Finding the right home in a gated luxury community is about more than scrolling listings. You need a guide who lives the market every day, understands membership nuances and knows which homes never hit the MLS. The agents below form the Private Mountain Communities affiliate team at Walnut Cove Realty / Howard Hanna Allen Tate—the deepest bench of Walnut Cove expertise you’ll find.
What Makes a Private Mountain Communities Agent Different
On-the-ground insight
Local specialists track pocket listings, price shifts and incoming inventory in real time.
Membership know-how
They explain fee structures and club tiers so you buy with eyes wide open.
Builder and vendor network
Vetted architects, interior designers and trades get your project right the first time.
Negotiation edge
Intimate knowledge of closed comps inside the gates strengthens your position at the table.
Meet Your Private Mountain Communities Real Estate Team
Josh Smith
President
Phone: (828) 606-0974
With more than fifteen years in high-end luxury real estate, Josh has steered development sales across Western North Carolina. REAL Trends ranked him #1 in North Carolina for 2022 after he closed $100.7 million in volume. He leads Private Mountain Communities / Walnut Cove Realty with a data-driven mindset and a conviction that excellence demonstrates the respect clients deserve.
David Bailey
Broker
Phone: (843) 364-2383
A Colgate graduate and former senior software executive, David spent thirty-three years honing leadership and problem-solving skills before shifting to real estate in 2012. Since 2018 he has managed the Walnut Cove office where he pairs his tech knowledge with hands-on mentorship to support both agents and clients.
Lori Philips
Broker | ABR SRES
Phone: (828) 553-4710
With twenty-five years in luxury real estate Lori specializes in private communities and second homes. A Florida State alum, she moved to Western North Carolina in 1998 for the four mild seasons, friendly people, mountains, tennis, boating and hiking.
Rebecca Dougherty
Broker-in-Charge
Phone: (828) 747-7857
Licensed since 1988 Rebecca blends thirty years of buyer investor and seller experience with high energy and meticulous attention to detail. She joined Walnut Cove Realty in 2019 and loves helping clients turn big dreams into tangible outcomes.
Coty Jude
Broker
Phone: (304) 962-8928
A UNC Asheville honors graduate and former basketball team captain, Coty brings teamwork, dedication and market knowledge to buying, selling and investing throughout the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Pierrette Rouleau
Broker | ABR SRES CRS PhD
Phone: (828) 406-4504
With a doctorate in English literature and a decade as a REALTOR, Pierrette tackles complex deals with intelligence, transparency and kindness. She rescues pets, and gardens enthusiastically while delivering platinum-level client service.
Jeff Baker
Broker
Phone: (828) 329-3278
An Asheville native and one of the first members of The Cliffs at Walnut Cove, Jeff offers nearly a decade of real estate expertise. His client-first style and local roots earn steady repeat business and give buyers insider knowledge of both Walnut Cove and the wider region.
Andreas Tross
Broker
Phone: (828) 785-9817
European born and trilingual, Andreas built a career with IBM Oracle and internet ventures before relocating to Asheville in 2016. A sales-and-marketing executive he crafts data-driven campaigns that sell homes faster and at the right price.
Leslee Fontaine
Broker
Phone: (828) 333-1106
Living in a log cabin in Arden with her family, Leslee draws on marketing and engineering careers to connect people's homes and ideas. She coaches youth sports and spends free time biking, hiking and gathering around campfires.
Julie Bowman
Broker
Phone: (828) 458-0354
Julie Bowman, a former teacher, guides clients with clarity and patience, explaining each step of the real estate process. A decade-long resident of Transylvania County, Julie offers deep local insight into Western North Carolina. When not working, she enjoys time with family and the Blue Ridge Mountains.
John Ellis
Broker
Phone: (828) 329-8407
Luxury broker and Captain at the East Asheville Fire Department, John combines street-level city knowledge with teamwork discipline and dependability. First-hand experience in short-term rentals and investments rounds out his client toolkit.
Angelina Kirkwood
Broker
Phone: (919) 225-0063
A holistic-medicine doctor raised around real estate, Angelina pairs healthy-home insight with quick, responsive communication. Mother of three and avid runner, cyclist and health advocate, she guides clients from first meeting to closing with diligence.
Gamma Gankhuyag
Broker
Phone: (828) 505-9183
Originally from Mongolia, Gamma has called Asheville home for fifteen years. He enjoys hiking, biking and basketball with his wife and three children and prides himself on making every purchase or sale seamless and enjoyable.
Toni Anderson
Broker | ABR SRES CRS CIPS SRS CLHMS
Phone: (828) 208-4248
Born in Tampa, Toni holds a BS in Criminal Justice and an MBA in Human Resources plus service in the Navy Reserves. Seventeen years as a litigation paralegal and credentials as a residential appraiser give her deep command of real estate law valuation and negotiation. A committed runner, golfer and animal-shelter volunteer Toni brings global perspective from travels on five continents and membership at the Country Club of Asheville.
Kyle Olinger
Broker
Phone: (828) 712-5953
Kyle helped launch The Cliffs at Walnut Cove in 2002 and has spent twenty years guiding resort and luxury buyers there and across Western North Carolina. His deep community knowledge benefits clients whether they are searching for a custom homesite or a move-in ready estate.
Lee Swing
Broker
Phone: (828) 808-9417
Licensed in NC, SC, and Florida, Lee brings twenty-seven years of planned-community leadership and top-tier production. He values connections and enjoys helping clients find the right home while having fun along the way.
Marcella Dean
Broker
Phone: (828) 778-3326
Real estate runs in Marcella’s family dating to 1970. Armed with a BS from Appalachian State and twenty-seven years in the industry she combines strategic thinking, patience and sharp negotiation to match clients with the perfect Blue Ridge property.
Roseann Cioce
Broker
Phone: (828) 450-0997
With forty-plus years in custom home construction and real estate, Roseann has lived inside The Cliffs at Walnut Cove for fourteen years and knows every nuance of club membership and inventory. She launched a waterfront brokerage in South Florida and co-founded a custom-build firm before relocating to Asheville in 2005 and joining Private Mountain Communities/Walnut Cove Realty in 2013.
Sharon Sweeney
Broker | ABR Military Relocation Professional
Phone: (828) 450-5547
A top producer since 2012 Sharon serves first-time buyers, veterans investors and relocation clients. Degrees in Business Administration and Travel & Tourism plus advanced pricing and negotiation certifications inform her clear honest advice. Off duty she explores mountains with husband Randy, and two cats.
Troy Norton
Broker | ABR Military Relocation Professional
Phone: (828) 577-1966
Troy learned from Beverly Hills luxury under $100 million producer June Scott and later hosted HGTV’s Building Character. He studies inventory with cinematic detail and now showcases Blue Ridge properties to a global audience often selling homes sight unseen. A member of The Cliffs he brings Hollywood polish and mountain passion to every listing.
Amanda Barnes
Broker
Phone: (509) 405-6822
After buying and selling her first home Amanda discovered real estate could unite her dedication to service and love for the outdoors. Now a multi-million-dollar producer she guides both sellers and relocation buyers with energy dedication and local insight—often with her Frenchie, Zeus tagging along.
Laura Cioce
Broker
Phone: (540) 539-1305
Two decades in customer-centric roles and a concurrent position with a luxury custom builder give Laura rare insight into craftsmanship and design. She tailors solutions whether clients seek land for a vision or a finished estate ready today.
Adam Clough
Broker
Phone: (828) 612-5976
Living in the Southcliff community Adam brings sixteen years of gated-luxury expertise. Raised on a farm he honed creative problem-solving and now bases client relationships on knowledge, honesty and trust while turning lifestyle conversations into reality.
Suzanne McClure
Broker
Phone: (828) 774-8282
Specializing in out-of-state buyers Suzanne leverages years of local expertise to make Western North Carolina moves seamless. From downtown bungalows to mountain estates she delivers personalized attention and clear guidance throughout every transaction.
Cary Findlay
Broker
Phone: (828) 808-4473
A former CPA and venture capitalist, Cary became a resident at The Cliffs at Walnut Cove resident then earned his license in 2016. His finance background and insider lifestyle knowledge help buyers understand both numbers and amenities when choosing a gated luxury home.
Koni Findlay
Broker
Phone: (828) 808-3812
Koni left a career in tax at Deloitte and years of public-company leadership to settle in The Cliffs at Walnut Cove. Licensed since 2016 she shares her passion for the community with clients and travels often, returning to Africa whenever adventure calls.
Jane Brief
Broker
Phone: (561) 596-5588
Former New York agent, Jane lives in The Cliffs at Walnut Cove and splits time between Asheville and Florida. A dedicated community volunteer and child advocate, she loves sharing insider tips on golf club life, arboretum runs and the neighborhood’s unique spirit.
Liz Saylor
Client Ambassador / Broker
Phone: (201) 213-3773
A marketer and engineer by training, Liz loves architecture and quoting Emily Dickinson: “I dwell in possibility.” Known as a connector, she delights in matching clients with the perfect home or homesite.
Matt Payne
Sales Manager / Broker
Phone: (231) 330-2163
Matt’s customer-service ethos grew from Disneyland to culinary arts to golf-club management. He listens more than he talks, focuses on investor and relocation buyers and helps clients build generational wealth in Western North Carolina.
Jerry Bush
Transaction Manager/Broker
Phone: (803) 422-8029
As an experienced real estate agent specializing in Western North Carolina's exclusive communities, Jerry’s background in the insurance industry has enhanced his communication, cultural awareness, and ability to exceed client expectations. He enjoys helping clients find their ideal homes in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Michelle Ford
Director of Operations
Phone: (828) 699-4647
A third-generation Ashevillian, Michelle manages back-office systems so brokers can focus on clients. She counts herself lucky to live and work in one of America’s most scenic regions.
Melora Bush
Agent Services
Phone: (803) 403-3888
A residential broker associate who supports husband Jerry and the full agent roster, Melora uses decades of experience to keep operations smooth and client experiences exceptional.
Harrison Redfearn
Agent Service Representative
Phone: (888) 247-3466
Tech-savvy and empathetic, Harrison has spent more than ten years mastering all facets of mountain real estate. He thrives in support roles and hits the golf course whenever time allows.
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Through Private Mountain Communities' affiliation with Walnut Cove Realty / Howard Hanna, our marketing reach extends globally through Luxury Portfolio International® and Leading Real Estate Companies of the World®. Our tailored, data-driven approach to pricing, marketing, and negotiation combined with exemplary service have been our hallmark for decades.
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