The 14th Annual Dumplin Valley Bluegrass Festival Comes to Sevier County This Weekend!

banjo

One of the greatest and most unique features of the Great Smoky Mountain region is its tradition of music, including bluegrass music. This weekend, starting Thursday, September 19th, and going until Saturday, September 21st, the Dumplin Valley Bluegrass Festival will be held in the Kodak, TN area, featuring a wide array of bluegrass artists and wonderful music.

The Dumplin Valley Bluegrass Festival is an annual event in its 14th year for 2013. Featured artists/bands are world-class, award winning musicians who travel worldwide entertaining bluegrass lovers. The event is geared for all ages and is held Swaggerty’s Farm, in the Kodak area, which also incorporates an RV Park.

Featured bluegrass artists will include groups like Flatt Lonesome, Rhonda Vincent and the Range, Bridging the Gap, the Lonesome River Band, and many, many more well-known bluegrass artists. Tickets start at $21 on Thursday (if bought in advance), or $27 at the gate, and then on Friday and Saturday, tickets are $27 for each single day (in advance), and $30 at the gate. You can also buy an advance weekend pass for $75 for all three days, or you can get the same pass for $80 at the gate. However, children 12 years old or younger will be admitted for free. The Festival is located at 525 East Dumplin Valley Road, Kodak, TN 37764, which is off of Exit #407 on I-40. You can call for more information at (865) 397-7942, or you can also visit their website at www.dumplinvalleybluegrass.com.

Events like this make the Great Smoky Mountain region a unique place that is rich in culture, history and tradition. Festivals like this one create a unique sense of community for people in this area, and further add to the diversity of what the Smokies can offer to people, whether you are visiting for the first time, or have been here your whole life. Why not also take this opportunity to also look around and see what else this wonderful region has to offer for you? Please feel free to browse our inventory of available homes, and see what this area can offer you in helping realize your dreams!

 

Here Are A Few of My Featured Listings:

Private, Log Home Near Dwtn. Gatlinburg! Private, 2 BD/2 BA log-style home located within walking distance to downtown Gatlinburg! Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg, Tennessee Price: $219,900 Get more information >
3.84 Acres & On The River Beautiful river frontage along the middle prong of the Pigeon River, known and verified to be the cleanest in the state. Beautiful, 30′ deep pool and huge boulders create a scenic park like setting. Type: Single Family Home Location: Sevierville,TN Price: $259,900 Get more information >
Wears Valley Luxury You’ll notice the unusually high quality construction from the moment you pull in the driveway. Type: Single Family Home Location: Pigeon Forge Price: $575,000 Get more information >


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

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

sellers-market

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

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

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

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

 

Here Are A Few of My Featured Listings:

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


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

Heading Into September, The Smoky Mountain Real Estate Market Shows Continued, Steady Growth

The Road To Recovery

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

In the category of Residences Sold, we see that in comparing August 2013 to that of August 2012, the number of residences sold is unchanged, showing no increases or decreases at all. This shows and reflects a general steadiness in the real estate market, and as we look at the rest of the statistics, we will see that the market is still quite stable and we expect this to continue and improve.

RESIDENCES SOLD THROUGH AUGUST 2013

 

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

TOTAL RESIDENTIAL VOLUME THROUGH AUGUST 2013

There is also continued good news for sellers in the Average Sold Price Category. In line with statistics so far for the year, prices still show a gradual rise of 5% in August of this year versus that of August 2012, reflecting the recent local and national trends towards higher home prices. As inventory continues to decrease, we expect prices to continue their gradual increase, in line with both national and local trends.

AVERAGE SOLD PRICE THROUGH AUGUST 2013

In addition, available homes on the market continue to decline. Through August 2013, we see a slight decrease of 1%, or 33 less homes on the market. As activity continues to stabilize, along with the national and local trends of rising home prices, this number will likely continue to dwindle.

AVAILABLE INVENTORY THROUGH AUGUST 2013

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

 

Here Are A Few of My Featured Listings:

Charming, Luxury Chalet w/Mtn. Views Charming, private luxury chalet located minutes from downtown Gatlinburg, as well as Ober Gatlinburg! Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee Price: $229,900 Get more information >
Fantastic 180 Degree Smoky Mtn. Views Fantastic 180 degree view of Mt. LeConte & the Smokies from every room. Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee Price: $479,900 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 & $22,956 in 2012. Don’t miss out on all these features! Type: Single Family Home Location: Chalet Village Price: $149,900 Get more information >

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

Total Existing Home Sales in July Nationally on the Rise

Home Prices Rise

As a further sign of continued gradual growth in the housing market, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) recently announced that existing-home sales rose strongly in July, with the median price maintaining double-digit year-over-year increases.

According to the latest NAR report regarding July’s trends, total existing home sales  increased 6.5 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.39 million in July from a downwardly revised 5.06 million in June, and are 17.2 percent above the 4.60 million-unit pace in July 2012; sales have remained above year-ago levels for 25 months.

In addition, Freddie Mac also recently indicated that the national average commitment rate for a 30-year, conventional, fixed-rate mortgage rose to 4.37 percent in July from 4.07 percent in June, and is the highest since July 2011 when it was 4.55 percent; the rate was 3.55 percent in July 2012.

Furthermore, the national median existing home price for all housing types was $213,500 in July, which is 13.7 percent above July 2012. This marks 17 consecutive months of year-over-year price increases, which last occurred from January 2005 to May 2006. Also, based on the NAR findings, Total housing inventory at the end of July rose 5.6 percent to 2.28 million existing homes available for sale, which represents a 5.1-month supply at the current sales pace, unchanged from June. Listed inventory is also now 5.0 percent below a year ago, when there was a 6.3-month supply.

Therefore, based on the findings of the NAR for July in 2013, we foresee that home prices will continue their gradual rise, in spite of recent interest rate increases, and that housing inventories continue to slowly decrease, thereby raising the home prices as demand remains steady or increases.

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

Here Are A Few of My Featured Listings:

Unique Contemporary Home w/Mtn Views Come & enjoy this one of a kind, unique, contemporary home! This 5000+ sq ft, 4 BD/3 BA home is located just off the Parkway in Sevierville in a beautiful, private neighborhood! Type: Single Family Home Location: Sevierville,TN Price: $325,000 Get more information >
180 Degree City & Mountain Views Produced over $14k in rental income in 2012. Very private ridgetop retreat w/wraparound covered deck that has amazing 180 degree views of the mountains & city lights. Type: Single Family Home Location: Chalet Village Price: $189,900 Get more information >
Gone With The Wind Almost $27,000 income for 2012!! If you have dreamed of having a luxury chalet on top of the mountain with sweeping views of the valley, city and mountains then you have to look at this one. Type: Single Family Home Location: Chalet Village Price: $299,900 Get more information >

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

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

Civil_War_Reenactment_2

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Here Are A Few of My Featured Listings:

Amazing Mount LeConte Views Over $28,000 in rental income for 2012! Nicely decorated cabin with fantastic views of Mt LeConte. Enjoy the views from the spacious decking this cabin has to offer. Type: Single Family Home Location: Chalet Village Price: $219,900 Get more information >
Mount LeConte Views $24,486 in rental income for 2012!! Beautiful views of Mt. LeConte & the smokies from all three levels of this chalet in sought after Chalet Village North. Type: Single Family Home Location: Chalet Village Price: $269,900 Get more information >
Ready To Make You $$$ There is $$$ to be made – produced just under $30,000 in rental income for 2012!! Excellent views of the the Smokies along with year around sun rises from both floors of this 5 bedroom 5 bath chalet. Type: Single Family Home Location: Chalet Village Price: $289,900 Get more information >


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

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

Improving Housing Market

 

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

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

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

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

 

Here Are A Few of My Featured Listings:

Picture Perfect Log Cabin Almost $25,000 in rental income for 2012! Well built log cabin with privacy and only 5 miles to Pigeon Forge. Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee Price: $219,900 Get more information >
Enjoy Resort Living In The Mountains Great rental income: 2012 – $32,195 & 2011- $24,226.Private three bedroom, three bath log cabin with great mountain views from three decks. Type: Single Family Home Location: Pigeon Forge Price: $289,900 Get more information >
Come Be A Happy Bear Over $27,000 in gross rental income for 2012! This one will make you $$$. Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee Price: $259,900 Get more information >


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

Heading Into August The Smoky Mountain Real Estate Market Continues Its Gradual, Steady Growth

buyersroad

For much of this year, we have seen both the national and local real estate markets steadily grow and show a steady climb to positive numbers. As we look at the statistics for the Great Smoky Mountain real estate market through July of this year, we will see that this gradual trend continues. Let’s now see what the numbers have to say.

In the category of Residences Sold, we see a slight decrease versus last year of 3%. This represents 21 less homes sold in comparison to the same period in 2012. Even with the decrease in this number, as we look at the rest of the statistics, we will see that the market is still fairly stable and we expect this to continue and improve.

GRAPH 1 - RESIDENCES SOLD

 

In the category of Residential Dollar Volume for the year, we actually see a very slight increase through July of this year, as opposed to through July in 2012. This indicates that there is a slight increase while the number of homes shows a slight decrease, the recent trend of increasing home prices shows that a greater dollar volume in homes is being sold, showing a gradual and strengthening market reflective of greater confidence on the part of both buyers and sellers.

GRAPH 2 - TOTAL RESIDENTIAL VOLUME

 

There is also continued good news for sellers in the Average Sold Price Category. In line with statistics so far for the year, prices still show a gradual rise versus 2012, reflecting the recent national trend towards higher home prices. As inventory continues to decrease, we expect prices to continue their gradual increase, in line with both national and local trends.

GRAPH 3 - AVERAGE PRICE

 

In addition, available homes on the market continue to decline. Through July, we see a slight decrease of 1%, or 43 less homes on the market. As activity continues to stabilize, along with the national and local trends of rising home prices, this number will continue to dwindle.

GRAPH 4 - AVAILABLE INVENTORY

 

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

 

Here Are A Few of My Featured Listings:

Spacious Home w/Great Mtn Views Spacious home full of character & detail. A vintage door from the 1890’s welcomes you inside where you will find vaulted ceilings, lots of windows and lots of unique spaces. Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee Price: $359,200 Get more information >
Great Views & Privacy This three level cabin has consistently produced right at $30k a year in rental income every year since 2007! Located on a private lot it features a great view and a lot of windows and deck space for enjoying the scenery Type: Single Family Home Location: Pigeon Forge Price: $279,900 Get more information >
A View Second To None Over $40,000 in rental income for 2012! Aptly named A View Second To None, this chalet has breathtaking views of Mt. LeConte. Located just minutes to downtown Gatlinburg & Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort. Type: Single Family Home Location: Chalet Village Price: $259,900 Get more information >


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

Home Prices on the Rise Nationally Show a Strengthening Housing Market

Home Sales Rising

 

Over the last year, U.S. home prices have jumped 12.2% as of May of this year, from that of May of 2012, which represents the largest annual gain since March of 2006. In addition, to reflect this recent trend, the Standard & Poor’s/Case-Shiller 20-city home price index released on Tuesday surged 2.4% in May from that of April, all in 2013. Furthermore, these price increases were widespread, where all 20 cities measured by the S&P Index showed gains over a month’s time, from April to May in this year.

The S&P Index covers roughly half of all U.S. homes, and measures prices compared with those in January of 2000, along with creating a three-month moving average. The May index figures, as noted here, are the latest figures available. Despite a recent increase in mortgage rates, especially since early May, the figures noted by the S&P Index have not been significantly impacted, and still show a general trend towards rising home prices across the nation.

The factors behind these home price increases primarily center on more people bidding on a scarcer supply of home that are available for sale, indicating a shrinking housing inventory nationally. In addition, steady price increases, along with stable job gains and historically low mortgage rates, have encouraged more Americans to buy homes. Also, with higher home prices, more sellers are able to put their homes on the market, which creates greater supply and contributes to the ongoing gradual housing recovery that is now currently underway.

What does all of this mean? The national trends, as reflected by the recent S&P Index, show a steady growth in the housing market, and continued strength in home prices across the board. For both buyers and sellers, the market appears to be more receptive at the present time, and is showing gradual gains amidst an ongoing economic recovery.

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

Here Are A Few of My Featured Listings:

Beautiful Log Cabin w/Mtn. Views Brand new log cabin w/ 2 BD/2 BA, located just 2 mi. from the Downtown Gatlinburg Strip, & is w/in walking distance to the Gatlinburg Community Center. Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg,Tennessee Price: $259,900 Get more information >
Unique Sevierville Home w/Large Backyard Beautiful, masonry-style, 3 BD/2.5 BA, 3700+ sq. ft. home located within minutes to Dollywood! Type: Single Family Home Location: Sevierville,TN Price: $339,900 Get more information >
Remodeled Condo w/Amazing Mtn Views This contemporary style 2BD/2BA home offers practically a bird’s eye view of the ski slopes at Ober Gatlinburg plus an unparalleled exhibit of the Great Smoky Mountains! Type: Condo Location: Gatlinburg,Tennessee Price: $209,900 Get more information >

 

The Jason White Team

Century 21 Four Seasons Realty

1441 Wiley Oakley Drive

Gatlinburg, TN 37738

Toll Free: 877-678-2121

Fax: 865-436-7227

Email: jason@jasonwhiteteam.com

Website: www.SmokyMountainLifestyle.com

A Personal Letter from Jason White

33

 

Even though this happened a long time ago, I have realized that it could impact your life as much as it did mine. There’s someone I need to find, and I’m hoping you can help me find that person. I’ve never written a letter like this before, but I’d like to share an experience that changed my life and could possibly change yours in ways I can’t explain.

I was a young boy when my mother took me to visit this mystical home. Its setting was something out of a fairy tale. I was pretty excited as we drove up the long driveway lined with old-growth poplars, oaks, and hickories. Grapevines the size of my arm wrestled with the tree branches above the laurel thickets. Soon there was a clearing with a breathtaking vista: you could see mountain range beyond mountain range. I’d almost forgotten that we were still in the city limits of Gatlinburg. The only hint was that from our perch we could see the Ski Lodge Tram and the twinkling lights far below that reminded me of Christmas.

At the overlook, my mother told me that the owner of the property and his wife would sit there every morning to watch the sunrise. I could just imagine what it would look like as the first rays of light illuminated 6,593-foot Mount LeConte. The hikers who trekked past the waterfall and up the trail that passed close to the house told stories that might have fit into a Harry Potter book or something from The Ringing Cedars or Lord of the Rings; this may have been the reason for the newspaper and magazine articles about him. Anyway, it was actually my aunt who first encountered the couple, and what she told my mother made my mother insist that we needed to meet them. In a moment I’ll tell you the secret reason why we went there.

The piece of land had healing properties, or so the local Native Americans said. Maybe it had something to do with the vast amount of quartz crystal that the house was built upon. The man and his wife, with the help of a very close friend, built the house as a labor of love, and the energy, or whatever you’d like to call it, attracted requests from people around the world wanting to visit. So, you can see why we felt so special to have been invited that evening.

As we traveled further up the driveway, the house seemed to suddenly appear out of nowhere: three stories with tall glass windows constructed right into the mountain. The front door opened, and we were invited in. I immediately noticed a beautiful stone fireplace with a huge granite lintel. Candles gave off a warm glow, and frankincense was wafting in the room. Our host motioned us to come to the next level, which opened up into a vast living area with a number of skylights high above. Another roaring fire was burning in an even larger fireplace constructed of massive native stones that rose 17 feet to the ceiling. As I was taking in the wonder of the home and examining the hand-carved door to the wine room, a wooden door about forty feet away opened and he came in.

At first it seemed all I saw was his eyes; maybe it was the flickering of the fire or the candles on the mantel that made his eyes sparkle so. He was lean, but well built and a little under six feet tall, with a long blond beard, and greeted us with a hug. We were immediately put at ease. Have you ever met someone for the first time that you feel you’ve known forever?

The secret reason my mother took me to meet them was that I was to have a serious ear operation in a couple of days and, well, maybe … after all, there were all those stories. He ushered us into his study and we sat down. My mother explained my situation to him, and he gently moved his warm hand toward my ear, saying “Don’t be surprised that things may turn out better than one might imagine.” And that was it! The warmth from his hand seemed to linger as he broadly smiled.

A few days later, we were facing a very bewildered doctor. “I don’t know what’s taken place or how it could, but the ear problem seems to have corrected itself! Jason won’t need the operation.” Mom and I smiled to each other knowingly. 

That was the beginning of a long friendship with the owners of this special property. Recently he told me, “Life is a grand adventure for those of us courageous enough to make bold decisions. As much as my heart and soul is in this land, this mountain, and this house, I’ve got new mountains to climb. Jason, someone who doesn’t know it yet will buy this house. This will be very special for them and a new doorway for making dreams come true. Be careful—this isn’t to be sold to just anybody. We’ll stay in touch!”

The reason I’ve sent this to you is to see if you might just happen to be the person he spoke about. I know this letter may seem strange, but there’s a lot more here than meets the eye. Call me and I’ll explain.

 

Jason White

 

P.S. I asked a friend to help me write this about my experience. I hope you’ve enjoyed it. Please don’t wait another moment to make your dream manifest. I promise you won’t regret giving me a call.

 

Today’s Featured Listing:

Unique Chalet Adjacent to Nat’l Park! 12 pristine acres bordering Great Smoky Mtns. National Park w/direct views of downtown Gatlinburg & surrounding mtns. Cove Mountain Trail literally touches the rear property line. Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg,Tennessee Price: $750,000 Get more information >


The Jason White Team

Century 21 Four Seasons Realty

1441 Wiley Oakley Dr Gatlinburg, TN 37738

Toll Free: 877-678-2121

Fax: 865-436-7227

Email: jason@jasonwhiteteam.com

Website: www.SmokyMountainLifestyle.com

 

 

 

Fed Seeking to Ease Recent Increase in Interest Rates

Real Estate Deals

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Here Are A Few of My Featured Listings:

 

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

 

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