Why Purchase In The Smoky Mountains?

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Whether you are considering a permanent move, looking for an investment or a second home there are numerous reasons why the Great Smoky Mountain area is a great choice to consider. With a variety of locations, year round beauty and the inspiring mountain backdrop it is a wonderful place to call home.

Gatlinburg is a rare gem. This tiny city may very well have been lost such as many remote southern rural towns. However, the creation of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park changed the destiny of this city immediately. Restaurants and hotels sprang up rapidly to accommodate the influx of tourists coming to see the “Nation’s Most Visited National Park”. Hemmed in by mountains on all sides, Gatlinburg is never at a loss for magnificent views. Clean, rocky, boulder-strewn creeks and rivers run through the city with a beautiful zen-like quality. Wildlife such as; deer, black bear and turkey roam the area even into the city. Ober Gatlinburg gives the city the allure of being a ski resort/winter sports center. Year-round activities and festivities keep this tiny burg hopping. The topography of this location makes it easy to access the city amenities and within minutes you can escape to the seclusion of your own private cabin, chalet or condo.

The greatest appeal of Pigeon Forge is the natural surroundings that boast four distinct and mild seasons to satisfy the lifestyles of all residents and visitors alike. It is close to The Great Smoky Mountains National Park Entrance and a short drive to Cades Cove. Homes for sale in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee are reasonably priced and exceptional in value. Buyers looking to relocate or invest in a second home, will find the real estate market in Pigeon Forge to be varied in styles and amenities, offering mountain charm and modern conveniences, surrounded by the tranquility and hanging blue mist of the Great Smoky Mountains.

Located between Pigeon Forge and Townsend, Wears Valley is a peaceful and secluded setting surrounded by breathtaking mountains and within reach of the Great Smoky National Park by way of Metcalf Bottoms, its own entrance to the National Park and one of only five. Wears Valley is a prime location for investment properties, second homes for peaceful vacations, or single family homes for full-time residents. The low crime and tax rates of Sevier County, along with excellent public schools run by the Sevier County School District, are what make Wears Valley a fabulous location to own property.

These are just a few of the distinctive locations to consider in the Great Smoky Mountain region. Looking at just these three locations leaves no doubt that Sevier County is a prime location to consider a real estate purchase. All of this coupled with an improving real estate market make now a great time to start looking. We invite you to begin at our to search out the right opportunity for you.

Here Are A Few Of My Featured Listings:

Gone With The Wind Almost $22k in rental for the first 10 months of 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 >

 

Walk To The Parkway Three level log cabin in the heart of Pigeon Forge that is walking distance to the action packed Parkway and the trolley stop. Type: Single Family Home Location: Pigeon Forge Price: $199,900 Get more information >

 

87 Gently Rolling Acres Await 87 gently rolling mountain top acres with outstanding 270 degree uninterrupted panoramic views of the major peaks of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park including Mt. Cameror, Geyot, Webb, Greenbriar, and LeConte. Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee Price: $1,750,000 Get more information >

 

Enjoy Holiday Festivities In The Smoky Mountains

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The holidays are an almost magical time in The Great Smoky Mountains.  As the leaves have passed their peak for the fall color change and we move in to winter months there are numerous opportunities to celebrate the Appalachian way.

As the City of Gatlinburg is sparkling with millions of lights for the Gatlinburg Winter Magic Festival the city trolley has begun their Ride Of Lights. Enjoy the holiday displays from the comfort of a Gatlinburg Trolley. The journey includes a ride through downtown, River Road and then follows the displays along Highway 321. Tickets are only $5 and may be purchased here.

If you are looking for an opportunity to take a little bit of the mountains home for the holidays the artisans of the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community will be presenting their annual Thanksgiving show at the Gatlinburg Convention Center. The show begins on November 21st and runs through the 25th. You will be able to explore a wide variety of handcrafted Thanksgiving gifts that are unique to the area. This will be followed on the 26th with the Great Smoky Christmas Arts & Crafts Show.

While you are in town to enjoy the presentation of the Arts & Crafts Community make reservations to see the Nutcracker “Sweet”. Presented by the Great Smoky Mountain Dance Theatre shows will be on the 23rd and 24th at 7PM in the W.L. Mills Auditorium.

In the Smoky Mountains holiday cheer is widespread and during your visit as you stroll down the Parkway on a Friday or Saturday night you will be able to meet characters, storytellers and carolers during the fourth annual Winter Magic Tunes and Tales event. Deborah Hicks will direct the carolers with many of the performers being from the Walter State Community College Chorus. This year a barber shop quartet from Gatlinburg-Pittman High School will join the lineup as well.

There are plenty of opportunities to get in the Holiday spirit while you are visiting Gatlinburg. If you would like the chance to make your visits a little less stressful and more frequent it is a great time to consider purchasing your own home away from home in the mountains. There are plenty to choose from and we are happy to help with your search when you come to visit. Take a look to see what get away opportunities are available.

Here Are A Few Of My Featured Listings:

Add Your Own Touches Here is your opportunity to create a mountain getaway with your own unique style and personality. High quality materials and construction are a great jumping off point to add your finishing touches. Type: Single Family Home Location: Sevierville,TN Price: $112,500 Get more information >

 

Amazing Views & Unique Features This charming home offers a spectacular view and some really unique features. The living room has soaring ceilings, warm wood flooring and a unique see through fireplace with the dining area on the other side. Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee Price: $208,700 Get more information >

 

Log Home On Over 3 Acres Charming farmstead Appalachian style log home on over 3 beautiful wooded acres of idyllic Smoky Mountain countryside. Enjoy ridge views along with lots of hardwoods, rhododendron, mountain laurel, hemlock and dogwoods throughout the four seasons. Type: Single Family Home Location: Pittman Center Price: $159,900 Get more information >

 

 

Moving In To Winter The Smoky Mountain Market Is Still Heating Up

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It’s time to take our monthly look at the Smoky Mountain area real estate statistics. Following the trend we have witnessed in previous months the market is still showing good news. Once we take a look at our usual categories for 2012 we would also like to discuss changes in the year to date 2012 vs. 2011 statistics compared to the 2011 vs. 2010 trends. There we will find signs of improvement as well.

In our first category of Total Residences Sold Through October we stick with the same upward swing we saw in September with an 18% increase over the same period in 2011.

The Total Dollar Volume Sold reflects the above numbers with a 9% increase from last year. That equates to almost a fifteen million dollar increase in volume sold.

The Average Sold Price is down 8% but still shows a 1% increase from September. We have watched this category work its way towards positive numbers throughout the year.

The time homes for sale spend on the market also continues to improve with a 3% drop from the same period last year.

The market continues to improve and we feel the following data is also important to share:

*2012 vs. 2011 total volume is up 9% compared to 2011 vs. 2010 being down 11%

*2012 vs. 2011 number of homes sold is up 18% compared to 2011 vs. 2010 being down 8%

*We started 2012 with 13% more inventory than the previous year and through October there are only 4% more homes available on the market than the same period in 2011.

We expect the numbers to continue the upward swing and feel now is the time to start looking for your Smoky Mountain home. Inventory is decreasing and homes are spending less time on the market. As this continues prices will also continue to improve. Take a look at our website to for your next purchase.

Here Are A Few Of My Featured Listings:

Log Home On Over 3 Acres Charming farmstead Appalachian style log home on over 3 beautiful wooded acres of idyllic Smoky Mountain countryside. Enjoy ridge views along with lots of hardwoods, rhododendron, mountain laurel, hemlock and dogwoods throughout the four seasons. Type: Single Family Home Location: Pittman Center Price: $159,900 Get more information >

 

Money To Be Made!!! Income potential with consistent rental history. $25,737 in 2009, $26,127 in 2010 & $20,352 in 2011. Don’t miss out on all these features! Type: Single Family Home Location: Chalet Village Price: $169,900 Get more information >

 

Great Price For Views Like This Spectacular views and luxury abound in this perfect vacation cabin high above Gatlinburg. Won’t last long with views like this! Type: Single Family Home Location: Chalet Village Price: $169,900 Get more information >

 

The Beauty Of Living By The Water

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here Are A Few Of My Featured Water Front Listings:

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

 

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

 

Custom Home On Douglas Lake Custom built home on a lake front peninsula surround by water on three sides with expansive views. Type: Single Family Home Location: Douglas Lake Price: $975,000 Get more information >

 

 

Top Advice For Buyers & Sellers From The Team

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We would like to take a moment to congratulate everyone at Century 21 Four Seasons for an outstanding 2012. Our firm is ranked #1 in gross sales for the year with $48,037,391 in real estate volume to date. Our team is excited to be a part of the number one firm within the Great Smoky Mountain Association of REALTORS. Because of the support of a great company and all of our clients past and present I am able to congratulate everyone who is a part of The Jason White Team for ranking in the top three agents consistently throughout the year. As a team we offer top notch services, expert knowledge and a sincere desire to make each real estate transaction a fantastic experience for our clients.

As the market continues to change on a daily basis it is important to know that you have a team that is in the pulse of what is happening to help you navigate your real estate transaction. Today we are going to offer some top tips and advice from each member of the team to assist you as you consider buying or selling a home in the Smoky Mountain real estate market.

For sellers: As the team’s listing agent I work primarily with those wishing to get their homes on the market and sold. The following are the three things that I believe will help to prepare you for the process of having your home on the market.

*Even though the statistics show the market improving many buyers are still in the mindset of being able to purchase properties at a discount. Be prepared for low offers, even insulting offers. Don’t take it personally! Take a moment to look at it from the buyer’s side – everyone wants the best deal possible. Be willing to start negotiations and view even a low offer as an opportunity to get to the result that you are looking for.

*Make your house shine. First impressions are the most important in real estate and there is a lot of competition on the market. When we have a showing we want yours to be the one that stands out. If you were selling your car you would take the time to clean it up, maybe even have it detailed right? It’s the same for your house. A fresh coat of paint, a good cleaning and attention to needed maintenance will go a long way towards helping you get an offer.

*Stay focused on the outcome not the process. With the number of homes on the market it is important to be patient and stay flexible. It may take some time to get an offer and once you do the process from offer to closing may be demanding but we are here to help navigate the process and make it as smooth as possible. A buyer may need more time to close because of their lender, there may be repairs to be made and the closing company is going to need information. Knowing that these things may occur ahead of time will help you to avoid frustration during the transaction.

For buyers from Stephanie Huskey: Stephanie has been active in the Smoky Mountain real estate market for 7 years and is a dedicated Buyer Specialist. Here are her top three tips for those considering a purchase in the area.

*Give yourself time to look and be flexible. With this being a busy vacation area many properties you are interested in may not be available on certain days, especially weekends. Purchasing a home is a serious investment and is worth taking a few days away from other obligations when you are ready to look. Scheduling a trip during the week instead of on a weekend will make your trip much more productive as more homes will be available and there will be less traffic to delay your day.

*Know ahead of time what your “must haves” are. This will help me to condense the list of homes we view and insure that your time is spent looking at homes that have the qualities you desire.

*The market is moving at a pretty rapid pace. It is crucial to have a mortgage pre-approval or proof of funds letter in hand when you come to look. Many sellers will not even approve a showing unless we are able to provide this ahead of time.

For buyers from Suzanne Walls: Suzanne is also a Buyer Specialist and has 10 years of experience helping buyers reach their real estate goals. She says these are the three things to know when you are ready to start looking at mountain homes.

*Know that the Smoky Mountain market is a prime investment area and our prices may not reflect the discounts that are still available in other markets. Throughout 2012 the market has improved and homes are selling for an average of 93% of asking price.

*All of the areas we serve offer different amenities. Know ahead of time what is most important to you about location such as views, level roads or mountainous and proximity to town. Doing this we will help us make sure we are spending your time here at homes you will love.

*Be prepared to make an offer. When you see “the one” you want to be able to make an offer right away. If you are rating a home as a 9 or 10 someone else is too. The market here is very active and homes are moving.

We are here to help when you are ready to buy or sell. at all of the opportunites available and know you will be in great hands when the time comes to start looking or to put your home on the market.

Here Are A Few Of My Featured Listings:

Beautiful Honeymoon Cabin Produced right at $16,000 in rental income for 2011. Tidy and cute one bedroom honeymoon cabin all on one level. Type: Single Family Home Location: Pigeon Forge Price: $109,900 Get more information >

 

A Place To Remember Step inside this beautiful mountain home and you will quickly see why it is named A Place To Remember. Features five private master suites and did over $30,000 in rental income for 2011! Type: Single Family Home Location: Chalet Village Price: $389,900 Get more information >

 

Heirloom Quality Throughout Not often does a living piece of history come available for sale, perhaps once a generation. Such a time is this. Heirloom quality throughout this solidly built stone cottage boasts quality not often seen in homes built today. Type: Single Family Home Location: Pittman Center Price: $329,000 Get more information >

 

 

 

Foreclosures Hit A Five Year Low

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

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

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

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

Here Are A Few Of My Featured Listings:

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

Plan Now For A November Visit To The Smoky Mountains

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here Are A Few Of My Featured Listings:

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

 

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

 

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

 

As The Leaves Continue To Change, So Does The Smoky Mountain Real Estate Market

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As we enter the last quarter of 2012, the Smoky Mountain real estate market continues to change in a positive way. Outpacing 2011 in most categories, 2012 is shaping up to be one of the best years for real estate in recent memory. Buyers are very active in the market and property is moving. The next three months are expected to remain steady as the final quarter of the year has consistently been the busiest for the Smoky Mountain area. Let’s see how the first nine months of 2012 have shaped up.

 September continues last month’s pattern, remaining at 18% more homes sold than the same period in 2011. We expect the numbers to keep climbing through the next three months, continuing to outpace recent years.

In line with the big increase in homes sold, the total dollar volume sold is up from 2011 by 7% or just over ten million dollars.

The average sold price is the only area that has not shown an increase with prices down 9% from last year. The numbers are improving as the year continues with September showing a 2% increase from last month. As inventory keeps moving off the market the prices should continue their climb towards positive numbers.

Buyers are taking advantage of the all time low interest rates and still low prices on Smoky Mountain homes. Homes are spending an average of 8% less time on the market in comparison to 2011.

Now is a great time to begin a search for your Smoky Mountain home. There are over 4,000 single family homes available to choose from in Sevier County and we are positive we can find the “perfect” one for you. Take a minute to visit our website and browse all of the . When the time is right we are ready to help you make your move towards owning in the Great Smoky Mountains.

Here Are A Few Of My Featured Listings:

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

 

Large Lot & Ready To Move In To Very nice neighborhood with quality homes on big lots in a scenic setting. Easy access to both Sevier County and Knox County via pretty country roads. Type: Single Family Home Location: Sevierville,TN Price: $229,900 Get more information >

 

Busy Location for Office/Residential! Great, busy location ideal for commercial office site. Has a separate entrance for lower level so could be used for two businesses or in-law quarters if used for residential. Type: Office Location: Sevierville,TN Price: $249,900 Get more information >

 

Navigating The Changes In The Real Estate Market

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

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

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

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

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

Here Are A Few Of My Featured Listings:

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

 

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

 

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