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 >

 

Top Advice For Buyers & Sellers From The Team

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We would like to take a moment to congratulate everyone at Century 21 Four Seasons for an outstanding 2012. Our firm is ranked #1 in gross sales for the year with $48,037,391 in real estate volume to date. Our team is excited to be a part of the number one firm within the Great Smoky Mountain Association of REALTORS. Because of the support of a great company and all of our clients past and present I am able to congratulate everyone who is a part of The Jason White Team for ranking in the top three agents consistently throughout the year. As a team we offer top notch services, expert knowledge and a sincere desire to make each real estate transaction a fantastic experience for our clients.

As the market continues to change on a daily basis it is important to know that you have a team that is in the pulse of what is happening to help you navigate your real estate transaction. Today we are going to offer some top tips and advice from each member of the team to assist you as you consider buying or selling a home in the Smoky Mountain real estate market.

For sellers: As the team’s listing agent I work primarily with those wishing to get their homes on the market and sold. The following are the three things that I believe will help to prepare you for the process of having your home on the market.

*Even though the statistics show the market improving many buyers are still in the mindset of being able to purchase properties at a discount. Be prepared for low offers, even insulting offers. Don’t take it personally! Take a moment to look at it from the buyer’s side – everyone wants the best deal possible. Be willing to start negotiations and view even a low offer as an opportunity to get to the result that you are looking for.

*Make your house shine. First impressions are the most important in real estate and there is a lot of competition on the market. When we have a showing we want yours to be the one that stands out. If you were selling your car you would take the time to clean it up, maybe even have it detailed right? It’s the same for your house. A fresh coat of paint, a good cleaning and attention to needed maintenance will go a long way towards helping you get an offer.

*Stay focused on the outcome not the process. With the number of homes on the market it is important to be patient and stay flexible. It may take some time to get an offer and once you do the process from offer to closing may be demanding but we are here to help navigate the process and make it as smooth as possible. A buyer may need more time to close because of their lender, there may be repairs to be made and the closing company is going to need information. Knowing that these things may occur ahead of time will help you to avoid frustration during the transaction.

For buyers from Stephanie Huskey: Stephanie has been active in the Smoky Mountain real estate market for 7 years and is a dedicated Buyer Specialist. Here are her top three tips for those considering a purchase in the area.

*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.

*Know ahead of time what your “must haves” are. This will help me to condense the list of homes we view and insure that your time is spent looking at homes that have the qualities you desire.

*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.

For buyers from Suzanne Walls: Suzanne is also a Buyer Specialist and has 10 years of experience helping buyers reach their real estate goals. She says these are the three things to know when you are ready to start looking at mountain homes.

*Know that the Smoky Mountain market is a prime investment area and our prices may not reflect the discounts that are still available in other markets. Throughout 2012 the market has improved and homes are selling for an average of 93% of asking price.

*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.

*Be prepared to make an offer. When you see “the one” you want to be able to make an offer right away. If you are rating a home as a 9 or 10 someone else is too. The market here is very active and homes are moving.

We are here to help when you are ready to buy or sell. Take a look at all of the opportunites available and know you will be in great hands when the time comes to start looking or to put your home on the market.

Here Are A Few Of My Featured Listings:

Beautiful Honeymoon 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: $109,900 Get more information >

 

A Place To Remember Step inside this beautiful mountain home and you will quickly see why it is named A Place To Remember. Features five private master suites and did over $30,000 in rental income for 2011! Type: Single Family Home Location: Chalet Village Price: $389,900 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: $329,000 Get more information >

 

 

 

As The Leaves Continue To Change, So Does The Smoky Mountain Real Estate Market

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As we enter the last quarter of 2012, the Smoky Mountain real estate market continues to change in a positive way. Outpacing 2011 in most categories, 2012 is shaping up to be one of the best years for real estate in recent memory. Buyers are very active in the market and property is moving. The next three months are expected to remain steady as the final quarter of the year has consistently been the busiest for the Smoky Mountain area. Let’s see how the first nine months of 2012 have shaped up.

 September continues last month’s pattern, remaining at 18% more homes sold than the same period in 2011. We expect the numbers to keep climbing through the next three months, continuing to outpace recent years.

In line with the big increase in homes sold, the total dollar volume sold is up from 2011 by 7% or just over ten million dollars.

The average sold price is the only area that has not shown an increase with prices down 9% from last year. The numbers are improving as the year continues with September showing a 2% increase from last month. As inventory keeps moving off the market the prices should continue their climb towards positive numbers.

Buyers are taking advantage of the all time low interest rates and still low prices on Smoky Mountain homes. Homes are spending an average of 8% less time on the market in comparison to 2011.

Now is a great time to begin a search for your Smoky Mountain home. There are over 4,000 single family homes available to choose from in Sevier County and we are positive we can find the “perfect” one for you. Take a minute to visit our website and browse all of the available properties. When the time is right we are ready to help you make your move towards owning in the Great Smoky Mountains.

Here Are A Few Of My Featured Listings:

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 >

 

Large Lot & Ready To Move In To Very nice neighborhood with quality homes on big lots in a scenic setting. Easy access to both Sevier County and Knox County via pretty country roads. Type: Single Family Home Location: Sevierville,TN Price: $229,900 Get more information >

 

Busy 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: $249,900 Get more information >

 

Big Plans For Sevier County Make Now The Time To Invest In Real Estate

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In July we talked about the potential new sports complex for Gatlinburg and the opening of the LeConte Center in Pigeon Forge that is scheduled for 2013. Recent news shows that the sports complex project is moving full speed ahead and Pigeon Forge is already lining up events for the LeConte Center. The county expects to see huge tourism and revenue gains from both projects. So how are they stacking up and what kind of impact will the Smoky Mountain real estate market see?

On Monday night the County Commissioners were all in agreement with a resolution to partner with the City of Gatlinburg on the sports complex project. This 70/30 partnership will assist with the funding of the project and keep things moving forward to completion. The city and county will be entering into an agreement with the school system to include use of their existing sports facilities when the complex is hosting events. The facility will draw more visitors to the area as families come for tournaments. The Sports Facility Advisory Founder, Dev Pathik, said “I believe people will want to come here and have unique experiences. That’s a rare opportunity.” Vacation lodging will feel the effect of the increase in visitors as well as a potential lengthening of the tourist season in the area.

The LeConte Center, slated to open in September of 2013 is a huge event complex that is expected to generate more than thirty four million dollars to the area. They have already drawn the attention of The National Quartet Convention, previously held in Louisville, KY. After 20 years in Louisville the convention has committed to at least 2 years in Pigeon Forge to give the area a try. They are interested in the diversity of attractions and lodging available for the more than 40,000 people it expects to bring to the area. The Louisville Courier Journal says that this is the world’s largest gathering of southern gospel musicians and fans and has an economic impact of an estimated $8 million. Phil Campbell of the Pigeon Forge Hospitality Association expects the relationship to last much longer than the currently contracted two years. Campbell says “If they come here and find it suitable and if attendance is good, they’ll stay a lot longer.” Starting in 2014, this annual event is sure to increase rental revenues.

Other reports show that the area is outperforming both Branson and Myrtle Beach in tourism for 2012 with Branson actually seeing a 1.1% drop from their numbers of 2011. Steven Morse, an economist from The University of Tennessee says “I think Sevier County has done well because of the strong brand image the entire county represented. That strong brand image is ‘value family vacations.’

With all of these pushes that will increase the already large amount of visitors to the area the value of investment property is sure to increase. Sevier County is already seeing an improved real estate market from last year. As rental income increases for investment homes in the area it will keep the trend moving upward. There are numerous opportunities to own a vacation rental property in the area and we encourage you to take a look at our website and begin exploring what is available. Now is the time to start thinking about the future impact of these projects on the Smoky Mountain real estate market.

Here Are A Few Of My New And Featured Investment Properties:

Mount LeConte Views Over $30,000 in rental income for 2011!! Beautiful views of Mt. LeConte & the smokies from all three levels of this chalet in sought after Chalet Village North. Type: Single Family Home Location: Chalet Village Price: $299,900 Get more information >

 

Ready To Make You $$$ There is $$$ to be made – produced almost $33,000 in rental income for 2011!! Excellent views of the the Smokies along with year around sun rises from both floors of this 5 bedroom 5 bath chalet. Type: Single Family Home Location: Chalet Village Price: $299,900 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 >

 

What If It Isn’t Perfect? Should You Buy That House?

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As we watch prices rising in some areas, mortgage rates staying low and foreclosures being liquidated from the market it is a perfect environment for purchasing real estate. But what if you can’t find your dream home? Let’s take a look at a few things to consider if you are torn between buying now or waiting for the perfect property to come along.

The first thing to consider when you are thinking of entering the market is financing. It is crucially important to have your financial “ducks in a row” and a mortgage pre-approval in hand before starting to look at homes. In a previous article we explain in depth why this is so important but an additional reason is that you want to be able to make a move if you do find your dream home. As the market continues to improve houses are spending less time on the market and you will not want financing to be the only thing standing between you and your new home.

Next, make a list of your “must haves”, the things that will make a home perfect for you. From there narrow the list down. Explore why each item is a must have and decide if it is really just a want that can be worked around if the other terms outweigh not having that criteria met. Place the biggest concern on items that cannot be changed like location or in some cases square footage. When you are finished with this process you will have a list of “absolute must haves” and will be opening yourself to a wider range of possible homes to consider. Once you have found a home that meets the criteria you absolutely must have you will be able to determine if there are inexpensive ways to add the other items over time. When you visit homes remember things like furniture, appliances and decor can usually be changed inexpensively to better suit your tastes. Try to look beyond these things to the condition of the property, the potential future value and if it meets the criteria you have set on your list.

When you have found a property that is suitable for your current needs we will help you in determining the financial value of the purchase. When you combine your must haves with the financial value of a particular home you will many times find that it makes sense to move forward with an offer while rates are still low and prices have not completely recovered. Make a sound investment now and it will put you one step closer to owning a home that is perfect in every way in the future.

There are so many homes to choose from in the Smoky Mountain region at this time that we are confident once you are armed with your “absolute must have” list and your pre-approval letter you will have no trouble finding a home that is so close to perfect you will know it is time to purchase. Please take some time at our website to explore some of the many options available.

Here Are A Few Of My New Listings:

Smoky Mountain Charm Has produced right around $15,000 in gross rental income for each of the last two years! Three level chalet with a bedroom and bathroom on each floor for maximum privacy. Type: Single Family Home Location: Chalet Village Price: $189,900 Get more information >

 

Breathtaking Mountain Views Gorgeous home in Cobbly Nob with an equally gorgeous Smoky Mountain view. Enjoy a spacious floor plan, currently configured with three bedrooms, level parking, a four seasons room and a two car garage with an attached car port. Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg, Tennessee Price: $298,500 Get more information >

 

Totally Updated & Great Views Almost $30,000 in rental income for 2010 & 2011! High quality construction and a great view combined with tasteful updates should put this one on your short list. Type: Single Family Home Location: Chalet Village Price: $229,900 Get more information >

 

As The Market Improves, Warren Buffett Says Buy Houses

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We have seen many positive reports and predictions for the American housing market so far in 2012. Both nationwide and locally we continue to see positive signs of recovery and a slow but steady climb towards market stability. Some markets are seeing values rise as inventory decreases.

In an interview earlier in the year Warren Buffett praises owning homes as an investment, saying “Well, if I thought I was going to live, if I knew where I was going to want to live the next five or ten years, I would buy a home and I’d finance it with a 30-year mortgage, it’s a terrific deal. And if, literally, if I was an investor that was a handy type, which I’m not, and I could buy a couple of them at distressed prices and find renters, and again take a 30-year mortgage, it’s a leveraged way of owning a very cheap asset now and I think that’s probably as  attractive an investment as you can make now.”

Buffett also said “If I had a way of buying a couple hundred thousand single-family homes and had a way of managing—the management is enormous—is really the problem because they’re one by one. They’re not like apartment houses. But I would load up on them and I would take mortgages out at very, very low rates.”

Though most of us are not looking to purchase “a couple hundred thousand” homes, with interest rates at all time lows, it is a great time to consider adding investment homes to your portfolio. Mr. Buffett touches on the challenges of the management of investment properties, however, in the Smoky Mountain real estate market there are several options for handling the day to day care of your property. As this is a prime vacation spot, a large number of properties are used as overnight rentals which opens the door to not only making a great investment but also having a Smoky Mountain get away of your own. If you prefer a more hands on approach many investors in the area have had success with using online marketing tools and handling the rental and management of their properties themselves. With this option you may also consider the use of a company such as Smoky Mountain Homes Not Alone, which offers customized care plans for absentee owners. They work both with homes that are vacation rentals by owner and second homes that are not used as rental. They offer a wide variety of services from cleaning and maintenance to just stopping by to open the windows and make sure everything is in order. If you prefer to be less involved there are a number of vacation rental management companies in the area that will handle the daily details and offer a wide variety of services. Our team has great relationships with these companies and we will assist you in identifying the management solution that will be a fit for your investment goals.

The Smoky Mountain real estate market offers a wide variety of choices in investment properties. Why not take a look at our website to see all that is available? If you see a property that looks like it has potential to add to your investments, let us know, we are here to help you obtain additional information about rental income history, market statistics and monthly expenses.

Here Are A Few Of My Featured Investment Properties:

Private Chalet Minutes To Downtown Produced $23,207 rental income for 2010 & right at $20,000 for 2011! Great location only a mile from the 441 Parkway and about 1.5 miles to downtown Gatlinburg. Type: Single Family Home Location: Chalet Village Price: $189,900 Get more information >

 

Close To Downtown Well over $30k rental income in both 2010 & 2011! Well built cabin in excellent condition within the city limits of Gatlinburg. Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee Price: $289,900 Get more information >

 

A View From Above Did over $94K in rental income for 2010 & over $97K in 2011!!! 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 >

 

Smoky Mountain Real Estate Continues To Gain Ground In July

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The year has been positive so far for the Smoky Mountain real estate market. Looking at the market statistics through July we see continued improvement in most categories for single family homes in Sevier County with some areas showing huge gains over last year. Buyers are very active and properties are moving. Let’s see what the numbers have to tell us.

The category of Total Residences Sold shows that buyer activity remains strong with a 15% increase from 2011.

Total Dollar Volume Sold goes hand in hand with the last category and reports $5,203,117 more real estate sold than last year. We are also seeing homes in higher price ranges selling this year which will continue to push the increases in volume.

The Average Sold Price still lags behind 2011 but continues to improve every month. With the balancing of inventory occurring as distressed sales leave the market and homes in higher price ranges are selling we believe this category will continue moving towards being stabilized.

The Average Days On Market lets us know that sellers are ready to sell and buyers are ready, willing and able. From last year homes are spending 6% less time on the market and the number has shown gains from 2011 each month.

The Smoky Mountain region is a hive of real estate activity and opportunities. If you have been dreaming of owning a home near the National Park now is a great time to take a look at the inventory and find your perfect get away. Our team is ready to help you every step of the way.

Here Are A Few Of My New Listings:

Fantastic Rental Income!! Fantastic rental income! Produced over $26,000 in rental income in both 2010 & 2011! Lots of features you want in a Smoky Mountin retreat. Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee Price: $185,000 Get more information >

 

Quality Features & Mountain Views If you are looking for your own home away from home you must see this quality three bedroom. Fantastic Smoky Mountain Views, attached garage, workshop & much more. Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee Price: $349,900 Get more information >

 

Great Price On A Gatlinburg Home Cute vintage chalet practically walking distance to Gatlinburg. Always used as a second home and perfectly suited for a weekend family get-away. Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee Price: $89,900 Get more information >

 

A Prime Time To Invest In Smoky Mountain Real Estate

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We know from experience and previous articles that the Great Smoky Mountains are a top tourist destination. There are over 9 million annual visitors and the numbers keep climbing. Aside from those facts there are many more reasons why we believe the Smoky Mountain area is a great pick for a real estate investment. The area boasts the largest collection of independent artisans and hosts numerous events like this week’s Annual Craftmens Fair in Gatlinburg. There are numerous attractions and it is all within a days drive for two thirds of America. Now, both Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg have big projects going on that are going to make the list even longer. Let’s see what they have planned.

Over the last few months, Gatlinburg officials have held numerous meetings to explore and discuss the possibility of constructing a youth sports complex. On Tuesday evening it was decided that they would move forward towards making this a reality. The city entered into agreements with the Sports Facility Advisory and the consulting firm Conventions & Leisure to conduct feasibility  studies and a business pro-forma analysis. The findings were positive, showing that Gatlinburg had adequate accommodation choices and entertainment venues to attract major sports tournaments and other sports events. The facility would include a 79,000 square foot indoor complex with five basketball courts, eight full sized multi-use soccer fields and 600 new parking spaces. The effect would be more vacationers drawn to the area and planning their trips around sports tournaments. The studies reveal that the project would bring more than $34 million to the area.

In September of 2013, Pigeon Forge will open the LeConte Center. Located near Pigeon Forge attractions, shows and shopping this will be a multi-use event center that will attract many new events to the area. The facility will include a 100,500 square foot assembly hall, numerous multi-purpose rooms, catering, concessions and 1,600 parking spaces. It is expected to be home to numerous assemblies, competitive events and trade shows.

Both of these facilities will add jobs to the area and increase the already high tourism to the area. At this time we see a real estate market that is improving from last year and the addition of these new attractions for the area are on track to keep that trend going. There are numerous investment properties available on the market and we believe now is the time to start exploring the option of purchasing a home in the area. Not sure where to start with owning a vacation rental property? Our team is dedicated to providing you sound information and guiding you through every step of the process. Start at our website to get a feel for what is available and when the time is right we are ready to answer your questions and assist you on the path to owning a Smoky Mountain home.

Here Are A Few Of My Featured Investment Properties:

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: $475,000 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 >

 

Smoky Mountain Money Maker Smoky Mountain money maker did over $26,000 in rental income for both 2010 & 2011. Nestled in a resort like neighborhood this large cabin is filled with amenities & is close to Dollywood. Type: Single Family Home Location: Pigeon Forge Price: $179,900 Get more information >

 

Continued Improvement For The Smoky Mountain Real Estate Market

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Nationally the real estate market is improving and the statistics for single family homes in Sevier County show that the Smoky Mountain region is no exception. The numbers show strong improvement over last year in most categories for the first half of the year, let’s take a look.  

June’s numbers keep 2012 ahead of last year in the category of Total Residences Sold. With a difference of 21% or 111 more homes sold than the same period last year we see that buyer activity continues to be strong.

In the Total Dollar Volume Sold category 2012 outperforms 2011 with a 7% increase. This is just under seven million dollars more real estate sold than in the first half of 2011.

The Average Sold Price is still behind 2011 but shows improvement from last month. Through June the average price is down 11%, last month it was a 14% decrease from 2011. The number of foreclosures that are being sold and leaving the market continues to help with improving this number.  

In the last category of Average Days On Market we see signs that buyers are in the market and ready, willing and able to buy. With a 7% decrease in time on the market there is no doubt that the Smoky Mountain real estate market is active.  

The market is changing for the positive at a steady pace and we believe this trend will continue. Considering the purchase of a Smoky Mountain home? This is the time to take advantage of current mortgage affordability and the wide variety of available homes for sale. Spend some time browsing our website to see everything the area has to offer. When the time is right we are ready to assist you on your path to owning a mountain home.

Here Are A Few Of My Featured Listings:

Private Chalet Minutes To Downtown Produced $23,207 rental income for 2010 & right at $20,000 for 2011! Great location only a mile from the 441 Parkway and about 1.5 miles to downtown Gatlinburg. Type: Single Family Home Location: Chalet Village Price: $189,900 Get more information >

 

Two Acre Mountain Retreat Charming log cabin on a private two acres. Type: Single Family Home Location: Pigeon Forge Price: $189,900 Get more information >

 

Great Home Or Home Away From Home Custom built home in desirable Norton Creek. It is in such good condition, you’ll think it was just finished. Thoughtful design for year around low maintenance make it suitable for retirement, second home use or as a family home. Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee Price: $269,900 Get more information >

 

 

Owning A Home And The American Dream

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National Association of REALTORS President, Moe Veissi, said “Homeownership is an investment in our future, but it’s also a gateway to our past. The homes of our country’s founders offer insights into their characters and values and reflect the spirits of their owners, just as our homes do for us today”.  As the Fourth of July steadily approaches we turn our thoughts to fireworks, parades and other traditions that are carried out each year in celebration of Independence Day. Today we would like to reflect on how homeownership has played a part in the history of our nation and the phrase “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness”.

The American Dream is a set of ideals which allows everyone the opportunity for prosperity and success according to their abilities and hard work. From early settlements in America forward to today, owning a home has been seen as a building block in achieving the height of these ideals. Certainly owning your own home creates freedom and independence simply by having a place to call your own. Along with pride of ownership you gain the freedom to choose the elements that go in to making your house a home. Economic changes have delayed this dream for many but surveys show most Americans still wish to own their own home. In a recent National Housing Survey from Fannie Mae we see that Americans still view owning a home as a positive thing. 64% of those surveyed said that if they were going to move they would be more likely to rent rather than buy. Why? Although modern day America is much different than it was in the 1800’s our ideals have remained fairly constant. A large number of those surveyed cited control over what you do with your living space, freedom to choose a community where people share your values and motivation to become a better citizen as top reasons they aspire to owning their own home.

Owning a home has numerous benefits not only to the owner but to the entire nation. Many have quoted Abraham Lincoln as saying, “The strength of a nation lies in the homes of its people”. This simple truth is still valid today. Owning a home provides security and stability as well as enhances communities. It encourages participation in schools, government and community because owners have a vested interest in improving their homes and neighborhoods. All of these things work to strengthen the social fabric of the nation. The overall value to the nation’s economy from increased homeownership is priceless.

The dream of homeownership has not changed in America. With the low interest rates that are currently available housing affordability is at an all time high making the American Dream obtainable for more and more citizens. We wish everyone a happy Fourth of July and as you are celebrating our nation’s independence we hope that you will take a moment to consider how much owning your own home could add to your own pursuit of life, liberty and happiness. There are numerous home choices available and we are here to help through every step of your journey towards being a homeowner.

Here Are A Few Of My Featured Listings:

Custom Home On Douglas Lake Custom built home on a lake front peninsula surround by water on three sides with expansive views. Type: Single Family Home Location: Douglas Lake Price: $975,000 Get more information >

 

A Taste Of Appalachia Consistently produced $21,000 in rental income over the last few years. A log home with true Appalachian feel. Take a look and fall in love. Type: Single Family Home Location: Chalet Village Price: $149,900 Get more information >

 

Close To Downtown Well over $30k rental income in both 2010 & 2011! Well built cabin in excellent condition within the city limits of Gatlinburg. Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee Price: $289,900 Get more information >