The Smoky Mountain homes market is reasonably healthy. The ease of access and popularity of this area help to buffer our home sales from a challenging national housing market.

In this week’s blog, the focus will be on residential sales figures for The Great Smoky Mountains Association of Realtors. The GSMAR data provides a great tool for evaluating The Smokies’ residential sales. These numbers represent the overall area covered by GSMAR. However, there are locations within our Association that are outperforming last year by significant margins. While the sale numbers of our overall membership remain strong, these hotspots surpass all others. Please remember that residential sales include; single family homes, condos, townhouses and co-ops. These figures are cumulative year to date.

 In the category of total residences sold through the end of September, our year 2011 comes in with 1,646 residences vs. 1,764 for the same time in 2010. 2011 is off by 118 units or down by 7%.

In the category of total residential dollar volume sold through the end of September, 2010 leads with $295,887,524 or $26,760,006 more. In this category 2011 is off by 9%.

The average residential sale for 2011 is $163,504 or $4,233 less than 2010, a difference of 3% less.

Our final category for comparison is in Active Listings. The current year has 7,656. This is 575 more or 8% above 2010.

We previously mentioned that the housing market is currently seeking balance after massive federal stimulus. The evidence that all categories are less than 10% different from the previous year is reasonable. Our current year has no stimulus in effect. Some housing markets across the nation are way below the 2010 figures.

 For residential buyers, the market is good. Interest rates are quite low for qualified buyers. Property inventory offers a great selection. Pricing is well off the market highs and real estate at this point is nowhere near as volatile as other investment markets.

 Get on our website to explore your property possibilities today!

 Here are a few of my new and featured listings:

Breathtaking Mountain Views!!!!! Enjoy the breathtaking mountain views from this chalet. Located close to town of Gatlinburg for all you shopping and dining adventures, yet private and quiet for your relaxation. Greenbrier River and Greenbrier entrance to the Nat’l Park just minutes away Type: Single Family Home Location: Pittman Center, TN Price: $339,900 Get more information >

8 Bedroom/5 Bath Cabin w/Mountain View! Wow! 8 bedroom/5bath cabin with so many amenities for your enjoyment, plus an incredible mountain view!! Sleeps 24. Great gross rental income in 2010 of $47,471 plus 2 wks of personal use during prime time! Great investment or permanent residence! Type: Single Family Home Location: Chalet Village Price: $399,900 Get more information >

Mt LeConte View w/Large Open Floor Plan 5 bedrooms all with in suite baths for privacy. Huge great room for those family gatherings and could walk to trolley to take to town or to Nat’l Park. Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee Price: $350,000 Get more information >