Banner Elk Living

Epic Journey Media
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Highlighting the lifestyle, small businesses, and beauty of Banner Elk, North Carolina.

Episodes

  1. Sep 23

    006: Brock Buchanon - Carolina Cabin Rentals

    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

  2. Jul 26

    005: Erica Frazier - Blue Ridge Mountain Rentals

    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.

  3. Jun 6

    004: Eagles Nest & Banner Elk Real Estate with Allison Schön

    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

  4. 09/05/2025

    003: Michael Sharpe | Blowing Rock Woodworks

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

  5. 08/21/2025

    002: Jeff Smith - Alair Homes High Country

    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

  6. 08/11/2025

    001: Meet Jeff Hamm, the Host of Banner Elk Living

    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.

  • 6 Episodes

About

Highlighting the lifestyle, small businesses, and beauty of Banner Elk, North Carolina.

Information

  • Creator
    Epic Journey Media
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    6
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Banner Elk Living
  • Show Website
    Banner Elk Living