I hope you learn to love it as much as we do.  I am a native and a country girl:  My family settled part of the Henderson County area in 1814, so I am your best information source as you become acquainted with our town.   My successful 38-year track record proves my practical experience in the local real estate market is a useful advantage to my clients and includes a tour (provided at no charge) to newcomers to assist in helping you decide to make Hendersonville or one of its surrounding areas your new home.  Western North Carolina is a beautiful place to live and work.  Let me show you around!

My husband, Robert and I have been married over 47 years and he recently retired from the printing, extrusion & lamination industry, where his career spanned more than 45 years.  Robert is also a licensed real estate broker and we have lived in the Rugby section adjacent to Sweetwater Hills for the past 36 years.  I began my real estate career in 1975 as a secretary and within 5 years, I owned the company and still operate it for my property management clients.  In 2011, I joined Beverly-Hanks & Associates because of their team concept.  With this joining, I am able to have a backup support system for my clients whenever I take short trips and I firmly believe ownership of my own real estate company gives me a unique perspective relating to the real estate industry.  Additionally, I am an experienced property manager and developer; both of which have created familiarity with local tradespeople and craftsmen, thereby giving me the ability to guide clients through all avenues of real estate from renting to buying to building, whichever choice is best for you.

 My Business and Community Affiliations include:

•  Henderson County Board of Realtors Past Chairman of Education, Grievance, and Professional Standards Committees; also served on the Membership, Fair Housing, and Multiple Listing Service Committees.  I have volunteered as an instructor for the Hendersonville Board of Realtors for 25+ years. 
• Community Foundation of Henderson County Currently serving on the Grant Committee.  I am in my third year in this capacity.
• American Business Women Association “Past President and was twice honored as Woman of the Year".  Our goal has always been to raise scholarship funds for deserving under privileged young women. Daughters of the American Revolution and the Henderson County Genealogy & Historical Society My interest came naturally from learning all of my family's generational history and history is fascinating.
• Margaret R. Pardee Hospital – Past Member of the Ladies Auxiliary
• Member of the Friends of the Library

When I am not assisting my clients and my community, I carve out a little time for the things I love:

• Auctions, collecting antiques and art

• Photography, especially natural settings

• Wood carving in the round and wood burning

• Gardening and landscaping

• Genealogy: I enjoy tracing my family's roots

• Upholstery and sewing

Read what other clients are saying about me:

*My wife and I have had dealings with Mrs. Opal Black for 25 years.  We have found her to be thorough and fair in all her dealings with us, and we feel she has an excellent grasp of the local housing market.  Opal looks after our interests, whether we are buying or selling, and is very attuned to our needs; needs we didn't always know we had.  Opal does her homework, and we wouldn't think of having another agent; through it all, she remains our very good friend.  ~ J.R. & B.J. Mason

*Friends lured us to North Carolina, the birthplace of my paternal grandfather.  In 1991, a colleague of my husband, who had recently moved to Hendersonville, invited us to visit.  This couple introduced us to Opal Black, an experienced Realtor who had managed property in their absence.  We felt comfortable with Opal and arranged to meet with her when we returned to the area in 1996. 

We remained in intermittent contact with Opal until we asked her to represent us in the sale of our condominium.  Although she was an independent agent, we trusted her judgment and her familiarity with the local market.  Before we listed the unit in May, 2009, Opal consulted us about the wording of the advertising and accompanying photographs.  It was a difficult time to sell but we benefited from Opal's expertise; our only offer was disappointing but we do not regret accepting it.  The handyman recommended by Opal completed repairs required after the property was inspected; his work was acceptable to the inspector and his rates were reasonable.  In November, 2009, we moved to Carolina Village.

A Saddlebrook neighbor recently inquired about our Realtor; we did not hesitate to provide Opal's name and number.  She is honest, reliable, and hardworking; her roots in this community make her a wonderful source of valuable information.  She sold us a well-built home we loved and then assisted us in its sale twelve years later.  Opal is friendly, yet professional and business-like.  We are fortunate that she represented us in the purchase and sale of our home, transactions with which we were well satisfied.  She is efficient and pleasant to deal with, a trusted advisor who has become our friend.  ~ Louis & Judith Santiago

 *(Excerpts)................We want to thank you so much for helping us............As you could tell it was a tough one for us. ...........You made our transition as easy as possible and we do thank you. ~ Marge and Jim Rafferty

*(Excerpts).........So many times I have thought of you and been so grateful that we found you................We have been so happy here and cannot imagine living anywhere else. ~ Jan and Hal Beam)

*(Excerpts).....Thank you so much for the darling potted plant.....The plant looks perfect on the end of our kitchen counter......has ""green"", remember. We love our home and are feeling very welcome. Thanks again for being such a good friend. ~ Michael & Doreen McCall

*(Excerpts).....I will always remember your help and kindness shown to me (and Russ). ~ Jean Terry

*(Excerpts)....Again, we want to thank you for all you did in selling 6 One Penny Drive. We sure appreciate it very much. ~Ed & Nat Chesley

*(Excerpts)...It is amazing to us that we are here..... It is only with your expertise and availability to us that we were able to make such an easy transition to Hendersonville. I hope your ""ears are burning"" as I still sing your praises to my many new friends in Welcome Wagon and here in Sugar Hollow Farm.”           ~ Francine & Roger Varady

I was licensed in 1977.  My experience was gained from operating my own company beginning in 1980.  Primarily the firm focused on residential and land sales, property management, and later some development and building. Ownership gave me a unique perspective and taught me the value of  working with local tradesmen and craftsmen.  Now I am better able to guide clients to a successful conclusion whether it be listing, buying, or building.