Smoky Mountain Real Estate and Gatlinburg Home Sales Mirror the U.S. Housing Market

Posted by Gatlin on

 

 Our country’s housing market, like our Smoky Mountain real estate, is still adjusting to life without stimulus money.  My news sources at the National Association of Realtors in Washington, D.C. are confirming widely predicted results for the country’s property sales.  “Pending Home Sales” tracks homes under contract, but not officially closed.  July 2010’s pending home sales index moved lower by 2.6% from June 2010.  NAR’s chief economist, Lawrence Yun had predicted this pullback in housing activity, earlier in the year.   Yun felt that the congressional extension of the homebuyer tax credit would amplify the normal spring homebuyer surge.  The stimulus incentives did bring hesitant buyers into the market.  It worked well at accelerating home purchases across the nation.  In the short term, home prices have stabilized in most areas, as inventories of homes for sale have dropped.

However, it was expected among real estate economists that this artificial acceleration of buyers into homes, would lead to a period of lower home sales, when the federal stimulus ended.  What we are seeing in the current real estate market, is the lull as the market re-adjusts.  NAR’s Yun anticipates some months of reduced home sales during this re-adjustment period.  The chief economist expects a pick-up in home sales later in the year, as long as the U.S. job market continues to improve.  In the short term, inventory of homes for sale may increase, but Yun feels pricing on homes has reached justifiable levels where they should not change meaningfully from today’s levels.  He sees some local markets across the country showing price improvement.  Mortgage interest rates are also expected to remain at these historically low levels for most of this year.  The critical factor in a strengthening U.S. housing market lies in serious job creation across the nation.  NAR’s chief economist feels employment growth is paramount to lasting improvement in the U.S. housing and real estate markets. 

It seems as though most of today’s national real estate news was expected and not surprising at all.  The current real estate environment is still favorable for investment in the East Tennessee Smokies.  Prices are off their highs.  Inventory of properties for sale offer a great selection.  Qualified buyers can obtain historically low mortgage interest rates.  The Smokies provide; a beautiful , centrally-located destination, with great climate, and a reasonable cost of living.  If you are considering a real estate investment, we have everything from; rental cabins to primary and secondary homes.  Jump on our website today and see how the Jason White Team can help you find the property you always wanted.

OPPS!! Our latest figures for the month of July are incorrect. Unfortunately, the figures included commercial and there was a very large sale in the commercial side of real estate which threw off my figures. I usually have figures for residential only. I will have the correct figures in next weeks blog.  My apologies!

Here are a Couple of My Latest Listings:

Ridgetop Property/Heart of Pigeon Forge
If you want peace and quite on top of a ridgetop with phenomenal mountain views, then this is the property for you. Located in the heart of Pigeon Forge.
Type: Single Family Home
Location: Pigeon Forge
Price: $159,900
Get more information >
Pristine Mountain Views!
Located in heart of Pigeon Forge with all the amenities this property offers a pristine mountain view as well!
Type: Single Family Home
Location: Pigeon Forge
Price: $189,900
Get more information >

Call today to view these properties or any others!  877-678-2121

July 2010 Gatlinburg Real Estate and Mountain Homes of East Tennessee

Posted by Gatlin on

Smoky Mountain real estate took positive steps in it’s move toward a market without federal stimulus.  I just received July 2010 real estate sales results from the Great Smoky Mountains Association of Realtors.  The results in various categories reveal clues to our market’s behavior.  Please keep in mind, this data covers July 2010.  Accuracy in market trends is best verified over a longer period of time, and not just 1 month.  In reviewing the GSMAR data, we should begin with number of residences sold.  This catagory includes; single family homes, condos, co-ops, and townhouses.  The current period had 111 residences sold vs 145 one year earlier.  The units sold is down by 34 or -23%.  This would seem negative until we examine other categories.

 Dollar volume sold for July of 2010 is $90,421,283 compared to $25,725,551 of July 2009.  July 2010 is up $64,695,732 or 251% higher.

Furthermore, July of 2009 saw an average sale of $177,418 per residence. Our July of 2010 average sale jumped to $814,606 for an increase of $637,188 or 359% higher.

In our final category of active listings, July 2010 has 4,058 compared to 3,545 in July of 2009.  Active listings are up 513, for a 14% increase.

In evaluating this data, some market aspects may be revealing themselves.  Currently, the federal homebuyer tax credit has expired.  This program was a powerful incentive for new homebuyers to enter the market.  In the short term, it has brought many new homebuyers into the market and it helped absorb some excess home inventory.  However, the data reveals that most of the homebuying occurred at the lower end of the market.  With the stimulus almost over (because of congressional action a few late closings may still trickle in), unbiased market activity is revealing itself. These July 2010 stats are showing that experienced homebuyers are coming off the sidelines to purchase higher priced properties. Without the large number of new homebuyers picking up lower end real estate, the “total dollar volume sold” and the “average sale price” has massively increased for July of 2010.  It is too early to be certain, but seasoned buyers could be returning to the real estate market.  These July 2010 figures seem to indicate that this activity is starting.

If you are considering East Tennessee real estate for some of your investments, begin on our website.  We have geared our site to be user-friendly, and we constantly update, to keep it current.  You set your personal search criteria, and it saves valuable time in viewing only property that meets your needs.  When the time arrives to personally view and close on your property, the experience and expertise of the Jason White Team is available to make your dream a reality.

Here are a Few of My Current Listings:

Fantastic Views With Great Rental Income
This unique one of a kind home is totally updated and is in excellent condition. The fantastic mountain view is enjoyed on the covered or sun decks. The level parking is an absolute bonus!
Type: Single Family Home
Location: Cobbly Nob
Price: $289,900
Get more information >
Spacious- Great For Entertaining!
Spacious with extraordinarily large deck to enjoy the beautiful mountain view. Fully furnished with tasteful furnishings and just around the corner from the Chalet Village Club House to enjoy swimming and tennis.
Type: Single Family Home
Location: Chalet Village
Price: $199,900
Get more information >
Great View Of Great Smoky Mountains
Live in the prestigious community of Riversong. With the Little Pigeon River close by to enjoy fishing,swimming, etc. This private 1.26 acre property is a must see with wonderful mountain views and just around the corner from the Great Smoky Mountains.
Type: Single Family Home
Location: Pittman Center
Price: $359,900
Get more information >

A View of Gatlinburg Real Estate and Smoky Mountain Homes

Posted by Gatlin on

Currently, East Tennessee’s Smoky Mountain real estate is still a great location for investment.  In this week’s blog, I want to share general trends in our current property market that make it a great place to buy or sell.  First off, the area is positioned in a beautiful, cental location.  Over 1/2 of the U.S. population lives in the eastern half of the country, within 10 hours drive of our mountains.  Our location makes for an easy car ride to visit the area.  Given current economic conditions, this is important.  In addition to a cental location, our area overflows with a natural beauty, that the earth’s creator lavished upon these mountains.  The awesome vistas are enhanced with a cornucopia of plants and animals, that add their interest into the mix.  On top of natural beauty, you add the man-made attractions that have multiplied over the years.  These amenities begin with outdoor-oriented fun like; camping, hiking, horse back riding, kayaking, and white water rafting.  They progress into amusement opportunities like: miniature golf, go carts, and thrill rides.  Then there are activities that offer simple enjoyment and relaxation.  These range from; simple to higher-end dining, hot-tubbing, boating, arts and crafts, shopping, dinner theaters, or rocking on a porch viewing the wonderous mountains.  The spectrum of the natural and man-made attractions in the Smokies are limited only by the participants.  In addition, our high elevation playground has been mostly uneffected by oil spills and hurricanes that wreak havoc on coastal, lowland locations.

Besides beauty and location, the Smokies never got crazy in the real estate bubble of recent years.  While the area’s property values increased, they never exploded like hot markets (Las Vegas).  Consequently, our properties are reasonably priced compared to other areas.  In addition to conservative values, buyers find prices off their highs.  Property taxes and other living costs are low compared to other parts of the country.

Financing of real estate has become tighter, as a consequence of preventing future real estate melt-downs.  However, qualified buyers with good credit will find mortgage rates at historic low levels.  Good financing, combined with a fine selection of properties, and stabilizing home prices could make this a great time to buy or sell real estate in the Smokies.  Start your property adventure on our user-friendly website.  When you need local, professional expertise that knows the area well, contact the Jason White Team online or by phone at 877-678-2121 and let us help you seal the deal.

Here are a Few of My Current Listings:

Nestled Among the Trees w/ Mtn View
This chalet is nestled among the trees with close access to area attractions, ski lodge, shopping and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Type: Single Family Home
Location: Chalet Village
Price: $239,900
Get more information >
Spectacular Home w/ Spectacular Views!
This spectacular custom built home offers so many unique features. Waterfall shower off master bedroom private deck, atrium green house, and includes all furniture and furnishings. Plus plenty of level parking and only one step into the cabin.
Type: Single Family Home
Location: Chalet Village
Price: $379,900
Get more information >
Quality Built Home on Private Corner Lot
Formal,custom built home on a very nice and private corner lot in beautiful neighborhood of Belle Meadows. Close to hospital and all the amenities that Sevierville has to offer.
Type: Single Family Home
Location: Sevierville,TN
Price: $297,000
Get more information >

A Look At Property Taxes for Sevier County’s Smoky Mountain Real Estate

Posted by Gatlin on

I receive many questions regarding what our property taxes are here. So this week’s blog looks at Sevier County property taxes on mountain homes.  The property tax rate is per $100 assessed value of the home. County tax for Sevier County is $1.54 per $100 assessed value. City tax per $100 assessed value is:   Sevierville is $0.31. Pigeon Forge is $0.1242, Gatlinburg is $0.1493, and Pittman Center is .77.  The ratio of assessment is 25% for residential/rental property. This applies to owner occupied homes and second homes.  See the examples below for a home assessed at $100,000 and $250,000.

                                               For Sevier County Tax
Sevier County tax is $1.54 per $100 assessed value:
$100,000 Home     25% of $100,000 = $25,000 x $1.54 = $385.00 tax paid per year
$250,000 Home     25% of $250,000 = $62,500 x $1.54 = $962.50 tax paid per year

                                                       For City Tax
Sevierville is $.31 per $100 assessed value:
$100,000 Home     25% of $100,000 = $25,000 x $.31 = $77.50 tax paid per year
$250,000 Home     25% of $250,000 = $62,500 x $.31 = $193.75 tax paid per year

Pigeon Forge is $0.1242 per $100 assessed value:
$100,000 Home     25% of $100,000 = $25,000 x $0.1242 = $31.05 tax paid per year
$250,000 Home     25% of $250,000 = $62,500 x $0.1242 = $77.63 tax paid per year

Gatlinburg is $$0.1493 per $100 assessed value:
$100,000 Home     25% of $100,000 = $25,000 x $0.1493 = $37.33 tax paid per year
$250,000 Home     25% of $250,000 = $62,500 x $0.1493 = $93.31 tax paid per year

Pittman Center is $.77 per $100 assessed value:
$100,000 Home     25% of $100,000 = $25,000 x $.77 = $192.50 tax paid per year
$250,000 Home     25% of $250,000 = $62,500 x $.77 = $481.25 tax paid per year

Plus 30% of contents for personal property tax
There is no Income Tax
Sales Tax 7%
 
Many visitors to our area find our property taxes very reasonable.  The planning and working with tourist traffic over the years has helped to develop the Sevier County infrastructure.  The influx of visitors provided a revenue stream that has assisted in sharing the costs for developing the area.  This has helped to keep costs lower for residents by maintaining reasonable local living taxes.

If you are interested in living here, or owning investment property that keeps you coming back with tax incentives, then check out the Jason White Team website.  You set your own search criteria, and view only those properties that fit your criteria. When it is time to take a personal look, our team of property professionals are here to assist you.  Contact us today to begin your Smoky Mountain property acquisition.

Here are a Few of My Latest Listings:

Estate Home on Lake Peninsula
This palatial, custom built, heirloom estate is a perfect home for entertaining or just relaxing by the waterside. Expansive views of Flat Creek(Douglas Lake) and surrounding mountain ridges. Beautiful professionally landscaped gardens.
Type: Single Family Home
Location: Douglas Lake
Price: $1,120,000
Get more information >
Updated with Private Bedroom Suites!
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: $249,900
Get more information >
Dramatic Mt LeConte View/Newly Updated!
Totally updated Chalet with dramatic Smoky Mountain (Mt LeConte)views. Level parking which is a bonus as well as within walking distance of pool and tennis courts at Owner’s Club
Type: Single Family Home
Location: Chalet Village
Price: $349,900
Get more information >

Homes For Sale in Gatlinburg and Across the Country are Adjusting

Posted by Gatlin on

Smoky Mountain Real Estate joins the rest of the country in an adjustment to life without federal stimulus, for buying houses.  The May news out of the National Association of Realtors for Pending Home Sales was totally expected.  The report for May showed the Pending Home Sales Index fell 30% from the April index reading.  This forward-oriented index tracks home purchase contracts that are signed, but the transaction is not officially closed.  The Pending Home Sales Index has proven to be a useful gauge in tracking home sales.  Trends are more accurate in longer term comparisons.  For instance, there is better accuracy in time frames year vs year, than in month to  month match-ups.  The significant drop from April to May was almost a forgone conclusion.  The extension of the “homebuyer tax credit” artificially forced hesitant homebuyers into the market.  This provided robust home sales figures for; February, March, and April of this year. When the homebuying incentive ended, activity fell off. 

NAR’s chief economist, Lawrence Yun expected this homebuyer behavior from the federal stimulus.  He is pleased that congress has extended the deadline on official closings, because approximately 180,000 buyers missed the original June 30th close date.  Unusually long closing times were caused by tighter lending qualifications, and by lengthy short sale processing.  Yun also expects June figures to be low, as the adjustment to a more natural home buying market takes effect.  The Chief Economist is pleasantly surprised, that some markets have seen increased home purchases without the federal stimulus.  Furthermore, the tax credit appears to have helped stabilize home prices.  Additional good housing news appears in a congressional renewal of the National Flood Insurance Program.

Today’s housing and real estate market is still a great place for purchasing a home or investment property.  Given the uncertainty across the world’s investments markets, Smoky Mountain real estate looks quite good.  There is ample inventory for sale and  qualified buyers will find low interest rates on mortgages.  Our mountain area is geographically beautiful, with many man-made attractions throughout the region.  Check out properties on our user-friendly web site, using your personal search criteria. Contact the Jason White Team to finalize your purchase with help from our experienced real estate professionals.

Here are a Couple of My Latest Listings:

Private Bedroom Suites w/Mountain Views!
Incredible mountain views with private bathroom suites.
Type: Single Family Home
Location: Chalet Village
Price: $269,900
Get more information >
Mountain Community w/Serene Privacy
Nestled among 13+ acres this Mountain Community offers a mountain stream, tennis courts, pool and many more amenities. This hand crafted custom log home is ideal for retirement living due to the layout.
Type: Single Family Home
Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee
Price: $399,000
Get more information >

A Look at June 2010 Gatlinburg Homes For Sale

Posted by Gatlin on

Gatlinburg homes sales and real estate transactions from nearby areas are reported monthly to members of the Great Smoky Mountains Association of Realtors.  The June 2010 results are out, and the comparisons to June of 2009 are complete.  This data can be useful in spotting trends and identifying local pockets of amplified sales activity. The June 2010 analysis reveals a mixed bag of results with some areas up and others down in sales.  There certainly appears to be evidence of the tax credit stimulus having an influence on residential sales.  June 2010 was the final month where qualifying homes had to close for the tax credit. The total residential results for all areas seem to indicate this stimulus influence.  Number of residences sold in June 2010 vs June 2009 is up 7% to 123.  However, total residential volume sold is down 4% to $20,619,568 for this June.  In addition, the average sale for a residence is down 9% to $167,639 for June of 2010.  All this data indicates that last minute, first time homebuyers were scrambling to qualify for the tax credit.  Their activity was the driving influence for this June’s residential sales.  Another item of interest is that the quantity of active listings is up 17% to 4,067 for June of 2010.

This material can be helpful for finding your Smoky Mountain dream property.  Current interest rates are quite low for qualified buyers.  These Great Smoky Mountain Association of Realtor results show active listings are up.  That gives today’s buyers a great selection and good mortgage interest rates which is a great combination.  You can start your Smoky Mountains property search with no commitment to go further than you want.  Simply go on our website and avail yourself to our real estate resources.  When you decide to buy that special home or property, contact us and use our expertise to purchase that special piece of Smoky Mountains real estate.

Here are a Few of My Current Listings:

Fantastic Views of Mt LeConte!!
Enjoy the fantastic views of Mt LeConte and the tram from the spacious decking of this nicely decorated cabin. Each bedroom has in suite baths as well. This is a must see!
Type: Single Family Home
Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee
Price: $249,900
Get more information >
Outstanding Mtn Views, family retreat!!
This classic mountain chalet has spectacular mountian views and used previously as a private family retreat. High ceilings, lots of glass and 2 beautiful mountain stone fireplaces, plus lots of level parking and walking distance to community club house.
Type: Single Family Home
Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee
Price: $269,900
Get more information >
Incredible Smoky Mountain/Valley Views!
This home is truly Above and Beyond. Even has an elevator! The mountain and valley views are worth viewing this home! Incredible log details throughout.
Type: Single Family Home
Location: Wears Valley
Price: $669,000
Get more information >

Official April S & P/Case-Shiller Home Price Indices Reflect County-Wide Results that Most Gatlinburg Realtors Already Know

Posted by Gatlin on

Gatlinburg real estate results follow general U.S. property trends.  Long term realtors of the Smokies have watched our housing market follow the broad American property market.  In this blog, let us first examine the S & P/Case-Shiller April data in greater detail.  This specific index was started in 2006 to track U.S. home prices.  It began with 10 metropolitan population areas and expanded to 20.  Figures are compiled as “seasonally adjusted” and non-seasonally adjusted.  For you serious analysts, you can go to links online to view the home price indices model.  Click on the S & P/Case-Shiller April data link above.   However, in the interest of time for most blog readers here is the “cliff notes” version of the April results.  April 2010 was an improvement over March of 2010.  Similar improvement was observed in the 10 and 20 city composites of April 2009 over April 2010.  Given that April 2010 was the final month for the “homebuyer tax credit”, this was widely expected.  This general home price improvement does not indicate that a robust home price recovery is currently under way.  However, some intriguing details are revealed in the data from the indices. 

In sifting through the data you can see that favorite places with beauty and great climate have not radically declined like some metro areas.  Noteable examples are San Diego and San Francisco.  These locations of beauty and great climate have continued to attract homebuyers.  This contrasts with neighboring areas like Las Vegas.  Las Vegas was a skyrocket performer in the recent price bubble, that is currently struggling to rebound.

Over the years, we realtor/residents of the East Tennessee Smokies saw our area grow like much of the national real estate market.  However, our area never experienced insane price spikes like some areas.  Smoky Mountains homes enjoy great climate and awesome natural beauty.  The ease of access for over 1/2 the U.S. population is a bonus.  The multiple man-made activities are a draw that amps up the area’s tourist attraction.  In a time of economic uncertainty, the Smokies offer the real estate investor multiple options from houses, to rental properties.  Start looking on our website to begin your search.

Here are a Few of My Current Listings:

2.42 Acre Rocky Creek Frontage!
Level building site with beautiful rocky creek frontage. Only 1.5 miles to downtown Gatlinburg and southern exposure!
Type: Land
Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee
Price: $150,000
Get more information >
Upscale Neighborhood-Authentic Log Cabin
This authentic log home is located in an upscale neighborhood and is in excellent condition. Bedroom/Bath on each floor for privacy as well as a large gameroom for your enjoyment.
Type: Single Family Home
Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee
Price: $249,900
Get more information >
Spectacular Smoky Mountain View!!
Unique opportunity to own a lot like this! Spectacular mountain and city view, with level building site.
Type: Land
Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee
Price: $125,000
Get more information >

NAR Reveals Gatlinburg Homes For Sale and Across the Country Surged in April 2010

Posted by Gatlin on

The National Association of Realtors data showed Smoky Mountains homes and existing-home sales across the nation continued their improvement in April 2010.  For real estate market observers, these results were totally expected.  April was the last month for buyers to sign a contract on a home to qualify for the federal homebuyer tax credit.  Sales of existing-homes include; single family houses, townhomes, condo’s, and co-ops.  This market analysis measures homes under contract, yet not officially closed.  These transactions normally close within 1-2 months.  April 2010 figures were 7.6% above March 2010 and were 22.8% above April of 2009.  Chief economist, Lawrence Yun, expects some decline in sales, as the tax credit ends.  However, he sees a growing buyer confidence returning to the U.S. home buying market.  He feels that overall economic improvement, home buyer confidence, and home price stabilization will assist the home market in regaining it’s momentum. 

NAR President, Vicki Cox Golder shares some additional observations on today’s housing market.  She sees many buyers are still remaining in the market, searching for just the right home.  Affordability conditions are good and Freddie Mac reports rates are still low at 5.10% on a 30 year fixed loan.  Total housing inventory rose slightly in April by 0.3%, but it is 11.6% below the record set in July of 2008.  The NAR President, sees buyers shifting into a “buy and stay mode”.  This may be too early to view the change, but the “buy and flip” mentality may be slowly disappearing.  April data shows 49% of homes were purchased by first-time homebuyers.  This was up 5% from March. The national median priced home for April 2010 was $173,400.  This is a 4.5% increase over the previous year.  Single family median prices rose in 18 out of 20 metropolitan statistical areas across the country, with 6 of these seeing double digit increases.  The Northeast led the nation in the number of existing -home sales as well as in the highest median-priced home.  Here in the South, existing home sales figures were close to being in the middle of the statistical results.  The Southern median price for an existing-home is $150,000 just above the Midwest at $146,400.  This makes our area quite attractive for home buyers looking for value on their purchase.

All of these current trends and statistical results indicate that our real estate market is favorable for property investment.  If buying a house or property in the East Tennessee Smokies is a priority, check us out today!  The Jason White Team has a website geared to begin a buyer’s search for property.  We have made it so user-friendly, that some may find their dream real estate totally online.  We offer all the resources and expertise to turn your dream into a reality.  Call us today to get started!  877-678-2121

Here are a Few of My Current Listings:

Sits on Beautiful Pigeon River!!
Located on the state’s most pristine river this is truly a one-of-a-kind property. Listen to the sounds of the river on this 2.8 ac in upscale subdivision of Riversong. This home offers a gourmet kitchen, huge game room and even a playroom for the kids.
Type: Single Family Home
Location: Pittman Center
Price: $1,195,000
Get more information >
Easy Access and Great for Large Groups
Three level chalet with big rooms and cathedral ceilings to accomodate that large group or family reunion. Bring the mountain views and outdoors in with all the glass windows. Fun awaits you with a gameroom and 3 levels of decks with hot tub.
Type: Single Family Home
Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee
Price: $259,900
Get more information >
Short Sale’ Great Location!!
This conveniently located home is within walking distance of Community Center, Mills Park, schools, and Gatlinburg shopping and dining. Lovely wooded setting and nice furnishings.
Type: Single Family Home
Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee
Price: $179,900
Get more information >

Call today to view these or any other properties!!  877-678-2121  Ask for myself or Buyer Specialist, Stephanie Huskey!

Time to Buy a Gatlinburg Home for Sale? Check out events for July!

Posted by Gatlin on

4th of July Activities In SmokiesIf you have been viewing Gatlinburg homes for sale, now could be a great time to buy.  I recommend that buyers begin their property search online.  In the quiet, undisturbed peace of your own environment, you can set up personalized selection parameters.  This allows you to view a great variety of properties.  The awesome aspect of the online search is personal convenience.  You can take as much time as you want. Your search becomes personalized, catering to your desires.  There are no time constraints except the possible sale of a desireable house or property.  However, when you reach that point where you must view the real estate in person, our team of professionals are ready to assist you.  We suggest that your property search should coincide with our area’s local events.  Either time your visit to hit on an activity of interest or avoid activities that you have no interest.  This maximizes your time spent in the East Tennessee Smokies.  Moments spent outside the quest for property can offer you fun entertainment.  This mix of business with pleasure can help balance the overall decision-making process. 

In keeping with this concept, we hope to give you a brief taste of a few of the area’s many upcoming festivities.  This is a tall order because of the multitude of activities and events this area offers.  Hopefully, our blog will motivate you to check online sites at; Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Sevierville, and surrounding areas for more details and other activities too numerous to list here.  At least this will help get you started to plan your trip to the Smokies.

The July 4th holiday is a good time to travel, because of most people’s vacation schedules.  There is much happening in the Smokies.  Gatlinburg kicks off the July 4th celebrations with their 35th consecutive year of a midnight Independence Day Parade,  beginning at midnight on July 3rd.  In past years, close to 100,000 spectators have watched a mile long parade salute the courageous men and women who helped win our independence.  The parade will include; floats, marching bands, equestrians, military personnel, and much more.  Outdoor food, concerts, and fireworks will highlight the festivities.  For history buffs, you can start on Friday July 2nd in Gatlinburg as the Southern Guard Brigade returns to reinact the “Battle of Burg Hill” on the field near Mills Park.  The actual reenactment is on Saturday and Sunday, July 3rd and 4th.  Pigeon Forge kicks off Independence Day celebrations on July 2nd with Music on the Square at Old Mill Square, followed by their 20th Annual Patriot Festival on July 3rd with outdoor food, shopping and fireworks as the holiday progresses.  Events continue to unfold as July counts down with a Girls Slowpitch Softball World Series, Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair, Girl’s Fastpitch Softball World Series, Musical Concerts, and Vintage Open Car Shows. 

Plan ahead to be part of the fun and contact the Jason White Team to find real estate in the area to keep you coming back.

Here are a Couple of My Latest Listings:

Location, Location, Location/ Great View
Great location on top floor and corner unit! The mountain views are breathtaking. Amenities include pool, hot tubs, and sauna.
Type: Condo
Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee
Price: $99,500
Get more information >
Private Acreage with Creek Frontage/View
Private acreage with beautiful mountain view and creek frontage and waterfall. Panoramic view with easy road access. Truly a dream come true for just the right person.
Type: Land
Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee
Price: $179,900
Get more information 

Call today for more information on these or any other properties 877-678-2121

The Official Compilation Shows Pending Home Sales For April 2010 is Up

Posted by Gatlin on
April homes in Gatlinburg for sale, and elsewhere across the nation responded nicely to final days of federal stimulus.  Results conformed to expectations, but in today’s interesting market place, it is good that home buying remained strong.  In my blogs, we have previously discussed the Pending Home Sales Index.  My sources at the National Association of Realtors utilize this indicator to gauge home sales in four regional markets and across the United States in general.  The index is oriented to look at home sales that are signed, but not officially closed.  These contracts typically close within 1-2 months.  However, recent market conditions have challenged the usual closing process.  Tighter lending restrictions and qualifications are testing the closing schedules.  In addition, the increased number of “distressed properties” is expanding closing time lines.  Foreclosures and short sales are big components of the current home sales market.  These “distressed” properties are making up about 1/3 of current home sales.  They can be complex deals and are somewhat infamous in predicting their deadline to close. 

Lawrence Yun, NAR’s chief economist, expected these results, and is cautiously optimistic on a housing market without federal tax stimulus.  Yun saw the homebuyer tax credit bring almost 1 million buyers into the housing market. This action has stimulated the “trade-up” portion of home buyers to enter the market as sellers and buyers.  This combined activity of new and veteran home owners is shrinking inventories of homes for sale.  In turn, this shrinking inventory helps firm up home prices.  This process is important in holding home values.  Currently, a sizeable portion of “bargain-priced” foreclosures and short sales are making up today’s realty market.  Yun is hopeful that congress allows some flexibility on the tax credit deadline.  Current challenges in meeting a timely closing are jeopardizing the tax credit for many buyers.  The chief economist feels that new job creation in the U.S. is crucial to the long term health of the country’s housing market, as well as the economy in general.

This review of the present year’s April home sales shows several positive aspects to the country’s real estate market.  Pricing is showing a rebound, despite a strong influence from discount priced properties.  There appears to be a renewed buyer confidence growing in the housing market, even without the tax credit stimulus. Mortgage interest rates are currently at very low levels for qualified buyers.  These factors combined with massive uncertainty in the world’s investment markets could make this an ideal time to purchase a property in the East Tennessee Smokies.  The Jason White Team has a website geared for you to prescreen properties, based on your personal search criteria.  When you refine your search, come to the area to view your choices in person. Our team of professionals are here to assist in finalizing your quest.  Contact us online or by phone 877-678-2121 to get started today.                                                        

 

Here are a Few of My Latest Listings:

Corner Condo with Spectacular Mtn Views!
Ground floor, corner unit with spectacular Great Smoky Mountain views. Wonderful indoor facility w/ pool as well as an outside pool.
Type: Condo
Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee
Price: $106,900
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Top Floor w/ Best Mountain Views !!
Best views in the county. Really close to the Great Smoky Mountains with direct views of large peaks and city lights of Gatlinburg. This top floor condo is furnished nicely with access to outdoor pool and indoor pool area with amenities.
Type: Condo
Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee
Price: $117,000
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Outstanding Mountain Views!!
Outstanding mountain views from this totally updated unit, and very well maintain complex with pool and hot tub patio
Type: Single Family Home
Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee
Price: $119,900
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Mountain Villa w/ Private Pool
Mountain villa with private solar-heated salt water pool and cabana on a peaceful lakefront setting. Chef’s dream kitchen and fantastic mountain views.
Type: Single Family Home
Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee
Price: $799,000
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Call today if you would like to view any of these, or other properties!  877-678-2121