Vacant Land – A Good Buy?

Posted by Gatlin on May 30, 2013

As we are watching market activity surge, prices starting a slow rise and inventory decline many of you may be asking is now the time to consider a vacant land purchase. Today we would like to take a moment to look into the benefits and things to consider before making a land purchase.

There are numerous things to check into when you begin to look at an undeveloped tract of land and the first is what are your long term goals for the parcel? Are you looking at a long term investment, to build right away or to get a good deal now and build a home later? Knowing ahead of time what your end plans are will help to guide your decision making.

If you intend to purchase it as a long term investment always think about location. If the market is primarily vacation rental property and that will be the end user, where are the hot spots for vacation rentals? Certainly in this area Chalet Village, Pittman Center, Wears Valley and locations near Dollywood would be excellent choices. If you are looking for somewhere to build a second home you will want to decide what location features are to you when you are enjoying time away. Mountain view? Close to attractions? Privacy? Or for a permanent residence, what about accessibility to shopping? School district? Traffic?

Once you have determined an end use and location you will want to consider potential costs of purchasing such as a survey. Also, what amenities are present and what will have to be added? Is the property serviced by city water and sewer? If not, is there an existing well and septic or will one need to be installed?

Putting together a team to help will make your transaction go more smoothly and give you a clear picture when making a land purchase. We recommend exploring your financing options first so that when you have identified a piece of property you are prepared to make an offer. We are able to assist you with locating contractors, builders and others to be available throughout the process.

There are numerous options available in the Great Smoky Mountain area if you are considering a land purchase. Land and lot prices are still low but as existing home inventory continues to decrease and prices increase land values will start to rise. Now may be a good time to start looking at some of the great available deals on undeveloped property.

Here Are A Few Of My Featured Vacant Land Listings:

Near Ski Resort & Downtown
A great opportunity to own a lot in desirable Chalet Village and has a winter view of the mountains.
Type: Land
Location: Chalet Village
Price: $29,900
Get more information >

Two For The Price Of One
Two lots for the price of one and right in the city within walking distance to downtown Gatlinburg dining, shopping and attractions.
Type: Land
Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee
Price: $35,000
Get more information >

Beautiful Ridge Top Property! Great Deal
Beautiful ridge top property with level building site. Clear a few trees to have a wonderful mountain view. Driveway to the top of the ridge. VERY MOTIVATED SELLERS!
Type: Land
Location: Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Price: $29,000
Get more information >

First Time Home Buyer? Some Tips To Get You Started

Posted by Gatlin on May 23, 2013

With mortgage rates being at all time lows, making home loans more affordable than ever more buyers are considering their first purchase. If you are thinking of taking the leap you may be wondering where to start to locate the right home and have a smooth transaction. We would like to share some tips from the team and answers to common myths here today.

Myth 1: You have to have perfect credit to buy a home.

It is correct that the higher your credit score the more options you will have in choosing a mortgage. However, having a score in the lower ranges does not mean it is impossible to obtain a loan. If you are thinking of a purchase talking with a lender will help you to navigate your credit report and verify the loan options that are available to you.

Myth 2: You must have a 20% down payment.

Having a large down payment will lower your payments but is not always necessary. Many loan programs are available that will allow as little as a 3.5% or in some cases no down payment. Talk with your lender about options such as an FHA or Rural Development loan.

Myth 3: Buying a foreclosure will get me a huge discount.

Yes, the banks are looking to thin their inventory but they are also trying to protect their interests as well. Though some foreclosed properties are offered at lower than market value prices this is not always the case. The bank obtains a market analysis of the property and sometimes a full appraisal prior to listing it on the market and price it accordingly to see what the market will bear. In most cases the bank would prefer to lower the price in small increments until they obtain a reasonable offer rather than accept a cut rate offer.

Myth 4: The perfect home is out there if I just keep looking.

When you step into the house that is right for you for the first time you will know it. Prior to viewing homes make a list of the things that are most important to you in a home and of what things would be a deal breaker. Once you have an accepted offer we encourage you to have a home inspection which will reveal if any of your deal breaker items exist or if there are simple maintenance items that you are willing to address so that you do not lose the opportunity of owning the home that was meant for you.

Tips From The Team:

*Give yourself time to look and be flexible. With this being a busy vacation area many properties you are interested in may not be available on certain days, especially weekends. Purchasing a home is a serious investment and is worth taking a few days away from other obligations when you are ready to look. Scheduling a trip during the week instead of on a weekend will make your trip much more productive as more homes will be available and there will be less traffic to delay your day.

*The market is moving at a pretty rapid pace. It is crucial to have a mortgage pre-approval or proof of funds letter in hand when you come to look. Many sellers will not even approve a showing unless we are able to provide this ahead of time.

*All of the areas we serve offer different amenities. Know ahead of time what is most important to you about location such as views, level roads or mountainous and proximity to town. Doing this we will help us make sure we are spending your time here at homes you will love.

We hope that this information is helpful to you as you begin to pursue a new home. We invite you to begin at our website to see all that is available in the Sevier County region of The Great Smoky Mountains.

Here Are A Few Of My Featured Listings:

2 For The Price Of 1 A great opportunity to own two Chalet Village lots for the price of one. Type: Single Family Home Location: Chalet Village Price: $15,000 Get more information >

180 Degree City & Mountain Views Produced over $14k in rental income in 2012. Very private ridgetop retreat w/wraparound covered deck that has amazing 180 degree views of the mountains & city lights. Type: Single Family Home Location: Chalet Village Price: $189,900 Get more information >

A View Second To None Over $40,000 in rental income for 2012! Aptly named A View Second To None, this chalet has breathtaking views of Mt. LeConte. Located just minutes to downtown Gatlinburg & Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort. Type: Single Family Home Location: Chalet Village Price: $269,900 Get more information >

As Spring Moves Into Summer Smoky Mountain Events Rev Up

Posted by Gatlin on May 16, 2013

One thing we love to do in Sevier County is celebrate. As Spring moves out and Summer moves in there is a steady flow of events, festivals and celebrations with something for everyone. Let’s take a look at the line up for 2013.

This weekend, May 17th & 18th, Sevierville’s Bloomin’ BBQ & Bluegrass Festival will be in full swing. Admission is free and it has been named Festival of The Year by the Southeast Tourism Society. Activities include numerous free concerts, the Tennessee state Championship Barbeque Cook-Off, games for the kids and more. More info can be found at http://www.bloominbbq.com.

This event also includes the Mountain Soul Vocal Competition Finals. This is a vocal competition centered around Dolly Parton’s Songwriting. Contestants pick one of the thousands of songs written by Dolly and perform them in any style they choose. This event is sure to be entertaining for every music lover.

Music Road Hotel & Convention Center will host the 13th Annual Pontiacs in Pigeon Forge Car Show on June 7th – 9th. This show will be followed on June 14th and 15th with the 2013 All Chevy Supernationals. If you are a car lover this is a great time to visit the mountains and admire beautiful classics.

Dollywood is kicking off a brand new event in 2013! June 22nd will be the beginning of the first Great American Summer. Dollywood will have extended hours from June 22 – August 4. Each day will begin with a live performance of the Star Spangled Banner and conclude with a fireworks display – “Dolly’s Nights of Many Colors”. Imagine the thrills of riding a roller coaster under the light of the moon.

This is just a sampling of the many events throughout the year. These are the activities that continue to promote the area as a top vacation spot. With the continuous flow of visitors to Sevier County and The Great Smoky Mountains and all of the available entertainment it makes the area a top choice for a second home or vacation rental investment. If you are thinking of a purchase, we are ready to help.

Here Are A Few Of My Featured Listings:

Creekside Cabin Close To Everything Consistently produces right at $25,000 in annual rental income. Listen to the comforting sounds of the rolling creek here at Sparkling Waters. This charming log cabin has all you need to enjoy a get away in the Smoky Mountains. Type: Single Family Home Location: Pigeon Forge Price: $169,900 Get more information >

Top Floor With Amazing Views First time on market! Top floor unit – best location in the building & best view in the building. Type: Condo Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee Price: $550,000 Get more information >

Near Ski Resort & Downtown A great opportunity to own a lot in desirable Chalet Village and has a winter view of the mountains. Type: Land Location: Chalet Village Price: $29,900 Get more information >

What Role Does The Real Estate Market Play In The Economy?

Posted by Gatlin on May 9, 2013

We have witnessed a continued stream of good news flowing in for the housing market so far this year and there is no doubt that a recovery is underway. Trulia’s Housing Barometer shows each month how quickly the market is heading back to “normal.” Trulia is showing that the market is currently 56% of the way back compared to only 33% one year ago. This number comes from averaging 3 key indicators:

*Construction starts were up 47% year over year, the highest level since June of 2008 – 55% back to normal.

*Existing home sales slowed a bit but were still up 10% year over year – 66% back to normal.

*The foreclosure and delinquency rate fell to it it’s lowest level since October of 2008 – 48% back to normal.

Though it is great to hear real estate is doing well it is often mentioned that this means an overall boost to the economy. Let’s take a look at a few of the reasons why.

Many career fields and even the Government depend on real estate success. Of course lenders and builders benefit when the market is doing well but a closer look shows that the impact goes much deeper than that. Lawrence Yun, NAR Chief Economist, says that the market recovery is responsible for about 1/3 of the economy’s growth and a large number of jobs. When we think about homes being purchased many times this means a need for landscaping, remodeling, lawn equipment and numerous other items. This pours spending right back in to the economy. The effects go through several levels, as home purchases and home construction increase the demand for materials and supplies is also increased, boosting retail jobs, manufacturing jobs and labor jobs.

Another way home purchases help is in the tax sector. Most communities depend on tax dollars to provide road maintenance, parks, emergency personnel and other services. With more property tax dollars coming in cities are able to spend more on improvements. With these improvements it is easier to attract job providers or in some cases, recreational visitors to the area. This completes a loop of money being circulated in the economy.

These are just a few of the ways that real estate affects the economy and there are many more. As the market continues to level now is the time to consider a purchase. When you are ready we will be here to help you navigate the process from beginning to end.

Here Are A Few Of My Featured Listings:

Picture Perfect Log Cabin Almost $25,000 in rental income for 2012! Well built log cabin with privacy and only 5 miles to Pigeon Forge. Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee Price: $219,900 Get more information >

Tucked Away In The Woods This two bedroom chalet with a pretty wooded view is set back in the trees to offer the kind of privacy you seldom find in today’s crowded world. Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee Price: $139,900 Get more information >

Stress Free Home In The Mountains Looking for a stress free home away from home in the Smoky Mountains? You have found it here with this inviting condo atop Ski Mountain. Type: Condo Location: Chalet Village Price: $85,000 Get more information >

The Smoky Mountain Real Estate Market Holds Steady

Posted by Gatlin on May 2, 2013

An article on CNN Money this morning reports that mortgage rates for a 30 year fixed loan still hover near the record low set in November of 2012 at 3.35%. The 15 year rate fell to an all time low at 2.57%. These continued low rates are helping to push the real estate market into recovery. So far in 2013 we have seen mostly positive news both nationally and locally. As we look at the market statistics for the Smoky Mountain Region we see that the market is holding steady and still showing positive growth from last year.

In the first category of Residences Sold, we see a slight decline of 38 homes versus the same period last year.

In Residential Volume Sold we see a 2% increase. Though the number of homes sold has slightly declined this number continues to stay positive as home prices are still showing an increase.

Total Dollar Volume Of Homes Sold The Average Sold Price of Smoky Mountain Homes shows an increase of 12% versus last year. We believe this number will continue to improve as the market keeps growing.

In the final category of Available Homes we continue to see inventory decrease. April finished out with 181 or 6% less homes on the market than the same period last year. As this number continues to show a decrease it will contribute to helping prices rise.

There are still plenty of properties to choose from and though prices are rising they are still lower than when the market was at it’s prime. Now is the time to begin searching if you have ever thought of buying a get away or investment in the Smoky Mountains. We invite you to visit our new home search website and begin the process of finding the one that’s perfect for you.

Here Are A Few Of My Featured Listings:

Rustic Charm – Modern Comfort Over $20,000 in rental income in both 2011 & 2012. This log cabin nicely displays a nice balance of rustic charm blended with modern comfort. It features true log construction with high ceilings and an open floor plan. Type: Single Family Home Location: Chalet Village Price: $139,900 Get more information >

Updated & Luxurious Move in ready, recently painted & in excellent condition. Lovely patios front & rear and lawn in back, extras such as dimmable lights, upgraded light fixtures, beautiful 18 heated tile in master bath & oak flooring make the home feel special. Type: Single Family Home Location: Sevierville,TN Price: $239,900 Get more information >

Top Of The Line – Borders National Park Tucked away on a HUGE wooded lot bordering the Great Smoky Mountains National Park this oasis of privacy offers top of the line stainless steel appliances, breakfast bar, hardwood floors and much more. Type: Single Family Home Location: Chalet Village Price: $369,900 Get more information >

As Foreclosures Ease, The Market Benefits

Posted by Gatlin on April 25, 2013

Recovery We have watched as inventory decreases and prices rise both locally and nationally. This is due in part to a steady decline in foreclosures entering the market. In March the number of foreclosure filings fell 21% from a year earlier and repossessions were at the lowest number we have experienced in five and a half years. Let’s take a closer look at all of the factors in play that are helping ease the numbers.

Stronger guidelines for processing short sales have been put into play for some loans helping the process move along more quickly. As buyers see that short sales are not taking as long they are more interested in these listings resulting in more of them being sold instead of moving into foreclosure.

Banks are also approving more loan modifications and refinances to help owner’s stay in their home instead of considering foreclosure proceedings as the first option. According to a new report for March by Lender Processing Services, the number of owners who are behind on payments or in danger of foreclosure dropped below the 5 million mark for the first time since 2008. LPS reports that by the end of March the number of homes in foreclosure dropped to 3.4%, down from 4.2% just a year ago.

We are also seeing a huge increase in banks using deeds-in-lieu of foreclosure. A deed-in-lieu of foreclosure allows the bank to take possession of a home while foregoing the foreclosure process. Often times a deed-in-lieu comes with an offer of “cash for keys” an incentive for owners to vacate the home without letting it fall into foreclosure. Nationwide, in 2012, deeds-in-lieu were up 40% from 2011 according to RealtyTrac.

There are still many great deals on homes available as we see prices rising slowly. For the week we saw average mortgage rates drop .02% to 3.65% keeping home affordability at record lows. If you have thought about purchasing a property in the Great Smoky Mountain region now is the time to start looking. We invite you to visit our website to browse all of the available properties in the area.

Here Are A Few Of My Featured Listings:

Great Income, Perfect Location Over $40,000 in rental income for 2012! Big open floor plan with 5 bedrooms & bath suites. Four of the suites have whirlpools & 3 feature fireplaces. Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee Price: $299,900 Get more information >

Charming River Front Cottage Almost $15,000 in rental income for 2012. Sitting right along the Little Pigeon River, this charming cottage is just minutes to the Pigeon Forge Parkway. Type: Single Family Home Location: Pigeon Forge Price: $177,900 Get more information >

Gatlinburg, Your Key To The Smoky Mountains

Posted by Gatlin on April 18, 2013

Located in the state of Tennessee at its eastern-most edge lies Sevier County, home to a massive tourist destination centered around The Great Smoky Mountains National Park. If you follow U.S.Hwy 441 down through the county, marvelous vistas of the Smoky Mountain lure you onward. As you reach the intersection of Hwy 441 and Hwy 321 you are getting close to the National Park and the Gateway Community of Gatlinburg.

Gatlinburg is often called the “Gateway to the Smokies” for good reasons. Following U.S. Hwy 441 takes you downtown into Gatlinburg and from there into The Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Hwy 441 climbs in elevation as it scales some of the highest peaks of the Eastern United States and then works its way into North Carolina down into Cherokee.

Gatlinburg is magical in its attractions and in many other aspects as well. This tiny city may very well have been lost such as many remote southern rural towns. However, the creation of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park changed the destiny of this city immediately. Restaurants and hotels sprang up rapidly to accommodate the influx of tourists coming to see the “Nation’s Most Visited National Park”. Hemmed in by mountains on all sides, Gatlinburg is never at a loss for magnificent views. The lush hardwood and coniferous forests carpet the areas outside of town. Clean, rocky, boulder-strewn creeks and rivers run through the city with a beautiful zen-like quality. Wild life such as; deer, boar, black bear, and turkey roam the area even into the city.

Ober Gatlinburg gives the city the allure of being a ski resort/winter sports center. Year-round activities and festivities keep this tiny burg hopping. Despite the nightlife, the topography of this location makes it easy to access the city amenities and within minutes you can escape to the seclusion of your own private residence, condo, or rental cabin. Gatlinburg is rare. It has all the amenities of a large city from; restaurants, fine dining, hotels, convention accommodations, shopping, amusements, entertainment and more.

The beauty of Gatlinburg is that it is still rooted in its humble beginnings. The city is; fun, friendly, and most importantly, it is affordable. It lies less than 10 hours from over 1/2 of the U.S. population so it is America’s understated getaway destination, making it a great location to visit, live or purchase investment property.

Here Are A Few Of My Featured Gatlinburg Listings:

Large Lot Borders National Park Residential lot located within Gatlinburg city limits but borders the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Type: Land Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee Price: $55,000 Get more information >

View City Lights Against The Mountains Absolutely amazing views of downtown Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Incredible close up night lights view, you can actually see people on the sidewalks with a dramatic mountain backdrop. Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee Price: $339,900 Get more information >

Come Be A Happy Bear Over $27,000 in gross rental income for 2012! This one will make you $$$. Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee Price: $259,900 Get more information >

Vacation And Investment Home Sales Are On The Rise

Posted by Gatlin on April 11, 2013

The National Association of REALTORS has conducted their 2013 Investment and Vacation Home Buyers Survey concerning existing and new home transactions for 2012. The report contains very detailed information about investment and second home buying patterns and today we would like to take a look at some of the numbers and how they relate to the tourist driven market in the Great Smoky Mountains.

The news is good overall, with the report showing an increase of 10.1% in 2012 vs. 2011 for vacation home sales. Investment home sales dipped 2.1% to 1.21 million but remains well above the numbers from the downturn when sales were well below one million. Vacation home sales made up 11% of all real estate transactions last year, the second highest percentage since 2005. As we see news of a market recovery and reports that things are shifting to a seller’s market it is positive for our area to see that this does not apply only to permanent residences but also to owners of vacation rental property.

When we looked at the statistics for the Smoky Mountain region last week we noted an increase in average prices of 12% for Sevier County, Tennessee. This is reflected in the NAR report as well as they show that the median price for vacation and investment homes is up, reflecting a larger amount of more expensive vacation and investment properties being purchased in 2012. We expect to see the trend continue in 2013.

Thirty five percent of investment buyers purchased more than one property with 55% of them stating that rental income was a large factor in their buying decision. Our region leads the market with 45% of vacation homes that were purchased last year being in the South. This is great news for owners in the Smoky Mountain area as inventory decreases and a large percentage of buyers are looking for great rental investments in the area. If you have a second home or vacation rental that you are thinking of selling why not request a free price analysis? You may be surprised by what the market has to offer.

Looking for a great investment or second home? Try out our new search site and gain access to all of the available listings in the area. When the time is right, we are here to help guide you through the process of purchasing your Smoky Mountain dream.

Here Are A Few Of My Featured Listings:

Amazing Mount LeConte Views Over $28,000 in rental income for 2012! Nicely decorated cabin with fantastic views of Mt LeConte. Enjoy the views from the spacious decking this cabin has to offer. Type: Single Family Home Location: Chalet Village Price: $219,900 Get more information >

Gone With The Wind Almost $27,000 income for 2012!! If you have dreamed of having a luxury chalet on top of the mountain with sweeping views of the valley, city and mountains then you have to look at this one. Type: Single Family Home Location: Chalet Village Price: $299,900 Get more information >

Beautiful Setting On The River Consistently produces almost $40,000 gross annual income!! Once you see it you’ll never want to leave. Directly on the pristine Middle Prong of the Pigeon River, found to be the cleanest river in the state by the Tennessee Resource Defense Council. Type: Single Family Home Location: Pittman Center Price: $399,900 Get more information >

The Smoky Mountain Real Estate Market Continues To Climb

Posted by Gatlin on April 4, 2013

buyersroad A look at the Smoky Mountain real estate statistics shows a market that continues to improve. Today the National Association of REALTORS stated that 83% of agents are reporting constant or rising prices and we see the same trend in the Sevier County area. There are still concerns that event though mortgage rates remain low lending restrictions are too tight and holding back a speedier market recovery. Let’s see what the numbers have to say.

In the category of Total Residences Sold we do see a decline from the same period in 2012 with 58 less homes being sold.

Even though the number of homes sold decreased we see a much smaller decline in the Total Dollar Volume of homes sold through March.

Prices continue a steady climb with a 12% increase over last year. This relates directly to the smaller decrease in total volume vs. number of homes sold. Home buyers who are in the market are ready, willing and able to purchase at this time.

Inventory is also decreasing with a decline of 8% from last year. This will continue to push the prices higher and help with the balancing of the market.

As the market improves now is the time to start your search for a Smoky Mountain home. Have you had a chance to try out our new home search website? If you had an account on the old site you will have received an email with new log in instructions. Never searched on our site before? Give it a try and let us know what you think. We hope you love all of the new features!

Here Are A Few Of My Featured Listings:

Beautiful Get Away Cabin Produced right at $16,000 in rental income for 2011. Tidy and cute one bedroom honeymoon cabin all on one level. Type: Single Family Home Location: Pigeon Forge Price: $99,900 Get more information >

Rustic Charm On 6 Acres!! Charming vintage log cabin updated with modern conveniences but with old time charm sitting on 6 beautiful wooded acres. Type: Single Family Home Location: Pittman Center Price: $174,900 Get more information >

Possible Owner Financing Owner Financing available with 20% down, 6% interest, 30 year amortization, 5 yr. balloon, no fees. Just 1 mi. from Ober Gatlinburg is where you will find this super affordable condo. In a resort like community you will enjoy all of the best amenities. Type: Condo Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee Price: $75,000 Get more information >

The Market Slows But Continues To Climb

Posted by Gatlin on March 28, 2013

The National Association of REALTORS reported that pending home sales slowed in February but still remained at the second highest level that has been seen in almost three years. As inventory decreases it is believed that limited available choices for buyers are causing the leveling out of activity. Let’s look a little closer at the market activity.

The Pending Home Sales Index, which reflects contracts not closings, fell less than half a percent from January but remains 8.4% higher than February of 2012. Lawrence Yun, NAR Chief Economist, said “Only new home construction can genuinely help relieve the inventory shortage and housing starts need to rise at least 50 percent from current levels.” In light of this KB Home, the fifth largest U.S. home builder has announced that they intend to invest more than a billion dollars this year in land acquisition. Jeff Mezger, KB Home Chief Executive explains “With the backdrop of a housing recovery that is now accelerating, we feel it is the right time to step up our investment growth.” Other builders are chiming in with the same sentiment. Increased builder activity will have a positive effect on the economy as jobs are created and money is spent in building materials and by new owners in the market purchasing furniture, appliances and household services.

In the Smoky Mountain area we are seeing a slight decline in inventory and a gradual rise in prices but there are still plenty to choose from. Last week we spoke about the launch of a new search website that features:

*Simplified navigation

*Photos are larger/easier to view

*Mobile site enabled

*Same page viewing of properties

*Better map search feature

*Specific and accurate saved searches

The site is now live and we invite you to log in and take a look around. For those of you whom have an account on our old search site, keep an eye out for an email from us containing your new login information. Haven’t been using our site? Take a look here. We hope you enjoy the upgrade and would love to hear your feedback.

Here Are A Few Of My Featured Listings:

Cozy Chalet On A Mountain Stream Over $16,000 in rental income for 2012! Sitting right on a mountain stream this cozy chalet is only about a mile from the first traffic light in Gatlinburg, which is a super handy and scenic location Type: Single Family Home Location: Chalet Village Price: $149,900 Get more information >

Turn Key Condo Near Ober Gatlinburg These condominiums are one of the best values in the area. High quality masonry construction and only 36 units. This building is in excellent condition with a newer roof, recently painted, resurfaced parking area, nice landscaping & a well managed HOA. Type: Condo Location: Chalet Village Price: $139,900 Get more information >

Category: Buyers