Five National Real Estate Market Trends to Watch for 2015

Posted by Gatlin on November 20, 2014

As we head towards the end of 2014, and look ahead to 2015, there are five noteworthy trends to watch for the national real estate market, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), which looks ahead to see what potential sellers and buyers can possibly expect for the coming year in terms of the national real estate market.

The first of these national trends focus on an expected modest rise in average mortgage rates for the coming year, ranging from an average of 4.6%, and then inching up towards 5% by the end of 2015, according Freddie Mae’s latest projections, indicating a likely rise in mortgage rates nationally, even though these rates will still largely remain at historically low levels on average. The second of these trends shows that the ongoing gradual increase of home prices will slow a bit, but still increase by 3% in terms of average home appreciation. According to Freddie Mae’s economists, while home prices will slow their ongoing rise, home affordability, at least historically speaking, will remain high on average. The third main trend to watch in the coming year is the projected increase in homebuilding, with this expected to rise nearly 20% in 2015, which may help total home sales increase by 5%, reaching the best sales pace in 8 years. Two additional trends focus on a likely projected decrease of 8% in single-family mortgage originations, although there will be a projected 14% increase in multi-family mortgage originations. Lastly, a broader trend expected is that the U.S. economy as a whole is poised to sustain a growth rate of 3% in 2015, which would be the 2nd year in the past decade with a growth rate at such a pace or better, according to Frank Nothaft, the chief economist for Freddie Mae. On the whole, these trends show a continued gradual growth in the national real estate market, as well as a continued gradual recovery in the housing market for 2015. For more on this very insightful article from the National Association of Realtors, please click on this link to find out more today!

As we look to the coming year, with mortgage rates nationally still expected to remain at historically low levels, along with home prices remaining historically high on average, there are many great real estate opportunities available for buyers and sellers alike, both now, and heading into 2015, especially here in the Great Smoky Mountains! Now is a great time to take advantage – why not see what the Smokies can do for you today? Please feel free to browse our Featured Properties, and see what The Jason White Team can do for and your real estate dreams today!

This Week’s Featured Properties:

RECENTLY REDUCED!

Picturesque, 2 BD/2 Full BA & 2 Half BA, Victorian-Style Chalet Only Mins. to Gatlinburg! Made near or above $20K in rental income in each of the last 3 yrs.; has enormous rental potential! Each BD in this home has its own in-room W/P & Priv. Bath, along with including a Large Lower Level Great Room, a formal Dining Room, & much more. Has amazing views of both Mt. LeConte & the Smokies, & is only mins. to dwtn. Gatlinburg, the Nat’l Park, & the many area attractions. A very uniquely designed home & a great location – come see it for yourself today! Type: Single-Family Home Location: Gatlinburg, TN Price: $269,000 For more information >

FEATURED LISTING!

Private, 2 BD/2 BA Bungalow-Style Mountain Chalet Only Mins. to Gatlinburg! Made nearly $12K in rental income in 2013; has enormous rental potential, or can be a wonderful permanent or 2nd home! Each BD has own Priv. BA, closet, in-room W/P, & deck access, w/a sauna rm in Master BD. Incl. Massive Great Rm, level parking, & great seasonal, winter mtn. views. Has addt’l 1/2 acre across the street; can be used as a detached garage. Only mins. from Gatlinburg, the Nat’l Park, & Pigeon Forge. A well-decorated, spacious home at a great value! Type: Single-Family Home Location: Gatlinburg, TN Price: $199,900 For more information >

FEATURED LISTING!

Beautiful, Cottage-Style, 1 BD/1.5 BA Chalet Only Mins. to Gatlinburg! Great as a permanent or 2nd home, or as an overnight rental! Enjoy mtn. living in this comfortable, cottage-style home; includes a spacious Great Rm on the Main Level, an even Larger Master Suite BD on the 2nd level (incl. in-room W/P, Private BA, & a screened-in deck area w/hot tub), a flowing mtn. stream in the front of the property, & much more! Only mins. to dwtn. Gatlinburg, the Nat’l Park, & the attractions; a great cottage-style home w/great potential! Type: Single-Family Home Location: Gatlinburg, TN Price: $149,900 For more information >

The Jason White Team
Century 21 Four Seasons Realty, Inc.
1441 Wiley Oakley Drive
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Toll Free: (877) 678-2121
Fax: (865) 436-7227
E-mail: jason@jasonwhiteteam.com
Website: https://gatlinburgrealestateforsale.com

The U.S. Housing Market Shows Biggest Monthly Sales Gain Since 2011

Posted by Gatlin on July 24, 2014

Over the last year or so, the U.S. housing market has seen two major and predominant trends in terms of the market as a whole. The first of these trends focuses on higher home prices, which has been reflective in many different regional markets, as well as nationally. The other trend has focused on the beginning of decreased housing inventory, which has also taken place in many different regional markets, as well as nationally. These two trends have been fairly consistent for the last year or so, and now, as of the month of May 2014, the national housing market showed its biggest gains from month-to-month since 2011, showing a possible continuing sign of a recovering national housing market.

For previously-owned homes in May 2014, as opposed to April 2014, purchases went up by 4.9% for the month, which is the biggest increase in this statistic since August 2011, according to the latest figures from the National Association of Realtors. In addition, according to the same NAR report, this level was the strongest since October 2013, in the same category. This statistic may show a potentially more balanced market emerging, including such factors as: 1) a wide selection of properties available on the market, 2) smaller price gains (although national home prices are still showing an increase), and 3) still-lower borrowing costs, which has led to greater demand as more homes have been placed back on the market for sale, along greater overall buyer interest nationally. Whether or not these national trends will continue is too early to say, but these trends do show some greater, albeit cautious, optimism on the part of the national market as a whole.

Another piece of good news focuses on new home sales nationally. From April 2014 to May 2014, according to a recent report by U.S. Department of Commerce and the Census Bureau, new home sales month-to-month increased by 18.6%. This actually shows the greatest month-to-month increase for new homes sales since January 1992, according to the same report. This shows a real sense of greater optimism on the part of sellers and buyers, in terms of the recovery of the national real estate market.

Finally, another sign of a recovering real estate market relates to the recent drop of foreclosure activity nationally. According to RealtyTrac, which tracks foreclosures across the nation, June 2014 foreclosure activity fell by 16% across the United States. In addition, foreclosure filings are also now at their lowest levels since July 2006, and are now at pre-2008 economic downturn levels. With more states beginning to clear their books of foreclosures, judicially and otherwise, inventory has begun to stabilize nationally, leading to greater confidence in the market as a whole.

What do all of these emerging trends mean? With a recovery in the national real estate market, more potential sellers and buyers have taken the opportunity to begin realizing their own home ownership dreams at a greater pace, and now have greater confidence in the market as a whole. This also includes the Great Smoky Mountain real estate market, as well, and with historically-low interest rates still in place, there are many great properties available for people looking for properties here in the Smokies.

Why not see what the Great Smoky Mountains can do you for you and your real estate needs today? Please feel free to browse our Featured Properties, and see how The Jason White Team can help realize your home ownership dreams today! You can also learn more about who we are and what we can do for your real estate needs, and even make us one of your “Likes” on Facebook!

Here Are A Few of My Featured Properties:

Luxurious, 6 BD/5 BA Chalet Located in Beautiful, Scenic Cobbly Nob – Back on the Market! Made nearly $29K in rental income in 2013 alone! Very spacious home, w/lower level extra rm usable an as extra BD, & a spacious Loft area, great as a den or extra sleeping space. Incl. Massive Great Rm, Large Lower Level Rec Rm, & 2 deck levels. Amazing views of the Smokies; in a well-managed subdivision, w/access to many comm. amenities! Only mins. from dwtn. Gatlinburg, the Nat’l Park & the attractions; a luxurious home w/luxurious mtn. views! Type: Single-Family Residential Location: Gatlinburg, TN Price: $289,900 For more information >

Private, 3 BD/3 BA Chalet Located in Beautiful, Scenic Cobbly Nob – Back on the Market! Made over $11K in rental income in each of the last 2 years alone; has great rental potential! Includes Massive Great Rm, each BD having its own Private BA, Large Lower Level Rec Rm, & 2 decks on the main & lower levels, complete w/broad mtn. views of the Smokies. Located in a well-managed subdivision, w/access to many community amenities! Only mins. from dwtn. Gatlinburg, the Nat’l Park & the attractions; a great location & value! Type: Single-Family Residential Location: Gatlinburg, TN Price: $169,900 For more information >

Private, Cozy, 1 BD/1 BA Chalet, Only Mins. to Dwtn. Gatlinburg – New Listing! Great permanent or 2nd home; also has great potential as an overnight rental! Located in a beautiful, wooded setting, w/a very rustic feel, giving you a real sense of mtn. living. Very spacious home, w/a Massive Main Level Great Rm, & an even larger 2nd floor Master Suite, incl. Master BD w/an in-room W/P, Master BA, & Private Laundry Rm! Only mins. to dwtn. Gatlinburg, the Nat’l Park, & the attractions; a very well-kept home in a great location! Type: Single-Family Residential Location: Gatlinburg, TN Price: $139,900 For more information >

A Look at The National Real Estate Market Through the First Three Months of 2014

Posted by Gatlin on March 27, 2014

From time to time, along a focus on the local real estate market here in the Great Smoky Mountains, it is also important to know what is going on nationally in terms of real estate, especially since what happens on a national level inevitably impacts what happens here in the local real estate market. Today, we will highlight some of the national trends that have happened over the first couple of months of 2014, particularly in terms of the national level in the real estate industry.

The first of these trends focus on the ongoing trend of rising home prices, which we have previously spotlighted in previous blog posts. In January 2014, for example, according to the S & P/Case-Shiller Home Price Indicies, home prices were in fact 13.2% higher that they were a year ago, even though this is still 20% off of the peak shown for home prices back in 2006. While the rise in home prices has been noticeable over the past few months, it is generally seen a slow, gradual rise by many experts, indicating the national market, while still not to the levels it was prior to the 2008 economic downturn, is beginning to show signs of gradual, steady growth over the long-term.

The second of these trends nationally since the start of the year relates directly to greater confidence on the part of potential sellers of homes. According to a recent survey conducted by Redfin, 38% of respondents indicated that there was an increased confidence on the part of potential sellers of homes, and also indicated that the first quarter of 2014 would be a good time for selling their home. Such confidence, as noted here, could lead more people place their homes back on the market, especially since home prices are on the increase in many markets. In addition, confidence on the part of home builders is also increasing nationally, as well, with more home builders beginning to express greater confidence in terms of the market as a whole, reaching levels of confidence that have not been since 2008.

The last of these national trends focuses on the purchases of new homes, which actually showed an increase of 9.6% to a 468,000 annualized pace, according to figures from the U.S. Department of Commerce, showing the greatest increase in new home sales since 2008. In addition, the median sales price increased 3.4% from January 2013 to January of this year, according to the same Commerce Department report. While not at the levels it was prior to 2008, this recent data collectively shows that there are signs of recovery in the real estate market as a whole, and even includes slow, but steady, growth, as previously discussed in earlier blog posts.

With this information in mind, particularly in regards to the current state of the national real estate market, why not see what the Smokies have to offer for you today? Please feel free to browse our Featured Properties, and see what The Jason White Team can do for your home ownership needs! In addition, you can also browse our Team website, to learn more about who we are and what we can do for you. You can also make us one of your first “Likes” on Facebook today by visiting our Team page! Let The Jason White Team help you realize your home ownership dreams today!

Here Are A Few of My Featured Properties:

Beautiful, Private 3 BD/3 1/2 BA, Log Cabin Located in Scenic Wears Valley! Amazing views of the surrounding Valley! Includes living/dining rm, upstairs loft, & virtual, 180-degree views from front deck. Great value in a beautiful & tranquil setting! Type: Single-Family Home Location: Sevierville, TN Price: $289,900 For more information >

Spacious, 4 BD, 3 BA Mountain Chalet Only Mins. to Dwtn. Gatlinburg! Made $12,000 in rental income in just 2013 alone! Breathtaking views of the Smoky Mtns.! Includes Large Rec Rm, large living/dining rm, full kitchen, & much more! Spacious home & great location! Type: Single-Family Home Location: Gatlinburg, TN Price: $159,900 For more information >

Beautiful, Custom-Built Lakefront Home w/Amazing Views! Located on scenic Douglas Lake; has outside gardens w/commercial outdoor kitchen, gazebo, boat dock & ramp, & much more! Incl. spacious living rm, full kitchen, & lots of custom-built features throughout. A must see! Type: Single-Family Home Location: Sevierville, TN Price: $925,000 For more information >

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

Five U.S. Real Estate Trends to Watch in 2014

Posted by Gatlin on January 23, 2014

The Puzzle Of Real Estate

As we start into 2014, there are at least five major national real estate trends that are definitely worth watching, especially with respect to the potential market for both buyers and sellers.

The first of these broad trends is that more sellers may be placing their homes back on the market. Recently, the ongoing rise in home prices has led more homeowners to consider placing their homes back on the market. An additional factor also hinges on the expectation that new home construction is expected to increase further this year, further boosting options for home shoppers. For more on the past trends of rising home prices, please refer to our blog post earlier this month, to see some local statistics reflecting some of these recent trends right here in the Great Smoky Mountains real estate market.

The second of these trends heading into 2014 is that new home sales are expected to rise into this year. Forecasters expect the number of housing starts to range from 1.19 million to 1.25 million, up from 975,500 in 2013. In addition, builders are also compensation for years of sub-par construction levels, according to Robert Denk, an economist with the National Association of Home Builders. Furthermore, an anticipated increase in homebuilding means that new home sales should also increase, as well. While it is too early to say if this trend will play out fully, the potential for new home sales to increase is certainly a possibility heading into 2014.

The third of these trends on a national level also focus on the real possibility of mortgage interest rates rising in 2014. While fixed mortgages likely will rise this year, averaging somewhere in the 4.9 percent to 5.3 percent range, forecasters say. That’s still low historically, but well above rates for the past 2 1/2 years. The potential for the Federal Reserve to begin its “tapering” of its stimulus bond buyback program sometime this year plays a significant role in why rates could rise, albeit not as dramatically as once feared. Mortgage rates will still remain at historically low levels, despite any potential increases. For more on the potential for the Fed regarding potential tapering, please click here for a broader explanation and what it could mean for the real estate market, particularly with regards to mortgage interest rates for 2014 and beyond.

Additional trends include the possibility of credit actually easing somewhat heading into 2014, where lenders could be in a greater to extend more loans to potential homebuyers as a whole. While it is too early to state that credit as a whole will be easier to get in this new year, trends point to a potential easing of this over time, particularly with respect to new mortgages and loans. For more information regarding this emerging trend, please check out this link with regards to the potential easing of credit heading into 2014. However, one final national trend to also watch is that the commercial real estate market remains slow into 2014, where commercial real estate recovery “tends to lag broader economic growth,” according to Deloitte & Touche’s 2014 outlook.

In short, these five trends in national real estate will certainly shape the landscape of real estate here in the Smoky Mountains, as well. Why not see what the Great Smoky Mountain real estate market can offer you today? Please feel free to browse our available Featured Properties today, and see how The Jason White Team can help you realize your home ownership dreams!

Here Are A Few of My Featured Listings:

Private Chalet w/Panoramic Mtn. Views! Private, 3 BD/3 BA chalet located in Chalet Village, with amazing, panoramic mountain views! Perfectly suited as a permanent residence, 2nd home, or overnight rental. Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg, Tennessee Price: $229,900 Get more information >

Brand New Log Cabin Near Gatlinburg w/Spectacular Mtn. Views! Brand new log cabin w/2 BD/2 BA, located just 2 mi. from the Downtown Gatlinburg Strip, & is w/in walking distance to the Gatlinburg Community Center. Spectacular mountain views! Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg, Tennessee Price: $249,900 Get more information >

2049 Luzerne Drive Main Photo Restored, Vintage-Style Chalet w/Bird’s Eye View of the Great Smoky Mountains! Restored, vintage-style chalet with virtual bird’s eye views of the Great Smoky Mountains, tramway and city lights while just 5 mins. from downtown Gatlinburg. Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg, Tennessee Price: $169,900 Get more information >

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

Heading Into 2014, The Great Smoky Mountain Real Estate Market Continues to Show Slow, But Steady, Growth

Posted by Gatlin on January 9, 2014

Throughout this past year, we have seen both the national and local real estate markets continue to show slow, but steady, growth on the whole. As we look at the statistics for the Great Smoky Mountain real estate market through December of this past year, we will see that these trends, particularly in this real estate market, are largely holding steady, as we now begin into a new year. Let’s now see what the numbers have to say.

In the category of Residences Sold, we see that in comparing December 2013 to that of December 2012, the number of residences sold held steady with an increase by 1% in terms of homes sold, in that 13 more homes were sold as of December 2013, as opposed to December 2012. This continues a trend of steadiness, and even very slight growth, in the real estate market as a whole, and as we look at the rest of the statistics, we will see that the market does indeed reflect a steady and slowly growing trend on balance, and we see that the market continues to show gradual, but steady, growth on the aggregate.

In the category of Residential Dollar Volume for the year, we see an increase of 7% through December of 2013, as opposed to through December in 2012. With the steadiness of the numbers as it relates to Residences Sold, the recent local and national trends of increasing home prices still continue to show that a greater dollar volume in homes are being sold, along with still continuing to show a slow and strengthening market reflective of greater confidence on the part of both buyers and sellers.

There is also continued good news for sellers in the Average Sold Price Category. In line with statistics so far for the past year, prices still show a slow, but gradual, rise of 6% in December of this year versus that of December 2012, reflecting the recent local and national trends towards gradually higher home prices. As confidence continues to grow between potential buyers and sellers in the market as a whole, we see that the trend of higher home prices will likely continue for the foreseeable future.

In addition, available homes on the market are actually increasing in terms of inventory. Through December 2013, as opposed to December 2012, there is a slight increase by 1% of homes being listed as available on the market, or an increase of 29 more available homes on the market, in December 2013, as opposed to December 2012. We see that higher home prices, as well as the very slight increases in homes being sold, may be contributing to more people wanting to place their homes on the market, thereby causing a slight increase in available housing inventory. While it is still too early to tell if the trend will continue into 2014, there are more available homes on the market in December 2013, as opposed to one year ago, which could further indicate greater confidence on the part of those wanting to place their homes on the market.

As markets continue this gradual trend of growth locally and across the nation, these statistics, heading into 2014, are largely expected to remain steady, showing continued slow, but steady, strength and growth into the new year. Mortgage rates still remain at historically low rates, and there are still plenty of housing options to choose from, especially in the Great Smoky Mountain real estate market. Why not start your Great Smoky Mountain home search now by visiting our website, browsing our available properties, and seeing what the Smoky Mountain area has to offer for you? Let us help you make your home ownership dreams a reality today!

Here Are A Few of My Featured Listings:

High Chalet Condo Near Ober Gatlinburg! Contemporary, 2 BD/2 BA, well-maintained, condominium unit w/views of Ober Gatlinburg and the surrounding Smokies! Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg, Tennessee Price: $77,900 Get more information >

Unique Chalet Adjacent to Nat’l Park! The enchanting, twinkling lights of Gatlinburg far below and majestic mountain vistas are what you’ll see from this pristine 12 acre estate. Imagine having your own 530,000 acre backyard! Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg,Tennessee Price: $697,000 Get more information >

Unique Contemporary Home w/Mtn Views Come & enjoy this one of a kind, unique, contemporary home! This 5000+ sq ft, 4 BD/3 BA home is located just off the Parkway in Sevierville in a beautiful, private neighborhood! Type: Single Family Home Location: Sevierville,TN Price: $299,900 Get more information >

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

Recent New Home Sales Surge Nationally Despite Slowly Rising Mortgage Interest Rates and Possible Fed Tapering

Posted by Gatlin on December 19, 2013

As we head towards the end of 2013, and into the start of 2014, there are some noteworthy national trends in real estate that are worth watching. These primarily center on the increasing likelihood of rising mortgage interest rates, as well as the possibility of the Federal Reserve beginning to taper, or slow down, its long-running bond buyback program. Both trends could foretell significant changes in the real estate market nationally in 2014.

In spite of these emerging trends, there are some other numbers worth noting in terms of the national real estate market that could also impact the coming year. One of these is that new home sales surged in October 2013 by 25% from the previous month, according to a report released by the U.S. Department of Commerce.

According to Keith Gumbinger, Vice-President of the mortgage information site HSH Associates, “It may very well be that a lot of folks are feeling better about their prospects and buying a new home.” In addition, Gumbinger also stated that there has been a general ease of financing for buyers, as “builders are motivated to get folks into homes.” Finally, Gumbinger also said that inventories of existing homes are thin in several markets, prompting people to build new homes rather than buy old ones.

The largest trend, however, in the coming year will center on the very real possibility of rising mortgage interest rates, especially since the Fed is currently weighing whether or not to start with tapering, or reducing the amount and scale to the Fed has been buying back bonds and securities since the 2008 financial crisis. The key to any real impacts will center on job and wage growth in the economy as a whole, and rising home prices will also have an impact as to whether or not there will be more buyers and sellers on the market in the coming year. At this point, it is too early to state how much of an impact this will have on the market, even though mortgage rates, from a more historical perspective, still remain low by comparison.

In view of these emerging trends, as well as recent surges in both home prices and new home sales nationally, there has never been a better time to find the home of your dreams, right here in the Great Smoky Mountains! Please feel free to browse our available inventory of properties, and see the many varieties of properties that we currently have here in the Smokies! Let us help you realize your home ownership dreams today!

Here Are A Few of My Featured Properties:

Private Log Cabin w/Amazing Mtn. Views! Enjoy privacy, mountain views and great outdoor spaces in this Sevierville log home that sits on over four acres! Type: Single Family Home Location: Sevierville,TN Price: $359,900 Get more information >

Luxurious Cabin w/Amazing Mtn. Views! Luxurious, scenic, 3 BD/4.5 BA, 2,600+ sq ft log cabin with spectacular views of the Smokies and a virtual bird’s eye view downtown Gatlinburg and surrounding areas! Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg, Tennessee Price: $369,900 Get more information >

Unique Sevierville Home w/Large Backyard Beautiful, masonry-style, 3 BD/2.5 BA, 3700+ sq. ft. home located within minutes to Dollywood! Type: Single Family Home Location: Sevierville,TN Price: $299,900 Get more information >

Heading Into December, The Great Smoky Mountain Real Estate Market Remains Steady

Posted by Gatlin on December 5, 2013

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

In the category of Residences Sold, we see that in comparing November 2013 to that of November 2012, the number of residences sold held steady with an increase by 1% in terms of homes sold, in that 16 more homes were sold as of November 2013, as opposed to November 2012. This continues a trend of steadiness, and even very slight growth, in the real estate market as a whole, and as we look at the rest of the statistics, we will see that the market does indeed reflect a steady and slowly growing trend on balance, and we see that the market continues to show gradual, but steady, growth on the aggregate.

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

There is also continued good news for sellers in the Average Sold Price Category. In line with statistics so far for the year, prices still show a slow, but gradual, rise of 4% in November of this year versus that of November 2012, reflecting the recent local and national trends towards gradually higher home prices. As confidence continues to grow between potential buyers and sellers in the market as a whole, we see that the trend of higher home prices will likely continue for the foreseeable future.

In addition, available homes on the market are actually increasing at the moment. Through November 2013, as opposed to November 2012, there is a slight increase by 1% of homes being listed as available on the market, or an increase of 51 available homes on the market, in November 2013, as opposed to November 2012. We see that higher home prices, as well as the very slight increases in homes being sold, may be contributing to more people wanting to place their homes on the market, thereby causing a slight increase in available housing inventory. While it is still too early to tell if the trend will continue, there are more available homes on the market in November 2013, as opposed to one year ago, which could further indicate greater confidence on the part of those wanting to place their homes on the market.

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

Here Are A Few of My Featured Listings:

Luxurious Condo w/Majestic Mtn. Views! Luxurious, spacious condominium unit located at LeConte Towers in Gatlinburg, w/a majestic view of Mt. LeConte and the Smoky Mtns.! Type: Condo Location: Gatlinburg, Tennessee Price: $339,000 Get more information >

Multi-Family Duplex w/Amazing Mtn Views! Beautiful, private, 2 acre multi-family duplex with postcard-style views, and literally a majestic view of the Great Smoky Mountains from almost any room on either level! Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg, Tennessee Price: $398,000 Get more information >

Beautiful Cedar Log Home w/Mtn View Beautiful, private, and well-maintained 4 BD/2.5 BA cedar log home located with Amazing Mountain and Natural views! Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg,Tennessee Price: $589,000 Get more information >

Heading Into November, The Great Smoky Mountain Real Estate Market Continues to Show Slow, But Steady, Growth

Posted by Gatlin on November 7, 2013

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

In the category of Residences Sold, we see that in comparing October 2013 to that of October 2012, the number of residences sold actually increased by 1% in terms of homes sold, in that 11 more homes were sold as of October 2013, as opposed to October 2012. This continues a trend of steadiness, and even very slight growth, in the real estate market as a whole, and as we look at the rest of the statistics, we will see that the market does indeed reflect a steady and slowly growing trend on balance, and we expect this to continue and improve over time.

In the category of Residential Dollar Volume for the year, we actually see an increase of 6% through October of this year, as opposed to through October in 2012. With the steadiness of the numbers as it relates to Residences Sold, the recent local and national trends of increasing home prices continue to show that a greater dollar volume in homes are being sold, along with continuing to show a slow and strengthening market reflective of greater confidence on the part of both buyers and sellers.

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

In addition, available homes on the market are actually increasing at the moment. Through October 2013, as opposed to October 2012, there is an increase by 1% of homes being listed as available on the market, or an increase of 69 available homes on the market, in October 2013, as opposed to October 2012. We see that higher home prices, as well as the very slight increases in homes being sold, may be contributing to more people wanting to place their homes on the market, thereby causing a slight increase in available housing inventory. While it is too early to tell if the trend will continue, there are more available homes on the market in October 2013, as opposed to one year ago, which could indicate greater confidence on the part of those wanting to place their homes on the market.

Here Are A Few of My Featured Listings:

Spacious Riverfront Home in Sevierville Spacious, 3000+ sq ft home located along the beautiful Pigeon River, which is located right behind this home! Type: Single Family Home Location: Sevierville,TN Price: $329,900 Get more information >

Fantastic 180 Degree Smoky Mtn. Views Fantastic 180 degree view of Mt. LeConte & the Smokies from every room. Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee Price: $479,900 Get more information >

Unique Chalet Adjacent to Nat’l Park! The enchanting, twinkling lights of Gatlinburg far below and majestic mountain vistas are what you’ll see from your own pristine 12 acre estate. Imagine having a 530,000 acre backyard! Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg,Tennessee Price: $697,000 Get more information >

Federal Reserve’s Decision Wednesday to Continue Stimulus Could Keep Short-Term Interest Rates Low for Immediate Future

Posted by Gatlin on October 31, 2013

Real Estate Investing

On Wednesday, the Federal Reserve made the announcement that it would continue its long-running stimulus program of asset purchases and low interest rates. The Fed was widely expected to continue adding $85 billion a month to its portfolio of Treasury securities and mortgage-backed securities, particularly after the disruptive partial shutdown of the federal government in the first half of October.

The Fed maintained a relatively optimistic economic outlook in the statement, released after a scheduled two-day meeting of its policy-making committee. It said the economy continued to expand “at a moderate pace” and that the availability of jobs continued to improve.

“Taking into account the extent of federal fiscal retrenchment over the past year, the committee sees the improvement in economic activity and labor market conditions since it began its asset purchase program as consistent with growing underlying strength in the broader economy,” the Federal Open Market Committee said in its statement. “However, the committee decided to await more evidence that progress will be sustained before adjusting the pace of its purchases.”

As a result of the Fed’s decision, the expectations are that short-term interest rates will remain low, at least for the immediate future. Fears about higher interest rates, especially on mortgages, have been on the rise since the Fed had also recently indicated a slowdown, or tapering, of its ongoing stimulus program. Fed officials had spent much of the summer preparing investors for a retreat from the bank’s stimulus campaign before the end of the year. That remains a possibility: The Fed’s policy-making committee is scheduled to meet for the final time this year in mid-December. However, no timetable or other decision on any tapering is expected from the Fed until at least mid-December, at the earliest.

What does this all mean for you? With low short-term interest rates still anticipated for at least the immediate future, there are many great deals and properties available here in the Great Smoky Mountains, with many types of homes and great deals still available! Please feel free to browse our available properties today, and let us help you find the home of your dreams!

Here Are A Few of My Featured Listings:

Unique Chalet Adj. to Ober Gatlinburg! Uniquely built and designed 1BD/1BA chalet located along Ski Mountain Road, close to Ober Gatlinburg, and mins. to downtown Gatlinburg! Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg, Tennessee Price: $129,900 Get more information >

Contemporary Home w/Mt. LeConte View! Well-built and designed 3BD/2.5BA home with a bonus room and attached 2-car garage, located just minutes from dwtn. Gatlinburg and all of the attractions. Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg, Tennessee Price: $375,000 Get more information >

Unique Chalet Adjacent to Nat’l Park! 12 pristine acres bordering Great Smoky Mtns. National Park w/direct views of downtown Gatlinburg & surrounding mtns. Cove Mountain Trail literally touches the rear property line. Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg,Tennessee Price: $697,000 Get more information >

Latest News from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) Shows Existing Home Sales Are At Their Highest Levels Since 2007

Posted by Gatlin on October 10, 2013

Existing-home sales increased in August and reached the highest level in six-and-a-half years, while the median price shows nine consecutive months of double-digit year-over-year increases, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR).

Total existing home sales, which include completed transactions for single-family homes, townhomes, condominiums, and co-ops, went up by 1.7% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.48 million units in August from that of 5.39 million units in July. This is also 13.2% higher than the 4.84 million units sold in August 2012, one year prior to August 2013.

Sales are at the highest pace since February 2007, when they hit 5.79 million, and have remained above year-ago levels for the past 26 months.

According to Lawrence Yun, the chief economist for NAR, “rising mortgage interest rates pushed more buyers to close deals, but monthly sales are likely to be uneven in the months ahead from several market frictions.” These could include decreasing existing home inventories, as well as more restrictive lending standards, along with the potential for higher interest rates in the long-term.

In addition, while it is unclear at this point, the ongoing government shutdown could also pose potential longer-term complications from agencies, such as FHA (Federal Housing Administration), the IRS, and others, being at least partially shutdown or closed all together. External pressures such as these also could have a longer-term impact on the market itself.

However, according to NAR President Gary Thomas, “As the equity position of most homeowners continues to improve, some who have been on the sidelines will list their home for sale,” he said. “Most of those owners also will be buying another home, but higher levels of new home construction going into 2014, combined with some reduction in demand from less favorable affordability conditions, will help to moderate price growth to more sustainable levels.”

What does this all mean for you? Right now, there are still many great properties available in the Great Smoky Mountains real market, and if you are interested in buying a new home, today is the best time for you to realize your dreams of home ownership. Please feel free to browse our available properties, and see what we can do to help you find a new home here in the Great Smoky Mountains today!

Here Are A Few of My Featured Listings:

Great Mountain View Consistently produces income in the high $20k range. Cabin with a view, tongue and groove throughout, wood floors, recreation room with pool table and air hockey for your enjoyment. Type: Single Family Home Location: Pigeon Forge Price: $239,900 Get more information >

Picture Perfect Log Cabin Almost $25,000 in rental income for 2012! Well built log cabin with privacy and only 5 miles to Pigeon Forge. Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee Price: $219,900 Get more information >

Close Up City & Mountain Views Almost $50,000 in rental income for 2012! 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 >

Category: National Housing Statistics

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Here Are A Few of My Featured Properties: