A vignette is like a fleeting whisper of a story, capturing the essence of a moment with the precision of a painter’s brushstroke. It’s a sliver of time suspended in amber, where the world seems to hold its breath. The vignette amplifies every detail: How the light filters through autumn leaves, casting golden shadows on the ground, or how the scent of rain mingles with the earth, bringing a quiet sense of renewal. These brief passages don’t tell a whole story but offer a glimpse into a feeling, a memory, or a scene so vivid it lingers in the mind like an echo. Each vignette is a delicate thread woven into the larger tapestry of a narrative, adding depth and texture. It invites you, the reader, to pause and savor the beauty of a singular moment, making you an integral part of the storytelling process.
Welcome to Vignette Realty, where we offer a stress-free experience to anyone purchasing or selling property in Western North Carolina. Our full-service real estate firm is dedicated to providing you with premium listing and buying services, because you deserve the best.
Our agents work together to put incredible customer service at the forefront, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free process. As we’re usually juggling multiple deals, we can pass the baton to each other without skipping a beat, which is invaluable in today’s fast-paced market.
At Vignette, we don’t believe in voicemail. Your phone call will always be answered, either by your agent or one of the team members, ensuring you will always receive immediate help. We’re here for you, whenever you need us.
Without the restrictions of a national franchise, we can better pivot in any market and manage our creative process and marketing decisions on a more localized level. Vignette Realty understands the Western North Carolina Market and is an expert at matching clients to their dream properties.
Our Story
More than a decade ago, during a product launch in Las Vegas, a presenter inadvertently uttered the word ‘Vignette.’ Little did we know that this word would come to define the very essence of our agency. This serendipitous moment, ignited the inspiring vision of our founders, Kristie and Rashaune, to establish a real estate agency that prioritizes the power of storytelling in the buying and selling process.
This unique approach, where we treat each property as a story, sets us apart in the real estate industry. A vignette—a short, meaningful story—captures the heart of who we are at Vignette Realty. We believe a story is the most powerful tool for selling or buying a home. Our “vignettes” are our clients’ stories about their needs, hopes, and dreams for the perfect place to call home. We don’t just sell properties; we help people find homes that are perfect for them.
Founded by Kristie and Rashaune in 2021, Vignette Realty has quickly grown into one of the largest and most trusted real estate agencies in Western North Carolina. With an unwavering focus on personalized service, innovative marketing strategies, and a profound understanding of the local market, we have successfully assisted over 400 buyers and sellers in cities like Highlands, Franklin, Sylva, Otto, Bryson City, and Cashiers.
Your Broker’s Responsibilities
EXPERIENCED ADVICE
→ Create a marketing strategy, conduct a competitive market analysis, and recommend a list price that will maximize the sale of your property.
→ Offer advice on staging and potential repairs so that your home is more attractive to potential buyers.
→ Identify quality professionals including attorneys, handymen, stagers, and inspectors.
→ Utilize all appropriate methods to market your property to buyers and other agents.
→ Help you make informed decisions leading to a successful sale.
→ Ensure that all offers are presented and responded to promptly.
→ Negotiate for the best price and terms possible, while staying mindful of your specific goals.
LOYALTY
→ Prioritize your interests above all else.
→ Respect the confidentiality of your personal information.
→ Ensure that all parties to the transaction are fully informed of any material facts that may impact the transaction.
RESPONSIVENESS
→ Always act in good faith.
→ Follow your instructions.
→ Respond to calls, texts, and emails promptly.
→ Track deadlines and dates closely.
ACCOUNTING
→ Receive and remit earnest money deposits.
→ Timely receipt and delivery of all documents.
→ Review the final settlement statements.
Rave Reviews
- JAKE LAWHEAD -
Could not have been happier with the service and counsel we received from Rashaune, and the Vignette Realty team! From showing to closing, I was blown away by the fact that I could call the Vignette office and speak to anyone, and they had working knowledge of my transaction and could assist. As a fellow realtor in another state, I can’t stress enough how rare that is. Kudos to Vignette for following through on a true “team” concept, and not just purporting marketing lip service.
- STEVE KYRAMARIOS -
What an amazing realty company to work with. My wife and I were not local buyers and Rashaune was our local eyes and ears. When we found a home we were interested in, she made it a point to visit the home and provide us with a video walk-through. Our search went on for approximately 6 months and we never felt pressure to make a decision or was never made to feel we were putting anyone out. In the event Rashaune was not available to assist us, Kristie was there to support us. For anyone looking for a responsive, knowledgeable, and hard-working realty company, look no further. I highly recommend Vignette Realty.
- LINDA POPE -
Somehow I got on Vignette Realty’s email list and they would send properties similar to what we have been searching for. I opened one of the links one morning and was shocked to see what looked like a dream home for us! One phone call later and we were touring the home and then we made an offer! Pretty much everything was seamless from that point forward! The realty group is pretty special in how they work; someone is always available. No more voicemails where the mailbox is full. No more leaving messages that never get returned. They just made themselves available pretty much all the time. I love their business model and also, they are all super nice to deal with! I will definitely be referring them to anyone I know.
- MONIC MENARD -
Ryan helped us find our dream home and we couldn’t be happier!. He was so patient and knowledgeable. He went the extra mile to acquaint us with each town we were interested in and educated us on the area. Our closing went very smoothly because of his attention to detail.
- DANIEL ANDERSON -
Jeff Willson and The Vignette Realty Team are phenomenal. You have to understand that I was deployed to the Middle East at the time of my home purchase, Jeff and the team arranged literally every single detail to get me taken care of while I was 7,000 miles away. There were ZERO issues of any variety involved in the selection, inspection, and closing of my property. I’m only allowed to give five stars, but I would give more if Google let me! Don’t hesitate to use Jeff Willson and Vignette Realty.
- RYAN BURGESS -
My experience with Vignette Realty, Kristie, and her team was no less than 5 stars! Recommended by a friend, Kristie was incredibly helpful, knowledgeable and responsive throughout the whole process of selling my property. Even though I was out of state during the time of the listing/sale, Kristie’s team kept me in the loop at all times and made the process a breeze. 10/10 would recommend!
Rashaune De La Cruz
Rashaune’s competitive spirit has been a driving force throughout her life. This passion has now evolved into a relentless determination that overcomes all odds, opens all doors, and achieves the objectives her clients seek. Her ‘get it done attitude’ is often compared to being ‘stronger than twelve yards of garlic,’ a testament to her unwavering commitment.
On the flip side, Rashaune’s roots in the Western North Carolina Mountains have given her a deep understanding of the local terrain, the people, and their real estate aspirations. Her amiable nature and extensive knowledge make her a favorite among clients. She is a walking encyclopedia of the market, guiding clients through its twists and turns.
Rashaune and Josh, her husband, were high school sweethearts and had children at a young age. Over time, they built a beautiful life with their two children and their close-knit extended family. She spends her time away from work caring for her family, attending her son’s basketball games, cooking incredible meals for her family, and serving the community. As a sidebar, her Chicken Chili kills the competition yearly at the Chili cook-off.
As a determined young mother, Rashaune decided to continue her education. She funded her college by working full-time while also supporting her children. She graduated from Western North Carolina University with a corporate banking and finance degree.
The only things limiting Rashaune’s appreciation for banking were the four walls she worked within and her inability to interact with people consistently. She began searching for something more and found the world of Real Estate. With her sharp ability to listen to and understand her client’s needs, she soon became a successful real estate agent in Western North Carolina.
With seven years of experience in the real estate industry, Rashaune has become one of the top agents in the area. Her success is not just individual, as she is also the Co-Owner and Co-Founder of Vignette Realty, a company to which she has significantly contributed. Her achievements are a testament to her competence and trustworthiness in the industry.
Kristie Brennan
It’s not just a career; it’s a personal lifestyle. Kristie’s diverse background and deep love for life, people, and the mountains make her a unique figure in the real estate industry. Born in a single-wide trailer on the Alafia River in Florida, her journey is a testament to her adaptability and resilience, shaping her approach to the industry.
Determined to be a life achiever, she joined the Navy, became a fighter jet mechanic, and was the first female stationed with her squadron. If you’re familiar with the Navy, she’s a certified “Shellback” who served two tours on board the USS Abraham Lincoln. Barely 100 pounds, she would lug a 63-pound toolbox up several flights of stairs to the flight deck to work on ejection seats and HVAC systems on the F/A-18 Hornets. Her travels worldwide on an aircraft carrier continued when she transitioned to civilian life.
She married Jack Brennan, a local to the Appalachian mountains, and they traveled for work through Florida, Georgia, Texas, and South Carolina. Kristie was heavily involved in her husband’s companies, including operations, meetings, communications, advertising, and real estate.
In 2019, Kristie took her husband’s retirement as an opportunity to use her interpersonal skills and business acumen to enter the North Carolina real estate industry. She partnered with Rashaune De La Cruz to create Vignette Realty.
Kristie’s approach to real estate is not just about helping people buy or sell homes; it’s about making people feel at home. She listens, understands, and connects with her clients, creating an environment where the best possible outcomes are achieved. This unique approach, combined with a thorough understanding of the Western North Carolina market, has allowed her to connect with hundreds of buyers and sellers—making new friends along the way. She calls it matchmaking.
Western North Carolina provides an incredible atmosphere for Kristie to accomplish everything she loves— focusing on what’s most important in life, being surrounded by nature, having fewer distractions, and being more present. You’ll find her on the pickleball court, hiking, or cooking for as many people as she can host when she’s not working.
Kristie Brennan BROKER + CO-OWNER
Jeff Willson
Jeff’s upbringing, with his father being a pilot in the United States Air Force, instilled in him a remarkable adaptability. His life was a series of exciting new opportunities, from Hawaii to England, Georgia to Washington. His experience in the military not only prepared him to interact with new people with ease but also to adapt and overcome the many challenges of life. This adaptability is a key strength that he brings to his role at Vignette Realty, ensuring that he can handle diverse situations with ease and confidence.
Jeff’s career journey began as a paramedic and continued into Rehabilitative Therapy, fueled by his passion for helping people. His 20 successful years in this field are a testament to his dedication and commitment to making a difference in the lives of those in need. His unwavering commitment to his clients is an inspiration to all of us at Vignette Realty, and we are proud to have him on our team.
As with any occupation, as life progressed, Jeff began looking for an alternative career path to provide quality time with family. Jeff’s good friend convinced him to look into the real estate industry. After researching the available opportunities, Jeff studied and obtained his real estate license, which the firm of John L Scott solicited. Jeff grew his business over the next two years and became known as the “Zen Real Estate Agent.” Jeff’s demeanor, analytical approach, and frankness have enabled him to relate to clients searching to sell or buy a home.
Music has always been an adventure for Jeff. His fluency with the piano, guitar, bass guitar, drums, and singing has led him to several record labels. More importantly, this passion created the moment when Jeff met Alycia. Alycia had graduated with a degree in journalism, and they met at a concert Jeff was performing at. They married and had two children, Bodhi and Trey, and an additional child, Zuma, a beloved yellow lab.
Jeff’s family fell in love with the North Carolina Region during their trip through the Appalachian Mountains. Their enchantment with the mild climate, beautiful mountains, and friendly people is a testament to the warmth and comfort of the community. This love for the region is a reflection of the welcoming and friendly nature of the community, which we strive to embody in our interactions with our clients at Vignette Realty.
Jeff and his wife, Alycia, decided to investigate living in the North Carolina Region. After searching for some time in the Western North Carolina mountains, Jeff and Alycia met Kristie Brennan, who understood their needs and wants. Kristie, co-owner of Vignette Realty with Rashaune De La Cruz, did a remarkable job selling a home to Jeff’s family and securing a highly-rated Broker. This positive experience with Vignette Realty significantly influenced Jeff’s decision to join the company.
Jeff is a valuable asset at Vignette Realty, a company that prides itself on calculated research, understanding its clients’ key concerns, and diligently searching for the perfect ‘match.’ Our unique selling points, such as our commitment to understanding and meeting our clients’ needs, and our personalized and efficient service, have built a strong following of clients who appreciate the value we bring to their real estate transactions.
His family is in love with Macon County and could not be happier. Jeff enjoys hiking, swimming, and boating with Alycia and their two boys when he is not working. His children are home-schooled and are involved in many local activities, such as the Smokey Mountain Performing Arts and the 4H club, and the boys have built a thriving “Honey” business through the 4H program. Music is a big part of Jeff’s family, and they spend many hours together in their home music studio. We are lucky to have Jeff as an associate, and our clients feel much the same.
Jeff Willson BROKER ASSOCIATE
Ryan Cote
Not quite the Alafia River, Ryan was born at the Women’s Center in Tampa, Florida. There is a connection to Kristie Brennan; they are siblings. Both love incredible food, the mountains, and life in Western North Carolina.
Ryan is no stranger to crises. He worked as a Critical Care RN for eight years in major metro areas spanning coast to coast. Early in his career, his ability to think and act under pressure in life-or-death situations prepared him for the Real Estate Industry.
Ryan’s communication and empathy skills with patients were an asset to him. These skills helped Ryan with the practice of medicine and advanced his relationship with a young lady named Teresa. Soon, they became engaged and began contemplating the rest of their lives, including raising their daughter, Grace. Understanding the success Kristie had experienced in the mountains of Western North Carolina, he sought her advice. Her words were simple: liquidate everything, move to the mountains, and join Vignette.
In any conversation, someone is either selling or buying, and in this conversation, both happened. Kristie sold Ryan on Vignette. Ryan’s tendency to thrive in rural areas and his love of nature made him a perfect fit for living in the mountains of Western North Carolina. Within a few days, never having stepped foot into the state, Ryan bought a home sight unseen and began planning the move.
Ryan obtained his real estate license and began working with the firm in early 2023. He immediately became a star player. His ability to understand our client’s needs and goals was paramount to his success. Learning how to deal with critical care issues in some of the largest hospitals in the country led Ryan to slice through to a client’s true vision and his keen understanding of the market and the pockets of available inventory. His demeanor is calm, his negotiation skills are sharp, and he loves his clients, a reflection of the relationships he has built over his short time in North Carolina.
Ryan is excellent at finding the perfect fit. Rather than using a shotgun to drag his clients through the mountains, his keen listening and observation skills allow him to narrow the search down to the one or two homes a client might be interested in. This respect for his client’s time provides the edge people need to jump on the right deal at the right time and price. This approach is a testament to Vignette Realty’s commitment to providing personalized and efficient service to our clients.
Listing homes to Ryan is a talent developed by his understanding of what people seek. When listing a client’s house, he listens but sees the potential in properties his prior customers had an eye for. People who often list their homes are blind to the issues and the qualities because they have lived in the home for so long that they become insulated. Ryan’s positive outlook is apparent in his marketing work, designed explicitly for each client’s goals.
Ryan’s family has grown, and now Teresa and Ryan have a new baby boy born in November 2023. They have a beautiful home and enjoy every ounce of North Carolina’s beauty. Teresa has taken on the challenge of keeping the children in the right direction. Their daughter Grace is blooming into a beautiful, intelligent young lady.
Ryan Cote
Vignette Marketing
Our marketing team, with over thirty years of experience in the production, marketing, and placement of media, has a deep understanding of media. We know the finer points of creativity and placement to obtain the highest impressions for properties in Western North Carolina.
Our expertise in placing media allows us to maximize buys, impacting the effectiveness of each campaign. Our team has managed multi million dollar advertising budgets and coordinated hundreds of campaigns. Further, Vignette Marketing has a tremendous understanding of social media experience. Our social media campaigns have resulted in 21,000 visits and over 7,500 client posts in 30 days.
Vignette Marketing stands out with its unique approach that combines traditional, digital, and print media to convert prospects into homeowners. With a dedicated staff of expert videographers, photographers, graphic artists, and media analysts, any listing we handle will generate an incredible first impression and response.
Distinctive Photography
Creative production and implementation are the keys to standing out in a world where the average consumer is bombarded with approximately 10,000 ads per day. At Vignette Realty, we understand this. That’s why we only work with the best photographers in the area, ensuring that we capture the essence of your home in a way that speaks directly to the buyer or client. Our commitment to high-quality photography instills confidence in our clients because they know quality when they see it.
At Vignette Realty, we don’t just stage homes; we craft stories. Each space is meticulously planned, and every detail is considered to eliminate clutter and enhance allure. Our photo shoots are not just about capturing the property; they’re about creating a narrative that draws the viewer in.
Our drone footage doesn’t show only an overview of the property; it recreates the feeling of ‘being there’ in the ‘present,’ capturing the essential elements clients seek most and building a compelling story about the property and its potential.
Our office creative toolbox contains high-tech staging and graphic design software to put the final touches on each listing. If your home is empty, we can show the client what the property would look like furnished. If the sun is a little dark, we can lighten the view to make it look as it should.
For Vignette Realty, this is no “hobby”; it’s a Hollywood production and story for each home we market.
Cutting Edge Website
We have a stunning website. Our creative design is inspiring to all who view it.
Our website’s design is not just visually appealing but also highly practical. It’s not about the ‘look and feel’ but about performance. The design indicates that we understand the minor details that drive business success. It’s not just about inspiring and keeping the attention of those who find it but also about making sure it’s discovered by the right people.
Most consumers need to realize the driving force behind a website’s success depends on the code, tags, alt text, descriptions, and other technical elements. These are the building blocks that make a website visible and accessible to search engines, which, in turn, helps potential buyers find your properties.
It looks great; why is it not recognized? Web bots index pages and cannot see images. They rely on alt text, descriptions, and instructions to read and decipher the website’s content. The issue with most agents representing properties in the industry is that they need help understanding this. Many agents don’t know web standards exist. More importantly, most who understand the work involved are opposed to doing the work. Why? Because it is time consuming and difficult.
Our website receives tens of thousands of visitors each month. Everyone who visits is actively looking for property in Western North Carolina. To provide a comparison, Macon County has approximately 30,000 residents. Do you have a calculator?
We offer incredible visuals, compelling stories, and stunning houses as a unique selling point. Our website showcases homes, and this exclusivity could be one of the reasons our company, with just four agents, has outsold over 300 agents combined in our local MLS.
Social Media
Social media is a powerful tool, a science waiting to be explored. It’s a platform where businesses can showcase their products to a global audience, from clothing and shoes to small wares. This isn’t just a shotgun approach to marketing; it’s a strategic opportunity. Even a 1% market share from such a campaign can lead to significant growth.
Social media, especially in smaller communities, is more than just a platform for high-end products. It’s a digital space designed to foster relationships. The primary goal of media campaigns in this context is to bridge connections by sharing engaging, relevant information about the region, its people, and their daily lives.
Our campaign design is all about interaction. We create posts that invite people to follow our company’s journey, showcasing homes and properties appealing to everyone. We also share interesting information that people may not know. We’re not just here to sell homes; we want to be part of the community, engaging with people and sharing our story.
Our social media strategy is not just about us, but about you, our clients. It’s a relationship-building process where we invite you to know more about who we are, our values, and our story. We want you to be a part of our journey, and we’re excited to share it with you.
Email Marketing
Americans have a voracious appetite for homes. You may have seen memes or short videos of people who spend their relaxation time browsing through homes and drooling over the properties, even if they have zero intent on buying.
As part of our email marketing strategy, we ensure we don’t overwhelm you, our valued clients. We present our properties in a way that respects your time, with all the necessary information in a brief format. This approach allows you to decide if a property is worth exploring and makes you an integral part of the process. Your active participation is crucial to the success of our strategy.
Our commitment to delivering the best results for our clients is unwavering. This principle is why we measure everything, from bounce to open rates and other vital metrics. Analyzing these data points ensures we deliver our subscribers the most relevant and engaging content. This, in turn, maximizes the exposure of our client’s properties, ensuring they get the attention they deserve.
31%
Properties with 3D tours sell up to 31% faster on average*
4.8%
Listings with 3D tours close at a 4-9% higher sale price on average*
3-D Tours
Our 3-D property tours are the determining factor in quickly transforming a property to benefit both the buyer and the seller. We complete masterful 3-D tours of every property we present, along with custom floor plans so people can walk through each property to see the flow of rooms and know precisely the measurements to ensure “Just the right size.”
These 3-D tours are magical, and many of our out-of-state clients appreciate the simplicity of virtually seeing a house and its floor plan before making an offer.
The ability to complete a 3-D tour allows people to fall in love with a property they have never had the opportunity to see.
*Statistics sourced from https://matterport.com/blog/3d-tours-properties-sell-31-faster-and-higher-price
Young Tree Service .................... 828-524-0019
WATER TESTING
EAS Water Testing Lab
Macon County Health Department ....................
828-524-2353
828-349-2081
WATER TREATMENT SYSTEMS
H2O Easy Water
828-236-9555
Mountain Water Systems 828-683-5400
WELLS
Andy Berry & Sons
828-524-4720
C & C Pump Service 828-369-5176
Chris Browning
828-371-2009
Crane Bros. Well Drilling 828-524-4976
Hedden Bros. Well Drilling
828-369-9591
Holland Well Drilling 828-524-3260
Powell & Sons Well Drilling 434-696-3294
WOOD RAILINGS, DECKS AND STAIRS
Mountain Laurel Handrails ......... 828-342-0873
James Pader
VETERINARIANS
Cashiers Village Veterinary ........ 828-743-5656
Highlands-Cashiers Animal Clinic 828-526-5206
Noah’s Ark Companion Animal Hospital 828-524-6121
Sylva Animal Hospital
A FEW OF THE NON-PROFITS NEAR AND DEAR TO US
828 Vets 828-524-2486
Boys And Girls Club Of The Plateau 828-743-2775
Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society ........................ 828-743-5752
Special Liberty Project............... 619-726-9240
Toys for Tots .............................. 828-480-8444
828-586-8587
The decision to purchase or sell real estate is one of the most important decisions of our lives. It can mean saying goodbye to past experiences and opening the doors for new ones. Choosing the right broker is the most critical decision you will make.
Vignette Realty, a name we carefully crafted in 2008, embodies our approach to real estate sales. We believe in creating a narrative around a property, much like a vignette, to inspire a desire for more. In the real estate industry, the name Vignette Realty instantly evokes stories about one’s most cherished possession, one’s home.
The average number of homes sold per Agent in Western North Carolina is six and a half. Our agents average fifty transactions per year. More experience, transactions, and learning opportunities are key when looking for an agency to represent the most significant investment a family can make in their lifetime.
Most agents put out a cheap sign, post the listing on the MLS, and send an email blast out. The average Agent works less than 35 hours, generally sells a home because of a friend or family member, has no overhead, advertising expense, or technology investment, and does their clients a disservice by representing them. Why? Selling six homes a year will not give an agent the experience they need to provide sound advice, navigate the problematic North Carolina market, and negotiate effectively.
Vignette Realty invests over half a million dollars annually in marketing, advertising, and personnel to support our clients’ transactions. To use an old Southern saying about measuring commitment, “If you are looking at a breakfast plate of eggs and bacon, the chicken is involved, the bacon is committed.” Vignette is the bacon.
Make the right choice and write your story with Vignette!
