Discover More Wonders Of The Mountains At Wilderness Wildlife Week™

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Mt. LeConte Llama TrainThis weekend in the Smokies boasts a weather forecast with temps near seventy degrees. It will be a beautiful weekend for Pigeon Forge to kick off it’s 23rd Annual Wilderness Wildlife Week™. Slated to begin on Saturday the 12th at Music Road Hotel & Convention Center, the week long event offers a wide range of learning opportunities with many workshops, hikes and demonstrations. The event is designed to offer activities for every age level and interest. Let’s take a look at a few of the topics and excursions that will be available.

The Keynote Program will be held on Saturday at 7:45 PM. Presented by Sam Venable, a humor columnist for the Knoxville News Sentinel it is titled “How to Tawlk and Rite Good: An Introduction to the Native Tongue of Southern Appalachia.” Mr. Venable is the author of 10 books and holds more than three dozen writing awards. If you are looking for a bit of Southern humor you won’t want to miss this presentation.

Each day is packed with a wide choice of events. Sunday at 12:30 the Lost Mill String Band will perform Kids’ Track! Kiddin’ Around: A Concert For Kids of All Ages. At 1:00 Steve Garrett will present Smoky Mountain Llama Treks: Hiking With Llamas In The Smokies. Llamas are used to take supplies to LeConte Lodge and they love eating pancakes when they get to the top – you can find a great video here.

If you wish to spend part of the week in the outdoors the event offers numerous hikes and field trips throughout the week. For the early risers, Sunday at 6:00 AM begins a bus trip titled Cades Cove Photo Trek. If you enjoyed the llama video above why not take a hike with them? Wednesday from 10:00-4:00 and Friday from 10:00-5:00 will be a llama hike. Spaces for hikes and field trips fill up fast, all hike sign ups will be held at Holiday Inn Express, located directly across the street from Music Road Hotel & Convention Center. Hiking rules and the sign up procedure may be found here.

This is just a small listing of the many things this annual event offers. Take a look around the event website, you may find something that has to go on your “must do” list. If you participate in the event we are confident that you will find even more reasons to fall in love with the Smoky Mountain region. Want to make it easy to spend time in the mountains? A Smoky Mountain home away from home may be the answer. You can browse all of the homes for sale in the area at . If you decide it may be time for your mountain home purchase, let us know. We are happy to schedule an appointment to begin your search process.

Here Are A Few Of My New & Reduced Listings:

Perfect Cabin – Perfect Location Almost $20,000 rental income for 2012! Here is a perfect log cabin with all the amenities! Gorgeous yet rustic decor with a perfect location in the private & exclusive Riversong area. Type: Single Family Home Location: Pittman Center Price: $199,900 Get more information >
Stress Free Mountain Living Panoramic Mt. Leconte view and the stress free living that only a condo can offer. Sprawling three bedroom unit offers high ceilings, two spacious master suites and much more. Type: Condo Location: Chalet Village Price: $344,900 Get more information >
Private Chalet Minutes To Downtown Produced $23,207 rental income for 2010 & right at $20,000 for 2011! Great location only a mile from the 441 Parkway and about 1.5 miles to downtown Gatlinburg. Type: Single Family Home Location: Chalet Village Price: $169,900 Get more information >

A Summary Of The 2012 Smoky Mountain Real Estate Market

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The Road To Recovery

 

We hope each of you had a great New Year! As we move in to 2013 we would like to look at the final statistical numbers for 2012 that the Great Smoky Mountain Association Of REALTORS has released. If we go all the way back to the statistics early in the year we know 2012 started with a whirlwind of activity and the trend continued all year. Let’s take a look.

In the category of Total Residences Sold we finished out 2012 with an overall increase of 12%. Buyers were very active throughout the year and took advantage of all time low mortgage rates.

Total Smoky Mountain Homes Sold

In conjunction with the above category Total Volume of real estate sold in the area was also up with an increase over last year of over $11,000,000.

Total Volume Sold

Prices were still down at the close of the year but have continued to show improvement. As supply continues to dwindle prices will keep pushing towards positive numbers.

Average Sold Price

The amount of time homes spent on the market showed a decrease of 2.5%. As market factors continue to stabilize we expect to see this number continue to improve.

Time On Market

We would also like to note that 2012 finished with only a 3% increase in inventory vs. 2011. This is an improvement from the 2011 vs. 2010 number which showed a 9% increase. If financing continues to stay at low rates, which we expect it to, inventory will continue to decrease resulting in a balancing of supply and demand in the Great Smoky Mountain region.

It’s a fresh new year and we expect 2013 to continue the upward trend for real estate. It may be the right time to consider an investment or second home purchase in the mountains. Take a look at what the market has to offer by visiting our . We are happy to help with making your Smoky Mountain real estate dream become a reality!

Here Are A Few Of My Featured Properties:

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: $179,900 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 >
Charming & Authentic Log Cabin Did $22,907 in rental income from April – December of 2011. Charming and authentic log cabin located in desirable Sky Harbor community between tourist centers of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee Price: $169,900 Get more information >

Economists Continue To Report Good News For Real Estate

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© 2012 WDeanBrown.com No use allowed without photographer's permissionIn a news release on December 20th the National Association of Realtors shows that market conditions continued to improve in November, with lowering inventory and rising prices. The article states that total existing home sales including single family homes, town-homes, condos and co-ops rose 5.9% in November which reflects a 14.5% increase from November of 2011. Lawrence Yun, NAR Chief Economist, said “Momentum continues to build in the housing market from growing jobs and a bursting out of household formation”. Let’s take a more in depth look at the breakdown of the numbers.

One of the big factors contributing to the market recovery is the lowered inventory of distressed homes on the market. Foreclosures and short sales only made up 22% of the sales in November, down from 24% the previous month and 29% in November of 2011. These properties were only showing average discounts of 16-20% from market value, a sign of increased demand. Yun said “The market share of distressed property sales will fall into the teens next year based on a diminishing number of seriously delinquent mortgages”. The current low interest rates and availability of programs to assist home owners will continue to contribute to the reduction of this type of home inventory.

Total housing inventory at the end of November represented a 4.8 month supply with sales at their current pace. This is the lowest supply the market has witnessed since September of 2005. We are also seeing time on the market decrease both nationally and locally with the national stats showing a 28.6% decrease from the same month last year.

As demand increases prices are expected to continue their steady rise. The national median price for existing homes was $180,600 last month. This is not only the ninth consecutive month of year over year gains but also represents a 10.1% increase in price from last November. The last time we were able to see price increases sustained for this many months in a row was from September of 2005 through May of 2006.

We believe that this positive trend will continue through the end of the year and in to 2013. Next week we will take a look at how 2012 finished out for the Smoky Mountain real estate market. The following months of January and February are traditionally a flurry of activity for our area when a large number of buyers visit to view homes. If you have been thinking of coming to explore the market give us a call or email, we are happy to schedule an appointment. If you have a home to sale, now may be the time to ask for a , you may find that now is the time to list.

Here Are A Few Of My Featured Homes:

Relax & Enjoy The View A true opportunity to own a relaxing and stress free home away from home in the mountains. This is a very attractive unit with stunning mountain views from it’s top floor location. Type: Condo Location: Chalet Village Price: $92,500 Get more information >
Custom Built Home On The River Custom built home on the Pigeon River with year around mountain views in one of Sevierville’s most sought after neighborhoods. Type: Single Family Home Location: Sevierville,TN Price: $349,000 Get more information >
Tucked Away Above It All What a great deal on a nice, clean & spacious mountain get away. Type: Single Family Home Location: Chalet Village Price: $112,000 Get more information

Investment Strategies: First Build A Power Team

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Real Estate Power TeamInvesting in a vacation rental property gives you the opportunity to create somewhat passive monthly cash flow however, the best deals are not always right next door. Investing in other areas can seem like a daunting task that comes with several common fears; how to handle maintenance, repairs and tenants. This is where having a “power team” on your side comes in to play. We would like to present a series of articles that take a deeper look at purchasing investment real estate and strategies such as the use of a Self Directed IRA to make your purchases. Today we will start with the importance of assembling a trusted group of people to assist, who should be on the list and why our team is a great asset for you when you are considering a Smoky Mountain investment purchase.

Having the right Real Estate Agent is the cornerstone of any strong network for investing. The agent should have a large network of contacts including title companies, contractors, inspectors and more. Finding an agent with great connections in place will put you several steps ahead in building your own network. Aside from this, it is very important that the agent you pick is VERY familiar with the process of investing in real estate, someone with the experience to guide you through buying in an out of area market. Our team has been in the Top 1% in the area for many years and we work primarily with vacation rental investments. We have a very large network of people who are involved in the business that are available to assist with a wide variety of things that may come in to play. I have been active in the market for years, successfully building, buying, selling and owning numerous investment properties myself while helping others to do the same. Our team can assist you with identifying turnkey properties, choosing a rental management company, obtaining expense information and we are also experienced in the use and creation of Self Directed IRAs for real estate purchases. We feel that an SDIRA is an option for purchasing with many potential benefits and will discuss this strategy in more depth in the next article in this series.

Other members of your team should include a variety of lenders;a great accountant;a solid financial advisor and we would add a great IRA administrator to the list as well.  We can assist with putting together each piece of your team. It is important that the people you choose are familiar with the market you plan to invest in, respond quickly and have a great history with the type of transactions you are pursuing. We are able to connect you with potential members of your team for the Great Smoky Mountain area but are also members of a national network of top agents and are happy to put you in touch with a great investment agent in any area you choose to purchase in.

To get started why not take a little bit of time on and start identifying what type of properties may fit in to your investment plans. Once you have identified the key members of your “power team” and what type of property you are interested in; rental, land to develop or something to fix up, consider making an appointment with us for January or February. These are great months to view property in person as there are less vacationers in the area and a larger selection of homes are available to see.

Here Are A Few Of My Featured Investment Properties:

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 >
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 >
Consistent $$$ Maker At A Great Price!! CONSISTENTLY RENTED OVER 200 DAYS PER YEAR FOR THE PAST FOUR YEARS, WITH REVENUE RANGING FROM $38,000-$41,000! Wonderful and spacious 3-level cabin tucked away in Gatlinburg and only a short drive to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park! Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee Price: $250,000 Get more information >

The Smoky Mountain Real Estate Market Keeps Climbing

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As we take a look back at the first 11 months of 2012 we see signs that 2012 will be a year marked as the time when things began a steady turn around for the real estate market. With positive news from economists, various markets throughout the country and improving statistics it is hard to ignore that real estate is climbing towards a recovery. Let’s take a look at the year to date numbers for Sevier County.

In the category of Total Residences Sold Through November we see an improvement of 14% versus the same period of 2011. As mortgage rates are staying low and the cost of rent rises we expect to see more first time buyers enter the market with Trulia reporting that almost 80% of renters surveyed said they plan to buy a home.

Total Dollar Volume Sold maintains it’s pace with an 8% increase from last year.

The Average Sold Price is still slightly down but shows an improvement from last month. New home construction is slow and is helping to push prices up. The presence of foreclosures as competition also continues to decrease as many owners have been able to take advantage of new programs to stay in their homes.

Average Time On The Market stays steady at 3% less time than last year. Properties in the area are spending just at six months on the market as an average.

According to CoreLogic National home prices have been moving up for eight consecutive months with the largest increase since June 2006. The National Association of REALTORS reported in October that the  inventory of available homes was down 22% from last year and at the lowest inventory since February 2006. As the numbers continue to improve it could be time to request a to determine what price the current market will bear for your property, you may be pleasantly surprised. If you are considering a purchase now is the time to take advantage of still low interest rates as NAR predicts that mortgage rates will stay low in 2013 but will rise to an average of 4%. Ready to browse? Visit our for access to all Smoky Mountain area properties that are available.

Here Are A Few Of My Featured Listings:

 

Build Your Dreams
Great opportunity to make your Smoky Mountain Dreams come true. 1.8 acre residential lot located centrally to both Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge.
Type: Land
Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee
Price: $69,900
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 >

 

Custom Built Home On The River
Custom built home on the Pigeon River with year around mountain views in one of Sevierville’s most sought after neighborhoods.
Type: Single Family Home
Location: Sevierville,TN
Price: $379,700
Get more information >

 

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 >