Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate Integrity Partners in Asheville value relationships more than transactions.
The brokerage was founded by Rachel Brown and Coker Metcalf, two experienced real estate professionals who shared a belief that there was a better way to approach the industry. Rather than creating just another real estate firm, they set out to build a company where integrity would serve as the foundation of every relationship. From the start, their vision was to help agents feel genuinely supported, to treat clients like neighbors and to do the right thing, always — even when it’s not the easy thing.
As Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate Integrity Partners has grown, that original vision has continued to shape the firm’s culture and approach to service. It is also reflected in the company’s connection to Western North Carolina, a region its team members know not simply as a market, but as home.
We sat down and spoke with Founders Rachel Brown and Coker Metcalf to discuss how their unique perspectives make for a great partnership, their belief in the WNC community and the reasons why they put relationships before transactions.
What makes your business unique in its field?
Community is an important part of the story behind Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate Integrity Partners. It influences how we view our role. Helping someone buy or sell a home can have an impact that extends beyond an individual transaction. Helping families establish roots, supporting local businesses, and participating in the life of the community can all contribute to a stronger region.
“Focus on building relationships, not just closing transactions. Real estate is a people business first. When you lead with honesty, consistency and a genuine desire to help others, success naturally follows.“
What does “community” mean to you?
“Community” means showing up for one another. It’s about building relationships, supporting local businesses, giving back and investing in the people and places that make Western North Carolina special. We believe our role extends far beyond buying and selling homes: We’re committed to helping create a stronger, more connected community for everyone.
That philosophy complements our business model, which is built around relationships. For Integrity Partners, knowing the community means understanding that the people involved in a real estate transaction are also neighbors, business owners, families and community members.
Does your business have a defining philosophy? If so, what is it?
Focus on building relationships, not just closing transactions. Real estate is a people business first. When you lead with honesty, consistency, and a genuine desire to help others, success naturally follows.
It is an approach that circles back to the reason why we established the brokerage in the first place. Integrity is not intended to be simply part of the company’s name; it is meant to inform how we work with clients, support our agents and participates in the WNC community.
In an industry centered on significant financial decisions and important life transitions, we’ve chosen to emphasize something fundamental: the people behind every property. By combining industry experience, local knowledge, professional leadership and a commitment to Western North Carolina, our firm continues to pursue the vision that inspired its beginning — a real estate company built on relationships and grounded in integrity.
“We chose to build our brokerage here because we care deeply about this community and want to play a part in helping it thrive.“
Why do business in Asheville?
Western North Carolina isn’t just where we work, it’s home. Every member of our firm has a deep connection to this region, whether through lifelong roots or a love for the mountains and the people who call them home. We chose to build our brokerage here because we care deeply about this community and want to play a part in helping it thrive. From supporting local businesses to helping families put down roots, we’re committed to doing our part to make Western North Carolina the very best it can be.