Pittman Center, A Gem In The Great Smoky Mountains

Posted by Gatlin on

Once a month we are going to feature fun facts and amenities about many of the different areas around Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge & Sevierville. This month we are featuring the quaint mountain community of Pittman Center. Let’s take a look at what makes this beautiful location so special.

Just minutes from downtown Gatlinburg is where you will find Pittman Center, a small community of roughly six square miles, which perfectly blends nature, mountain culture and Appalachian history. There is truly something for everyone, from golfing & fishing to visiting the covered bridge. Being just minutes from the Greenbrier entrance to The Great Smoky Mountains offers easy access to wildlife viewing and hiking as well.

In 1784, this mountain region was settled by Frederick Emert and known as Emert’s Cove. The name Pittman Center became official in 1974. In the early 1900s, a Methodist missionary named John Burnett oversaw the construction of a community center & school that were named after a friend, Reverend Pittman. The school supported itself by canning tomatoes & growing apples, with the students doing the maintenance work. In 1955 the Sevier County Board Of Education purchased the Pittman school, combining it with Gatlinburg’s Pi Beta Phi High School in 1963. The only building remaining from the Pittman School is the home economics building which was placed on The National Register of Historic Places in 1996.

The community has resisted commercialism and maintained its roots and mountain heritage. It was awarded the Distinctive Destination award by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. There are many great homes available tucked in to this secluded mountain region. All have been designed with an eye to respecting the surroundings and preserving the past. Pittman Center, Tennessee is truly a mountain getaway in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains offering homebuyers the best options in modern living with every possible amenity and convenience, yet in a setting so relaxing and quiet, it is a well-planned step back in time. See what gems in the smokies are available here at our website.

Here are a few of my featured Pittman Center listings:

Prestigious RiverSong With A View
$20,330 gross rental income in 2010 & $17,432 in 2011! Wonderful location in the prestigious community of Riversong and only one mile from The Great Smoky Mountain National Park entrance at Greenbriar.
Type: Single Family Home
Location: Pittman Center
Price: $319,900
Get more information >
Mountain Streams/View/Private Home
Fantastic creekside location on 1.84 acres in beautiful Pittman Center. Enjoy the ridge top views and private mountain stream from this log cabin. If privacy is what you want this is it. Even a level driveway and easy parking. Comm swimming pool access.
Type: Single Family Home
Location: Pittman Center
Price: $249,900
Get more information >
One Of A Kind On The River!!
Located on the state’s most pristine river this is truly a one-of-a-kind property. Listen to the sounds of the river on this 2.8 acres in upscale subdivision of Riversong. This home offers a gourmet kitchen, huge game room and even a playroom for the kids
Type: Single Family Home
Location: Pittman Center
Price: $1,290,000
Get more information >

 

 

 

Spend Heartfelt Holidays In The Great Smoky Mountains

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In an article dated November 21st, Time magazine listed Pigeon Forge as one of the top nine most “Christmassy” towns in America. When we take a look at all of the events, activities & traditions surrounding  the holidays in The Great Smoky Mountains, there is no room to wonder why.

Just this past weekend, Ripley’s Aquarium of The Smokies presented the 36th Annual Fantasy Of Lights Christmas Parade in Gatlinburg. More than 80,000 spectators were expected for the event. With over 100 parade entries and more than a dozen marching bands from Tennessee, North Carolina, Virginia, Georgia and Alabama it was a beautiful Christmas event. You can watch the festivities on video at this link. Coming up this Saturday, December 10th you can join The Great Smoky Mountains National Park for the 36th Annual Festival Of Christmas Past at Sugarlands Visitors Center. Focusing on the culture of the Smoky Mountains with an emphasis on Christmas, this is a free event sponsored in cooperation with The Great Smoky Mountains Association. There will be music by the Lost Mill String Band, Boogertown Gap and South of the River Boys, demonstrations of making mountain berry baskets, apple-head dolls, quilts, and apple butter along with many special presentations throughout the day.

In Pigeon Forge you can enjoy over five million lights on display, stop by Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas (three-time winner of America’s Best Christmas Event), take a stroll through The Christmas Place (the American South’s largest Christmas store) or spend an evening at the brand new “Smoky Mountain Opry Christmas Spectacular”.

These are just a few of the events that go on in Sevier County during this part of the year. It is truly a special time when The Smoky Mountains come to life with all of the beauty and cheer of the holidays.

Imagine spending your holidays below snow-capped mountain peaks, cozy by the fireplace in your Smoky Mountain cabin. It would be easy to take part in all of these holiday activities and maybe even start a few new traditions of your own. With plenty of homes to choose from, why not get started now towards having your own “Smoky Mountain Christmas” to look forward to? Visit our website to view the wide array of homes available.

Here are a few of my featured listings:

 

Your Smoky Mountain Dream
Smoky Mountain dream cabin for a great price. Wrap around covered decks w/vaulted ceilings and exposed beams. Level yard, patio, spacious rooms and walking distance to Arts & Crafts shops.
Type: Single Family Home
Location:
Price: $239,900
Get more information >

 

Private Oasis Bordering National Park
Private mountain oasis tucked on over an acre bordering the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Plenty of amenities & plenty of space.
Type: Single Family Home
Location: Chalet Village
Price: $369,900
Get more information >

 

Wonderful Family Home/Fenced Yard!!
Great family home with additional space for possible, media room, in-laws quarters, or teenage paradise. 2 car garage, fenced back yard, and close to Knoxville or Sevierville.
Type: Single Family Home
Location: Sevierville,TN
Price: $259,900
Get more information >

 

Are Homes In Gatlinburg Currently An Unbelievable Buy?

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Mountain homes across the East Tennessee Smokies have been attractive investments for many years. A recent article through the National Association of Realtors cites some evidence that the U.S. housing market could recover in 2012. Everyone knows that 2011 was a tough year for our country’s housing market. The market has been struggling to find a bottom and build some momentum for most of this year. However, there are forces building that will eventually propel sales and improve prices. NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun thinks 2012 will show improvement. Currently the Chief Economist feels restrictive mortgage credit conditions are keeping home sales low. In addition, confidence among consumers has been uncertain. These major factors are holding the market back. When new jobs begin to increase an escalating buyer confidence will emerge. Demand will be driven by the increase in human population growth.

If we see the economic improvements in 2012 inventories of homes should decline aided by weak new home construction. The decline in home inventory would stabilize prices and perhaps drive them higher. Mortgage interest rates are also currently projected to move up in 2012.

None of the 2012 improvements are guaranteed to occur. However, our year-end market in 2011 has good factors for home buyers. First, prices are well off of their highs and the inventory of properties for sale is abundant. Second, for qualified buyers, mortgage interest rates are close to historical lows. In addition, many foreclosures and other distressed properties are forcing prices down. When market forces change and buyer confidence rises, demand will lower inventory and prices will rise. If real estate is in your plans go on our website and begin your search at home. When you narrow your possible residences to purchase, call and set up an appointment with our team of professionals. Everything we do is geared to find you the Smoky Mountain home of your dreams. Call today!

Here are a few of my featured listings:

 

Wonderful Family Home/Fenced Yard!!
Great family home with additional space for possible, media room, in-laws quarters, or teenage paradise. 2 car garage, fenced back yard, and close to Knoxville or Sevierville.
Type: Single Family Home
Location: Sevierville,TN
Price: $269,900
Get more information >
Mountain Streams/View/Private Home
Fantastic creekside location on 1.84 acres in beautiful Pittman Center. Enjoy the ridge top views and private mountain stream from this log cabin. If privacy is what you want this is it. Even a level driveway and easy parking. Comm swimming pool access.
Type: Single Family Home
Location: Pittman Center
Price: $299,900
Get more information >
Sky Walk To Balcony & Mountain Views
Want a great investment property? Then this is it! Already on a rental program and has a great rental history. Recently updated, offers private bedroom suites, and has a sky walk to balcony and mountain views.
Type: Single Family Home
Location: Chalet Village
Price: $229,900
Get more information >

 

Staying In Smoky Mountain Homes Gets More Special At Year End!

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Whether you enjoy Gatlinburg homes or other delightful locations in the East Tennessee Smokies, this time of the year is magical! Our blog has spent some time in years past mulling over the awesome beauty of year-end holidays in the Tennessee Smokies. For one reason or another many  of us get caught by the rapid progression of time as our planet completes one more revolution around the sun.For the blog, it seems only yesterday that we shared the incredible progression of spring time beauty overtaking these magnificent mountains. Now we are in the final days of one awesome fall of leaf changing color. Snow has already briefly dusted the highest  peaks of  The Great Smoky Mountains. Within a matter of weeks the leaves will have fallen for most deciduous trees. Our calendars display that the month of November is well underway. This can only mean that Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah & other important year-end holidays are rapidly approaching. So we need to examine the upcoming activities associated with our winter festivals. Sevier County kicks off their fabulous winter lighting displays in Sevierville, Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. Monday, November 7th, marked Sevierville’s Winter Kick Off with music, lights and magic. This event features free food & entertainment each year. The evening wrapped up with “flipping the switch” to begin the area’s Winter Festival Of Lights. Dollywood began their Smoky Mountain Christmas on November 5th. Sevierville provides 3D glasses in limited quantities for $1.00/pair that give lighting displays a new look. Gatlinburg begins their Winterfest with parades, trolley rides, entertainment & more on December 9th.

Our blogs will continue to skim the primary events as they come on board. For even better planning you can go online and get more details far in advance to better map out family trips. Some of you are still entertaining the idea of a property purchase this time of year. Visit our website, we have geared the
site to help you find the perfect property. You can begin the search at your own speed in the privacy of your own home. When the time is right, our team of professionals is here to help you close the deal.

Here are a few of my featured listings:

 

180 Degree Mountain & City Light Views
$14,300 rental income in 2010 with 2011 already ahead at $14,500 through October. Very private ridgetop retreat w/ wraparound covered deck that has amazing 180 degree views of the mountains & city lights.
Type: Single Family Home
Location:
Price: $189,900
Get more information >

 

Private Oasis Bordering National Park
Private mountain oasis tucked on over an acre bordering the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Plenty of amenities & plenty of space.
Type: Single Family Home
Location: Chalet Village
Price: $379,900
Get more information >

 

Mt LeConte View w/Large Open Floor Plan
5 bedrooms all with in suite baths for privacy. Huge great room for those family gatherings and could walk to trolley to take to town or to Nat’l Park.
Type: Single Family Home
Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee
Price: $350,000
Get more information >

 

Homes For Sale In Gatlinburg & Other Select Areas Are Selling

Posted by Gatlin on

 

Our month end look at Smoky Mountain homes continues to reveal areas of strength. We work to give our blog readers helpful material. The Great Smoky Mountains Association of Realtors published their month totals of residential sales through the end of October 2011. The GSMAR data we use is year to date and it compares this year to the same timeframe for last year. As we mentioned in earlier blogs, some areas in GSMAR are outperforming last year by significant margins. Given our current national property market this is great news.

 In the category of Total Residences Sold, this year lags 2010 (1,343) by 114 residences sold or 8% lower in 2011.

Total Residential Dollar Volume Sold was also lower in 2011. 2010 had $224,584,192 or 11% more.

The average 2011 residential sale was close to the 2010 average at  3% or $4,996 lower.

In the last category of Active Listings, 2011 leads 2010 by 572. This 9% gain over 2010 leaves 2011 with 6,628 active listings.

Our local market within GSMAR is reasonably healthy. The change from last year is 11% or less in most categories. This could be a great time for some of our blog readers to pick up some great property. Sale inventory is up and mortgage rates are still very low. Kick things around and begin looking online. You can shop discreetly from your own home. Our team of professionals is ready to assist in many ways to help secure your dream property. Call us today to get started.

Here are a few of my featured listings:

 

Active Location for Office/Residential!
Great, busy location ideal for commercial office site. Has a separate entrance for lower level so could be used for two businesses or in-law quarters if used for residential.
Type: Office
Location: Sevierville,TN
Price: $329,900
Get more information >

 

Fantastic Rental Property/Mtn View
Fantastic rental income in 2010- $94,303!! Outstanding view of Mt LeConte in Smokies, with 5 master suites, media room, close to Gatlinburg, ski resort and National Park! Fully furnished!
Type: Single Family Home
Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee
Price: $699,900
Get more information >

 

WHAT A BARGAIN! JUST REDUCED AGAIN!!!
Formal, custom built home on a very nice and private corner lot in beautiful neighborhood of Belle Meadows. Close to hospital and all the amenities that Sevierville has to offer.
Type: Single Family Home
Location: Sevierville,TN
Price: $269,900
Get more information >

 

 

Homes In Gatlinburg And Other Parts Of The Smokies Are Selling Well

Posted by Gatlin on

 

The Smoky Mountain homes market is reasonably healthy. The ease of access and popularity of this area help to buffer our home sales from a challenging national housing market.

In this week’s blog, the focus will be on residential sales figures for The Great Smoky Mountains Association of Realtors. The GSMAR data provides a great tool for evaluating The Smokies’ residential sales. These numbers represent the overall area covered by GSMAR. However, there are locations within our Association that are outperforming last year by significant margins. While the sale numbers of our overall membership remain strong, these hotspots surpass all others. Please remember that residential sales include; single family homes, condos, townhouses and co-ops. These figures are cumulative year to date.

 In the category of total residences sold through the end of September, our year 2011 comes in with 1,646 residences vs. 1,764 for the same time in 2010. 2011 is off by 118 units or down by 7%.

In the category of total residential dollar volume sold through the end of September, 2010 leads with $295,887,524 or $26,760,006 more. In this category 2011 is off by 9%.

The average residential sale for 2011 is $163,504 or $4,233 less than 2010, a difference of 3% less.

Our final category for comparison is in Active Listings. The current year has 7,656. This is 575 more or 8% above 2010.

We previously mentioned that the housing market is currently seeking balance after massive federal stimulus. The evidence that all categories are less than 10% different from the previous year is reasonable. Our current year has no stimulus in effect. Some housing markets across the nation are way below the 2010 figures.

 For residential buyers, the market is good. Interest rates are quite low for qualified buyers. Property inventory offers a great selection. Pricing is well off the market highs and real estate at this point is nowhere near as volatile as other investment markets.

 Get on our website to explore your property possibilities today!

 Here are a few of my new and featured listings:

Breathtaking Mountain Views!!!!!
Enjoy the breathtaking mountain views from this chalet. Located close to town of Gatlinburg for all you shopping and dining adventures, yet private and quiet for your relaxation. Greenbrier River and Greenbrier entrance to the Nat’l Park just minutes away
Type: Single Family Home
Location: Pittman Center, TN
Price: $339,900
Get more information >
8 Bedroom/5 Bath Cabin w/Mountain View!
Wow! 8 bedroom/5bath cabin with so many amenities for your enjoyment, plus an incredible mountain view!! Sleeps 24. Great gross rental income in 2010 of $47,471 plus 2 wks of personal use during prime time! Great investment or permanent residence!
Type: Single Family Home
Location: Chalet Village
Price: $399,900
Get more information >
Mt LeConte View w/Large Open Floor Plan
5 bedrooms all with in suite baths for privacy. Huge great room for those family gatherings and could walk to trolley to take to town or to Nat’l Park.
Type: Single Family Home
Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee
Price: $350,000
Get more information >

 

 

 

 

Good News on Homes in Gatlinburg

Posted by Gatlin on

If you are undecided on a Gatlinburg home for sale, then read on.  Our blog regularly brings month-end residential sales data, provided by the Great Smoky Mountain Association of Realtors.  After our latest month end comparison, we noticed that some areas within GSMAR were outperforming the overall monthly states. 

Residential Real Estate in Gatlinburg is one example of an overachieving location.  The Great Smoky Mountain Association of Realtors residential data overall for July 2011 lagged July 2010.  However, this was not true for residential sales within Gatlinburg’s boundaries for this past July.  The interesting thing about Gatlinburg Residential Sales, is that all categories were even or above the numbers for July of 2010.

 In total number of Residences Sold, July of 2011 had 1 more at 126 than July of 2010, for an increase of 1%.

The category of total Residential Dollar Volume sold was also up by 1% or $218,208.00.

The Average Median Sale was higher in July of 2011 by 8% or $13,250.00.

In number of active listings our current July exceeds July 2010 by 115 or 15%.

As an uncommitted buyer, you might feel that these increases are not large.  While this may be a valid conclusion, it does reveal that there is strength in the Gatlinburg residential market.  With many areas across the nation in decline, this is good news.  There could be serious strength revealing itself in an otherwise bearish market.  With weakness appearing in the world’s stock markets and uncertainty launching riots in overseas countries, it could be comforting to buy a residence in a stronger property market.  If you want to check out the possibilities for Gatlinburg real estate, then hop on our website.  This client-friendly tool is a perfect place to begin.  You can set your own criteria for a property search.  You proceed at your own pace in the privacy of your own current residence.  When you want to finalize your selection, contact the professionals of our team.  We stand ready to assist you with years of experience.

Here are a Few of My Current and New Listings:

OPPS! HAD THE WRONG PRICE! LOWER!
DOING GREAT ON RENTAL INCOME! Log home in Gatlinburg with private setting, extraordinary construction, and top of the line furnishing. Wall of glass, granite countertops, and hardwood floors are just a few of the features in this lovely home.
Type: Single Family Home
Location: Gatlinburg,Tennessee
Price: $239,900
Get more information >
Private Acreage with Creek Frontage/View
Private acreage with beautiful mountain view and creek frontage and waterfall. Panoramic view with easy road access. Truly a dream come true for just the right person.
Type: Land
Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee
Price: $149,900
Get more information >
Top Floor w/ Best Mountain Views !!
Best views in the county. Really close to the Great Smoky Mountains with direct views of large peaks and city lights of Gatlinburg. This top floor condo is furnished nicely with access to outdoor pool and indoor pool area with amenities.
Type: Condo
Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee
Price: $110,000

Gatlinburg Homes Enjoy a Unique Firefly Display

Posted by Gatlin on

Our Smoky Mountain real estate enjoys some phenomenal benefits from Mother Nature.  People flock to these wonderous mountains to view the natural splendor that permeates the area.  The biodiversity of this region rivals some of the equatorial rain forests. Our changes in elevation allow for plant and animal life that are normally found in other areas.  These climatic niches provide the perfect environment to nurture a multitude of flora and fauna.   

Among the wonders of the Smokies are synchronous fireflies. Many people have seen fireflies. However, the Smokies are one of a few locations on earth where the fireflies flash in unison.  This natural phenomenon occurs when all of the male individuals of one species synchronize their flashing light sequence.  This light flashing is part of the lightning bug mating display.  There are about 14 species of fireflies in the Great Smoky Mountain Park.  Each species has a unique light pattern.  It helps each type to identify its own kind.  The males fly and flash while females remain grounded and flash back.  Light color and flash patterns vary by species.  Lighting activity seems to peak in a 2 week time frame around mid June.  Flashing is not always together.  Sometimes it is in waves or at random. 

To celebrate this phenomenon, the National Park will close the Elkmont entrance road to motor vehicles from 5-12 pm, June 4-12th to allow Gatlinburg trolleys to bring in viewers.  Cost is $1.00/person round trip.  Flashlights can interfere with people’s night vision and disrupt the firefly beetles.  Cover your light with red or blue cellophane.  Use your light minimally only when moving to or from a viewing spot.  Point the light down and turn it off when you reach your destination.

If you are considering a trip to this area, schedule some firefly viewing.  Go online and view synchronous fireflies for more details. If you are thinking about real estate in the Smokies, contact the Jason White Team.  Begin your quest online and get pre-approved to know what financing options are available.  When it is time to finalize your search, call on our team of experts.  Begin at your convenience anytime.

Here are a Few of My Latest Listing:

Prime Location in Gatlinburg-Quality !
Great construction quality and prime location in Gatlinburg. Mostly level lot w/nice yard, gourmet kitchen,high end bathrooms and large 4×6 whirlpool. Fantastic outdoor space w/wrap around decking.
Type: Single Family Home
Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee
Price: $235,000
Get more information >
Newly Remodeled w/ Mountain View!
Beautiful home high up in Gatlinburg. Freshly remodeled and includes furniture. Come and enjoy the mountain view from your covered porch or hot tub deck.
Type: Single Family Home
Location: Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Price: $199,900
Get more information >
$58,000 Gross Income in 2010-Short Sale!
Short Sale Income Producing Opportunity!! $58,000 gross income in 2010. Four level, 7bed/5bath log home, fully furnished with fine electronics and furnishings. Great view, and even has a media room and level parking.
Type: Single Family Home
Location: Chalet Village, TN
Price: $350,000
Get more information >

Considering Lodging at a Gatlinburg Home on your Trip to the Smokies?

Posted by Gatlin on

Smoky Mountain homes are a great vantage point for enjoying a personal close-up of this majestic area.  In our earlier blogs, we have hi-lighted the additional pleasure one can have if they carefully time their visit.  There are abundant opportunities to take in activities, that appeal to your family.  Some of these activities are available almost 24/7.  Others however, are date specific.  We want to get your creative vacation ideas flowing, with some general suggestions in this week’s blog.

Hiking is a phenomenal activity that promotes good health through exercise.  It can be done anytime of the year.  You are in close contact to nature’s wonders.  Tailor your hike by; length, difficulty, and time of day/year to match your own fitness levels.  Water adventures are available in formats from; trout fly fishing on creeks and rivers, to bass boat fishing on Douglas Lake.  Whitewater rafting appeals to many families. Knowledgeable guides can cater to people’s’ skill levels.  Another popular activity that is growing across our area is ziplines.  This tree top thrill is a safe, fun way to view the Smokies.

So far, we have touched on some of the many general activities one could enjoy at this time of year.  However, let us tempt you with a few on going or upcoming events that are date specific. Currently, we have the Smoky Mountain Springfest going on across the area through June 6th.  This upcoming weekend we have the Gatlinburg Fine Arts Festival.  Beginning May 21st running until October 15th is the Gatlinburg Farmer’s Market.  Held at the Alamo Steakhouse parking lot in Gatlinburg, this offers visitors and locals a chance to purchase locally grown food. The Gatlinburg Scottish Highland Festival will be held May 13-14 and the Bloomin BBQ & Bluegrass will be held May 20-21st in Sevierville.

These events we referenced are only a few of this region’s vast array of fun things to do.  For more details, and more events, go to websites for: Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, and Gatlinburg.  If you want the fun to continue, consider buying property in the area.  This allows you the flexibility to stay at your convenience.  Begin your search on our website, in the comfort of your own home.  Set your personal search criteria, and shop properties at your convenience.  Our team of professionals is ready to help you finalize your selection.  Begin today, to find your dream !!!

Here are a Few of My Current Listings:

Outstanding Mtn View/Open Floor Plan!
What an outstanding mountain view with this chalet. Fully furnished with beautiful decor. Open floor plan and spacious rooms with lots of windows to enjoy the view.
Type: Single Family Home
Location: Chalet Village
Price: $279,900
Get more information >
Great View Of Great Smoky Mountains
Live in the prestigious community of Riversong. With the Little Pigeon River close by to enjoy fishing and swimming. This private 1.26 acre property is a must see with wonderful mountain views and just around the corner from the Great Smoky Mountains.
Type: Single Family Home
Location: Pittman Center
Price: $359,900
Get more information >
Exquisite Lofty Mountain Retreat!!
Detail and excellent craftsmanship throughout this lofty mountain home will please even the most discriminating buyer. Complete with an outdoor living space wfireplace that overlooks Mt. LeConte views.
Type: Single Family Home
Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee
Price: $495,000
Get more information >