep Gap, NC 28618
(336) 504-8899

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hosted by:
Jeff Hamm
Banner Elk Realtor
https://bannerelkliving.com/best-banner-elk-nc-real-estate-agent/

Jeff Hamm is an expert real estate broker with Ivester Jackson | Christie's International Real Estate, serving Banner Elk and the greater high country of North Carolina. He specializes in luxury communities including The Lodges at Eagles Nest, Elk River Club, Farm at Banner Elk, Diamond Creek, and Echota. He focuses specifically on buyer representation and short-term rental and investment purchases, where his relationships with the region's top listing brokers, builders, and designers give his clients a measurable edge.

Jeff is also the founder and host of Banner Elk Living, a podcast, newsletter, and media platform that spotlights the Banner Elk area's most admired small businesses, nonprofits, and entrepreneurs every week. He publishes the annual Banner Elk Guide, regular market reports, and hosts the Banner Elk Business Network.

In this episode, Jeff sits down with Jeff Smith of Alair Homes High Country for an inspiring conversation about hard work, entrepreneurship, and building a values-driven business in the High Country.

Jeff shares his journey from growing up in the South and working blue-collar jobs to starting his own construction company, weathering the 2008 downturn, and eventually joining Alair Homes. He opens up about the importance of resilience, transparency, and mentorship in building a sustainable business, and how collaboration within Alair has fueled growth while preserving craftsmanship and integrity.

The two also discuss entrepreneurship challenges, personal health, leadership, and the need for affordable housing solutions in the High Country. Jeff’s story highlights the balance between grit, vision, and community impact—making this an episode full of takeaways for business owners and local leaders alike.

Alair Homes High Country
109 Aho Rd #3
Blowing Rock, NC 28605
(828) 818-0033

Follow them on Instagram: @alairhomeshighcountry

In the inaugural episode of Banner Elk Living, host Jeff Hamm introduce the podcast, aimed at uplifting small businesses and organizations in the High Country region of North Carolina.

They share their backgrounds, the purpose of the podcast, and their goals for community engagement.

The episode emphasizes the importance of local businesses, real estate insights, and the unique lifestyle of the High Country, inviting listeners to connect and participate in future episodes.

https://bannerelkliving.com/

Hosted by:
Jeff Hamm
Banner Elk Realtor
https://bannerelkliving.com/best-banner-elk-nc-real-estate-agent/

Jeff Hamm is an expert real estate broker with Ivester Jackson | Christie's International Real Estate, serving Banner Elk and the greater high country of North Carolina. He specializes in luxury communities including The Lodges at Eagles Nest, Elk River Club, Farm at Banner Elk, Diamond Creek, and Echota. He focuses specifically on buyer representation and short-term rental and investment purchases, where his relationships with the region's top listing brokers, builders, and designers give his clients a measurable edge.

Jeff is also the founder and host of Banner Elk Living, a podcast, newsletter, and media platform that spotlights the Banner Elk area's most admired small businesses, nonprofits, and entrepreneurs every week. He publishes the annual Banner Elk Guide, regular market reports, and hosts the Banner Elk Business Network.