Gatlinburg, Your Key To The Smoky Mountains

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Gatlinburg TennesseeLocated 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 >

New Tools To Make Your Home Search Easier

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Internet Home SearchReports are coming in Nationally that mortgage interest rates are still at record lows and so is housing inventory. The National Association of REALTORS has said much of the country is experiencing a seller’s market. So far in 2013 the news for Sevier County Tennessee is very similar. We see prices start a gradual climb and an inventory decrease for the first time in years. For sellers, it might be a good time to see what price the market may offer for your home. For buyers, there are still plenty of great mountain properties to choose from at this point and now is the time to take the next step towards owning a mountain home.

Many of you currently use our website to view properties and our team strives to provide superior quality service. Our efforts in providing this type of customer satisfaction has lead us to update our web presence with a new home search site. Here are just a few of the enhanced benefits you will soon experience in your web based home search:        

*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 not live yet but keep an eye out over the next few weeks for more updates. For those who have a current account on the site with saved searches, favorite homes etc…once the new website is live we will be emailing you detailed information about the new website and believe that you will be pleased with the changes. Haven’t searched for homes on our current website? Send us an email or give us a call and we will be happy to set up a free account for you so you can begin enjoying the benefits of using some of the best search tools available.

We believe these tech upgrades paired with the experience and dedication of our team are the right ingredients to make your home purchase a smooth transaction from the moment you start looking until the moment your purchase is complete. Stay tuned for more information as we get closer to launch date.

Here Are A Few Of My Featured Listings:

12 Acre Mountain Retreat 12 pristine acres bordering the Great Smoky Mountains National Park with direct view of downtown Gatlinburg and surrounding mountains. Cove Mountain Trail literally touches the property line. Type: Single Family Home Location: Chalet Village Price: $799,900 Get more information >
Custom Built Home On The River Custom built home on the Pigeon River with year around mountain views in one of Sevierville’s most sought after neighborhoods. Type: Single Family Home Location: Sevierville,TN Price: $329,900 Get more information >
Come Be A Happy Bear Great rental potential with $12,270 in rental income just for August – December of 2011. Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee Price: $259,900 Get more information >

The Smokies Come To Life With Spring Just Around The Corner

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Spring Wildflowers In The SmokiesThe Great Smoky Mountains offer their own beauty in every season but it is always thrilling to watch as spring approaches and gains steam transforming the mountains with new life, increased wildlife activity, the blooming of flowers and the budding of trees. There are numerous reasons to plan a visit during spring, with a multitude of festivals, activities and workshops. Today registration opened for the 63rd Annual Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage. The 5 day event in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park will be held from April 23rd-27th this year and fills up quick. Let’s take a look at a few of the offerings and reasons to register now. It’s an event not to miss if you love the Smokies.

All 5 days are packed with activity. Most programs are held outdoors in the park with some classes and seminars being held at various indoor venues in Gatlinburg. This year’s program will offer 146 professionally guided walks and presentations allowing participants the opportunity explore the region’s flowers, fauna and natural history.  Many walks offer the chance to explore the back country, led by seasoned hikers. For those of you who have photography as a hobby, you are invited to enter the photography competition as well. The competition includes categories for flora, fauna and landscape. Winners will be chosen by votes of those registered for the pilgrimage and an awards ceremony will be held. Just looking to improve your photography skills? A beginner’s photography workshop will be offered with outdoor, hands-on instruction.

In recognition of the 175th anniversary of the Trail of Tears, Wednesday’s indoor events focus on Cherokee culture. There will be talks about the Trail of Tears, Cherokee Culture After The Trail and Cherokee plant lore. Prefer an outdoor experience while learning more about the Cherokee? Join Native American, Karen LaMere at Metcalf Bottoms Picnic area on Wednesday morning for “Native People’s Use Of Nature’s Garden” and listen to a history that has been passed down through the generations as well as taste and learn uses of native plants gathered from nature. Davy Arch, a Cherokee woodcarver and storyteller will also lecture on Cherokee culture and demonstrate carving, mask making and more. His presentation is a great time to learn how plants played a part in Cherokee arts all the way back to the ice age.

If you are a seasoned hiker you are sure to enjoy one of the longer, more strenuous hikes. A Wildflower Hike along Ramsey Cascades Trail will allow you to see a diverse range of wildflowers as you walk through one of the old-growth forests up to the 100′ falls. Looking for a beautiful but easier hike? Take the opportunity to walk the Noah “Bud” Ogle Trail and see many different wildflowers and American chestnut tree remnants in the fields of the homestead. Interested in the wildlife in the mountains? Join David Whitehead, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency Manager as he describes the history, tracking signs, human impact and environmental issues of the areas black bears and wild hogs while enjoying a 2-3 mile easy walk at Little River Trail head.

This is just a very small sample of the wide variety of events and opportunities offered at the event this year. There is something for everyone who is interested in spending more time on the trail and learning more about the area’s heritage and the Smoky Mountains. You may download a full event schedule, register and more at the official event website.

The mountains offer year round beauty, events and chances to get closer to nature. One of the ways to make it easy to spend as much time as possible surrounded by the majesty of the mountains is to purchase an investment property or Smoky Mountain home away from home. The market is busy with homes moving at a steady pace but there are plenty of great opportunities available. Spend some time at our website searching what’s available and we are certain you will find your perfect Smoky Mountain get away.

Here Are A Few Of My Featured Listings:

Enjoy Resort Living In The Mountains Great rental income: 2012 – $32,195 & 2011- $24,226.Private three bedroom, three bath log cabin with great mountain views from three decks. Type: Single Family Home Location: Pigeon Forge Price: $299,900 Get more information >
This One Has It All Conveniently located cabin consistently produces over $40,000 in annual rental income! Just minutes to Pigeon Forge and Dollwood. Type: Single Family Home Location: Pigeon Forge Price: $199,900 Get more information >
Gone With The Wind Almost $22k in rental for the first 10 months of 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 >

 

Expect Good Things For Real Estate In 2013

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Housing Recovery2012 closed out with definite signs of continued market improvement. Reports and trends are pointing to these gains continuing this year. January has started at a fast pace for the local real estate market and in recent weeks we have experienced multiple offer situations and bidding wars on homes. When we look at January’s statistics next week we expect to see an increase in activity.

New home construction is reported to have accelerated to its highest rate since 2008. As existing inventory continues to move we believe we will see new home construction continue to rise. Other reports show that repairing and remodeling of existing homes has picked up as more owners are preparing their homes for the market spurred on by positive signs of recovery.

The Joint Center For Housing Studies at Harvard University released a 32 page report on January 23rd relating to improvement of the housing industry. The report shows that in most metropolitan markets home prices have steadily risen with new home construction climbing by almost 30% in 2012 and existing home sales passing the four million mark for the first time since 2007. As momentum builds in the market it is expected that the remodeling and home improvement industry will get a boost as well. The report goes in to depth about how and why that industry will see a flurry of activity and how it relates to the current real estate market conditions. You may download a full copy at their website.

In another report released this month they go on to say that even after the housing crash, as the market begins its recovery the dream of home ownership is alive and well in America. In one survey by Pew Charitable Trusts 81% of those surveyed agreed that buying a home is the best long term investment in the United States. Using information from the National Housing Survey data from 2010-2012, Drew and Herbert found that of both owners and renters 94% of people between the ages of 18 and 44 anticipate buying a home in the future. While having the desire to own a home is different from actually purchasing, we believe that as prices are still low as long as favorable mortgage conditions remain we will see a large number of buyers entering the market this year.

There are still many opportunities to purchase a residence or investment in the Great Smoky Mountains. As conditions improve we are seeing increases in inventory as more owners are moving forward with delayed plans to sell. We believe prices will continue to rise and now is the time for buyers to take advantage of still available deals and for sellers to consider getting a free price analysis to determine if now is the time to put their home on the market. We are happy to help with achieving your 2013 real estate goals. Spend some time at our website and let us know when you are ready to begin exploring all that the Smoky Mountain market has to offer.

Here Are A Few Of My Featured Listings:

Gone With The Wind Almost $22k in rental for the first 10 months of 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 >
Add Your Own Touches Here is your opportunity to create a mountain getaway with your own unique style and personality. High quality materials and construction are a great jumping off point to add your finishing touches. Type: Single Family Home Location: Sevierville,TN Price: $112,500 Get more information >
Amazing Views & Unique Features This charming home offers a spectacular view and some really unique features. The living room has soaring ceilings, warm wood flooring and a unique see through fireplace with the dining area on the other side. Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee Price: $208,700 Get more information >

Every Season Is A Great Time To Visit The Smokies

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Rainbow Falls 2Visitors to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park will find a different kind of beauty in every season. Let’s explore a little bit of what rewards each season in the Smokies has to offer.

Spring offers the ever changing display of wildflowers. This year the 63rd Annual Wildflower Pilgrimage will be held from April 24th through April 28th. Participants will enjoy seminars, guided tours and more. Dating back to 1951, the event offers over 150 programs with something for everyone from the serious botanist to the weekend gardener.

Summer hiking gives you the opportunity to follow a trail to a cool retreat in a mountain stream or enjoying the numerous water falls throughout the Smokies. Abrams Falls is a popular spot for hikers. At only 20 feet high it may seem inconsequential, however there is a huge volume of water rushing over the falls making it a fantastic experience. Trillium Gap Trail offers you the opportunity to stand behind the 25 foot high waterfall after wandering through old growth hemlock forest. These are just a few of the nature experiences that await summer visitors.

Fall is a favorite time of many to visit the mountains as they show off a brilliant display of color as the leaves change. The change usually spans over seven weeks with different elevations showing its unique variety of trees and colors at different times. Mid September is a great time to view colors at higher elevations from a location such as Clingman’s Dome. A hike to higher elevations such as Mt. LeConte or Andrews Bald would be sure to deliver beautiful autumn views. Early through mid October provide a wide diversity of colors as the mid and lower elevations begin to change and include many varieties of very colorful trees.

Not to be dismissed, winter in the Smokies offers it’s own kind of sparkle. With many trees bare, mountain vistas open up that are normally hidden. It is a great time to see stone walls, chimneys and snow capped mountain peaks. Not up for a winter hike? Enjoy time at Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort tubing, ice skating, snowboarding or skiing. Sevierville, Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Dollywood all offer a wide variety of winter activities as their Winterfest festivals kick off. You can enjoy parades, shows, brilliant light displays and much more.

The market is picking up so far for 2013. Why not schedule a winter or spring visit, relax in a mountain cabin and take a look at a few that are for sale? You may just find yourself purchasing a second home in the mountains so you can easily enjoy all four seasons.

Here Are A Few Of My Featured Listings:

Rustic Log Cabin W/Amazing Views! Authentic & rustic log cabin with breathtaking mountain views. Located in desirable Chalet Village, this cabin is just minutes from Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort and downtown Gatlinburg. Type: Single Family Home Location: Chalet Village Price: $139,900 Get more information >
Updated Condo In The Mountains Perfect affordable family mountain get-away in this totally refurbished studio unit at the Gatlinburg Summit Condominiums. Updated with tasteful furnishings and decor. Type: Single Family Home Location: Chalet Village Price: $48,900 Get more information >
Money To Be Made!!! Income potential with consistent rental history. $25,737 in 2009, $26,127 in 2010 & $20,352 in 2011. Don’t miss out on all these features! Type: Single Family Home Location: Chalet Village Price: $149,900 Get more information >

 

Investment Strategies: First Build A Power Team

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Real Estate Power TeamInvesting in a vacation rental property gives you the opportunity to create somewhat passive monthly cash flow however, the best deals are not always right next door. Investing in other areas can seem like a daunting task that comes with several common fears; how to handle maintenance, repairs and tenants. This is where having a “power team” on your side comes in to play. We would like to present a series of articles that take a deeper look at purchasing investment real estate and strategies such as the use of a Self Directed IRA to make your purchases. Today we will start with the importance of assembling a trusted group of people to assist, who should be on the list and why our team is a great asset for you when you are considering a Smoky Mountain investment purchase.

Having the right Real Estate Agent is the cornerstone of any strong network for investing. The agent should have a large network of contacts including title companies, contractors, inspectors and more. Finding an agent with great connections in place will put you several steps ahead in building your own network. Aside from this, it is very important that the agent you pick is VERY familiar with the process of investing in real estate, someone with the experience to guide you through buying in an out of area market. Our team has been in the Top 1% in the area for many years and we work primarily with vacation rental investments. We have a very large network of people who are involved in the business that are available to assist with a wide variety of things that may come in to play. I have been active in the market for years, successfully building, buying, selling and owning numerous investment properties myself while helping others to do the same. Our team can assist you with identifying turnkey properties, choosing a rental management company, obtaining expense information and we are also experienced in the use and creation of Self Directed IRAs for real estate purchases. We feel that an SDIRA is an option for purchasing with many potential benefits and will discuss this strategy in more depth in the next article in this series.

Other members of your team should include a variety of lenders;a great accountant;a solid financial advisor and we would add a great IRA administrator to the list as well.  We can assist with putting together each piece of your team. It is important that the people you choose are familiar with the market you plan to invest in, respond quickly and have a great history with the type of transactions you are pursuing. We are able to connect you with potential members of your team for the Great Smoky Mountain area but are also members of a national network of top agents and are happy to put you in touch with a great investment agent in any area you choose to purchase in.

To get started why not take a little bit of time on our website and start identifying what type of properties may fit in to your investment plans. Once you have identified the key members of your “power team” and what type of property you are interested in; rental, land to develop or something to fix up, consider making an appointment with us for January or February. These are great months to view property in person as there are less vacationers in the area and a larger selection of homes are available to see.

Here Are A Few Of My Featured Investment Properties:

87 Gently Rolling Acres Await 87 gently rolling mountain top acres with outstanding 270 degree uninterrupted panoramic views of the major peaks of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park including Mt. Cameror, Geyot, Webb, Greenbriar, and LeConte. Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee Price: $1,750,000 Get more information >
Add Your Own Touches Here is your opportunity to create a mountain getaway with your own unique style and personality. High quality materials and construction are a great jumping off point to add your finishing touches. Type: Single Family Home Location: Sevierville,TN Price: $112,500 Get more information >
Consistent $$$ Maker At A Great Price!! CONSISTENTLY RENTED OVER 200 DAYS PER YEAR FOR THE PAST FOUR YEARS, WITH REVENUE RANGING FROM $38,000-$41,000! Wonderful and spacious 3-level cabin tucked away in Gatlinburg and only a short drive to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park! Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee Price: $250,000 Get more information >

Enjoy Holiday Festivities In The Smoky Mountains

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The holidays are an almost magical time in The Great Smoky Mountains.  As the leaves have passed their peak for the fall color change and we move in to winter months there are numerous opportunities to celebrate the Appalachian way.

As the City of Gatlinburg is sparkling with millions of lights for the Gatlinburg Winter Magic Festival the city trolley has begun their Ride Of Lights. Enjoy the holiday displays from the comfort of a Gatlinburg Trolley. The journey includes a ride through downtown, River Road and then follows the displays along Highway 321. Tickets are only $5 and may be purchased here.

If you are looking for an opportunity to take a little bit of the mountains home for the holidays the artisans of the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community will be presenting their annual Thanksgiving show at the Gatlinburg Convention Center. The show begins on November 21st and runs through the 25th. You will be able to explore a wide variety of handcrafted Thanksgiving gifts that are unique to the area. This will be followed on the 26th with the Great Smoky Christmas Arts & Crafts Show.

While you are in town to enjoy the presentation of the Arts & Crafts Community make reservations to see the Nutcracker “Sweet”. Presented by the Great Smoky Mountain Dance Theatre shows will be on the 23rd and 24th at 7PM in the W.L. Mills Auditorium.

In the Smoky Mountains holiday cheer is widespread and during your visit as you stroll down the Parkway on a Friday or Saturday night you will be able to meet characters, storytellers and carolers during the fourth annual Winter Magic Tunes and Tales event. Deborah Hicks will direct the carolers with many of the performers being from the Walter State Community College Chorus. This year a barber shop quartet from Gatlinburg-Pittman High School will join the lineup as well.

There are plenty of opportunities to get in the Holiday spirit while you are visiting Gatlinburg. If you would like the chance to make your visits a little less stressful and more frequent it is a great time to consider purchasing your own home away from home in the mountains. There are plenty to choose from and we are happy to help with your search when you come to visit. Take a look here to see what get away opportunities are available.

Here Are A Few Of My Featured Listings:

Add Your Own Touches Here is your opportunity to create a mountain getaway with your own unique style and personality. High quality materials and construction are a great jumping off point to add your finishing touches. Type: Single Family Home Location: Sevierville,TN Price: $112,500 Get more information >

 

Amazing Views & Unique Features This charming home offers a spectacular view and some really unique features. The living room has soaring ceilings, warm wood flooring and a unique see through fireplace with the dining area on the other side. Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee Price: $208,700 Get more information >

 

Log Home On Over 3 Acres Charming farmstead Appalachian style log home on over 3 beautiful wooded acres of idyllic Smoky Mountain countryside. Enjoy ridge views along with lots of hardwoods, rhododendron, mountain laurel, hemlock and dogwoods throughout the four seasons. Type: Single Family Home Location: Pittman Center Price: $159,900 Get more information >

 

 

Moving In To Winter The Smoky Mountain Market Is Still Heating Up

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It’s time to take our monthly look at the Smoky Mountain area real estate statistics. Following the trend we have witnessed in previous months the market is still showing good news. Once we take a look at our usual categories for 2012 we would also like to discuss changes in the year to date 2012 vs. 2011 statistics compared to the 2011 vs. 2010 trends. There we will find signs of improvement as well.

In our first category of Total Residences Sold Through October we stick with the same upward swing we saw in September with an 18% increase over the same period in 2011.

The Total Dollar Volume Sold reflects the above numbers with a 9% increase from last year. That equates to almost a fifteen million dollar increase in volume sold.

The Average Sold Price is down 8% but still shows a 1% increase from September. We have watched this category work its way towards positive numbers throughout the year.

The time homes for sale spend on the market also continues to improve with a 3% drop from the same period last year.

The market continues to improve and we feel the following data is also important to share:

*2012 vs. 2011 total volume is up 9% compared to 2011 vs. 2010 being down 11%

*2012 vs. 2011 number of homes sold is up 18% compared to 2011 vs. 2010 being down 8%

*We started 2012 with 13% more inventory than the previous year and through October there are only 4% more homes available on the market than the same period in 2011.

We expect the numbers to continue the upward swing and feel now is the time to start looking for your Smoky Mountain home. Inventory is decreasing and homes are spending less time on the market. As this continues prices will also continue to improve. Take a look at our website to create a personalized search for your next purchase.

Here Are A Few Of My Featured Listings:

Log Home On Over 3 Acres Charming farmstead Appalachian style log home on over 3 beautiful wooded acres of idyllic Smoky Mountain countryside. Enjoy ridge views along with lots of hardwoods, rhododendron, mountain laurel, hemlock and dogwoods throughout the four seasons. Type: Single Family Home Location: Pittman Center Price: $159,900 Get more information >

 

Money To Be Made!!! Income potential with consistent rental history. $25,737 in 2009, $26,127 in 2010 & $20,352 in 2011. Don’t miss out on all these features! Type: Single Family Home Location: Chalet Village Price: $169,900 Get more information >

 

Great Price For Views Like This Spectacular views and luxury abound in this perfect vacation cabin high above Gatlinburg. Won’t last long with views like this! Type: Single Family Home Location: Chalet Village Price: $169,900 Get more information >

 

With Fall Around The Corner Gatlinburg Is Full Of Activity

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The Grand Fall Rod Run in Pigeon Forge is being held this weekend. Though it is one of the most anticipated events in the region each year for those who love classic cars it is far from being the end of events for the year. If you were unable to make it to the show there are plenty more activities and sights to see in the Great Smoky Mountains this fall. With the breath taking color display in the mountains from the changing of the leaves right around the corner, there are several events planned that make now a great time to visit the area.

Today starts the Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival which will continue through October 31st. Throughout Gatlinburg you will enjoy local craft displays, hayrides and much more as this mountain town celebrates fall in the Smokies. On Thursday, September 27th the Gatlinburg Convention Center will host Gatlinburg’s Taste of Autumn. Tickets are $25 and all proceeds will be donated to charity. At the event you will enjoy unlimited samples from numerous area restaurants and attractions. From five until eight that evening, live jazz music performed by Millie Palmer Jazz will set the background for dancing and a great day of entertainment.

The Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament will be held on September 29th & 30th, Ripley’s Haunted Adventure will be celebrating it’s 14th annual “Fright Nights” show beginning on October 5th and the Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair will bring the nation’s finest artisans to the area again from October 11th until the 28th.

These are all great reasons to come take part in celebrating fall in the Smokies but of course one of the biggest attractions will be the vibrant leaf display taking place in the mountains. The change usually spans over seven weeks with different elevations showing its unique variety of trees and colors at different times. Mid September is a great time to view colors at higher elevations from a location such as Clingman’s Dome. A hike to higher elevations such as Mt. LeConte or Andrews Bald would be sure to deliver beautiful autumn views. Early through mid October provide a wide diversity of colors as the mid and lower elevations begin to change and include many varieties of very colorful trees. If you love to hike, the National Park website is a great guide for suggested trails for all skill levels however a drive through Cades Cove or along the Roaring Fork Motor Trail are also fantastic ways to take in the beauty of fall in the Smoky Mountains.

It is a great time to plan a trip to the area, but what if you could eliminate the stress of finding a place to stay? Or get rid of the worry that you won’t be comfortable in your accommodations when you get here? Owning a second home in the Gatlinburg area is a certain way to avoid these hassles and make sure that each trip you make to the Smoky Mountains will offer you the peace and serenity that you deserve on your vacation. There are many to choose from and we believe there is a mountain get away that is perfect for you. Spend some time browsing available properties on our website, plan an autumn visit and let us know if you would like to begin the search for your home away from home while you are in the area.

Here Are A Few Of My New Listings:

Spectacular Mountain Views Custom built home with Crystal Clear mountain views! Great rental income with $25,750 for 2010 and $27,713 for 2011! Type: Single Family Home Location: Chalet Village Price: $279,900 Get more information >

 

Indoor Pool & Mountain Views Consistently produces over $60,000 a year in rental income! This is an exquisite log cabin with an indoor heated swimming pool! You will find it nestled on a private lot just outside of Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee Price: $269,900 Get more information >

 

Walk To Downtown Gatlinburg Classic and charming vintage Gatlinburg cottage is walking distance to downtown Gatlinburg or to the trolley stop. No need to worry over traffic or parking should you like to stroll to town for coffee, dinner or a shopping excursion. Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee Price: $139,900 Get more information >

 

 

Steady Progress For The Gatlinburg Area Real Estate Market

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National real estate news continues to report positive progress for real estate as a whole and the Smoky Mountain area is no exception. The statistics through August reflect the same steady progress that we have witnessed throughout the year and with more positive changes being put in to play, such as the new short sale guidelines we spoke about last week, we expect the trend to continue. Let’s take a look at the progress we have made so far in 2012.

In the category of Total Residences Sold we see an 18% increase over 2011. We would also like to point out that this is the highest number of single family homes sold in Sevier County since 2007.

The Total Dollar Volume Sold category shows almost $7,000,000 more real estate sold than last year. With mortgage interest rates so low buyers are very active in the market and homes are moving.

The Average Sold Price is still down however, we have maintained that as distressed properties are liquidated this will improve. The new guidelines for certain short sales that go in to place on November 1st will help move these properties along at a much more rapid pace.

Homes continue to spend less time on the market as buyers are ready willing and able to invest in real estate and sellers are taking advantage of the number of buyers in the market. Smoky Mountain properties are spending an average of 2 weeks less time on the market than they did in 2011.

We encourage those of you who have been dreaming of a home in the Smoky Mountains to take advantage of the current low interest rates and explore the wide variety of homes available in the area. If you are thinking of selling but were holding out for the right time, we are happy to provide you with a free market analysis to see what the current market value of your home may be. Our team is ready to help make your real estate goals a reality.

Here Are A Few Of My New And Reduced Listings:

Your Hillside Retreat Has produced over $27,000 in rental income for 2012 so far following great income history for both 2010 & 2011. This authentic log cabin sits atop the most beautiful lot in the subdivision. Type: Single Family Home Location: Pigeon Forge Price: $267,500 Get more information >

 

Picture Perfect Views Beautiful and private 2 acre site with postcard views. Literally, we have post cards from the 70’s that have the view from this home’s deck on them. A picture perfect view for sure. Type: Multi Family Home Location: Chalet Village Price: $422,500 Get more information >

 

Heirloom Quality Throughout Not often does a living piece of history come available for sale, perhaps once a generation. Such a time is this. Heirloom quality throughout this solidly built stone cottage boasts quality not often seen in homes built today. Type: Single Family Home Location: Pittman Center Price: $365,000 Get more information >