Heading Into December, The Great Smoky Mountain Real Estate Market Remains Steady

The Road To Recovery

For much of this year, we have seen both the national and local real estate markets continue to show slow, but steady, growth on the whole. As we look at the statistics for the Great Smoky Mountain real estate market through November of this year, we will see that these trends, particularly in this real estate market, are largely holding steady at the present time. Let’s now see what the numbers have to say.

In the category of Residences Sold, we see that in comparing November 2013 to that of November 2012, the number of residences sold held steady with an increase by 1% in terms of homes sold, in that 16 more homes were sold as of November 2013, as opposed to November 2012. This continues a trend of steadiness, and even very slight growth, in the real estate market as a whole, and as we look at the rest of the statistics, we will see that the market does indeed reflect a steady and slowly growing trend on balance, and we see that the market continues to show gradual, but steady, growth on the aggregate.

DECEMBER 2013 RESIDENCES SOLD GRAPH

 

In the category of Residential Dollar Volume for the year, we see an increase of 5% through November of this year, as opposed to through November in 2012. With the steadiness of the numbers as it relates to Residences Sold, the recent local and national trends of increasing home prices still continue to show that a greater dollar volume in homes are being sold, along with still continuing to show a slow and strengthening market reflective of greater confidence on the part of both buyers and sellers.

DECEMBER 2013 TOTAL RESIDENTIAL VOLUME GRAPH

 

There is also continued good news for sellers in the Average Sold Price Category. In line with statistics so far for the year, prices still show a slow, but gradual, rise of 4% in November of this year versus that of November 2012, reflecting the recent local and national trends towards gradually higher home prices. As confidence continues to grow between potential buyers and sellers in the market as a whole, we see that the trend of higher home prices will likely continue for the foreseeable future.

DECEMBER 2013 AVERAGE SOLD PRICE GRAPH

 

In addition, available homes on the market are actually increasing at the moment. Through November 2013, as opposed to November 2012, there is a slight increase by 1% of homes being listed as available on the market, or an increase of 51 available homes on the market, in November 2013, as opposed to November 2012. We see that higher home prices, as well as the very slight increases in homes being sold, may be contributing to more people wanting to place their homes on the market, thereby causing a slight increase in available housing inventory. While it is still too early to tell if the trend will continue, there are more available homes on the market in November 2013, as opposed to one year ago, which could further indicate greater confidence on the part of those wanting to place their homes on the market.

DECEMBER 2013 AVAILABLE INVENTORY GRAPH

 

As markets continue this gradual trend of growth locally and across the nation, home prices will continue their rise and housing inventory will continue to decrease. Mortgage rates still remain at historically low rates, and there are still plenty of housing options to choose from, especially in the Great Smoky Mountain real estate market. Why not start your Great Smoky Mountain home search now by visiting our website, browsing our available properties, and seeing what the Smoky Mountain area has to offer for your and home ownership dreams today?

 

Here Are A Few of My Featured Listings:

Luxurious Condo w/Majestic Mtn. Views! Luxurious, spacious condominium unit located at LeConte Towers in Gatlinburg, w/a majestic view of Mt. LeConte and the Smoky Mtns.! Type: Condo Location: Gatlinburg, Tennessee Price: $339,000 Get more information >
Multi-Family Duplex w/Amazing Mtn Views! Beautiful, private, 2 acre multi-family duplex with postcard-style views, and literally a majestic view of the Great Smoky Mountains from almost any room on either level! Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg, Tennessee Price: $398,000 Get more information >
Beautiful Cedar Log Home w/Mtn View Beautiful, private, and well-maintained 4 BD/2.5 BA cedar log home located with Amazing Mountain and Natural views! Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg,Tennessee Price: $589,000 Get more information >


The Jason White Team
Century 21 Four Seasons Realty
1441 Wiley Oakley Dr
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Toll Free: 877-678-2121
Fax: 865-436-7227
Email: jason@jasonwhiteteam.com
Website: www.SmokyMountainLifestyle.com

Recent Public Perception of Real Estate Industry Trending More Positive, and Shows Increasing Consumer Confidence

sellers-market

Based on a recent poll conducted by Gallup, the American public’s perception of the real estate industry is beginning to improve to levels not seen since 2007, before the onset of the economic downturn in 2008. The improvements in ratings of the real estate industry likely are due to the recent recovery of the housing market from the depths of the housing crisis.

In addition, this recent public opinion reversal is largely attributed, based on the Gallup survey, to broader improvement in the economy, as well as increased consumer confidence, resulting in a more positive view on the part of the public related to the real estate industry as a whole.

Furthermore, a recent report from Fannie Mae shows that, despite recent rises in mortgage rates, consumers do expect home prices to continue their recent steady rise. One additional trend worth noting is the month of July also saw where consumer credit increased $10.4 billion (or 4.4% annualized), as non-revolving credit increased 7.4% and revolving credit fell 2.6%, continuing a trend where consumer credit has increased every month since August of 2011. This indicates that credit is becoming easier to obtain, which could help in increasing consumption and economic growth. As such, this potentially bodes well for homebuilders, who have also seen recent gains, in line with increasing home prices.

What does all of this mean? We see that these trends, as well as the public’s perceptions, are continuing to show a gradual growth in real estate nationally. However, while mortgage rates have been on the rise, such rates are also still at all-time historically low levels. Therefore, why not consider looking for a new home in the Great Smoky Mountains area today, with many great homes still available to choose from? Please feel free to browse our available properties today, and see what the Smoky Mountains have to offer for you. There are many great homes still available for you to take advantage of, and you can realize your dreams of owning a home today in the beautiful Smoky Mountains!

 

Here Are A Few of My Featured Listings:

Spacious Home w/Great Mtn Views Spacious home full of character & detail. A vintage door from the 1890’s welcomes you inside where you will find vaulted ceilings, lots of windows and lots of unique spaces. Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee Price: $359,200 Get more information >
Privacy & Mountain Views Enjoy privacy, mountain views and great outdoor spaces in this Sevierville log home. Inviting and comfortable it features soaring ceilings, a breakfast bar, tile counters in the kitchen and much more! Type: Single Family Home Location: Sevierville,TN Price: $359,900 Get more information >
Beautiful Mountain Sunsets Incredible large diameter log construction creates a special, solid, and timeless appeal. Type: Single Family Home Location: Pigeon Forge Price: $450,000 Get more information >


The Jason White Team
Century 21 Four Seasons Realty
1441 Wiley Oakley Dr
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Toll Free: 877-678-2121
Fax: 865-436-7227
Email: jason@jasonwhiteteam.com
Website: www.SmokyMountainLifestyle.com

Smoky Mountain Civil War Relic Show and Sale in Pigeon Forge This Weekend!

Civil_War_Reenactment_2

This weekend, Pigeon Forge will be the host for the 4th annual Smoky Mountain Civil War Relic Show and Sale, located at 4010 Parkway in Pigeon Forge (Smoky Mountain Convention Center). This unique event will be like a step back in time over 150 years, to one of the most significant periods in American history – the Civil War.

Featured at this event will include authentic Civil War era muskets, rifles, pistols, photographs, and uniforms, along with other relics, artifacts, and other collectibles. Collectors from all over the country will come to buy, sell, and talk about these varied and valuable artifacts.

In addition to over a hundred tables filled with relics, the Civil War event will include exciting historical reenactments and artillery demonstrations. Actors portraying famous military figures from the Civil War such as General Robert E. Lee and General Ulysses S. Grant will interact with attendees and answer their questions about the war. People who come to the event will also have the chance to investigate their ancestors’ participation in Pigeon Forge history, with help from onsite genealogy researchers.

This year’s show will feature authentic Civil War era songs performed by multi-instrumentalist Mike Scott, out of Hendersonville, TN, who recently released an album of wartime music, Home Sweet Home: Instrumental Tribute to the Civil War Era of Songs. Also, there will be an appearance Gerald Augustus, who is the author of the book The Loudon County Area of East Tennessee in the War 1861-1865, and will  speak about the importance of preserving the land where Civil War battles were fought.

Tickets for both Saturday and Sunday only cost $8.00 for adults and $4.00 for children ages 12 and under. The event will last from 9 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, and from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Sunday. Please go to http://www.smokymountaincivilwarshow.com, or http://www.visitmysmokies.com, to find out more.

Unique events like the Smoky Mountain Civil War Relic Show and Sale make the Great Smoky Mountain area a great place for education, history, culture, the arts, music, and so much more. Why not consider looking at what the Smoky Mountain area can offer you today? We have many featured properties still available for those coming to the area, and are looking for a home to call their own. Please feel free to browse our available properties today, and see why the Great Smoky Mountains are such a great and unique place.

 

Here Are A Few of My Featured Listings:

Amazing Mount LeConte Views Over $28,000 in rental income for 2012! Nicely decorated cabin with fantastic views of Mt LeConte. Enjoy the views from the spacious decking this cabin has to offer. Type: Single Family Home Location: Chalet Village Price: $219,900 Get more information >
Mount LeConte Views $24,486 in rental income for 2012!! 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: $269,900 Get more information >
Ready To Make You $$$ There is $$$ to be made – produced just under $30,000 in rental income for 2012!! 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: $289,900 Get more information >


The Jason White Team
Century 21 Four Seasons Realty
1441 Wiley Oakley Dr
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Toll Free: 877-678-2121
Fax: 865-436-7227
Email: jason@jasonwhiteteam.com
Website: www.SmokyMountainLifestyle.com

National Market and Consumer Trends Show Higher Home Prices and a Decrease in Housing Inventory

Improving Housing Market

 

The recent national trends of higher home prices and decreasing housing inventory continued through the month of July. According to Realtor.com, the nation experienced a 5.24% decline in housing inventory, which is the second month in a row with year-over-year inventory declines in the single digits. In addition, this report also shows that national median home listing prices increased 5.27% year-over-year while the median age of housing inventory is down 16.67% nationally. This shows a continued trend of higher home prices, while also showing a decrease in both the amount and age of housing inventory nationally.

Furthermore, according to the latest Fannie Mae Monthly National Housing Survey for July, consumers expect home prices to climb 3.9% on average over the next 12 months, holding steady from the May and June survey results. Also, the share of survey respondents who say it is a good time to buy a house increased to 74%, while those surveyed indicating that it’s a good time to sell a house increased to 40%, matching the survey high.

According to Doug Duncan, who is a Senior Vice-President and Chief Economist for Fannie Mae, “expectations for continued improvement in housing persist, and sentiment toward the current buying and selling environment is back on track from its dip last month.” In addition, Mr. Duncan also stated that “these results are consistent with our own analysis of previous housing cycles, which finds that interest rates and home prices are not strongly correlated.”

On the whole, the national trends continue to reflect a slight decrease in housing inventory, while also showing a continued rise in home prices available on the market. In view of these trends, there are many great deals available for homes in the Great Smoky Mountain market today, and right now is a good time to look for the many properties that are still available.  If you have recently thought about purchasing a property in the Smoky Mountain region, today is a good time to start looking. We invite you to browse our available properties, and see what the Smoky Mountain region has to offer.

 

Here Are A Few of My Featured Listings:

Picture Perfect Log Cabin Almost $25,000 in rental income for 2012! Well built log cabin with privacy and only 5 miles to Pigeon Forge. Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee Price: $219,900 Get more information >
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: $289,900 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 >


The Jason White Team
Century 21 Four Seasons Realty
1441 Wiley Oakley Dr
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Toll Free: 877-678-2121
Fax: 865-436-7227
Email: jason@jasonwhiteteam.com
Website: www.SmokyMountainLifestyle.com

Fed Seeking to Ease Recent Increase in Interest Rates

Real Estate Deals

 

Federal Reserve officials recently expanded upon the latest comments by Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke, whose comments led a recent sudden spike in interest rates, including mortgage rates, which increased to the highest levels seen in nearly two years. The effects of this recent spike have led to potential increased borrowing costs for first-time and returning homebuyers, at a time when the housing market is showing slow, but steady, national growth.

 

Bernanke’s recent comments indicated that the Fed would reduce the amount of bond purchases that it has made since the 2008 economic downturn, along with keeping the benchmark interest rate down at all-time lows. However, according to William C. Dudley, President of the Federal Reserve Bank in New York, any increase in the Fed’s benchmark interest rate is “very likely to be a long way off,” and that any decision to reduce the pace of asset purchases wouldn’t represent a withdrawal of stimulus.

 

In fact, showing the reflectiveness of this recent rate spike, the average rate for a 30-year fixed mortgage recently rose to 4.46 percent from 3.93 percent, the biggest one-week increase since 1987, McLean, Virginia-based Freddie Mac said in a statement. The rate was the highest since July 2011 and above 4 percent for the first time since March 2012.

 

What does all of this mean? For the long-term housing market, especially for first-time and returning homebuyers, the Fed’s recent trend to consider a reduction of bond purchases and assets indicates a shift that may result in higher interest rates, including mortgage rates. While not immediate, the trends, as well as recent comments by the Fed, indicate that interest rates will go up in the long-term – it is just a matter of when and by how much.

 

There are still many great deals on homes available in the Great Smoky Mountain market, and today is a good time to look for the many properties that are available right now.  If you have thought about purchasing a property in the Great Smoky Mountain region, now is the time to start looking. We invite you to browse our available properties in the area.

 

Here Are A Few of My Featured Listings:

 

Unique Contemporary Home w/Mtn Views Come & enjoy this one of a kind, unique, contemporary home! This 5000+ sq ft, 4 BD/3 BA home is located just off the Parkway in Sevierville in a beautiful, private neighborhood! Type: Single Family Home Location: Sevierville,TN Price: $325,000 Get more information >
Beautiful & Spacious Home w/Amazing View Over $185,000 in rental income from 5/1/12-4/30/13. Self managed using VBRO.com eliminating big management fees and improving net income. Prepare to be impressed by the top quality construction and high end finish work. Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg,Tennessee Price: $1,950,000 Get more information >
Beautiful Cedar Log Home w/Mtn View Beautiful, private, and well-maintained 4 BD/2.5 BA cedar log home located with Amazing Mountain and Natural views! Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg,Tennessee Price: $589,000 Get more information >

 

The  Jason White Team
Century 21 Four Seasons Realty
1441 Wiley Oakley Drive
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Toll Free: 877-678-2121
Fax: 865-436-7227
Email: jason@jasonwhiteteam.com
Website: www.SmokyMountainLifestyle.com

 

 

Come Enjoy the 38th Annual Gatlinburg Summer Craftsmen’s Fair from July 19-28, 2013!

craftsmens-fair

From July 19-28, 2013, Gatlinburg is home one of the Southeast’s most popular events – the 38th Annual Craftsmen’s Fair, which will be held starting Friday, July 19th, and goes until Sunday, July 28th, at the Gatlinburg Convention  Center, located in downtown Gatlinburg.

 

The 38th annual fair features 200 booths from artisans and craftsmen all over the United States, featuring the most unique and top quality arts and crafts. There also will be free live country and bluegrass music at the event, including Dennis Lee and Band, along with Tim Watson, “The Fiddle Man,” who will perform at 12 p.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. each day of the fair.

 

The 38th Annual Craftsmen’s Fair in Gatlinburg will be 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, except for Sunday, which is 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission for adults is $6, and children 12 and under are admitted free. The Gatlinburg Convention Center is located at Traffic Light #8 in downtown Gatlinburg. For more information, please visit http://www.craftsmenfair.com, or call (865) 436-7479.

 

Gatlinburg is home to a very unique arts and crafts community, and fairs such as the Craftsmen’s Fair, held every Summer and Fall, are highly popular and draw considerable interest to the area. In addition, these unique events are one of many reasons the Great Smoky Mountains are a great place to live or purchase an investment property. Studies continue to show that first-time homebuyers, along with looking for available properties, are also looking for a sense of place and for activities that create a greater sense of community for them. As people come to Gatlinburg to enjoy this unique event, people will also have the opportunity to explore the many properties available in the area for those looking to become a part of the many unique and special communities in and around the Great Smoky Mountains, including Gatlinburg. There are numerous home choices available, and we are here to help you through every step of your journey towards being a homeowner.

 

Here Are A Few of My Featured Listings:

3 BD/2 BA Home w/Rolling Hills This recently built 3 BD/2 BA contemporary home is located only minutes from downtown Sevierville and Dollywood in a growing subdivision. Type: Single Family Home Location: Sevierville,TN Price: $149,900 Get more information >
Chalet w/ Amazing Mtn. Views Beautiful 3 BD/3 BA Mountain Contemporary Chalet located minutes from downtown Gatlinburg and Ober Gatlinburg! Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg,Tennessee Price: $299,900 Get more information >
Beautiful Private Cabin w/City View Beautiful, private 4 Bedroom/3 Bathroom home located just below Ober Gatlinburg. Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg,Tennessee Price: $195,000 Get more information >

 

 

The Jason White Team
Century 21 Four Seasons Realty

1441 Wiley Oakley Drive
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Toll Free: 877-678-2121
Fax: 865-436-7227
Email: jason@jasonwhiteteam.com
Website: http://www.smokymountainlifestyle.com

A Brand New Event Comes To Gatlinburg

One of the many reasons the Great Smoky Mountains are such a great place to visit and a great place to invest are the wide variety of special events hosted in the area. There is a broad spectrum of events throughout the year that appeal to a wide variety of interests. This month Gatlinburg will host a new event; the First Annual Smoky Mountains Songwriters Festival. The event will be held from August 23rd – August 25th and like many events in the area will spread out over multiple venues.

So, what’s it all about? The event is designed to “Celebrate Our Appalachian Musical Roots” and allows songwriters to perform their original songs, attend workshops and get guidance on how to get their songs published. It is no secret that many top singers, songwriters and other musical performers have blossomed out of the Tennessee region and this event centers around promoting new talent. Slated as “one of the most entertaining shows you will ever see”, many of the venues that are hosting the performers are free. Many songs are easily recognized as “hits” and the artists will not only be performing their songs but also telling you the stories behind the music.

Things will kick off at Ober Gatlinburg at 4:00 PM on the 23rd with a special meet and greet with the performers. Tickets for this VIP event are $25.00. Throughout the event there are numerous shows and workshops. On the 25th, Jimbo Whaley & The Greenbrier will be performing at Mills Auditorium. Tickets are $20.00 and a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Gatlinburg Garden Club’s Lucinda Ogle Oakley Log Cabin Restoration Fund. A full schedule of events may be found at the Smoky Mountain Songwriters Festival website.

Whether you are an aspiring songwriter looking for information to help you along, just interested in Appalachian musical history or looking for a great reason to visit the Smokies this event is sure to please. 

These types of events add to the growing number of annual visitors to the Gatlinburg region and help to keep it as a top vacation destination. There are plenty of reasons to visit the National Park and they add to the reasons to invest in real estate in the area. Imagine owning a beautiful vacation rental home in the Smoky Mountains that not only puts money in your wallet but also provides you with the chance to visit the area more often. There are plenty of investment opportunities available on the market. Take a look at our website to explore the options then plan a visit, take in this brand new event and give us a call to start looking at homes.

Here Are A Few Of My New Listings:

Close To The National Park Did right at $18,000 in rental income for both 2010 & 2011! Three level chalet only 2.5 miles to Gatlinburg, 2 miles to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and 7.5 Miles to Pigeon Forge. Type: Single Family Home Location: Chalet Village Price: $149,900 Get more information >

 

Value Priced Investment Did almost $20,000 in rental income for 2011! Value priced three level home fully furnished and ready for rental. Type: Single Family Home Location: Chalet Village Price: $159,900 Get more information >

 

Peace & Serenity Await Produced almost $24,000 gross rental income in just 11 months of 2011! This recently updated cabin is only minutes to Gatlinburg but offers the peace and serenity that you expect from your mountain get away. Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee Price: $179,900 Get more information >

 

 

Owning A Home And The American Dream

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 >

 

Are Homes In Gatlinburg Currently An Unbelievable Buy?

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 >

 

Elk in Smoky Mountain National Park

Elk (mark.woodbury on flikr.com)
Elk (mark.woodbury on flikr.com)

A huge wildlife draw is the elk in Smoky Mountain National Park.  Reintroduced to the park eight years ago, the elk are prospering despite a rough start with the black bears during the beginning of the release of just 52 animals. 

In a couple of weeks, the elk population will surpass 100 animals and will succeed the native elk that were hunted out of the mountains around 175 years ago. 

The elk have attracted huge crowds of sightseers and have even caused traffic jams on the weekends.  Volunteers of the Elk Bugle Corps are on hand though to educate visitors about the elk and to remind people of the 150 foot safety boundary around the elk. 

For more attractions in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park or information on smoky mountain property, please contact Jason White, a smoky mountain real estate agent at 877-678-2121.