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 >

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.SmokyMountainLifestyle.com

3rd Annual Santa Hustle Half Marathon and 5K Run/Walk This Weekend in Sevierville!

Posted by Gatlin on December 12, 2013

One of the many wonderful features of the Great Smoky Mountains deals with the many variety of holiday-related events and activities that go on during the Christmas season, and this weekend is no exception!

On Sunday, December 15th, the 3rd Annual Santa Hustle Half Marathon and 5K Run/Walk is being held in Sevierville, at the Wilderness Resort, starting at 7:30 AM. This event is growing fast, and has gained considerable attention in the brief time that this event has been held.

As a part of this event, every participant will receive a free Santa hat, beard, and customized Santa shirt to wear while running. In addition, there will be outrageous holiday decorations, festive music, and a large after party. People everywhere have fallen in love with the race that encourages its participants to have fun while staying healthy.

Furthermore, the Santa Hustle has received national attention from major media outlets like the Travel Channel, ESPN, and the Rachel Ray Show. The Santa Hustle Race is a part of a major nationwide series during the Christmas season, consisting of 6 races in the cities of Chicago, IL, Milwaukee, WI, Sevierville, TN, Indianapolis, IN, Sandusky, OH, and Galveston, TX. Come and be a part of thousands of Santa’s running across the nation! It’s fun for the whole family!

For more information on this growing event, please visit the event website at http://santahustle.com/smokies, to find out more about the event, how to register, and what is involved in participating in this unique and festive holiday event.

Events such as these help to make the Great Smoky Mountains such a unique place for people from all over the country. Why not see what else the Smokies can offer you today? Please feel free to browse our available properties, and see how we can help you realize your home ownership dreams today!

Here Are A Few of My Featured Listings:

Beautiful Cabin in Tranquil Wears Valley Beautiful, private, 2BD/3.5BA, 1,800+ sq ft, contemporary-style cabin located in scenic Wears Valley, w/amazing views of the Smokies! Type: Single Family Home Location: Sevierville,TN Price: $289,900 Get more information >

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 >

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 >

Happy Thanksgiving From The Jason White Team!

Posted by Gatlin on November 27, 2013

We want to take this opportunity to wish everyone a safe and happy Thanksgiving holiday! There are many, many great events currently going on during the Thanksgiving holiday and weekend here in the Great Smoky Mountains, especially right here in Sevier County!

In Gatlinburg, you have the Festival of Trees, which lasts until Saturday, November 30th, where the local area stores and shops are lined with Christmas trees, as well as the many, many twinkling lights, for people coming to visit and shop in the Gatlinburg area. There is also the Great Smoky Thanksgiving Arts and Crafts Show, which lasts until Sunday, December 1st, and many, many great events celebrating the holiday season! For more information, please visit http://www.gatlinburg.com/events/fall.aspx.

In addition, there are also a myriad of events planned for the Pigeon Forge and Sevierville, as well as other surrounding areas, including, but not excluded to, the 2nd Annual Titanic Attraction Thanksgiving Fireworks Display, at the Titanic Museum Attraction in Pigeon Forge, on November 28th at 7:30 PM. For more information on this display, please visit http://www.titanicpigeonforge.com. For more on Pigeon Forge events, please go to http://www.pigeonforge.com/Events-Calendar. For more on Sevierville-area events during the holidays, please go to http://www.visitsevierville.com/vsevents.aspx.

All of these great events during the holidays bring thousands of people to our area every year, and in doing so, people see the wonder and majesty of the Great Smoky Mountains during a wonderful time of the year. Why not also see what else the Smokies can offer you during this season while here? There are many great properties still available, so please feel free to browse our available properties, and see how we can help you realize your home ownership dreams today! Have a Great Thanksgiving, and enjoy your time with friends and family!

Here Are a Few of My Featured Listings:

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 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: $325,000 Get more information >

Tools for Real Estate Investment 101: Self-Directed IRA’s and Your Real Estate Investment Needs

Posted by Gatlin on November 21, 2013

As home prices continue their gradual trend of rising during 2013, there are various investment tools that can be utilized by potential buyers and/or sellers in considering whether or not to invest in real estate, especially here in the Great Smoky Mountain real estate market. Today, we will focus on one of these investment tools, which has gained popularity in recent years, namely that of the self-directed IRA (Individual Retirement Account).

A Self-directed Individual Retirement Account (IRA) is not your typical IRA since it allows the account owner to invest in a wider set of assets than those offered by custodians and trustees of traditional IRAs. This separates a Self-directed IRA from other types of IRAs since the account holder can decide what permissible investments to put his or her money into without having the custodian or trustee set a limit on what investments to pursue, hence the term “self-directed.” In other words, the account holder is limited only by the rules set by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and of course, his or her choice of investments. In addition, the custodian or trustee is also in charge of facilitating all other transactions that involve the Self-directed IRA.

Some potential advantages of using a Self-directed IRA include, but are not excluded to, the following:

1.) Having a Self-directed IRA allows an account holder to purchase properties anywhere that’s allowed by law. Almost every type of real estate is permissible such as residential and commercial property, real estate options, and the like.

2.) Purchasing property can also be done without paying all the required capital. For example, account holders can participate in a limited liability company (LLC) that directly invests in real estate.

3.) Many account holders have already taken advantage of the current buyers’ market where property prices are low and foreclosure rates are high. They can attest to how they’ve benefited from their diversified portfolio within their Self-directed IRA.

4.) Usually, real estate investments purchased within a Self-directed IRA are intended as long-term investments. This means that once an account holder buys a property, they will hold onto it until its value appreciates and is ready to be sold. In other words, the “buy-low, sell-high” concept is well suited for this type of IRA.

5.) Selling an IRA-owned home lets the owner avoid paying capital gains tax if the proceeds are rolled back into the IRA. This especially applies to those who rehab properties in rundown condition and flip them for quick profit.

However, there are limitations as to what a Self-directed IRA can do, including, but not excluded to, the following:

1.) The Self-directed IRA cannot purchase real estate from a “disqualified person” either directly or indirectly. It also prohibits a “disqualified person” from using a property purchased within a Self-directed IRA. A “disqualified person” includes, but is not excluded to: Your spouse, your lineal ascendants/descendants and their spouses, plan fiduciaries (including advisors, custodians, and administrators), an entity (i.e., estate, corporation, etc.) where you own at least 50% of the voting stock, directly or indirectly, and anyone providing services to the plan.

2.) The purchased property cannot be used by the account holder – not even for a night. Only qualified people may use it and this does not include one’s relatives. Unless the account holder is 59 and a half years old and retired, then living in the investment property is deemed illegal.

3.) Account holders and family members cannot buy or sell property directly from their IRA. Likewise, it is also forbidden to buy or sell directly from the companies or enterprises that they own.

4.) Borrowing or lending money from the IRA is not allowed, and the IRA cannot be used to lend money to family members or as collateral for any type of loan.

5.) IRA funds and personal accounts cannot be combined or co-mingled.

6.) Those involved in the servicing of the Self-directed IRA account are not allowed to participate in any transaction that involves the account.

With a Self-directed IRA, you will have to find a reliable custodian or trustee to open an account and comply with the IRS requirements, and set up the account with a bank or other financial institution. When an investment property has been selected, the account holder would then authorize the custodian to pay a deposit from the Self-directed IRA by signing an authorization form. After which, the account holder must complete the necessary documents and forward them to the custodian or trustee. The closing agent will then coordinate the remainder of the transaction and release any additional funds required.

Finally, Self-directed IRA’s, like any other investment in real estate, do involve a lot of risk. First, it is recommended that one invests only 25 percent at the most if you are not inclined to be a “risk taker.” With the prices of properties at their current levels, you can probably find one that you may like. Second, keep in mind that the Self-directed IRA is making the investment — not you or anyone else. You can’t simply take the cash flow that you earn from your investment property since the custodian or trustee is in charge of it through your IRA. Third, be sure to leave enough funds in your Self-directed IRA to cover unexpected expenses related to your property, such as tenant turnover, maintenance and repairs. This will put you in a safe position should you incur any “additional” costs. Finally, please always seek the advice of qualified real estate investment professionals that can help you find the properties that would be best suited for your overall retirement goals. Like anything else, always ask questions, and make sure to get as much as information as you can before using this investment tool, or any other investment tool, before deciding to act on it.

With this basic knowledge and understanding of a potentially powerful investment tool for real estate, why not see what the Great Smoky Mountains real market can offer you today? Please feel free to browse our available properties, and let one of our buyer specialists help realize your home ownership dreams today! Come and see what the Great Smoky Mountains can offer you today!

Here Are A Few of My Featured Listings:

Nice Ranch-Style Home in Sevierville! Beautiful, well-maintained, 1,300+ sq ft, 3 BD/2 BA ranch-style home located in Sevierville, is walking distance to the nearby Pigeon River, along with being mins. to Dollywood, Pigeon Forge, and downtown Sevierville! Type: Single Family Home Location: Sevierville,TN Price: $159,900 Get more information >

Beautiful Private Cabin w/City View Beautiful, private 4 Bedroom/3 Bathroom cabin located just below Ober Gatlinburg w/a 20-mile view! Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg,Tennessee Price: $195,000 Get more information >

Great Views & Privacy This three level cabin has consistently produced right at $30k a year in rental income every year since 2007! Located on a private lot it features a great view and a lot of windows and deck space for enjoying the scenery Type: Single Family Home Location: Pigeon Forge Price: $279,900 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.SmokyMountainLifestyle.com

Winterfest Kicks Into High Gear in Sevier County From Now Through Christmas and New Year’s!

Posted by Gatlin on November 14, 2013

With the first dusting of snow in the Great Smoky Mountains this week, now is a great time to see the Smokies in all of its late fall and early winter glory! The Annual Winterfest is just starting up throughout Sevier County, and many events are about to begin, which will showcase the Great Smoky Mountain area in all of its wonder and glory.

One event about to begin in Gatlinburg itself is the Annual Gatlinburg Winter Magic Trolley of Lights, which actually starts this week, and goes through until January 25, 2014. Visitors can soak up the spirit of the Gatlinburg Winter Magic season from the comfort of a Gatlinburg Trolley by taking the relaxing Trolley Ride of Lights. The specially designated trolleys carry their guests on a memorable journey through downtown and adjacent Hwy. 321, allowing everyone to experience the magical wonder of Gatlinburg Winter Magic. Displays featuring animals indigenous to Great Smoky Mountains National Park including deer, foxes, squirrels and rabbits are part of the program. Trolley times in Gatlinburg are at 6:30, 7:30 and 8:30 each evening, respectively. For more information, please go to http://www.gatlinburg.com/events/details.aspx?id=13.

Other Gatlinburg-area events during this season include the Festival of Trees, which is scheduled during the Thanksgiving holiday week, as well as the Great Smoky Thanksgiving Arts and Crafts Show, Gatlinburg Winter Magic, which starts on December 1 and lasts through February, and much, much more! For more information, please go to http://www.gatlinburg.com/events/winter.aspx.

There are also many great events in and around Sevier County, especially in Pigeon Forge and Sevierville, which also feature well-known light displays and events centered around the upcoming holiday season. For more information on Pigeon Forge Winterfest events, please go to http://www.mypigeonforge.com/events/winterfest. For more information on Sevierville’s events during the holidays, please go to http://www.visitsevierville.com/winterfest.aspx.

Events such as these are among the many reasons why the Smokies are a wonderful place to come during the Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s holidays. Why not also see what else the Smokies can offer you during this late fall and early winter season? There are many great properties still available in the area, so please feel free to browse our available properties, and see what is possible for your home ownership dreams today, right here in the Great Smoky Mountains!

Here Are A Few of My Featured Listings:

Log-Style Home Mins. to Gatlinburg! Well-constructed, log-style, wood frame home with spectacular views of the Smokies, and only minutes to downtown Gatlinburg! Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg, Tennessee Price: $359,900 Get more information >

Charming, Log Chalet w/Amazing Views! Charming, log chalet with amazing views of Great Smoky Mountains, especially of Mt. LeConte and Clingman’s Dome, within minutes to downtown Gatlinburg! Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg, Tennessee Price: $259,900 Get more information >

Luxurious Chalet Near Ober Gatlinburg! Luxurious, 3000+ sq. ft. log chalet located in Chalet Village, and only minutes to downtown Gatlinburg and Ober Gatlinburg! Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg, Tennessee Price: $499,900 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:

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 >

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 >

Fall Festivals Are in Full Swing Throughout Sevier County This Weekend!

Posted by Gatlin on October 24, 2013

The fall season is a special time for visitors and residents of Sevier County, and this fall is no exception. With the changing of the leaves, there are many great activities currently underway and ongoing that brings in people from hundreds of miles away in our area. This week’s blog features at least three of the major fall festivals currently going on as we speak, and help to create a wonderful time of year here in the Great Smoky Mountains.

One festival currently going right here in Gatlinburg is the 38th Annual Fall Craftsmen’s Fair, which last until this Sunday, October 27th, at the Gatlinburg Convention Center in downtown Gatlinburg. Each day of the fair is from 10 AM-6 PM, except for Sundays, when it will run from 10AM- 5 PM. This fair is held twice a year, in the summer and the fall seasons, and attracts lots of visitors and artists to the Gatlinburg area. For more information, please visit http://www.craftsmenfair.com/fall-fair.php or http://www.gatlinburg.com/events/details.aspx?id=10.

Another festival taking place right now at Ober Gatlinburg is the annual Oktoberfest celebration, which actually started on September 27th and goes through until November 3rd at Ober Gatlinburg resort. People wanting to go can take the 120-passenger Aerial Tramway from downtown Gatlinburg to Ober Gatlinburg, and also see the Wildlife Encounter at Ober Gatlinburg, including the Municipal Black Bear Habitat and Birds of Prey exhibits, among other attractions. For more information on this festival, as well as information about Ober Gatlinburg itself, please go to http://www.gatlinburg.com/events/details.aspx?id=80, or to http://www.obergatlinburg.com/event/86/.

At Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, the National Southern Gospel and Harvest Celebration is currently underway, starting on October 2nd, and lasting until November 2nd, at Dollywood. This celebration brings lots of singers and groups to the area, and is set amidst the backdrop of the world-famous Dollywood. All concerts are included with Dollywood admission. For more information on this festival being held at Dollywood, as well as Dollywood itself, please go to http://www.dollywood.com/themepark/festivals/National-Southern-Gospel-Harvest-Celebration.aspx.

These are just a few of the festivals and activities being held in the Great Smoky Mountains region right now. With the recently re-opened National Park, as well as numerous other venues and events throughout Sevier County, fall is a very active time for our area, bringing people from all over to see the greatness and uniqueness of the Smokies.

While enjoying these great activities and festivals, why not also see what else the Smokies can offer you? Please feel free to browse our available inventory of properties, and see what is available for you if you are thinking about buying a new home in the area. Let our team help you realize your home ownership dreams today, as we have many great properties still available!

Here Are A Few of My Featured Listings:

Private Home w/Spectacular Mtn. Views! Private, wood frame home located off Wiley Oakley Drive with spectacular Mountain views! Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg, Tennessee Price: $139,900 Get more information >

Spacious Sevierville Home w/Great Views! Spacious brick, frame home w/front and back yards located in great subdivision in Sevierville, and minutes from Pigeon Forge and Dollywood! Type: Single Family Home Location: Sevierville,TN Price: $249,900 Get more information >

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Is Once Again Open!

Posted by Gatlin on October 17, 2013

On Wednesday morning, roads and trails into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park were finally re-opened, 15 days after being closed due to the recent government shutdown. Traffic was lined up outside the Townsend entrance to the park before it opened as tourists waited to enter. A ceremony celebrating the reopening had to be moved to the Tremont campground because of the traffic.

“We had traffic backed up at the Sugarlands and we also had traffic backed up from here at the “Y” all the way into Townsend,” said Blount County Mayor Ed Mitchell. “That gives you an idea of what we were missing on a daily basis by this park being shut.”

Due a recent deal between Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam and North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory, as well as support from county leaders in Sevier and Blount Counties, the park was temporarily re-opened from Wednesday, October 16th, until this Sunday, October 20th, at 11:59 P.M. However, the recent ending of the government shutdown as of last evening by the federal government further means that the National Park will remain open for the foreseeable future, past this Sunday at 11:59 P.M.

The National Park costs $60,100 to operate per day, according to the National Park Service. Prior to the resolution of the shutdown last evening, it would take $300,500 to keep the park open for the five days called for in the state-to-state brokered deal. All national parks were closed October 1 when Congress failed to pass a funding bill, leading to a partial government shutdown. However, the federal government agreed last week to allow states to re-open national parks if they paid for the operating costs. In addition, bills introduced in the U.S. House and Senate would reimburse states within 90 days for any costs associated with reopening the parks during the shutdown. Now that there is a resolution to the shutdown by the federal government as of last evening, the National Park is on track to remain open for the foreseeable future.

What does this all mean? For now and into the foreseeable future, it appears that the National Park will be open, and will remain open, to the public, following the last evening’s resolution to the recent government shutdown by the federal government. This comes during the middle of the changing of the leaves in the fall season here in the Smokies, which attracts many people to the area every year and is expected to do so again this year.

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