Sevierville – A Great Place To Make Your Smoky Mountain Home

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seviervilleNamed after John Sevier, the first governor of Tennessee, Sevierville is proud to be the eighth oldest town in the state and the largest city in the county. The city boasts a Heritage Museum, located in the historic downtown area, and a one-mile Riverwalk along the banks of the Little Pigeon River.

While capturing the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape, this modern mountain town offers a diverse selection of real estate options that is sure to please even the most discerning of tastes. Once farmland, the City of Sevierville is now an urban metropolis and suburban paradise with residential properties ranging from the cozy condo to the sprawling estate.

Sevierville was founded in 1795 and later incorporated in 1901. One of the more charming aspects of the city is the Trolley system that serves the area on two trolley routes, one extending into Pigeon Forge.  Sevierville is conveniently located near I-40 and the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the most visited park in our great nation.

Festivals abound in the eastern Tennessee mountains, and there is no better place to be than in Sevierville, with community involvement and enthusiasm showing throughout the city. A few of the festivals and events to enjoy are:

*Bloomin’ BBQ & Bluegrass Festival in May

*Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival in October

*The Annual Christmas Parade in December

*TN Smokies baseball

These are only a few of the reasons why residents love living in the great City of Sevierville. If festivals celebrating life in Sevierville are not reason enough, the vistas surrounding the city and the recreational options they provide are another reason to call Sevierville home. Residents in Sevierville can enjoy golfing, fishing in Douglas Lake, hiking on more than 650 miles of trails, and camping in the untouched forests around the city. Horseback riding and canoeing along the French Broad River are action-packed options for a great day in Sevierville. Other forms of recreation are scattered throughout the city including shopping, dining, theaters and museums, just to name a few.

Sevierville, Tennessee offers the finest choices in residential living including urban condos, rural country homesteads, private gated communities, lakefront homes, golf course homes, affordable single family houses and mountain chalets all with modern amenities and conveniences home buyers are searching for to make a house the perfect home. Sevierville has it all, and more!

Here Are A Few Of My Sevierville Area Listings:

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: $219,900 Get more information >
Custom Built Home On The River Custom built home on the Pigeon River with year around mountain views in one of Sevierville’s most sought after neighborhoods. Type: Single Family Home Location: Sevierville,TN Price: $349,000 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 >

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 >

 

The Beauty Of Living By The Water

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Being surrounded by the beauty of the Smoky Mountains is awe inspiring in itself but if you add the element of a mountain stream, river or lake right outside your door it makes for a breath taking experience. Let’s explore a few of the water front hot spots in the Great Smoky Mountain region.

Douglas Lake is conveniently surrounded by Highways 441 and 411 and I-40, thus making it very convenient to enjoy living, working and playing here. Local residents will tell you this is a great place to live, tucked in the foothills of the majestic Great Smoky Mountains. The fish are always biting, the weather is close to perfect, and the people represent the best of friendly, southern charm. Douglas Lake is surrounded by gentle rolling hillsides that provide an ideal setting for residential home buyers wishing to enjoy the good life.

For boating enthusiasts there are a variety of marinas serving Douglas Lake that offer full-service amenities including boat rentals, slip rentals, dry storage, boat repairs and restaurants. There is nothing more relaxing than a day of sailing or power boating along the waters of Douglas Lake back dropped by the Great Smoky Mountains in every direction.

Fishing is probably the most popular sport on and around the waters. Every fisherman has a dream of catching the big one and Douglas Lake can make that dream come true. Douglas Lake has been rated as one of the top 5 crappie fishing lakes and top 10 large mouth bass fishing lakes in the nation.

The majority of the property surrounding Douglas Lake is privately owned and offers home buyers every style of home available and countless amenities. Waterfront homes, water view homes, lake cabins, condos, gated private estates, lake access homes, lots and acreage, secluded single family homes and subdivisions surround this serene, yet active setting.

Aside from Douglas Lake there are numerous locations that will put you right next to the serene sounds of a river or stream. The Holston River runs through the Appalachian Valley and joins the French Broad River near Knoxville, forming the Tennessee river. It offers premiere fly fishing, kayaking and canoeing opportunities. We currently have a beautiful custom home available on the market with plenty of frontage on the Holston River.

The Riversong Subdivision in Pittman Center is a prime location for being near or on the Middle Prong of the Pigeon River. Found to be the cleanest river in the state of Tennessee this location is just a mile downstream from the National Park and just minutes to Gatlinburg. Top notch fly fishing and rafting would be right outside your door with a purchase in Riversong. Imagine lazing away the days floating down the river or relaxing outside with the beauty of the water flowing by. There are currently several homes and building lots available in this beautiful mountain location.

No matter if you prefer being able to spend the day fishing and boating, rafting down the river or just enjoying the soft sounds of a stream we can help you find your dream home on the water.

Here Are A Few Of My Featured Water Front Listings:

Relax By The Water Waterfront living at its finest in Grainger County! Offering a 4Bd/4.5Ba custom home featuring many updates, privacy, scenic views, wildlife, private boat ramp, outdoor covered pavilion w/kitchen, sunroom, deck and so much more! Type: Single Family Home Location: Grainger County Price: $667,000 Get more information >

 

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

 

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 >

 

 

Foreclosures Hit A Five Year Low

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Throughout this year we have watched the signs of a market recovery begin to happen. The Federal Reserve has pushed mortgage rates to all time lows, buyers are active in the market, homes are selling faster and prices are beginning to stabilize. In a report released last Thursday by Realty Trac we see even more good news. The online foreclosure website reports that foreclosure filings were more than 16% down from last year. That is a large percentage and can have a huge impact on the market. Numerous factors have contributed to the improvement. Many of the programs and new guidelines that the government and the banks have put in to play to assist homeowners are getting firmly rooted. Many banks are aggressively working to get short sales approved and to assist owners with refinancing at these new lower rates when possible. The government’s Home Affordable Modification Program has helped more than a million borrowers obtain more affordable mortgages allowing them to avoid a foreclosure situation according to an article on CNN Money.

As the pace of foreclosure filings slows down it will begin to be harder to find deeply discounted deals on the market. This will push the market more towards stability as prices are forced to level out. Barclays Capital recently reported that home prices could be back to peak levels as soon as 2015. Rick Palacios, senior analyst with John Burns Real Estate Consulting said “We think the recovery is for real this time around. If you look across the U.S. economy right now, there are only a handful of industries looking at 20-30% growth over the next 4-5 years and housing is one of those.”

The housing market deeply touches the overall economy and we believe an improving market will help the entire economy to improve. Roger Altman, chairman of Evercore Partners and former Deputy Treasury Secretary, said in an article for Financial Times “That turn in the housing market is occurring now and it should become a boom by 2015. It will be powerful enough to lift the entire U.S. economy.” Altman expects housing to add 4 million jobs to the economy over the next five years.

Though we are all excited to see the market improve it does mean that the days of hugely discounted properties are coming to their end. There are still plenty of very well priced homes available on the market and now is the time to start looking if you are thinking of an investment or second home purchase in the Smoky Mountains to take advantage of still low prices.

Here Are A Few Of My Featured Listings:

 

Enjoy Views Of Mt. LeConte Over $25,000 rental income so far in 2012! The scenic setting with views of Mt. LeConte along with lots of native flowering shrubs and dogwoods make this a peaceful place to spend time. Type: Single Family Home Location: Chalet Village Price: $219,900 Get more information >

 

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

 

Close Up City & Mountain Views Over $40,000 rental income for 2010 & 2011! This is designed to be a year around home or an income producing rental. Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee Price: $439,900 Get more information >

 

 

Plan Now For A November Visit To The Smoky Mountains

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November is the kick off of many Smoky Mountain events that are sure to add a touch of seasonal dazzle to your trip. With so many activities to choose from now is the time to plan your visit. Let’s take a tour of the many reasons this is such an exciting time to visit the area.

As fall transitions into winter you have the opportunity to get the best of both seasons in early to mid November as it is not unusual for the showy display of fall leaf color to continue in the mountains. Even if your trip misses the autumn display you can still take a peek at the change via the Purchase Knob live web cam by visiting this National Park Service website.

Fall festivities will continue at Ober Gatlinburg through November 4th with Oktoberfest. From there Ober will move onto an early start to snow season around Thanksgiving with the addition of two new snow machines. In celebration of their 50th anniversary, Jerry Huskey from Ober says the machines will help them get tubing open earlier and hopefully give them a jump start across the board. See the new machines at work via live web cam and take a look at all of the other activities Ober has to offer by visiting www.obergatlinburg.com.

For an early taste of Christmas in the Smoky Mountains, Pigeon Forge will kick off Winterfest on November 6th. Enjoy the season’s spirit throughout town with over five million lights on display and a number of special events, shows and activities for everyone. The Pigeon Forge trolley will be operating a tour of lights allowing you to sit back, relax and take it all in. On November 7th, Gatlinburg will follow suit with an impressive fireworks display at dusk to mark the beginning of Gatlinburg Winter Magic and the Annual Chili Cook Off. Over 20 chili vendors will serve up their best recipes and you get to be the judge for the People’s Choice Award. Admission is only $8 and once you have had a sampling of the region’s mouth watering homemade chili there will be the “flip of the switch” on Gatlinburg’s light display with over three million lights.

November is a great time to take in a combination of two of the most beautiful seasons in the Smoky Mountains and you will find no lack of adventures for your trip. With the festivals above, an early opening of Ober Gatlinburg, live entertainment and great shopping opportunities there is truly something for everyone to enjoy. 

Want to make your visit to the Smokies stress free no matter what season it is? Take a look at all of the available properties on the market and you will see how easy it can be to find a perfect “home away from home”. Purchasing an investment in the Smoky Mountains will give you the chance to have a personal retreat and generate income with a rental program when you aren’t using it. Let us help you along the path to putting together your Smoky Mountain dreams.

Here Are A Few Of My Featured Listings:

12 Acre Mountain Retreat 12 pristine acres bordering the Great Smoky Mountains National Park with direct view of downtown Gatlinburg and surrounding mountains. Cove Mountain Trail literally touches the property line. Type: Single Family Home Location: Chalet Village Price: $799,900 Get more information >

 

Impressive Remodel The effective year built on this cabin is basically 2009. A very impressive top to bottom remodel has totally transformed it into one the nicest and most up to date you’ll find. Type: Single Family Home Location: Chalet Village Price: $488,000 Get more information >

 

Worry Free Home In The Mountains Best views anywhere in the county. Really close to Great Smoky Mountain Nat’l park with direct views of all the big peaks plus the ski resort and the city lights of Gatlinburg. Type: Condo Location: Chalet Village Price: $94,900 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 >

 

Navigating The Changes In The Real Estate Market

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In an article dated September 12th, CNN Money reported that several markets are seeing up to a 24% drop in available inventory and multiple offer situations becoming a regular occurrence. Throughout the year the statistics have shown that the Sevier County market continues to improve with more homes sold and total days spent on the market decreasing almost monthly from last year. There are still plenty of great buys to be had in the Smoky Mountains but with an ever improving market and a faster pace than has been seen in recent times it is more important than ever to be prepared when you are ready to start looking for a home. There are several things to consider before entering the market, let’s take a look at a few.

We cannot stress enough how important it is to start the financing process before you start looking. With a fast paced market, having a pre-approval letter in hand when you make an offer will give you numerous advantages. The more information you are able to provide to your lender ahead of time the better as it will give the seller confidence in your offer and potentially allow you a faster closing date. A seller is not always looking for the highest offer but sometimes the one that has the least amount of contingencies. As lending guidelines remain strict many offers are taking 45-60 days to close and being ahead of the game will put you ahead of any competition for the house. For more information about getting pre-approved please visit this article.

Another consideration is researching the area and familiarizing yourself with locations that you would enjoy. Part of narrowing this down will include knowing what your goal for the use of the property is going to be. Are you looking for a get-away that only you will use or an investment that will be used as an overnight rental to help offset the costs of ownership? If it is going to be used as a rental, talk with some different rental management companies and see whom you may be comfortable with using after the closing. We work closely with the management companies in the area and are happy to assist in finding a good fit.

Knowing ahead of time what items are “must haves” and what items you are negotiable on in your future purchase will help when it is time to decide on the property you wish to make an offer on. Having this information in hand when viewing properties will help you avoid allowing time for another buyer to come along and create a multiple offer situation. Remember, if you are in a house and rating it as an 8, 9 or 10 someone else is likely to feel the same way. If you are concerned about not finding your ‘perfect’ home you may enjoy the article ‘What If It Isn’t Perfect? Should You Buy That House?’ It offers strategies for streamlining the decision process.

As the market continues to improve and mortgage rates remain at all time lows, now is the time to prepare for your potential purchase. Having the details in line ahead of time will put you one step closer to turning your Smoky Mountain dreams into a reality. We are available and happy to assist you with any of these steps and when you find the right home we will work to provide you with market data for similar homes and to make sure that your purchase and closing process move full speed ahead. Spending some time browsing our website will allow you to start on that “must have” list. Next week we will take a look at the market statistics for September and see how much the Smoky Mountain real estate market has continued to change.

Here Are A Few Of My Featured Listings:

Exquisite Smoky Mountain Views Over $60,000 in rental income for 2010, 2011 and already in 2012!! Well crafted three level chalet resting atop 1.35 private acres with views of the Great Smoky Mountains. Type: Single Family Home Location: Chalet Village Price: $497,000 Get more information >

 

Old Time Charm On 6 Acres!! Charming vintage log cabin updated with modern conveniences but with old time charm sitting on 6 beautiful wooded acres. Type: Single Family Home Location: Pittman Center Price: $189,900 Get more information >

 

Functional Work Of Art W/Stunning Views Once you see this functional work of art that doubles as a spacious home you’ll never want to leave. Type: Single Family Home Location: Chalet Village Price: $950,000 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 >

 

With Fall Around The Corner Gatlinburg Is Full Of Activity

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

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

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

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

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

Here Are A Few Of My New Listings:

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

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 >