The 41st annual fall Craftsmen’s Fair kicks off today, and runs through October 23! More than 180 of the finest craftspeople from all over the United States will travel to Gatlinburg, Tennessee, to demonstrate their skill, answer questions and offer their unique art for sale. This fair is an excellent opportunity to fall in love with a new art, all while visiting our area during the most beautiful time of the year. Stick around for live bluegrass and gospel music, featured at 12 pm, 2 pm, and 6 pm, every day! The Craftsmen’s Fair will run 10-6 Monday-Saturday, and 10-5 on Sunday. Adult admission is $7, and children 12 and under are free. While you are in town, feel free to give us a call or stop by the office! View our website and learn about our featured properties here.

We are heading into one of our busiest times of the year here in Gatlinburg, Tennessee! People from all over the world come to our area to see the beautiful fall foliage and enjoy our harvest festivities. Oktoberfest in Ober Gatlinburg celebrates the 206th anniversary of the popular festival held every year in Munich, Germany. The Bavarian Fun Makers Band, in authentic costumes, will perform traditional Bavarian folk dances, yodeling, and much more as daily entertainment. Ride the TramWay from downtown Gatlinburg up the mountain– here you will receive some of the best views in the area! Taste delicious german inspired food at Ober Gatlinburg’s Restaurant and Lounge. While you are here, stop by our office and pay us a visit! We are less than a mile away from Ober Gatlinburg. Take a look at our Featured Properties and give us a call for a showing appointment!

This Week’s Featured Listings:

 PRICE REDUCED! $469,900 1116 Longview Court, Gatlinburg  – Well located & well-built 5BR/5BA log home in the heart of Chalet Village. Very close to downtown Gatlinburg with all the amenities at the community club house. You want to see this home!

  PRICE REDUCED! $650,000 925 Elm Road, Gatlinburg – Totally private, 4,900 Sq. Ft. 3BR/3.5BA located in Chalet Village! Has done great on a rental program, and could also be used as a permanent residence. Give us a call to see this property!

Freddie Mac is changing up income requirements for mortgage applicants in a new pilot program.  The changes announced Monday are designed to help boost mortgage originations among first-time buyers, applicants with low-to-moderate incomes and those who live in underserved areas.

Using the Freddie Mac program, applicants will be able use the income of people who will live with them but aren’t going to be on the mortgage to qualify.  In addition, income from second jobs that borrowers have held for a relatively short period will be factored in. The pilot also doesn’t require bank statements that would show a paper trail of how some borrowers save for their down payments.

Many of the pilot’s features are similar to what Fannie Mae currently allows on some mortgages. Freddie Mac is amongst the largest purchasers of mortgages in the country. Freddie Mac says it purchases one in every four mortgages originated by lenders in the U.S.

The changes, which went into effect on Monday, will apply to clients who apply for a mortgage with Las Vegas-based Alterra Home Loans or Tustin, Calif.,-based New American Funding.

Freddie Mac will determine whether to expand it beyond pilot phase if performance meets expectations.

This Week’s Featured Property:

 503 Dollywood Lane, Unit 112, Pigeon Forge
Golf Vista- A gorgeous, updated and inviting “Private Style” condominium. complex. There are only TWO condos on each level, this condo is quiet. This would be a wonderful rental or permanent home! Very classy and completely remodeled ground floor condo. Large Master bedroom has a two person jacuzzi and patio access to enjoy the Golf Course & mountain view. Accommodating Kitchen living & dining room area are SPACIOUS & comfortable for the entire family. Walk to Pigeon Forge, Enjoy the Dollywood fireworks at nighttime from patio, or just city lights at night. This condo is a must see! HOA Includes- Property Maintenance, trash, water, cable, phone, gas, sewer.

Head on down to Sevier County this week to partake in the annual Dumplin Valley Bluegrass Festival! This Festival is held on the third weekend of September and has been a part of our tradition since the year 2000! This year, you can see local artist Jimbo Whaley, as well as 6 Time Grammy Nominee Artist Rhonda Vincent! This festival has grown from a small local event, into a destination event for “festivarians” from all over the world.  Sevier County always looks forward with great anticipation to the gathering of musicians, fans, friends and campers who converge on this spot in Kodak, Tennessee for a weekend of fantastic entertainment.  While you are here, don’t forget to check out the Jason White Team and inquire about our Featured Properties .

This Week’s Featured Property:

 422 Edgewood Drive, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 – $149,900 -Cute two level honeymoon cabin situated in the woods just about 1 mile off highway 441 in Chalet Village North. An easy 1.5 mile drive to Gatlinburg and about 1/2 mile to the owners club with pool, tennis courts and club house. Also about a mile to great Smoky Mountain National Park and around 5 miles to Pigeon Forge. The entry level has a game room and a private bedroom suite. The upper level has an open living room/dining/kitchen with a 1/2 bath and laundry room. Decks on each floor and privacy too. Come have a look!

This weekend, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee will host it’s 33rd annual Shades of the Past Car Show at Dollywood’s Splash Country! Visitors have been arriving all week long to view the thousands of cars that will be present for this event. It truly is a sight to see! All ages will marvel at over 200 hot rods competing for the grand prizes — a 1932 Ford Hi-Boy Roadster and a $10,000 cash prize. This weekend is also a great time to view the beginning of the foliage here in the Smokies! With temperatures still warm during the day, but cooling off into the high 50’s throughout the night, we are just beginning to see the leaves turn in the higher elevations. What a perfect time to visit us here in the Great Smoky Mountains! While you are here, why not contact us and see what the Jason White Team can do for you? Check out our Facebook page here.

This Week’s Featured Listings:

 925 Ski View Drive, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 – $398,000 –
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. 4 BD/3 BA, with two levels, and is over 3,000+ sq ft total in size. Top quality concrete construction; it’s built like a condominium with 12” concrete walls and concrete floors, and is practically sound proof. The exterior is mostly covered in mountain stone, which is virtually timeless and maintenance free. The two levels of this dwelling are connected by stairs, but each level can be rented separately, and has great potential as such. The current owner lived on the upper level for years and rented the lower level to pay the expenses, which due to the construction quality and design is both feasible and functional. The upper level was previously being rented for $1,200/mo, while the lower level was previously being rented for $900/mo, with both electric and water services included – has great rental potential for this home, in addition to being a great permanent or 2nd home, as well. Spectacular mountain views from both levels. Also abuts a publicly-maintained street. Lovely native trees and shrubs, and only 2 mi. to traffic light #10 in dwtn. Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains Nat’l Park, among other attractions. A great home & location with lots of potential – come see this amazing home for yourself today!

 1121 Lower Alpine Way, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 –
Spacious, well-located, 4 BD/3.5 BA. 2,500+ sq ft mountain chalet, located only mins. to dwtn. Gatlinburg, Ober Gatlinburg, the Nat’l Park, & much more. Currently on a well-maintained self-managed rental program; has great rental potential in an ideal location. This well-built & maintained chalet has tremendous views from 2 deck partially wraparound decks of Mt. LeConte, the Smokies, & the slopes of Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort, as well as the tram, running to & from the resort. Inside this chalet, you have a large living/dining rm w/high, vaulted ceilings & F/P, as well as a full kitchen, a spacious loft containing a master BD & a priv. master BA, as well as having a F/P, a large lower level recreation rm, & much more, all throughout this chalet. Has easy access to City-maintained roads & services, as well as nearby attractions, including only being mins. from the shopping & attractions of dwtn. Gatlinburg. Also only 1/2 mi. to the many community amenities of the Chalet Village Owner’s Club, incl. community club house, swimming pools, tennis courts, & much more. Beautiful views & a well-built mtn. chalet, all in a great location – come see it today!

For the past several months, both local & national real estate markets have experienced a continuous, but steady, growth in several key real estate market categories.  As we look at the statistics for the Great Smoky Mountains real estate market through August 2016, we find that our local market continues to reflect the trends of gradual and continuous growth both here locally and nationally.  We have come to see this trend for some time now.  The numbers below will reflect that continued growth for August 2016 as compared to that of August 2015.

In the category of Residences Sold, we see that comparing August 2016 to that of August 2015, the number of residences sold increased by 18%, as 277 more homes were sold at the end of August 2016, as opposed to July August.  This vigorous growth is largely in line with the continued growth in this same category that we have experienced for the past several months.  We fully expect this trend to continue in this category.

In the category of Residential Dollar Volume for August 2016, versus August 2015, we also see an increase of 24%.  This percentage is up 2% JUST from the month prior! This continues to reflect a consistent and steady climb with a high percentage growth from year-to-year.  This statistic shows the largest increase in this category for the past several months.  This trend shows the consistently higher home prices that have been taking place over the past couple of years on a national scale.

Sellers in our area continue to experience good news in the category of Average Sold Price!  For August 2016, compared to that of August 2015, the average sold price shows an increase of 5%, which, also reflects a steady and consistent growth of a stronger local market in this category.  The average sold price is up $9,301 from last year. As confidence continues to grow in both local and national markets, we expect that this upward trend of higher home prices will continue in the foreseeable future.

Lastly, the available homes on the market continue to show a slow decrease, which the market has reflected over the past several months.  Through August 2016 versus August 2015, the number of available homes has declined by 8%, which is a decrease of 423 homes in available inventory.  This same trend for available inventory has occurred for the past several months.  This is in-line with the national real estate trends.  With this declining inventory, the local market is showing signs toward more people wanting to buy the available properties currently on the local market, and that with higher home prices, more people may feel a greater sense of confidence in listing their homes for sale, along with a increased interest in buying what inventory is currently available.

This Week’s Featured Properties:

      1114 W Ridge Road, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 – $499,900   Come see this amazing home, with style, luxury and spectacular views, all rolled into one today! This 5 BD/4 BA, 3,300+ sq ft home is located on an incredibly private 1.3 acre lot, with some of the most phenomenal, unobstructed views of Mt. LeConte and the Great Smoky Mountains! Has great potential as a permanent residence, 2nd home, or as an overnight rental. It has an excellent floor plan/design, with 5 private suites, 2 separate bedroom suites on the main floor, 2 more suites downstairs, along with a huge lower Level Recreation room/den area, and a loft bedroom on the 2nd floor. Two huge decks (50′ X 10′) span the back of this home, overlooking the incredible mtn. views that you will have to see to believe! Also includes lots of level, surfaced parking with spacious turnaround room, along with being located on a quiet cul-de-sac. This home has endless possibilities, and is located only mins. to dwtn. Gatlinburg, Ober Gatlinburg, and the Nat’l Park! A spectacular home with one-of-a-kind mountain views, privacy and usable yard!

  819 Crestwood Ln, Gatlinburg, TN 37738- $219,900 -Well-located, uniquely-built, 3 BD/2 BA mtn. chalet, located in the heart of Chalet Village, & only mins. to dwtn. Gatlinburg, Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort, the Nat’l Park, & much more. Has made over $20K consistently each year in rental income since 2014, made over $25K in 2015 alone, & is on track to make over $25K again this year, in 2016. This uniquely-built chalet features two wrap-around deck areas that offer truly amazing views of the Smokies, along with giving a real sense of mtn. living, as well. Inside this chalet, you have two great levels, which feature a large living/dining rm, an open kitchen, & a large master BD w/priv. BA w/W/P, all on the 2nd level. On the main level, you have a large family/great room w/F/P, as well as two additional BD’s w/a shared BA, & a spacious utility room, as well. On the lower level, you have a large bonus room that has lots of potential in its own right, with endless possibilities. Located only 1/2 mi. from the many community amenities of the Chalet Village Owner’s Club, including community club house, swimming pools, tennis courts, & much more, along w/easy access to nearby County-maintained roads & services. A great location & unique mtn. chalet w/amazing views – come see it today!

In 1971, our company, Century 21, was founded by two real estate agents, Art Bartlett and Marsh Fisher, in Orange County, California. In the last 45 years, our company has grown into the most recognizable real estate company!

Century 21 Real Estate LLC (CENTURY21.com) is comprised of approximately 6,900 independently owned and operated franchised broker offices in 78 countries and territories worldwide. We employ more than 101,000 independent sales professionals! The CENTURY 21  System provides brand marks, marketing, communications and innovative technology solutions that help enable its franchisees and their independent agents to attract and engage prospects, nurture customers, and deliver a positive real estate transaction experience.

CENTURY 21 Real Estate is recognized as a leader in e-marketing and has received numerous awards.

The CENTURY 21^® brand, as identified by consumers from a list of real estate agencies in the Millward Brown 2014 Ad Tracking Study, is the most recognized brand name in real estate, and the industry leader in brand awareness – a position it has held since 1999.

Here at the Jason White Team, we have received numerous awards over the years from Century 21. We were even ranked in The Top 50 Teams in the nation! Jason White alonehas earned many honors, including being awarded “Rookie of the Year” in 1997 by the Great Smoky Mountains Association of Realtors, as well as being the Top Firm Agent 2002-2013, Top 1% Producer Locally 2004-2014, Top 1% Century 21 Mid-South Producer 2004-2013 and the rare Century 21 Centurion Producer Honor Society.

Contact us today to see what we can do for you! Feel free to browse our website to learn more about our area, our team, and view Featured Properties.

This Week’s Featured Property: 

   PRICE REDUCED!!  2419 E. View Drive, Sevierville, TN 37876 – $224,900 –

Every year, millions of people come to our area to visit the Great Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville. Our area is full of interesting history that people may or may not be aware of, and how rich and abundant that history is in this area. Such history helps to create a truly unique community and area, and today, we want to give people an opportunity to learn some of this history of Sevier County, and how it continues to influence our area’s culture and communities.

Prior to the 18th Century, Sevier County was largely inhabited by nomadic and semi-nomadic Native American tribes, including the Muskeogan tribes, and then the Cherokee by the 17th Century. Spanish explorers, such as Hernando De Soto and Juan Pardo also first visited this area during the 16th Century. In the mid-18th Century, settlers began to arrive into what would become known as Sevier County.

On September 18, 1794, Sevier County was formed from a part of neighboring Jefferson County, and was named after U.S. Brigadier General John Sevier, who also was the Governor of the one-time State of Franklin, which bordered modern-day Tennessee and North Carolina, and then was Governor of Tennessee. Sevier played a large role in settling the area, and in 1795, the county seat of Sevierville was established.

During the Civil War, Sevier County had divided loyalties between the Union and the Confederacy, but was largely pro-Union on part of many people in the area at the start of hostilities. Both Union and Confederate forces fought frequent skirmishes throughout the area, as each side jockeyed for control of the area,including nearby Knoxville, which was a strategic focus during the war, especially later into the conflict.

After the war, Sevier County continued to grow and expand on through the start of the 20th Century. In 1934, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park officially opened, along with the completion of U.S. Highway 441 to Sevierville and then into North Carolina, shortly thereafter. This led to ten of thousands of tourists to come and visit the area, which now numbers in millions of people that visit our area every year. Tourism is now the largest part of the local economy in Sevier County, and continues to grow to this day. A large part of this tourism every year also centers around Dollywood, the theme park named after the world-famous singer and entertainer, Dolly Parton, who is a Sevier County native.

Today, Sevier County remains steeped in its unique history, while also welcoming many to the area to see the wonder of the Smokies, the many attractions of the area, and much, much more. There are numerous other events each year, as well, involving the communities of Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Sevierville, and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

With such a unique area as Sevier County, it is no wonder why so many people decide to come to visit this area each year, and possibly even making this area their home. Why not see what else the Smokies can offer you today? Please feel free Our Featured Properties and see what The Jason White Team do for you and your home ownership needs today! You can also browse our Team page to learn more about us, and also visit our Facebook page to “Like” The Jason White Team today!

This Week’s Featured Property:

  544 Kings Hills Blvd, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

Luxurious, spacious, well-located, 7 BD/3.5 BA, 5,500+ sq ft, contemporary ranch-style home, located approx. 5 miles to the shopping and attractions of Pigeon Forge, Sevierville, & much more. Ideal as a permanent residence or a 2nd home; this home truly embodies luxury, space, & location, all into one truly great property. This beautifully-built masonry-style home has two very large and spacious levels, as well as an attached 2-car garage, a private backyard pool area, patio, and great partial wooded and City views. Inside this spacious and luxurious home, you have a large living room area w/F/P, a formal dining rm area, full kitchen w/a small den area, a large master bedroom w/priv. BA + W/P & private walk-in closet, & 3 additional BD’s (with 2 BD’s sharing a BA). On the lower level, you have a large theater/recreation room, complete with kitchenette area, movie theater-style seating and screen, & much more. Lower level also includes 3 BD’s, as well as access to the private pool patio area, and an adjacent outside covered porch. Has easy access to City-maintained roads and services, & is located in a very well-established subdivision – come see it for yourself today!

Home sales and prices are rising! This could mean good news for all clients. Home sales in June were 5.57 million at annual rates, the highest since February 2007, when national home prices peaked. Currently prices as measured by the Case-Shiller National Home Price Index are climbing at a 5% annual rate and are a mere 3% from their all-time peak. As you all noticed in last week’s post, the statistics for our area have seemed to climb up, up and up! With the exception of the amount of homes available on the market. This is positive news for our area! And when you visit us in the Great Smoky Mountains, it is not hard to understand why so many people choose our area to vacation or retire. Now that kids are back to school, this month is a perfect opportunity for you to come and check out all that our area has to offer! Let us know what the Jason White Team can do to help you! Please feel free to browse our Featured Properties  and learn more about the Jason White Team.

This Week’s Featured Listing: 

1886 Acorn Branch Lane, Gatlinburg, TN 37738

Heirloom quality combined with exquisite design create an atmosphere of timeless beauty in this custom crafted 8,974 sq. ft. Mountain Shingle home resting among 4 pristine acres overlooking the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. This estate offers total privacy yet is nestled in the heart of Gatlinburg’s Arts & Crafts community with all city services including gas, water, sewer and year-around street maintenance. The quality is apparent as one enters through the custom crafted iron gate over brick pavers. The mountain stone patio greets you at the custom front door where you’ll notice the nearly maintenance free exterior of stacked stone and thick poplar bark shakes. Inside you’ll fine a totally handicap accessible home with an elevator that services all three floors. The main level master bedroom features his and her bathrooms, fireplace, dedicated HVAC and private laundry room. Interior details include “hand scraped” oak flooring, coffered living room ceiling, built in book shelving, extensive recessed lighting, in-law suite with private entrance, 5 masonry fireplaces, hammered copper kitchen sink, Viking gas range, custom closet and pantry shelving, beautiful tile work, formal dining w/ butler’s pantry, eat in kitchen with island bar and open den, huge home office space, whole house commercial generator, 4-5 car garage space along with much more than one could possibly list. Truly spectacular, tasteful and one-of-a-kind. Photo Tour: http://tours.knoxtours.net/public/vtour/display/590652?previewDesign=8237

For the past several months, both local & national real estate markets have experienced a continuous, but steady, growth in several key real estate market categories.  As we look at the statistics for the Great Smoky Mountains real estate market through July 2016, we find that our local market continues to reflect the trends of gradual and continuous growth both here locally and nationally.  We have come to see this trend for some time now.  The numbers below will reflect that continued growth for July 2016 as compared to that of July 2015.

In the category of Residences Sold, we see that comparing July 2016 to that of July 2015, the number of residences sold increased by 17%, as 275 more homes were sold at the end of July 2016, as opposed to July 2015.  This vigorous growth is largely in line with the continued growth in this same category that we have experienced for the past several months.  We fully expect this trend to continue in this category.

In the category of Residential Dollar Volume for July 2016, versus July 2015, we also see an increase of 22%.  This continues to reflect a consistent and steady climb with a high percentage growth from year-to-year.  This statistic shows the largest increase in this category for the past several months.  This trend shows the consistently higher home prices that have been taking place over the past couple of years on a national scale.

Sellers in our area continue to experience good news in the category of Average Sold Price!  For July 2016, compared to that of July 2015, the average sold price shows an increase of 5%, which, also reflects a steady and consistent growth of a stronger local market in this category.  As confidence continues to grow in both local and national markets, we expect that this upward trend of higher home prices will continue in the foreseeable future.

Lastly, the available homes on the market continue to show a slow decrease, which the market has reflected over the past several months.  Through July 2016 versus July 2015, the number of available homes has declined by 8%, which is a decrease of 465 homes in available inventory.  This same trend for available inventory has occurred for the past several months.  This is in-line with the national real estate trends.  With this declining inventory, the local market is showing signs toward more people wanting to buy the available properties currently on the local market, and that with higher home prices, more people may feel a greater sense of confidence in listing their homes for sale, along with a increased interest in buying what inventory is currently available.

As the market continues to experience this growth, both locally and nationally, the market statistics are expected to experience a gradual growth for the foreseeable future through the remainder of 2016.  Mortgage rates still remain at historically low levels, and there are still plenty of housing options to choose from, especially here in the Great Smoky Mountain real estate market.  To start your Great Smoky Mountain home search today,  take a look at just some of our Featured Properties and see what the Smokies have to offer you!  Turn your home ownership dreams into a reality.

925 Elm Road, Gatlinburg, TN 37738   -$785,900- Luxurious, totally private, well-built, 4,900 sq ft, 3 Bedroom, 3.5 Bathroom located on 4 lots in Chalet Village North. This                 home offers a two car garage and is in a great location, close to downtown Gatlinburg, the National Park, and all of the areas main attractions! Each bedroom is a master                       suite, and the great room offers vaulted ceilings. This property also holds an exercise room, three stacked-stone fireplaces, a hot tub, and a screened-in porch. Come and                       all this property has to offer!

335 Pinnacle Drive, Gatlinburg, TN 37738  – $399,900 – 5 Bedroom, 5.5 Bath, 3,400 Sq Ft log-style chalet, in a great location!! 1/2 Mile walking distance to all the City                         Trolley Stops, and very close to Downtown Gatlinburg. This home features amazing views of Mt. LeConte and offers 3 deck levels to relax and enjoy the scenery. Each of the                 5 bedrooms offer a master-suite style and private bathrooms. Home is complete with a lower-level recreation room area, complete with pool-table and walk-out to the                           outdoors. One of a kind!