If you are thinking of a Smoky Mountain home purchase you may be wondering where to start the process. Today we would like to touch on a few of the important things to do and consider as part of the preparation for a purchase.

The first thing to consider when you are thinking of entering the market is financing. It is crucially important to have your financial “ducks in a row” and a mortgage pre-approval in hand before starting to look at homes. In a previous article we explain in depth why this is so important but an additional reason is that you want to be able to make a move if you do find your dream home. As the market continues to improve houses are spending less time on the market and you will not want financing to be the only thing standing between you and your new home.

Next, make a list of your “must haves”, the things that will make a home perfect for you. From there narrow the list down. Explore why each item is a must have and decide if it is really just a want that can be worked around if the other terms outweigh not having that criteria met. Place the biggest concern on items that cannot be changed like location or in some cases square footage. When you are finished with this process you will have a list of “absolute must haves” and will be opening yourself to a wider range of possible homes to consider. Once you have found a home that meets the criteria you absolutely must have you will be able to determine if there are inexpensive ways to add the other items over time. When you visit homes remember things like furniture, appliances and decor can usually be changed inexpensively to better suit your tastes. Try to look beyond these things to the condition of the property, the potential future value and if it meets the criteria you have set on your list.

Another consideration is researching the area and familiarizing yourself with locations that you would enjoy. Part of narrowing this down will include knowing what your goal for the use of the property is going to be. Are you looking for a get-away that only you will use or an investment that will be used as an overnight rental to help offset the costs of ownership? If it is going to be used as a rental, talk with some different rental management companies and see whom you may be comfortable with using after the closing. We work closely with the management companies in the area and are happy to assist in finding a good fit.

As the market continues to improve and mortgage rates remain at all time lows, now is the time to prepare for your potential purchase. Having the details in line ahead of time will put you one step closer to turning your Smoky Mountain dreams into a reality. We are available and happy to assist you with any of these steps and when you find the right home we will work to provide you with market data for similar homes and to make sure that your purchase and closing process move full speed ahead.

Here Are A Few Of My Featured Listings:

Totally Updated & Turn Key Located just minutes from Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park this cabin is totally updated and turn key. Lovely furnishings and charming spaces are to be found inside this authentic Appalachian log home. Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee Price: $209,900 Get more information >

Rustic Charm – Modern Comfort Over $20,000 in rental income in both 2011 & 2012. This log cabin nicely displays a nice balance of rustic charm blended with modern comfort. It features true log construction with high ceilings and an open floor plan. Type: Single Family Home Location: Chalet Village Price: $139,900 Get more information >

Beautiful Setting On The River Consistently produces almost $40,000 gross annual income!! Once you see it you’ll never want to leave. Directly on the pristine Middle Prong of the Pigeon River, found to be the cleanest river in the state by the Tennessee Resource Defense Council. Type: Single Family Home Location: Pittman Center Price: $399,900 Get more information >