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 >

 

 

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 >

 

 

 

Big Plans For Sevier County Make Now The Time To Invest In Real Estate

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In July about the potential new sports complex for Gatlinburg and the opening of the LeConte Center in Pigeon Forge that is scheduled for 2013. Recent news shows that the sports complex project is moving full speed ahead and Pigeon Forge is already lining up events for the LeConte Center. The county expects to see huge tourism and revenue gains from both projects. So how are they stacking up and what kind of impact will the Smoky Mountain real estate market see?

On Monday night the County Commissioners were all in agreement with a resolution to partner with the City of Gatlinburg on the sports complex project. This 70/30 partnership will assist with the funding of the project and keep things moving forward to completion. The city and county will be entering into an agreement with the school system to include use of their existing sports facilities when the complex is hosting events. The facility will draw more visitors to the area as families come for tournaments. The Sports Facility Advisory Founder, Dev Pathik, said “I believe people will want to come here and have unique experiences. That’s a rare opportunity.” Vacation lodging will feel the effect of the increase in visitors as well as a potential lengthening of the tourist season in the area.

The LeConte Center, slated to open in September of 2013 is a huge event complex that is expected to generate more than thirty four million dollars to the area. They have already drawn the attention of , previously held in Louisville, KY. After 20 years in Louisville the convention has committed to at least 2 years in Pigeon Forge to give the area a try. They are interested in the diversity of attractions and lodging available for the more than 40,000 people it expects to bring to the area. The Louisville Courier Journal says that this is the world’s largest gathering of southern gospel musicians and fans and has an economic impact of an estimated $8 million. Phil Campbell of the Pigeon Forge Hospitality Association expects the relationship to last much longer than the currently contracted two years. Campbell says “If they come here and find it suitable and if attendance is good, they’ll stay a lot longer.” Starting in 2014, this annual event is sure to increase rental revenues.

Other reports show that the area is outperforming both Branson and Myrtle Beach in tourism for 2012 with Branson actually seeing a 1.1% drop from their numbers of 2011. Steven Morse, an economist from The University of Tennessee says “I think Sevier County has done well because of the strong brand image the entire county represented. That strong brand image is ‘value family vacations.’

With all of these pushes that will increase the already large amount of visitors to the area the value of investment property is sure to increase. Sevier County is already seeing an improved real estate market from last year. As rental income increases for investment homes in the area it will keep the trend moving upward. There are numerous opportunities to own a vacation rental property in the area and we encourage you to take a look at and begin exploring what is available. Now is the time to start thinking about the future impact of these projects on the Smoky Mountain real estate market.

Here Are A Few Of My New And Featured Investment Properties:

Mount LeConte Views Over $30,000 in rental income for 2011!! 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: $299,900 Get more information >

 

Ready To Make You $$$ There is $$$ to be made – produced almost $33,000 in rental income for 2011!! 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: $299,900 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 >

 

Steady Progress For The Gatlinburg Area Real Estate Market

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National real estate news continues to report positive progress for real estate as a whole and the Smoky Mountain area is no exception. The statistics through August reflect the same steady progress that we have witnessed throughout the year and with more positive changes being put in to play, such as the new we spoke about last week, we expect the trend to continue. Let’s take a look at the progress we have made so far in 2012.

In the category of Total Residences Sold we see an 18% increase over 2011. We would also like to point out that this is the highest number of single family homes sold in Sevier County since 2007.

The Total Dollar Volume Sold category shows almost $7,000,000 more real estate sold than last year. With mortgage interest rates so low buyers are very active in the market and homes are moving.

The Average Sold Price is still down however, we have maintained that as distressed properties are liquidated this will improve. The new guidelines for certain short sales that go in to place on November 1st will help move these properties along at a much more rapid pace.

Homes continue to spend less time on the market as buyers are ready willing and able to invest in real estate and sellers are taking advantage of the number of buyers in the market. Smoky Mountain properties are spending an average of 2 weeks less time on the market than they did in 2011.

We encourage those of you who have been dreaming of a home in the Smoky Mountains to take advantage of the current low interest rates and explore the wide variety of in the area. If you are thinking of selling but were holding out for the right time, we are happy to provide you with a to see what the current market value of your home may be. Our team is ready to help make your real estate goals a reality.

Here Are A Few Of My New And Reduced Listings:

Your Hillside Retreat Has produced over $27,000 in rental income for 2012 so far following great income history for both 2010 & 2011. This authentic log cabin sits atop the most beautiful lot in the subdivision. Type: Single Family Home Location: Pigeon Forge Price: $267,500 Get more information >

 

Picture Perfect Views Beautiful and private 2 acre site with postcard views. Literally, we have post cards from the 70’s that have the view from this home’s deck on them. A picture perfect view for sure. Type: Multi Family Home Location: Chalet Village Price: $422,500 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: $365,000 Get more information >

 

As The Market Improves, Warren Buffett Says Buy Houses

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We have seen many positive reports and predictions for the American housing market so far in 2012. Both nationwide and locally we continue to see positive signs of recovery and a slow but steady climb towards market stability. Some markets are seeing values rise as inventory decreases.

In an earlier in the year Warren Buffett praises owning homes as an investment, saying “Well, if I thought I was going to live, if I knew where I was going to want to live the next five or ten years, I would buy a home and I’d finance it with a 30-year mortgage, it’s a terrific deal. And if, literally, if I was an investor that was a handy type, which I’m not, and I could buy a couple of them at distressed prices and find renters, and again take a 30-year mortgage, it’s a leveraged way of owning a very cheap asset now and I think that’s probably as  attractive an investment as you can make now.”

Buffett also said “If I had a way of buying a couple hundred thousand single-family homes and had a way of managing—the management is enormous—is really the problem because they’re one by one. They’re not like apartment houses. But I would load up on them and I would take mortgages out at very, very low rates.”

Though most of us are not looking to purchase “a couple hundred thousand” homes, with interest rates at all time lows, it is a great time to consider adding investment homes to your portfolio. Mr. Buffett touches on the challenges of the management of investment properties, however, in the Smoky Mountain real estate market there are several options for handling the day to day care of your property. As this is a prime vacation spot, a large number of properties are used as overnight rentals which opens the door to not only making a great investment but also having a Smoky Mountain get away of your own. If you prefer a more hands on approach many investors in the area have had success with using online marketing tools and handling the rental and management of their properties themselves. With this option you may also consider the use of a company such as , which offers customized care plans for absentee owners. They work both with homes that are vacation rentals by owner and second homes that are not used as rental. They offer a wide variety of services from cleaning and maintenance to just stopping by to open the windows and make sure everything is in order. If you prefer to be less involved there are a number of vacation rental management companies in the area that will handle the daily details and offer a wide variety of services. Our team has great relationships with these companies and we will assist you in identifying the management solution that will be a fit for your investment goals.

The Smoky Mountain real estate market offers a wide variety of choices in investment properties. Why not take a look at our to see all that is available? If you see a property that looks like it has potential to add to your investments, let us know, we are here to help you obtain additional information about rental income history, market statistics and monthly expenses.

Here Are A Few Of My Featured Investment Properties:

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: $189,900 Get more information >

 

Close To Downtown Well over $30k rental income in both 2010 & 2011! Well built cabin in excellent condition within the city limits of Gatlinburg. Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee Price: $289,900 Get more information >

 

A View From Above Did over $94K in rental income for 2010 & over $97K in 2011!!! Outstanding view of Mt LeConte in Smokies, with 5 master suites, media room, close to Gatlinburg, ski resort and National Park! Fully furnished! Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee Price: $699,900 Get more information >

 

Smoky Mountain Real Estate Continues To Gain Ground In July

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The year has been positive so far for the Smoky Mountain real estate market. Looking at the market statistics through July we see continued improvement in most categories for single family homes in Sevier County with some areas showing huge gains over last year. Buyers are very active and properties are moving. Let’s see what the numbers have to tell us.

The category of Total Residences Sold shows that buyer activity remains strong with a 15% increase from 2011.

Total Dollar Volume Sold goes hand in hand with the last category and reports $5,203,117 more real estate sold than last year. We are also seeing homes in higher price ranges selling this year which will continue to push the increases in volume.

The Average Sold Price still lags behind 2011 but continues to improve every month. With the balancing of inventory occurring as distressed sales leave the market and homes in higher price ranges are selling we believe this category will continue moving towards being stabilized.

The Average Days On Market lets us know that sellers are ready to sell and buyers are ready, willing and able. From last year homes are spending 6% less time on the market and the number has shown gains from 2011 each month.

The Smoky Mountain region is a hive of real estate activity and opportunities. If you have been dreaming of owning a home near the National Park now is a great time to take a look at the and find your perfect get away. Our team is ready to help you every step of the way.

Here Are A Few Of My New Listings:

Fantastic Rental Income!! Fantastic rental income! Produced over $26,000 in rental income in both 2010 & 2011! Lots of features you want in a Smoky Mountin retreat. Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee Price: $185,000 Get more information >

 

Quality Features & Mountain Views If you are looking for your own home away from home you must see this quality three bedroom. Fantastic Smoky Mountain Views, attached garage, workshop & much more. Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee Price: $349,900 Get more information >

 

Great Price On A Gatlinburg Home Cute vintage chalet practically walking distance to Gatlinburg. Always used as a second home and perfectly suited for a weekend family get-away. Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee Price: $89,900 Get more information >

 

Continued Improvement For The Smoky Mountain Real Estate Market

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Nationally the real estate market is improving and the statistics for single family homes in Sevier County show that the Smoky Mountain region is no exception. The numbers show strong improvement over last year in most categories for the first half of the year, let’s take a look.  

June’s numbers keep 2012 ahead of last year in the category of Total Residences Sold. With a difference of 21% or 111 more homes sold than the same period last year we see that buyer activity continues to be strong.

In the Total Dollar Volume Sold category 2012 outperforms 2011 with a 7% increase. This is just under seven million dollars more real estate sold than in the first half of 2011.

The Average Sold Price is still behind 2011 but shows improvement from last month. Through June the average price is down 11%, last month it was a 14% decrease from 2011. The number of foreclosures that are being sold and leaving the market continues to help with improving this number.  

In the last category of Average Days On Market we see signs that buyers are in the market and ready, willing and able to buy. With a 7% decrease in time on the market there is no doubt that the Smoky Mountain real estate market is active.  

The market is changing for the positive at a steady pace and we believe this trend will continue. Considering the purchase of a Smoky Mountain home? This is the time to take advantage of current mortgage affordability and the wide variety of available homes for sale. Spend some time browsing to see everything the area has to offer. When the time is right we are ready to assist you on your path to owning a mountain home.

Here Are A Few Of My Featured Listings:

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: $189,900 Get more information >

 

Two Acre Mountain Retreat Charming log cabin on a private two acres. Type: Single Family Home Location: Pigeon Forge Price: $189,900 Get more information >

 

Great Home Or Home Away From Home Custom built home in desirable Norton Creek. It is in such good condition, you’ll think it was just finished. Thoughtful design for year around low maintenance make it suitable for retirement, second home use or as a family home. Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee Price: $269,900 Get more information >

 

 

Expect Strong Improvement For The Real Estate Market In 2012

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When we looked at the Smoky Mountain market statistics for January through May of 2012 it was noted that homes are selling faster, sales volume is up but prices are still down by 14% from last year. We believe that this is directly related to the still existing inventory of distressed homes that are lingering on the market. Distressed homes affect not only the market but families, communities and the overall economy. It is positive news that both lenders and government have been working through several new options and getting more aggressive in their  attempts to liquidate inventory and prevent more from coming to the market. The National Association of REALTORS believes that increasing access to affordable loans and committing more resources to loan modifications and short sales is the key to calming the situation.

As we move through the year we expect to see the average sales price move more and more towards stronger numbers. Buyers are actively involved in the market and mortgage rates are at all time lows. The pieces are falling in place for a market recovery and every month we see more positive news both locally and nationally. The National Association of REALTORS reports that although the last four years in home sales have been essentially flat they forecast a solid increase of around 400,000 more homes sold in 2012. Nationally all major home price trackers are showing a trend of rising home prices in many areas. Harvard University’s Joint Center for Housing Studies released it’s Annual State of The Nation’s Housing report for 2012. The report points to increasingly strong market fundamentals and says home sales could see serious improvement this year.

Slower job growth, the above mentioned distressed properties and the slow pace that young people are moving in to their own homes are a few things hanging over the recovery but things are moving in the right direction. With rentals getting pricier and mortgage affordability at an all time high, demand continues to increase. The report from Harvard includes a detailed graph showing how much more affordable mortgage payments have become compared to rental rates. We expect to see many more first time buyers entering the market as the year progresses.

With the flurry of activity in the market now could be a great time to consider putting a home on the market as buyer exposure is continuing to increase. Wondering how much the market may have changed this year? We are happy to prepare a for you to give you an idea of what buyers are currently paying for homes similar to yours.

Thinking of buying a mountain home? With plenty of properties at great prices still to be found in the Smoky Mountain region and mortgage rates so low, now is the time to enter the market. We are happy to assist you with getting pre-approved, finding the right home and assisting with your path to home ownership. Why not take a look at all that is available at our ?

Here Are A Few Of My Featured Listings:

Like Brand New
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: $389,700
Get more information >

 

Secluded & Private Country Home
Over $30k rental income in both 2010 & 2011! This secluded & private country home is located in the heart of the Arts & Crafts community.
Type: Single Family Home
Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee
Price: $289,900
Get more information >