Two years after Hurricane Helene, the headlines have moved on.

Western North Carolina is still dealing with what Helene left behind.

And some of the consequences are things most of us would never consider until they happen to our own property.

What happens when the river moves?

What happens when the tree, rock, stream or other landmark people have relied on to understand a property boundary is gone? What happens when land itself has been washed away—and a family that has lived there for generations is trying to figure out what they own, what they can rebuild and how they stay?

In this special episode of Real Talk with Leigh Brown, I sit down with my friend and One Community Real Estate partner Starr Franklin to talk about what we saw after Hurricane Helene and what Western North Carolina is still dealing with two years later.

We talk about

• The chaos of those first days
• Churches and volunteers becoming relief hubsBuilding temporary shelter so people could stay on their land
• Rivers changing course and property markers disappearing
• The surveying and real estate questions that followed
• Families who are still working to get home

Resources mentioned

• https://www.patriotrelief.org/
• https://www.onecommunity.realestate/
• A Million Miracles: Life After Hurricane Helene by Stephanie Johnson | Paperback

Join the Conversation Live

Thanks for spending part of your day with me.

Every Thursday at 9:00 AM ET, I go live on YouTube to talk through the week's biggest housing and real estate headlines. The best part is hearing your questions and perspectives while we're live.

I'd love for you to join the conversation.

Subscribe and turn on notifications here:

👉 https://www.youtube.com/@LeighBrownSpeaker

I'll see you From the Rooftops.

About Starr Franklin

Starr is a North Carolina native with more than 25 years of real estate experience. Based in Western North Carolina, she specializes in residential, new construction, commercial, multifamily, land sales, and relocation, with a special focus on serving military families.

For more than 13 years, Starr has worked alongside a team of top professionals, helping clients make informed decisions through honest, knowledgeable, and relationship-driven service.

Connect with Starr

• Website: Starr Franklin | OneCommunity.realestate
• Facebook: Starr M Franklin, Real Estate Broker | Hickory NC

About Leigh Brown

Leigh Brown is a keynote speaker and leadership expert who helps organizations navigate growth, conflict, and change with clarity and courage.

Her message resonates with leaders facing real-world pressure—whether that's housing challenges, organizational friction, or cultural shifts.

Her latest book, Next Is Now, equips leaders to stop reacting and start leading with intention.

👉 https://amzn.to/48FKenF

👉 Bring Leigh to your stage: https://leighbrown.com

DM Leigh on Instagram: @LeighThomasBrown

‍