Real Estate Has Bright Spots as the Overall Market Adjusts to Stimulus Withdrawal

Homes in Gatlinburg, Tennessee and across the nation are adjusting to a real estate market without federal tax incentives for buying houses.  My news sources out of the Wall Street Journal feel the market is reacting much as expected, to life without an $8,000 tax credit for buying a new home.  Throughout the duration of this federal program, the stimulus tax credit combined with low mortgage interest rates, to bring buyers back into the real estate market.  The influx of homebuyers absorbed enough of a massive inventory of homes for sale to stall a decrease in home values.  Many areas of the U.S. are seeing home prices rebound nicely.  Obviously, the tax incentives accelerated homebuying activity and enticed buyers to purchase earlier than they may have done without the stimulus.  For this reason, a drop in homebuying was expected as the federal stimulus ended.

The highlight in the current real estate market is that mortgage interest rates are very low and there is a good selection of homes for sale.  Average 30 year rates fell to 4.8% while 15 year rates appeared to rise to 4.25%.  However, the fees charged to borrowers fell, in effect, lowering the 15 year rate.  The challenge in mortgages lie in the tougher qualification standards.  If you qualify, this is a great time to find your property and lock in a really great interest rate on your mortgage. 

In considering East Tennessee Smokies’ real estate, there are several factors that could make now a great time to buy.  First, as previously mentioned, there are great interest rates for qualified buyers and there is a great selection of property for sale.  Second, the Smokies did not see the great spike up in prices that drove other markets across the country.  One can get a lot of value for the money in this area.   Third, our area is a convenient location for over 1/2 of the U.S. population.  The area is physically beautiful and the local area caters to visitors.  In addition, an investment in Smokies real estate could be far more stable than other investments in today’s volatile investment arena.  Contact the professionals of the Jason White Team online or by phone and begin your search today to acquire the property of your dreams in East Tennessee’s Great Smoky Mountains.

Here are a Few of My Current Listings:

Private with Beautiful Mountain View
Plenty of community ammenities, private, yet close to town. Enjoy nature and wildlife at this tastefully furnished log cabin from three covered decks, all with mountain views. Spacious for family gatherings, with two game rooms as well as a living room.
Type: Single Family Home
Location: Pigeon Forge
Price: $325,000
Get more information >
Heritage Log Home w/ Views of Mt LeConte
This beautifully built Heritage Log Home in prestigious Chalet Village has great views of Mt. LeConte. Private yet close to downtown shopping and dining. Three master suites for privacy and on a open lot with level parking.
Type: Single Family Home
Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee
Price: $379,900
Get more information >
Gatlinburg Home in Enclave w/ Mtn Views
This custom home has beautiful mountain views with plenty of decking and outside fireplace to enjoy. The spectacular kitchen offers plenty of high end appliances and custom details and the master bath is incredible with tumbled Italian Tile.
Type: Single Family Home
Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee
Price: $1,950,000
Get more information >

Call today for information on any of these or other listings that may be of interest to you!  877-678-2121

U.S. Home Sales Continue to Improve

There is encouraging news that continues to build in the country’s housing market.  My realty news sources out of the National Association of Realtors in Washington D.C. are reporting improvement on multiple fronts within U.S. home sales.  In the first quarter of 2010 more metropolitan areas of the country are seeing home price increases, over the same period in 2009. There were 91 out of 152 metropolitan statistical areas, that saw higher median existing single-family home prices over 2009’s first quarter figures.  The national median existing single-family home price for the first quarter was $166,100.  2009’s first quarter median price was $167,300.  In a median price, 1/2 sell for more and 1/2 sell for less.  This slight decline shows a resilience in the housing market because the first quarter of 2010 contained 36% distressed homes.  “Distressed” homes are bargain priced, typically 15% below market price, and include; foreclosures, short sales, REO’s, etc.  With over 1/3 of the first quarter houses selling with below market prices, the balance of non-distressed homes must be improving their value to offset this difference.

NAR’s Chief Economist, Lawrence Yun is encouraged by the growing stabilization in home prices.  He continues to believe that the drop in inventory of homes for sale will promote home price stability.  The reduction of home inventories has been facilitated by the homebuyer tax credit stimulus.  Yun hopes that this federal stimulus will be enough to allow home prices to consolidate and then resume their upward trend. NAR President, Vicki Cox Golder sees a renewed confidence returning to homebuyers.  She also sees homebuyers moving into a “buy and hold” mindset that is moving away from the “buy and flip” mentality that became prevalent in recent homebuyers.  The NAR President feels that financing of homes may be the greatest hurdle to future home purchases.  Interest rates are beginning to rise and mortgage restrictions have been a challenge to closing deals for many realtors. 

If you have been entertaining the dream of owning a home in the Tennessee Smokies, now could be the time to buy.  There is a good supply of properties for sale.  For qualified buyers, there are good interest rates that are slowly beginning to increase.  Prices are off their highs on most real estate.  With the world’s currency and stock markets moving up and down like yo-yo’s, this could be a good time to put some investment into Smokies real estate.  At least it gives you a reason to come and visit the beauty and fun here in East Tennessee’s Great Smoky Mountains.  Surf our website and get your search parameters set to find the property you want.  Getting started with leading realty professionals of the Jason White Team is only a mouse click or phone call away.  Call today!  877-678-2121

Here are a Couple of My Latest Listings:

Level Parking/Great Views of Mt LeConte!
Totally updated chalet with huge wrap around deck to enjoy the spectacular views of Mt LeConte. Private master with sitting area and custom tile shower and 2 shower heads and updated gourmet kitchen. Sold fully furnished and short walk to community pool.
Type: Single Family Home
Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee
Price: $249,900
Get more information >
Contemporary Mtn Home w/Mt LeConte View
This contemporary mountain home as been updated. It offers amazing Mt LeConte views with master on main level and two bedroom suites and living room downstairs for privacy. Already on a rental program and producing great income.
Type: Single Family Home
Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee
Price: $399,900
Get more information >

Call me today at the Jason White Team to view any of my listings!  877-678-2121

Navigating the Minefields of Today’s “Distressed Property” Market

Today’s real estate market participant needs to be savvy to the wide variety of terms used to describe “financially distressed” real estate in the U.S.  As buyer or seller, there are legal steps for disposing or acquiring certain types of  “distressed real estate”.  Sellers of  “distressed property” can have their credit score adversely impacted, depending upon the type of liquidation process that is used on their property.  With all this being said, deeply-discounted property from; foreclosures, short sales, etc, helped drive the 2009 real estate market in the U.S.  This was especially powerful, when combined with federal tax credits geared to motivate new and repeat homebuyers to enter the market.  The impact of these “financially distressed” properties may be a significant part of our country’s real estate picture for some time into the future.

For these reasons, I feel this week’s blog/newsletter should kick off an examination of the various terms used for “distressed property” in today’s realty arena.  Please be aware that laws governing “distressed property” and real estate in general vary from state to state.  There can be federal IRS tax consequences hidden in these “bargain properties” as well.  For the best advice possible, utilize a CPA and an attorney with real estate experience in the area that you are buying or selling real estate.  The Jason White Team can refer you to professionals in East Tennessee’s Smokies that can assist with complex property issues on a sale or purchase here.  In order to keep this blog/newsletter reasonable in length, look for the upcoming examination and definition of “financially distressed properties” like foreclosure and short sale in my website, www.smokymountainlifestyle.com,  under the categories of; “For the Buyer” and “For the Seller” across the top of my home page. This project should be complete within the next week or so.

Here are a Couple of My Latest Listings: (These are not foreclosures or short sales!)

Update w/ Spectacular Views of Mountains
This updated, meticulously maintained home is a beauty! Enjoy the spectacular northern view of the mountains from a level yard on one of many decks.
Type: Single Family Home
Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee
Price: $248,500
Get more information >
Up Close and Personal w/ Mt LeConte
Level yard and totally updated with panoramic views of Mt. LeConte and Gatlinburg’s city lights. Excellent location-close to downtown Gatlinburg and all the amenities!
Type: Single Family Home
Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee
Price: $239,900

Smokies’ Real Estate Rebounds Rather Nicely in April

As we approach late spring and head towards summer, real estate in Tennessee’s Great Smoky Mountains is picking up momentum in home sales.  April’s residential figures have been compiled, and the data looks very encouraging.  The Great Smoky Mountains Association of Realtors reported that total residences sold are up 20%.  This April there were 133 residences sold, or 22 more than April of 2009. 

Dollar volume sold in April 2010 is 8% higher over the previous year, with a total of $22,528,707.  The increase in total dollar volume sold was $1,751,237. 

The influence of first time homebuyers, combined with an influx of discounted foreclosures is continuing to be a dominant force in today’s property market.  These factors have forced the “average price per residence sold” to be less in April 2010 than in April 2009.  The average price per residence sold in April 2010 was $169,389.  This figure was $17,795 less (10% lower) than April 09′.

The number of residences actively listed for sale is up 17% with April 2010 leading last year by 569 units for a total of active listings at 3,953.

All of this data, factored with today’s market conditions, could indicate that currently Smokies’ real estate might be a good investment.  Qualified buyers can find great low interest rates on home mortgages. There is a great variety of property currently for sale.  Today’s investment market in the global stock and bond arena is volatile to the point of becoming dangerous.  This was evidenced by last week’s stock market meltdown, leading into this week’s rebound.  Owning property in a beautiful, desirable part of the country might be a good place for some of your hard-earned money.  Check out our website, or call us at 877-678-2121 today,  to get started owning your personal piece of Tennessee Smokies’ real estate.

Here are a Couple of My Current Listings:

Mt LeConte Views from Gatlinburg Home!!
Custom built,many hand crafted features,gourmet kitchen with Brazilian granite counter tops,plus huge master bedroom on the main level. Even a separate living quarter on lower level.
Type: Single Family Home
Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee
Price: $598,700
Get more information >
Unparallelled View of Great Smokies!!
Contemporary home with many interior updates and incredible view of ski slopes at Ober Gatlinburg and Great Smoky Mountains.
Type: Single Family Home
Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee
Price: $239,900

Call me today at the Jason White Team to view any of these listings! 877-678-2121

Current Market Conditions Are Helping Existing Home Sales Rise

My news sources in Washington, D.C. at the National Association of Realtors are excited to see March “existing-home sales” rising as predicted.  The existing-home category includes; single family, townhomes, condominiums, and co-ops.  March data reveals a 6.8% increase over February. February’s figure was 5.01 million units with March increasing to 5.35 million units.  Lawrence Yun, the Chief Economist for NAR, was encouraged that home sales have experienced a broad-based recovery almost everywhere across the country.  Home sales have remained above prior year sales for nine consecutive months.  Another positive factor is that inventories of homes for sale have trended down for 20 months.  Yun feels that this decrease in homes for sale will stabilize home prices.  He feels that much middle class wealth is tied to the value of the family home. The Chief Economist is optimistic that the “home buyer tax credit” stimulus is effectively preserving middle class wealth through the stabilization of home pricing.  Yun is encouraged to see the supply of foreclosures quickly being absorbed by buyers.  This has been especially evident at the lower-end of the market where first-time homebuyers are competing for the deeply-discounted, foreclosed homes.  This process of lowering home inventories and price stabilization should continue as the tax credit stimulus expires at the end of April 2010.  NAR President, Vicki Cox Golder is also pleased with the current housing market.  Loan standards are tougher, but prices have become more reasonable and mortgage interest rates are close to historic lows.

If you are considering real estate here in East Tennessee’s Smoky Mountains, now is a great time to buy or sell.  Our selection of properties is good and qualified buyers will find good mortgage interest rates.  The real estate market in our area is favorable, with prices below their all-time highs.  Property in this area is reasonable with respect to taxes and prices.  On top of that, the scenery of the Smokies is incredibly beautiful.  If 2010 is your year for real estate in Tennessee’s Smokies, start now! You can get on our buyer-oriented website to begin.  Our site allows you to set personal criteria for your property search.  This saves everyone time.  When  you come for a visit, you look at your best selections and it allows you time to enjoy the area’s many different amenities.  Our team of professionals can assist in refining your search.  Begin today to find your property in the Smokies!

Here are a Few of My Latest Listings:

Estate Home on Lake Peninsula
This palatial,custom built, heirloom estate is a perfect home for entertaining or just relaxing by the waterside. With expansive views of Flat Creek(Douglas Lake) the surrounding mountain ridges and professionally landscaped grounds are impressive.
Type: Single Family Home
Location: Sevierville,TN
Price: $1,120,000
Get more information >
Incredible Smoky Mountain Home & Views!
Outstanding workmanship and distinctive design make this gorgeous mountain getaway with five master suites, gourmet kitchen, HUGE rec room and magnificent,unblemished views of the Smokies a one of a kind!
Type: Single Family Home
Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee
Price: $799,900
Get more information >
15 Acre Mountain Lodge!!
Breathtaking views from this Mountain Lodge, on 15 acres, located in prestigious Chalet Village. 12 Master Suites all with their own whirlpool baths, LCD TV’s,king beds & private balconies w/ views! Room to entertain 100 people with parking for 14 cars.
Type: Single Family Home
Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee
Price: $1,870,000
Get more information >

Call today for more information on any of our properties!  877-678-2121

Pending Home Sales For February Reveal a Nice Increase

The Index for Pending Home Sales always lags real time as figures get crunched and analyzed. Much of the data takes time to collect and review.  However, my sources out of the National Association of Realtors feel this “Index” is valuable for trend prediction in U.S. real estate.  For new blog readers, Pending Home Sales tracks homes under contract, yet not officially closed.  Usually, official closings follow within 1-2 months.  February’s “pending” index figures were expected, and did not surprise the researchers.  January’s figures had dipped because of an unusually cold winter, laden with precipitation, that gripped most of the nation.  February’s data shows a rebound of 8.2% over January 2010.  This remains 17.3% above February of 2009, when the index level was 83.2. Lawrence Yun, NAR’s chief economist, remains cautiously optimistic about the data.  He sees the rise in February 2010’s PHS Index as the beginning of a second wave of home buyers, looking to cash in on the homebuyers’ tax credit.  Qualifying home purchases must be initiated by April 30th, 2010. Closing must occur by June 30th, 2010.  Yun is hopeful that buyer activity this spring will decrease home inventory across the nation.  This drop in the number of homes for sale, will in turn assist in firming up prices.  A lower inventory usually stabilizes home values. 

Current factors in today’s Smoky Mountain real estate, make this a great time to buy or sell property.  There is good inventory to provide a selection of property. Mortgage interest rates are about as low as they may ever get.  If you qualify, there is only a few weeks left to ink a contract, and get the process moving to receive your share of some stimulus money.  April 30th of 2010 is the deadline to get a house under contract and by June 30th of this year, it must be closed and finalized.  Check with your financial people immediately, if you want to utilize the tax credit.  Our website is a great place to begin your property search, and our people on the Jason White Team can help you finalize the property quest.  However, at this stage, the tax credit will require a lot of pre-planning and pre-qualifying to pull off before April 30th.  My team members are available to assist you either in buying or selling your Smokies’ property.  Contact us today to get started.

Here are a Few of my Current Listings:

Pigeon River Right Outside Your Door!
This remodeled riverfront home is a sure to please. With the calming sounds of the Pigeon River right outside your door this completely remodeled home complete with sauna and hot tub are sure to take the stress away!
Type: Single Family Home
Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee
Price: $329,900
Get more information >
11 Bedroom- Smoky Mountain Stunner!
This 11BD/11.5BA mountain top home is designed with hardwood floors, high quality furnishings and antique decor throughout. A stunning handcrafted cedar staircase, sunroom w/large swim spa, sauna, media room, over 2500 sq ft of decking to enjoy the view!
Type: Single Family Home
Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee
Price: $1,475,000
Get more information >
Sits on Beautiful Pigeon River!!
Located on the state’s most pristine river this is truly a one-of-a-kind property. Listen to the sounds of the river on this 2.8 ac in upscale subdivision of Riversong. This home offers a gourmet kitchen, huge game room and even a playroom for the kids.
Type: Single Family Home
Location: Pittman Center
Price: $1,195,000
Get more information >

Call us today to view one of these properties! 865-436-2121

Real Estate Blossoms like Spring Flowers

On several occasions, I said that home sales and real estate track Mother Nature. When the weather is cold and inhospitable, most people stay home and leave property searches for nicer weather.  Here in the Smokies, it feels like we jumped from winter straight into summer.  Temperatures have recently soared into the 80’s, dropping back soon to more seasonal weather patterns. However, springtime has arrived in an ever-increasing splash of color.  Early bloomers are in full array and the next wave of flowers is beginning to show themselves.  Just like the forces of nature, home buyers are coming out in greater numbers as springtime brings better weather.

Our Great Smoky Mountains Association of Realtor sales data is revealing this trend.  Number of residences sold is up 15% over the same period last year.

Dollar volume sold is off 6% from last year, or down $1,293,479.00.

The average price per residence sold is $173,547.00, and is lower than last year by 18% or $38,398.

The quantity of active listings is up 15% over last year, with a total of $3,854 listings.

From my perspective, this data shows that the tax stimulus for new homebuyers is working.  New homebuyers and discounted foreclosures are still a dominant aspect of today’s real estate market.  It will be interesting to see if the housing market keeps up this momentum as the tax incentives drop off at the end of April in 2010.  However, there are still favorable conditions in today’s real estate market for both buyers and sellers.  Qualified buyers can still obtain historically low mortgage interest rates for financing. 

Today’s online property searches make it easy to prescreen with your personal search criteria, so you save time and money in viewing property to buy. Here at the Jason White Team, we cater to your needs.  Our website is designed for our clients’ ease in finding their property. We back all our web technology with years of personal realtor; professionalism, expertise, and knowledge of the area.  Contact us today to get started finding your dream property.

Here are a Couple of My Latest Listings:

2.42 Acre Rocky Creek Frontage!
Level building site with beautiful rocky creek frontage. Only 1.5 miles to downtown Gatlinburg and southern exposure!
Type: Land
Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee
Price: $150,000
Get more information >
Fantastic Mountain Views and Private!
The private location and awesome mountain views make this home a winner. It is on a level lot with level parking and side yard, 3 mi to Gatlinburg so close to everything, open floor plan with 4 master suites which is always desirable for privacy and space
Type: Single Family Home
Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee
Price: $419,900
Get more information >

U.S. Home Sales in February Show Mixed Results

In an earlier blog, I mentioned how late winter and early spring home sales are driven as much by weather as they are by economic conditions.  This theme is repeated as we examine final tallies in February Existing-Home Sales.   My source for this material comes out of the National Association of Realtors, in Washington, D.C.  The March 23rd news flash reports that overall existing-home sales declined slightly in February 2010.  The only regions of small gains were in the Northeast and Midwest.  Existing-home sales include; single family homes, townhouses, co-ops, and condominiums.  February’s figures slipped less than 1% off January’s 5.05 million figure.  The good news is that February 2010 is 7.0% higher than February 2009.  Lawrence Yun, NAR’s chief economist, feels that winter storms were the contributing factor for the lower sales.  People are unable to view property and close deals when forces of nature make travel, next to impossible.  Yun feels the market is currently still in recovery and could be fragile.  The chief economist expects that a wave of buyers will jump into the market to beat the April 30th deadline for the homebuyer tax credit.  This activity should drop home inventory levels enough, to stabilize home prices.

The article went on to review other data, but there was also good advice from Vicki Cox Golder, NAR President that could apply to some of my blog readers.  NAR’s President stressed that the April 30th, 2010 deadline is rapidly approaching for the end of tax credit.  With up to $8,000 at stake for qualifying buyers, there is no time to waste.  For most home buyers, the process from looking at homes to inking their signature on a contract takes several months.  This process can naturally be reduced in time duration if various pre-work is out of the way.  First, determine your maximum price limits.  Meet with your financial people and become pre-approved if a mortgage is needed.  Second, determine what type of property you need and what will best serve you some years from now.   Third, determine where in an area you need to be.  Do you require being close to a city’s ammenities or do you prefer to be out in nature away from it all?  Taking the time to sort out these details and requirements saves tons of time for you, and people you rely upon in your property acquisition process. 

Here, at the Jason White Team, we gear our website to assist you in this property decision process.  We make the East Tennessee real estate market only a series of keystrokes away.  We also simplify the refinement process by allowing you to set up a filter of your own parameters.  This only lets in properties that meet your specifications.  Contact us online or by phone (877) 678-2121 to get things started today!

Here are a Few of My Lastest Listings:

Take tram to Gatlinburg from this home!
Walk to Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort or Community Pool. Updated, private and mountain views! Great investment property or personal home!
Type: Single Family Home
Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee
Price: $159,900
Get more information >
Upscale Neighborhood-Authentic Log Cabin
This authentic log home is located in an upscale neighborhood and is in excellent condition. Bedroom/Bath on each floor for privacy as well as a large gameroom for your enjoyment.
Type: Single Family Home
Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee
Price: $249,900
Get more information >
Fantastic Home on Private 4.72 Acres
Amazing home with fantastic floor plan and incredible quality. Office, mud room, bonus room that could be in-law quarters with lots of storage and full bath, playroom, theater room, 3 car heated garage, and lots of composite decking to enjoy the 4.72 acre
Type: Single Family Home
Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee
Price: $699,900
Get more information >

Call us today to view any of these homes! 877-678-2121  Ask for Jason White or Stephanie Huskey!

Data From the Great Smoky Mountains Association of Realtors Reveals Our Current Rebound

The primary function of my blogs and newsletters is to help educate my readers on real estate market conditions. I like my readership to be savvy to current real estate trends. When a good opportunity appears, readers can then move with confidence to acquire or sell their property. I utilize many sources to track the realty markets, but today we will review information from GSMAR. This local Great Smoky Mountain Association of Realtors tool gives us a focused look at all facets of Smokies real estate.

Today’s look compares Smokies residential sales for February 2010 vs February of 2009. In total residences sold, 2010 has 107 with 2009 at 74. The current year’s February, leads 2009 with 33 more residences sold (a  45% increase).

Quantity of homes sold   

Dollar volume sold for February 2010 is $20,591,043 vs February 2009 at $12,444,120. This is a 2010 increase of $8,146,923 or a 65% improvement over February 2009.

 Dollar volume sold

 In comparing the average residential sale for February 2010 to February 2009, our current year wins out 2010 is $192,440 vs 2009 at $168,164. 2010’s average sale is 14% higher or $24,276 larger than 2009.

 Average sale price

 Comparing the category of active listings February of 2010 is again superior. February 2010 has 3,779 listings, with February 2009 at 3,260. This shows an improvement of 16% or 519 more active listings for our current year’s February over the last.

 Quantity of active homes

Clearly there is robust improvement in this year’s residential sales for February, compared to the same time period in 2009. Units sold are up, sold dollar volume increased, average residence price sold increased, and active listings are higher. This data is certainly worth celebrating. However, I would advise my readers to be cautious. Some of this recovery is government driven, courtesy of the homebuyer stimulus tax credits. With that being said, there are still many factors that make this a favorable time to purchase or sell real estate in the Smokies. First, the tax credit for new homebuyers and repeat buyers is good through April 30th, 2010, and the purchase must be finalized by June 30th 2010 to qualify. Second, mortgage interest rates for qualified buyers are very low. Third, prices are stabilizing in many areas. It could be a time to lock in lower prices before they climb. In addition there are a lot of active listings, for a good selection of properties. Today’s data indicates that higher priced residences may be selling, with the average residence price increasing over February of 2009.

The uncertainties in the worlds stock markets, world currencies, and other investments, could make real estate a good asset in your personal portfolio. To get started on the path of Smokies real estate, contact the professionals on the Jason White Team today! You can reach us online or by phone to commence your property quest within a time frame that meets your personal requirements.

Here are a Couple of My Current Listings:

Heritage Log Home w/ Views of Mt LeConte
This beautifully built Heritage Log Home in prestigious Chalet Village has great views of Mt. LeConte. Private yet close to downtown shopping and dining. Three master suites for privacy and on a open lot with level parking.
Type: Single Family Home
Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee
Price: $379,900
Get more information >
Short Sale’ Great Location!!
This conveniently located home is within walking distance of Community Center, Mills Park, schools, and Gatlinburg shopping and dining. Lovely wooded setting and nice furnishings.
Type: Single Family Home
Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee
Price: $179,900
Get more information >
  Call us today for more information or to view these properties! Call Jason or Stephanie at 865-436-2121.
 

United States Existing Home Sales Show Continued Improvement

 

Existing Home Sold
Existing Homes Sold

My sources in Washington, DC have finished their number crunching on fourth quarter U.S. existing-home sales. The data out of the National Association of Realtors shows favorable results. Fourty-eight states plus  D.C.  had sales  increases from the third through the fourth quarter of 2009. Thirty-two of these states saw double-digit gains. Furthermore, the District of Colombia and 49 states had higher year-over-year sales. In year-over-year sales, only three states among the 49 lack double digit annual gains.  More analysis of 4th quarter information reveals almost one third of the quarter’s sales was in financially-distressed property. The influence of these discounted properties may be a major contribution to the 4.1% decrease in the national median price of an existing single family home. However, this decline was the smallest price decrease for homes in over 2 years. The current national median price on an existing home in the U.S. stands at $172,900.

NAR’s Chief economist, Lawrence Yun feels that home buyer stimulus from the tax credit is fueling the improving conditions. Another factor bringing buyers into the housing market is the record low mortgage interest rates. The influx of home buyers is lowering the inventory of property for sale. In turn, this assists in stabilizing home prices. The rapid turnover on foreclosures and deep-discounted real estate also helps in price stabilization, by removing their low price influence from the market. In addition, today’s home buyer appears more savy, after the recent challenges in real estate. Tighter qualifications are keeping buyers within their budgets, and buyers are avoiding adjustable-rate mortgages. The low rates on long term mortgages currently available,  should help in real estate’s recovery. Chief economist Yun and NAR President Vicki Cox Golder expect good results especially for the near-term, as buyers take advantage of the tax credit.

If you are considering the purchase or sale of real estate in the Tennessee Great Smoky Mountains, contact the Jason White Team immediately, to maximize the current market conditions. There is ample inventory for a great selection of property. The tax credit for new or repeat buyers will expire soon. Homes must be under contract by April 30, 2010 and finalized by June 30, 2010,  to be available for the tax incentive. Real estate prices especially on residential property seems to be stabilizing. This could be an opportunity to buy before prices climb. On a similar note, long-term fixed mortgage interest rates are low, and most predictions call for increases as 2010 rolls along. The year 2010 is starting out stronger and if real estate is on your agenda, contact us today, to begin fulfilling your property dream.

Here are a Couple of My Current Listings:

Gatlinburg Home in Enclave w/ Mtn Views
This custom home has beautiful mountain views with plenty of decking and outside fireplace to enjoy. The spectacular kitchen offers plenty of high end appliances and custom details and the master bath is incredible with tumbled Italian Tile.
Type: Single Family Home
Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee
Price: $1,950,000
Get more information >
Spectacular Mtn Views & Unique Features!
This charming home offers a spectacular mountain view and really unique features.
Type: Single Family Home
Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee
Price: $229,700
Get more information >