Fall Property Maintenance: A Comprehensive Guide for Short-Term Rental Investors

Posted by Jason White on

Welcome to our guide to fall property maintenance! Fall property maintenance is not only essential for the longevity and functionality of your investment, but it also plays a crucial role in attracting and retaining guests. 

In this guide, we will walk you through the essential exterior and interior maintenance tasks that every short-term rental investor should prioritize during the fall months. Let’s dive in and get your rental properties ready for the autumn season!

The Importance of Fall Property Maintenance for Short-Term Rental Investors in the Smoky Mountains

Not only does it ensure that the property remains in tip top shape it can also have a direct impact on rental revenue and guest satisfaction! By conducting inspections, investors can catch problems early on and prevent them from developing into larger, more costly issues.

When it comes to fall property maintenance, there are several tasks that should be prioritized. 

Exterior tasks include: 

  • Cleaning gutters and downspouts to prevent water damage
  • Inspecting and repairing the roof to ensure it is in good condition
  • Clearing debris from the yard and landscaping to maintain curb appeal
  • Cleaning and inspecting windows and doors for proper functionality
  • Inspection theHVAC system


Interior maintenance tasks include:

  • Checking and maintaining heating systems to ensure they are working efficiently
  • Inspecting and maintaining plumbing and electrical systems to prevent leaks or electrical issues
  • Addressing any pest control issues to maintain a clean and comfortable environment for guests
  • Cleaning, inspecting, and repairing appliances in your rental properties. This helps to prolong their lifespan and prevent breakdowns.
  • Cleaning and maintaining fireplaces, chimneys, and vents 

 

Safety and security measures should also be a priority when it comes to preventive maintenance! 

Safety and security maintenance tasks include:

  • Regularly reviewing and updating security systems
  • Checking and repairing outdoor lighting 
  • Checking and maintaining locks and entry points
  • Testing smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms to ensure they are functioning properly
  • Inspecting and maintaining fire extinguishers

By staying proactive with fall property maintenance  you can reduce expenses, increase income, and ensure guest satisfaction in your short-term rental properties! 

Happy autumn and happy renting!

 

Fall in the Smokies 2023

Posted by Jason White on

 

Autumn is upon us and the Great Smoky Mountains are coming alive with color, charm, and festive events! We’ve curated a list of exciting events to make your fall season memorable.

 

Things to do in Sevierville, TN in October

  • Sevierville’s History and Haunts: Wander historic downtown Sevierville on October 19, from 6pm-8pm. Embrace family-friendly frights, historic walking tours, costume contests, and end the night with fireworks. Admission is free with nominal charges for some activities. 
  • Kyker Farms Adventure: Experience an authentic farm adventure from September 30-October 31 at Kyker Farms. Navigate corn mazes, relish hayrides, and indulge in fun activities. Kyker Farms is a testimony to nine generations of farming. Get ready to be “Kornfused”! 

 

Things to do in Gatlinburg, TN in October

  • Gatlinburg’s Winter Magic & Chili Cookoff: Kickoff the Winter Magic with mouth-watering chili recipes on November 9, 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Relish live entertainment with the tribute band, On The Border, echoing the legendary tunes of The Eagles. 
  • Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair: From October 5-22, explore 200+ booths of unique, handmade products. With a rich assortment of arts and crafts coupled with live music, this fair is a tribute to creativity and skill. 
  • Smoky Mountain Fall Festival at Ober Mountain: Starting September 29 through October 28, celebrate the season atop Ober Mountain. Enjoy concerts, delicious food, hay games, movie nights under the stars, and the Giant Pumpkin Festival. 
  • Boo Bash at Gatlinburg SkyPark: From October 1-31, enjoy the best view of the fall foliage at Gatlinburg SkyPark. This family-friendly Halloween Boo Bash offers an unmatched Smoky Mountain experience in the heart of Gatlinburg. 

 

Experience the Vibrant Colors the Fall Foliage of Gatlinburg Provides From the Comfort of Your Home

The vibrant hues of autumn in Gatlinburg are a sight to behold, painting a vivid tapestry across the Smoky Mountains!

While being there in person is an unparalleled experience, we understand that not everyone can make the trip. That’s where the live webcams come in! Offering real-time views of the breathtaking fall foliage, Gatlinburg’s webcams bring the splendor of the season right to your screens.

Whether you’re planning your trip and want a sneak peek or simply wish to indulge in the scenic beauty from afar, these cameras provide a captivating window into the heart of the Smoky Mountain fall.

Tune in here and enjoy the fall foliage in the Smokies! 

 

Did you know the staff at the Leconte Lodge shares a photo everyday?!

They post a daily blog featuring photos daily! Such a good way to experience the Smokies even when you can’t be here!

 

Fall Foliage in the Smokies!

Posted by Jason White on

Did you know that you can see the fall foliage everyday!  There a number of live webcams in Gatlinburg – you can view 

There a 5 different live feeds in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park!
Look Rock 
Leconte Creek
Twin Creeks
Newfound Gap 
Purchase Nob
Clingman’s Dome 

Not only can you view the National Park – you can also view the fall foliage in the city!

Take a live 360 degree tour at Anakeesta here! 

Or check out the view from the Gatlinburg Space needle!

 

Fun in the Fall!

Posted by Gatlin on

Fun in the Fall

Hey ya’ll

The weather here the last few days has us dreaming of color changing leaves, cool weather, and pumpkin spice everything!

We were thinking about all the ways you can have fun in the fall in the Smokies and wanted to share a few with you!

Fun in the Fall in September

September 7th through November 25th – Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival 

Gatlinburg is rolling out all the stops with NEW seasonal decorations. Gatlinburg Harvest Festival will feature over the top fall decorations including new life-size, 3-dimensional Scarecrow people.

“We could not live in a more picturesque area for viewing Fall color,” says Mark Adams, Gatlinburg CVB CEO/President. “We want to capitalize on the seasonal beauty by extending our Harvest Festival to the end of November thus giving visitors more opportunities to experience Autumn in the Smokies.”

September 13th – Taste of Autumn

Gatlinburg’s annual Taste of Autumn will feature amazing music from one of America’s finest and most recognized Beatles tribute bands, Abbey Road Live! The evening’s entertainment will start off with the musical performance of Cannon Creek. Cannon Creek plays a variety of traditional, progressive and contemporary Bluegrass.

Tickets are on sale now!

“Abbey Road LIVE! is not your typical Beatle look-alike tribute act; don’t expect mop-top haircuts and vintage Rickenbacker guitars. Rather, this show is about bringing to life some of the more mature and complex Beatles material in a raw & spirited fashion, while remaining true to the original recordings.”

September 21st through October 28th – OctOBERfest

OktOBERfest returns to its Gatlinburg-style roots with 38 days of merrymaking from September 21 through October 28, 2018 as the resort commemorates the 207th anniversary of the popular festival held in Munich, Germany. The Bavarian Fun Makers Band will perform traditional Bavarian folk dances, sing-a-longs, yodels and more! Special Oktoberfest Biers will be served along with traditional German wurst, schnitzel, sauerkraut, strudel, pretzels and more.

Fun in the Fall in October

October 4th through the 21st – Gatlinburg Craftmen’s Fair

From October 4 through 21, the Gatlinburg Convention Center blossoms into a multi-level mecca of the top craft people from all across the United States. A unique characteristic of the Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair is the fact that artisans not only make their art available for viewing and sale, but also demonstrate their special talents and skills during this show,.

Tentative hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays. Music shows are scheduled at 12, 2 and 4 p.m. daily, 12 and 2 p.m. on Sundays.

Fun in the Fall in November

November 7th – Chili Cookoff

Offering mouth-watering recipes of homemade chili ranging from mild and delightful to wild and adventurous, the City of Gatlinburg hosts its annual Chili Cookoff on Wednesday, Nov. 7 from 5 to 8 p.m. in downtown.  Festival-goers will enjoy free, live entertainment offered throughout the event.

 

 

Would you ever buy a haunted home?

Posted by Gatlin on

A new survey from Realtor.com shows most folks won’t shy away from a spooky space–so long as the price is right.

In September, Realtor.com surveyed more than 1,000 online respondents. The verdict? Thirty-three percent were open to living in a haunted house, 25 percent might be, and 42 percent are not open to the idea.

What factors impacted these results? Let’s explore:

  • 40 percent of respondents indicated that they need a price reduction in order to choose a haunted home over a non-haunted home;
  • 35 percent require a better neighborhood;
  • 32 percent need larger square footage;
  • and 29 percent would do so if more bedrooms are involved.

Who minds a few spooky spirits if there’s a third bedroom?   From the survey, 47 percent of participants indicate they would live in a home where someone died, 27 percent said they might, and 26 percent said they would not.

The survey also showed certain paranormal activities are preferred over others. Forty-eight percent of those surveyed didn’t mind a few cold or hot spots in their home, whereas 45 percent could get down with unexplained noises, and 39 percent are willing to tolerate strange, freaky feelings in certain rooms. Thirty-five percent of folks could deal with shifting shadows, but only twenty percent were alright with levitating objects or the sensation of being touched.

Of those surveyed, 28 percent believed they already have lived in a haunted house, with 14 percent unsure and 58 percent quite sure they’ve never been haunted.

 

Featured Listing:

This lot was issued a 5 bedroom septic permit, which is increasingly rare. Great opportunity to build a 5 bedroom vacation rental cabin.   Located in very desirable Pinnacle Vista subdivision in Pittman Center.

Don’t miss OktOBERfest!

Posted by Gatlin on

                Enjoy Oktoberfest in Ober, Gatlinburg though Oct. 29th

OktOBERfest is being celebrated with Gatlinburg-style roots of merrymaking from September 22 through October 29th.  Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort commemorates the 207th anniversary of the popular festival held in Munich, Germany.

One of the highlights of OktOBERfest is the food.  Most of the food is German inspired and is derived from recipes and cuisine from traditional Bavarian festivals.  Cuisine includes but is not limited to schnitzel, bratwurst, strudel, turkey legs, pretzels and sauerkraut.  During this month-long celebration, along with multiple daily shows, the Seasons Of Ober Restaurant switches to their OktOBERfest menu.  Special Oktoberfest Biers will be served including several local favorites.  If German food isn’t for you, there are other eateries on site that will offer meals suited to your taste and overall budget.

And, of course, along with great memories, you’ll want to take home souvenirs of this month-long celebration. They have a wide variety of OktOBERfest  souvenir apparel, gifts and accessories available in the outdoor vendor tent.  Inside the mall, you’ll also want to check out the retail shops… most especially the unique and specific  Beer Necessities kiosk,  which provides an eclectic selection of gifts and accessories for the true beer aficionado.

Enjoy the Bier Garten!
An Outdoor Bier Garten is open for beer sampling for festival-goers who are 21 and over. Different featured breweries will be included each weekend, with a company representative from each of these present on Saturdays.

 

Along with the authentic German cuisine and beer, you can also look forward to outdoor games and the Bavarian Fun Makers Oompah Band.  The band dresses in authentic lederhosen while performing traditional Bavarian folk dances, oompah music, sing-a-longs, yodels, and more!

 

Featured Listings

Three Charmers Near Ober:

Beautifully crafted 2 BD/1.5 BA, 1,400+ sq ft, mountain chalet.  Ideally suited as a permanent or 2nd home, or as an overnight rental.   More Info

2220 St. Moritz Court , Gatlinburg, TN 37738   $219,900  ID#: 211874

1 BD/2 BA, 1,350+ sq ft, contemporary-style mountain chalet. Spectacular mountain & city views.  Currently on a well-established rental program.  More Info

 1536 Zurich Road   Gatlinburg, TN 37738
$215,000     ID#: 208705
3 BD/2 BA, 1,600+ sq ft mountain chalet with amazing mountain & city views.  Ideal as a permanent or 2nd home, or as an overnight rental.   More info

 

Fall into the Smokies!

Posted by Gatlin on

Fall Events in Gatlinburg:

Looking for things to do in Gatlinburg? The Gatlinburg fall calendar of events is jam-packed with seasonal Gatlinburg TN attractions that you won’t want to miss this fall.

 

Event Name: Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair
Date(s): October 8 – 25
Season: Fall
Category: Arts, Entertainment
Description: More than 200 booths featuring some of the nation’s finest work. Artists demonstrating on site, selling art. Live music.
Location: Gatlinburg Convention Center
Website/Link: http://www.craftsmenfair.com
Admission: $5.00

Event Name: Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival
Date(s): September 18 – October 31
Season: Fall
Category: Arts, Entertainment, History
Description: Fall decorations, old fashioned hayrides, events, entertainment, and local craft exhibits.
Location: throughout Gatlinburg
Admission: FREE

Event Name: Fall Foliage in the Smokies
Date(s): September 15 – November 15
Season: Fall
Category: Entertainment
Description: The notion that peak color season in Great Smoky Mountains National Park happens in mid-October is a misconception. The marvelous colors of autumn actually light up the Smokies for seven weeks or more as the peak elevations move down the mountainsides from the highest elevations to the foothills.
Location: Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Website/Link: http://www.gatlinburg.com/
Admission: Yes

Event Name: Winter Magic Kickoff & Chili Cookoff
Date(s): November 4
Season: Fall
Category: Entertainment, Fundraiser, Food
Description: Gatlinburg lights up the city with millions of winter lights, an award winning chili contest and live entertainment. Come join us!
Location: Downtown Gatlinburg
Admission:  Yes

 

Beautiful and affordable lots in prestigious Pinnacle Vista:
Pinnacle Vista subdivision in Pittman Center among $1,000,000+ cabins

 

714 Pinnacle Vista Lot 28  Gatlinburg     $35,000   ID# 206795

5 bedroom septic permit, which is increasingly rare.  Great opportunity to build a High income vacation rental cabin.  1.94 Acres.

 

 

Lot 27 Pinnacle Vista Rd.  Gatlinburg,    $39,900  ID# 206353

Great area for rental, second or permanent home site. Easy access with paved through the development.  No HOA fees.  1.9 Acres.

 

 

 

Lot 90 Pinnacle Vista Rd.  Gatlinburg  $ 29,900  ID # 206361

3.19 Acres.  Close in proximity to Greenbrier entrance for the Great Smoky Mtn. National Park and only about 10 mi. to dwtn. Gatlinburg.

 

BOO! It’s Halloween Weekend in the Smokies!

Posted by Gatlin on

jackolantern

 

Happy Halloween Weekend! Here in the Smokies, there are plenty of fun events offered this weekend! This Saturday, from 5 pm-9 pm, The Island at Pigeon Forge will host their 4th Annual Halloween. The Island has revamped their parties this year to resemble something fun for everyone– A Halloween Carnival! Complete with circus performers, candy, stilt walkers and more!

If you prefer a more “scary” Halloween, visit Ripley’s Haunted Adventure in Gatlinburg! You must be 6 years old to enter– if you dare! Open 7 days a week.

Greenbrier Campground is also hosting a Halloween Carnival this weekend. Open to the public and suitable for all ages!

 

This Week’s Featured Listings:

 

cupid 1436 Cupid Way, Sevierville, TN 37876 – $209,900 – Well-built, 1 BD/2 BA, 1,200+ sq ft, log cabin, with ample privacy, & only 5 mi. to Pigeon Forge, Dollywood, & the attractions. Has made over $30K in rental income in 2015 with new rental program.

 

orig_boomver_1_204621-1  1026 Deep Hollow, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 – $149,900 -Totally private, cozy, 1BD/1BA, 1,200+ sq. ft. chalet, nestled among the forest of Chalet Village North, & only 1.5 miles to dwtn. Gatlinburg, the Nat’l Park, & the attractions. Come See it today!

Beautiful Autumn Color in the Great Smoky Mountains!

Posted by Gatlin on

 

Each year, around 10 million visitors flock to the Great Smoky Mountain’s National Park, with a large majority visiting during peak foliage season. The progression of beautiful fall color has peaked up in the highest elevations of our National Park, and is now starting to trickle down into our downtown area. The warm, sunny days, and cool nights provide much contribution to the beautiful fall colors our area receives. Our “peak season” generally lasts several weeks, due to the difference in elevation we have in the area, so you still have plenty of time to visit! October boasts a generous amount of festive activities, with a few of them including: The Craftsmen’s Fair, Dollywood’s Harvest Celebration, Oktoberfest at Ober Gatlinburg, and much more. If you are looking for a place to stay this fall, visit our sister company, Chalet Village for great deals on beautiful properties in the Gatlinburg area. Stop in and pay us a visit while you are here!

 

This Week’s Featured Properties:

 

 

orig_boomver_2_202210-1    JUST REDUCED!! 221 Chimney Tops Way, Gatlinburg, TN 37738- $229,900 – Just reduced by $10,000!
Well-located, beautifully-built, 2 BD/2 BA, 1,200+ sq ft log cabin, located only mins. to dwtn. Gatlinburg. This cabin has generated near and above $30K consistently in rental income for the last 3 years. Interior has a large living/dining rm combination w/high, vaulted ceilings, full kitchen, and a private BD on each level, complete w/private BA & closet space. Master BD is located on the 2nd floor, complete w/whirlpool in the master BA. Also includes a loft level open recreation area w/pool table. There are two full deck levels to enjoy the beautiful wooded setting and mountain views, w/the main level deck being a partially wraparound deck w/hot tub. There is unfinished day-light basement with an outside entrance that could easily be added to the total square footage of the home for a relatively low cost. Easily accessible to nearby City-maintained roads and services, and mins. to other area attractions, including the Great Smoky Mtns. Nat’l Park, among many others. Come see it today and enjoy the great mtn. and and wooded views.

 

orig_boomver_1_206039-1 Lot 57, East Foothills Drive, Gatlinburg, TN 37738- $49,900 Beautiful, level lot on 0.60 acres at the end of the Valley High subdivision. Would be great for a permanent residence, second home, or rental home. This lot has been approved for a 4 bedroom septic permit, and offers paved roads maintained by the HOA. Great location! Easy access to downtown Gatlinburg, and the areas main attractions. This lot offers a beautiful winter view off of the back side. A true must see!

The Wears Valley Fall Fest Takes Place This Weekend!

Posted by Gatlin on

field

 

This weekend, from October 16-18, 2015, the Wears Valley Fall Fest, presented by Keep Sevier Beautiful, will be hosted in Wears Valley, right next to the Tennessee State Bank at 3177 Wears Valley Road, approx. 7 miles from Pigeon Forge and Townsend, with events coming on all three days. The Wears Valley Fall Fest will feature live entertainment, food, activities for people of all ages, pumpkins, arts and crafts, and multiple exhibits and booths with an emphasis on the mission of Keep Sevier Beautiful, which is to prevent litter, reducing waste, and making public places into beautiful spaces. Promises to be a great event for people of all ages, all designed to keep our area beautiful, along with celebrating the Fall season in the Smokies. For more information on this event, please click on the event’s main website to find out more today.

 

With unique events like the Wears Valley Fall Fest to help celebrate the beauty of the Smokies during the Fall season, it is no wonder why so many people come to our area every year, whether to live, to play, to work, or just to visit the Great Smoky Mountains for themselves. Why not see what else the Smokies can do for you today? Please feel free to browse our many great Featured Properties, and learn more about how The Jason White Team can help you realize your home ownership dreams today!

 

 

Our Featured Properties for Thursday, October 15, 2015:

 

 

FEATURED PROPERTY!

APrivate, Spacious, 5 BD/5.5 BA Mountain Chalet Only Mins. to Pigeon Forge. Made nearly $30K in rental income in 2014 alone; has great rental potential. Home is set in a beautiful, wooded area that is rather private, but also only mins. away to Pigeon Forge, Sevierville, Wears Valley, & much more. Home includes 2-screened in porches, a Large Great Room, a Large Lower Level Recreation Room, a Large Master Bedroom w/in-room W/P, and much more. A great home and location – come see it today! Type: Single-Family Home Location: Sevierville, TN Price: $269,900  For more information >

 

 

 

 

FEATURED PROPERTY!

APrivate, Spacious, 4 BD/4 BA Log-Style Home Only Mins. to Pigeon Forge. Ideal as a permanent or 2nd home, or as an overnight rental. Located in a private, gated community, & only mins. to Pigeon Forge, Sevierville, & the attractions, while being set in a beautiful, wooded setting, w/partial mtn. views. Home includes a Large Great Rm, a Large Master BD w/Private BA & Closet, a Large Den/Recreation Rm on the first lower level, partial wraparound deck, & much more. A great location & home w/lots of privacy – come see it today! Type: Single-Family Home Location: Sevierville, TN Price: $259,900  For more information >

 

 

 

 

FEATURED PROPERTY!

AWell-Built, 1 BD/2 BA Log Cabin w/Ample Privacy Only Mins. to Pigeon Forge. Has made over $27K in rental income since September 2014; has great rental potential. Set in a beautiful wooded setting, w/beautiful construction, both inside & out. Cabin includes a Large, Open Living Rm, a private Master BD w/in-room W/P, a private Loft area which can serve as a Game Rm or an extra sleeping space, & more. Also includes a paved, level parking area, & is only mins. to Pigeon Forge, Dollywood, & the attractions. A great home & location – come see it today! Type: Single-Family Home Location: Sevierville, TN Price: $209,900  For more information >

 

 

 

 

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The Jason White Team
Century 21 Four Seasons Realty, Inc.
1441 Wiley Oakley Drive
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Toll Free: (877) 678-2121
Fax: (865) 436-7227
E-mail Address: jason@jasonwhiteteam.com
Website: https://gatlinburgrealestateforsale.com