Do you dream of owning your very own retreat right in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains? Is buying a cabin in Gatlinburg, TN one of the things you think about when you have white space in your calendar? We get it! There is nothing like the Great Smoky Mountains and owning property here is special! Before you purchase there are a few important factors to consider. In this blog post we’ll a few of those to light, so that you are aware and can begin to make educated decisions about whether buying a cabin in Gatlinburg, TN is right for you! 

 

Location & Accessibility

You’ve heard it before – location, location, location! 

It’s true for the areas surrounding the Great Smoky Mountains as well. Location can affect your investment – particularly if you are planning to use it as a vacation rental. There are a few things you might want to consider when deciding where to buy a cabin in Gatlinburg, TN

 

• Proximity to attractions 

There are so many exciting things to do in Gatlinburg, TN, and depending on the use case you dream of for your home you might want to consider the proximity to a few of our area’s most visited attractions 

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park – The most visited National Park in the United States. 

Dollywood – An amusement park with something for everyone. Dollywood offers thrilling rides, handmade crafts, food and music of the Smoky Mountains. 

The Island – The Island in Pigeon Forge offers families affordable fun for all ages – eating, drinking, shopping and adventurous attractions. 

 

• Accessibility

After you’ve decided which locations in Gatlinburg, TN suit your needs the best and you begin to look at individual properties, you’ll want to keep in mind how accessible each home is. 

You might consider the ease in which you can develop an emergency preparedness plan for each individual property. 

Questions to ask yourself, as you consider properties:

How easy is this home to access if there were to be snow or ice? Does this matter to me, or will I primarily be using this home when weather conditions aren’t relevant?

Is there more than one way in and out? Do I know and understand if that makes sense for the use case of my home.

How close is this home to major roads or medical services? Is that important to me, or am I looking for a secluded retreat?

 

Property Condition & Maintenance

When assessing individual cabins in Gatlinburg, TN you’ll want to take note of a few pieces of information to help inform your buying decisions 

• How has the cabin been maintained? 
• What is the structural integrity of the cabin?
• Will you need any large, or major repairs in the next few years? Is that a monetary or time investment you are willing to make?
• How old is the cabin?
• Roof?
• Plumbing?
• Electrical systems?
• HVAC?
• Hot water heater?

One of the most important aspects of owning a short-term rental property is maintaining it properly. A well-maintained cabin can provide a positive experience for your guests and increase the property’s value. 

 

Homeowner Association (HOA) Rules & Fees

 

Many cabin communities in Gatlinburg are governed by Homeowner Associations, which come with their own set of rules. It’s important to understand what might be addressed when considering your purchase. 

Things like 

• Fees association with membership

• Property use restrictions 

• Appearance of the exterior and landscaping 

• Pet Policies 

 

Zoning & Permitting

Before you make your final selection, you’ll want to be sure to review the local zoning laws and comply with any permit requirements, especially if you are hoping to use your cabin as a short term rental. 

 

You’ll want to be sure 

• The cabin is zoned in an area with short term rental use eligibility 

• That you meet all the requirements to be eligible to receive a tourist residency permit 

• That you stay abreast to any changes that might be happening with zoning or permitting in the area you plan to buy in. 

 

Rental Income Potential

If you are looking to use the cabin you purchase as a short term investment property it’s imperative to assess the income potential before you make a purchase! 

You can do that by answerings a few questions: 

• What are other cabins in the area producing? 
  • You might need a rental projection from a few different companies, if the home doesn’t have any previous supporting income.
• What are the estimated occupancy rates for the area you are looking to buy?
• What amenities does your cabin have that make it stand out?
• How will you manage your short term rental property?
  • Will you do it yourself? Outsource it? Find a solution that is somewhere in the middle that works for you?

 

Conclusion

Considering these factors can help you make the most informed decision when buying a cabin in Gatlinburg, TN. 

 

If you have questions about buying a cabin in Gatlinburg, TN we’re here to help! Give us a call at 877.678.2121 or send us an email at info@jasonwhiteteam.com! 

If you are looking for cabins available for purchase in Gatlinburg, TN you can find them here!