The Great Smoky Mountains National Park & It’s Broad Spectrum of Outdoor Activities

Posted by Gatlin on
Whitewater rafting courtesy of Palojono's photostream on Flickr.com
Photo courtesy of Palojono on Flickr.com

The appeal of the Great Smokies and the surrounding area is multi-faceted.  Within each of these facets lies a multitude of different reasons that bring people from all walks of life and from diverse parts of our world.  When you focus upon an area of interest like outdoor activities it boggles the mind on how diverse the outdoors can be.  It spans a wide arena from outdoor observers like admirers of natural beauty in mountain vistas and bird watchers, to participants in outdoor interaction like hikers, hunters, mountain bikers and campers.

However, today our focus is on whitewater rafting and kayaking.  With the hot, muggy days of August upon us, the cool spring fed rivers of these magnificent mountains offer a refreshing way to enjoy part of your time here in the Smokies.  Whitewater rafting is similar to visiting a good amusement park.  It can be enjoyed by almost anyone and you really don’t need experience.  The critical factor comes in selecting the river or section of river that best accommodates your skills.  Rivers and portions of rapids on each river are rated on a scale from 1-6.  A  1-rating is an easy mellow journey even suitable for children three and up.  As you work up the scale to a class 6 rating you get into an experience that appeals more to the extreme sports enthusiast and thrill seekers.  At the higher level it becomes more physical and demands greater skill. 

The primary rivers in our area for whitewater rafting are; the Nantaliala, the Big Pigeon and the Ocoee.  Dams control parts of these rivers and trips can be scheduled to coincide with water releases.  Trips vary in length of time and can be chosen to fit your schedules. 

For those that like to canoe and kayak the Smokies have many places to explore using your own equipment, but there are also rentals for these items available. This area also caters to the family fun available in tubing a river in inner tubes.

No matter how you define fun; from the casual and easy float downstream in an inner tube, or hurtling down river in a heart pounding race through highly rated rapids in a kayak, there is something here for both extremes as well as river adventures in between. For more information visit http://www.pigeonforge.com/smokymountains/rafting/ .

To enjoy these bountiful experiences whenever you want, there is nothing that rivals owning real estate in the Smokies. To speak with real estate experts contact true professionals at The Jason White Team.

July 2008 vs July 2009 – A Look At The Current Smoky Mountain Real Estate Picture

Posted by Gatlin on

Evaluating residential homes sold in the Great Smokies for the month of July 2009 vs July of 2008 reveals the facts that presently shape the real estate here at this time.  In residential homes sold -2008 saw a total of 133 vs 2009 with 126. Total residences sold is only off by 5% for this year. Dollar volume sold for 2008 was $27,186,320 compared to 2009’s dollar volume sold of $22,673,851.  In dollar volume sold 2009 is off by 17%.  The average sale price for 2008 was $204,408 vs 2009 at $179,951 or a 12% reduction.  The quantity of active residential homes listed in 2008 was 3744 vs 4493 in 2009 revealing 20% more homes for sale this year than last.  

So when we look at these numbers in 2008 vs 2009 some truth comes to light.  First, homes are still selling.  Total sold homes is only off by 5%.  Dollar volume sold for the 2009 month is 17% lower and the average sale is down by 12%.  However, there are 20% more residential homes on the market in July 2009 than were there in July 2008.  Homes are selling, but there are more houses for buyers to consider and pricing is slightly lower.  This indicates that homes must be priced correctly to find a buyer.

This data is indicating that real estate is still moving and it is a great time to buy a home. Low mortgage rates, ample inventory, potential $8,000 tax credit for first time buyers favors those that are buying today.  However, with good staging, appropriate pricing, and great marketing, you can sell your home in this market.  In either case, it is best to partner with a professional who really knows today’s market.  That is why The Jason White Team can help you to sell or buy in this complex market.

Homeowners Who Keep Up With Home Maintenance Have An Easier Time Selling

Posted by Gatlin on

Grass on the roofIn today’s market, sellers who have kept up with all of their home’s maintenance needs are finding themselves in a much more enviable position than a homeowner who has neglected theirs. The reason for this is the market change from a “seller’s market” of just a couple years ago to the current ”buyer’s market”. Buyers are no longer saying yes to the “as is” agreement when purchasing a home. It used to be that before listing their home, sellers would put most of their time and energy into things like pretty new paint, updated light fixtures, fresh new flooring and hip hardware. Unfortunately, for a seller in today’s market you still must manage these minor updates, as well as keep home maintenance up-to-date to sell quickly. For example, it is helpful for a seller to have their roof maintenance performed or any termite damage corrected before putting the home on the market. Buyers are looking more closely at the costs of these things before buying. If there is another home down the street with good home maintenance and not such great curb appeal, in today’s climate a buyer may choose the former – as it will be less cash out of pocket and less headaches for them down the line.

For more information about home maintenance tips see Home Tips or contact Jason White for more information on listing your home in the Greater Smoky Mountain Area.

Learn How To Figure Out Exactly How Much Mortgage You Can Afford

Posted by Gatlin on

Pink calculator close-upIf you are a first-time home buyer, before you even look at houses for sale, the most important thing you can do is figure out exactly how much you can afford on a mortgage payment per month. This will save you wasted time and the disappointment of looking at houses that you may later learn that you simply cannot afford. You first must figure out your debt-to-income ratio. Lenders prefer that you use 36% and under, but you might want to consider using 28% of your gross monthly income for housing expense. Following are the steps to figure out the math:

  1. Figure out all of your debt. Multiply your gross monthly income by .36 to find your total allowable monthly debt.
  2. Add up all of your fixed monthly expenses.
  3. Subtract your fixed monthly expenses from your total allowable monthly debt.

This number is the amount that you have for your mortgage payment, your home owner’s insurance and your property taxes.

For more help figuring out your total allowable monthly debt see a home affordability calculator or call your local real estate agent Jason White.

June New Home Sales Continue to Show Improvement

Posted by Gatlin on

USA Today reports from government sources that June 2009 new home sales rose 11% from May of this year. This data could be an indicator that the US housing market is rebounding. Inventories of new homes for sale fell from 10.2 months supply in May 2009 to 8.8 months in June 2009. New home inventories have not been at this level since October of 2007. The June sales figures made this the third month in a row of higher sales for new homes and it was the best sales pace for new homes since November of 2008.

Government reports showed that new home prices continued to decline 12% from the previous year. This price decline is an advantage for current home buyers since they get more home for their money. Other positive aspects working in favor of today’s home buyers are; the $8,000.00 first-time home buyer tax credit and the low mortgage interest rates available today. These unique market conditions coupled with shrinking new home inventories could see new home prices reverse their trend and costs could begin to increase in the months ahead.

With all these factors in play, there might never be a better time to purchase a home or real estate for investment. Call The Jason White Team today to begin exploring various real estate options that match your needs and fulfill your dreams of owning property in the Great Smoky Mountains area.

Act Soon For First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit-Offer Ends 12/01/2009

Posted by Gatlin on
  • American flagwater ripple and water drop falling in the middleIf you decide to purchase a home by December 1, 2009, you will be entitled to an $8,000 tax credit. This amendment to the economic stimulus bill will be available to you if you purchase your first home between 1/1/2009 and 12/1/2009. Home buyers will be entitled to claim a total tax credit of $8,000 or 10% of the purchase price, whichever is less.  To avoid possible abuse of this credit, it is only allowed for your primary residence and will only have to be re-paid if said house is sold within two years of purchase. Keep in mind that you must close on or before December 1, 2009 to be eligible for the credit. Most closings take about sixty days, so with that in mind you must go under contract by October 2nd, 2009 – this gives you seventy-three days from today to find your first home. If you manage to meet these deadlines, all you have to do to claim your credit is fill out I.R.S. Form 5405.

    • For more information about this credit go to the IRS website or contact The Jason White Team.

    Celebrating the Great Smoky Mountains National Park 75th Anniversary in a Musical Tribute

    Posted by Gatlin on

     

    Banjo (Photo courtesy of lisaschafferphoto at flickr.com)
    Banjo (Photo courtesy of lisaschafferphoto at flickr.com)

    Enhancing a calendar of events that has something for everyone is the 5th annual StringTime in the Smokies sponsored by the City of Pigeon Forge, WDVX radio and numerous local businesses.  This free musical event is part of the National Park’s 75th Anniversary Official Celebration.  StringTime in the Smokies is a two evening concert of American and Bluegrass music held in Pigeon Forge.  Nationally acclaimed musicians skilled in banjo and fiddle playing will be featured, giving the concert a local flavor.  Below is the schedule of events for both days. If you want more information on the musicians, click on the appropriate website next to their name.

     

     

     

    Entertainment Lineup:

    Friday, August 14th  at Old Mill Square 

    7:00 pm Wild Blue Yonder            www.wildblueyonderband.com/music.htm 8:00Timberwinds                                 
    9:00 pm Gary Biscuit Davis and Company        www.banjochamp.com/cds.htm

    Saturday, August 15th at Patriot Park
    6:00 pm Timberwinds           
    6:45 pm Michael Cleveland and Flamekeeper   www.myspace.com/michaelclevelandflamekeeper
    8:30 pm Steeldrivers                                         http://www.myspace.com/thesteeldrivers

    For additional information, details and updates visit: http://www.mypigeonforge.com/events_stringtime.aspx

    For buying or selling Real Estate in the Great Smoky Mountains Area where this fun-filled calendar of events becomes part of your everyday life, contact The Jason White Team .

    One of a Kind Gatlinburg TN Home For Sale

    Posted by Gatlin on
    Gatlinburg TN Home For Sal
    Gatlinburg TN Home For Sal

    A completely refurbished home in 2008 that added an extra 3,000 square feet to the original structure is now available in Gatlinburg, Tennessee.

    This one of a kind Gatlinburg TN home for sale was mainly used as a second home, but would be a fantastic income producing vacation home or residence.

    Four levels of living and deck space, as well as five bedrooms and bathrooms, will give the future residents of this 4143 total square footage home plenty of room to see the tremendous views of Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains.

    Interior details include a brand new chef’s kitchen, oak flooring, luxury baths, and a spacious recreation room.  Over $100,000 was spent to revamp the exterior details to include additional parking, landscaping and irrigation, and an amazing screened deck.

    This unique piece of Gatlinburg TN real estate will not be on the market long.

    For more information on this Gatlinburg TN family home or other Smoky Mountain real estate, please contact the local Smoky Mountain real estate agent, Jason White.

    Summer Actvities in the Smoky Mountains

    Posted by Gatlin on
    Summer Smoky Mountain Sunset (Photo courtesy of Lee Coursey on flickr.com)
    Summer Smoky Mountain Sunset (Photo courtesy of Lee Coursey on flickr.com)

    Now that we are in the middle of July, here are some great summer activities in the Smoky Mountains. 

    When you are looking for something to do besides hiking, mountain biking, or fishing, go elk viewing.  Smoky Mountain elk are often spotted in the Cataloochee Valley and on Highway 321 between Gatlinburg and Cherokee NC. 

    If an adventure is more of your thing, try white water rafting with your friends and family.  The rafting season begins the first week of March and no experience is necessary.  Look for local outfitters on the Upper and Lower Pigeon Rivers. 

    If you are looking for local culture, there are always festivals going on in the Gatlinburg TN area.  Currently the 5th Annual Festival of Native Peoples & Cherokee Art Market is going on this weekend, but the Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair will continue until July 26th.  The summer activities in the Smoky Mountains are sure to keep you and your friends and family busy. 

    For more information on other Gatlinburg TN activities or Gatlinburg TN real estate, please contact the local Gatlinburg TN real estate agent, Jason White.

    Selling your Smoky Mountain TN Home

    Posted by Gatlin on
    Smoky Mountain TN Home (photo courtesy of rsam001 at flickr.com)
    Smoky Mountain TN Home (photo courtesy of rsam001 at flickr.com)

    When selling your Smoky Mountain TN home, it is extremely important that a top real estate agent is on board. 

    Jason White, a top Gatlinburg, Sevierville, and Pigeon Forge TN area real estate agent, is just that person to have on your team. 

    He will evaluate your home and place in a Smoky Mountian TN selling price range, and will market your home to all available buyers.  Jason White or a member of his team will also do a walk through with you to make sure that the house is staged for it’s maximum potential. 

    Jason White will also give you the benefit of years of working with real estate contracts and his up-to-date knowledge of real estate laws, Tennessee statutory disclosure requirements, or house inspections you should have done to ensure a smooth closing. 

    Jason White can be contacted by email or at 877-678-2121.