Why Purchase In The Smoky Mountains?

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Whether you are considering a permanent move, looking for an investment or a second home there are numerous reasons why the Great Smoky Mountain area is a great choice to consider. With a variety of locations, year round beauty and the inspiring mountain backdrop it is a wonderful place to call home.

Gatlinburg is a rare gem. This tiny city may very well have been lost such as many remote southern rural towns. However, the creation of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park changed the destiny of this city immediately. Restaurants and hotels sprang up rapidly to accommodate the influx of tourists coming to see the “Nation’s Most Visited National Park”. Hemmed in by mountains on all sides, Gatlinburg is never at a loss for magnificent views. Clean, rocky, boulder-strewn creeks and rivers run through the city with a beautiful zen-like quality. Wildlife such as; deer, black bear and turkey roam the area even into the city. Ober Gatlinburg gives the city the allure of being a ski resort/winter sports center. Year-round activities and festivities keep this tiny burg hopping. The topography of this location makes it easy to access the city amenities and within minutes you can escape to the seclusion of your own private cabin, chalet or condo.

The greatest appeal of Pigeon Forge is the natural surroundings that boast four distinct and mild seasons to satisfy the lifestyles of all residents and visitors alike. It is close to The Great Smoky Mountains National Park Entrance and a short drive to Cades Cove. Homes for sale in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee are reasonably priced and exceptional in value. Buyers looking to relocate or invest in a second home, will find the real estate market in Pigeon Forge to be varied in styles and amenities, offering mountain charm and modern conveniences, surrounded by the tranquility and hanging blue mist of the Great Smoky Mountains.

Located between Pigeon Forge and Townsend, Wears Valley is a peaceful and secluded setting surrounded by breathtaking mountains and within reach of the Great Smoky National Park by way of Metcalf Bottoms, its own entrance to the National Park and one of only five. Wears Valley is a prime location for investment properties, second homes for peaceful vacations, or single family homes for full-time residents. The low crime and tax rates of Sevier County, along with excellent public schools run by the Sevier County School District, are what make Wears Valley a fabulous location to own property.

These are just a few of the distinctive locations to consider in the Great Smoky Mountain region. Looking at just these three locations leaves no doubt that Sevier County is a prime location to consider a real estate purchase. All of this coupled with an improving real estate market make now a great time to start looking. We invite you to begin at our to search out the right opportunity for you.

Here Are A Few Of My Featured Listings:

Gone With The Wind Almost $22k in rental for the first 10 months of 2012!! If you have dreamed of having a luxury chalet on top of the mountain with sweeping views of the valley, city and mountains then you have to look at this one. Type: Single Family Home Location: Chalet Village Price: $299,900 Get more information >

 

Walk To The Parkway Three level log cabin in the heart of Pigeon Forge that is walking distance to the action packed Parkway and the trolley stop. Type: Single Family Home Location: Pigeon Forge Price: $199,900 Get more information >

 

87 Gently Rolling Acres Await 87 gently rolling mountain top acres with outstanding 270 degree uninterrupted panoramic views of the major peaks of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park including Mt. Cameror, Geyot, Webb, Greenbriar, and LeConte. Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee Price: $1,750,000 Get more information >

 

Top Advice For Buyers & Sellers From The Team

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We would like to take a moment to congratulate everyone at Century 21 Four Seasons for an outstanding 2012. Our firm is ranked #1 in gross sales for the year with $48,037,391 in real estate volume to date. Our team is excited to be a part of the number one firm within the Great Smoky Mountain Association of REALTORS. Because of the support of a great company and all of our clients past and present I am able to congratulate everyone who is a part of The Jason White Team for ranking in the top three agents consistently throughout the year. As a team we offer top notch services, expert knowledge and a sincere desire to make each real estate transaction a fantastic experience for our clients.

As the market continues to change on a daily basis it is important to know that you have a team that is in the pulse of what is happening to help you navigate your real estate transaction. Today we are going to offer some top tips and advice from each member of the team to assist you as you consider buying or selling a home in the Smoky Mountain real estate market.

For sellers: As the team’s listing agent I work primarily with those wishing to get their homes on the market and sold. The following are the three things that I believe will help to prepare you for the process of having your home on the market.

*Even though the statistics show the market improving many buyers are still in the mindset of being able to purchase properties at a discount. Be prepared for low offers, even insulting offers. Don’t take it personally! Take a moment to look at it from the buyer’s side – everyone wants the best deal possible. Be willing to start negotiations and view even a low offer as an opportunity to get to the result that you are looking for.

*Make your house shine. First impressions are the most important in real estate and there is a lot of competition on the market. When we have a showing we want yours to be the one that stands out. If you were selling your car you would take the time to clean it up, maybe even have it detailed right? It’s the same for your house. A fresh coat of paint, a good cleaning and attention to needed maintenance will go a long way towards helping you get an offer.

*Stay focused on the outcome not the process. With the number of homes on the market it is important to be patient and stay flexible. It may take some time to get an offer and once you do the process from offer to closing may be demanding but we are here to help navigate the process and make it as smooth as possible. A buyer may need more time to close because of their lender, there may be repairs to be made and the closing company is going to need information. Knowing that these things may occur ahead of time will help you to avoid frustration during the transaction.

For buyers from Stephanie Huskey: Stephanie has been active in the Smoky Mountain real estate market for 7 years and is a dedicated Buyer Specialist. Here are her top three tips for those considering a purchase in the area.

*Give yourself time to look and be flexible. With this being a busy vacation area many properties you are interested in may not be available on certain days, especially weekends. Purchasing a home is a serious investment and is worth taking a few days away from other obligations when you are ready to look. Scheduling a trip during the week instead of on a weekend will make your trip much more productive as more homes will be available and there will be less traffic to delay your day.

*Know ahead of time what your “must haves” are. This will help me to condense the list of homes we view and insure that your time is spent looking at homes that have the qualities you desire.

*The market is moving at a pretty rapid pace. It is crucial to have a mortgage pre-approval or proof of funds letter in hand when you come to look. Many sellers will not even approve a showing unless we are able to provide this ahead of time.

For buyers from Suzanne Walls: Suzanne is also a Buyer Specialist and has 10 years of experience helping buyers reach their real estate goals. She says these are the three things to know when you are ready to start looking at mountain homes.

*Know that the Smoky Mountain market is a prime investment area and our prices may not reflect the discounts that are still available in other markets. Throughout 2012 the market has improved and homes are selling for an average of 93% of asking price.

*All of the areas we serve offer different amenities. Know ahead of time what is most important to you about location such as views, level roads or mountainous and proximity to town. Doing this we will help us make sure we are spending your time here at homes you will love.

*Be prepared to make an offer. When you see “the one” you want to be able to make an offer right away. If you are rating a home as a 9 or 10 someone else is too. The market here is very active and homes are moving.

We are here to help when you are ready to buy or sell. at all of the opportunites available and know you will be in great hands when the time comes to start looking or to put your home on the market.

Here Are A Few Of My Featured Listings:

Beautiful Honeymoon Cabin Produced right at $16,000 in rental income for 2011. Tidy and cute one bedroom honeymoon cabin all on one level. Type: Single Family Home Location: Pigeon Forge Price: $109,900 Get more information >

 

A Place To Remember Step inside this beautiful mountain home and you will quickly see why it is named A Place To Remember. Features five private master suites and did over $30,000 in rental income for 2011! Type: Single Family Home Location: Chalet Village Price: $389,900 Get more information >

 

Heirloom Quality Throughout Not often does a living piece of history come available for sale, perhaps once a generation. Such a time is this. Heirloom quality throughout this solidly built stone cottage boasts quality not often seen in homes built today. Type: Single Family Home Location: Pittman Center Price: $329,000 Get more information >

 

 

 

As The Leaves Continue To Change, So Does The Smoky Mountain Real Estate Market

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As we enter the last quarter of 2012, the Smoky Mountain real estate market continues to change in a positive way. Outpacing 2011 in most categories, 2012 is shaping up to be one of the best years for real estate in recent memory. Buyers are very active in the market and property is moving. The next three months are expected to remain steady as the final quarter of the year has consistently been the busiest for the Smoky Mountain area. Let’s see how the first nine months of 2012 have shaped up.

 September continues last month’s pattern, remaining at 18% more homes sold than the same period in 2011. We expect the numbers to keep climbing through the next three months, continuing to outpace recent years.

In line with the big increase in homes sold, the total dollar volume sold is up from 2011 by 7% or just over ten million dollars.

The average sold price is the only area that has not shown an increase with prices down 9% from last year. The numbers are improving as the year continues with September showing a 2% increase from last month. As inventory keeps moving off the market the prices should continue their climb towards positive numbers.

Buyers are taking advantage of the all time low interest rates and still low prices on Smoky Mountain homes. Homes are spending an average of 8% less time on the market in comparison to 2011.

Now is a great time to begin a search for your Smoky Mountain home. There are over 4,000 single family homes available to choose from in Sevier County and we are positive we can find the “perfect” one for you. Take a minute to visit our website and browse all of the . When the time is right we are ready to help you make your move towards owning in the Great Smoky Mountains.

Here Are A Few Of My Featured Listings:

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 >

 

Large Lot & Ready To Move In To Very nice neighborhood with quality homes on big lots in a scenic setting. Easy access to both Sevier County and Knox County via pretty country roads. Type: Single Family Home Location: Sevierville,TN Price: $229,900 Get more information >

 

Busy Location for Office/Residential! Great, busy location ideal for commercial office site. Has a separate entrance for lower level so could be used for two businesses or in-law quarters if used for residential. Type: Office Location: Sevierville,TN Price: $249,900 Get more information >

 

With Fall Around The Corner Gatlinburg Is Full Of Activity

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The Grand Fall Rod Run in Pigeon Forge is being held this weekend. Though it is one of the most anticipated events in the region each year for those who love classic cars it is far from being the end of events for the year. If you were unable to make it to the show there are plenty more activities and sights to see in the Great Smoky Mountains this fall. With the breath taking color display in the mountains from the changing of the leaves right around the corner, there are several events planned that make now a great time to visit the area.

Today starts the Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival which will continue through October 31st. Throughout Gatlinburg you will enjoy local craft displays, hayrides and much more as this mountain town celebrates fall in the Smokies. On Thursday, September 27th the Gatlinburg Convention Center will host Gatlinburg’s . Tickets are $25 and all proceeds will be donated to charity. At the event you will enjoy unlimited samples from numerous area restaurants and attractions. From five until eight that evening, live jazz music performed by Millie Palmer Jazz will set the background for dancing and a great day of entertainment.

The Smoky Mountain will be held on September 29th & 30th, Ripley’s Haunted Adventure will be celebrating it’s 14th annual show beginning on October 5th and the Gatlinburg will bring the nation’s finest artisans to the area again from October 11th until the 28th.

These are all great reasons to come take part in celebrating fall in the Smokies but of course one of the biggest attractions will be the vibrant leaf display taking place in the mountains. The change usually spans over seven weeks with different elevations showing its unique variety of trees and colors at different times. Mid September is a great time to view colors at higher elevations from a location such as Clingman’s Dome. A hike to higher elevations such as Mt. LeConte or Andrews Bald would be sure to deliver beautiful autumn views. Early through mid October provide a wide diversity of colors as the mid and lower elevations begin to change and include many varieties of very colorful trees. If you love to hike, the National Park is a great guide for suggested trails for all skill levels however a drive through Cades Cove or along the Roaring Fork Motor Trail are also fantastic ways to take in the beauty of fall in the Smoky Mountains.

It is a great time to plan a trip to the area, but what if you could eliminate the stress of finding a place to stay? Or get rid of the worry that you won’t be comfortable in your accommodations when you get here? Owning a second home in the Gatlinburg area is a certain way to avoid these hassles and make sure that each trip you make to the Smoky Mountains will offer you the peace and serenity that you deserve on your vacation. There are many to choose from and we believe there is a mountain get away that is perfect for you. Spend some time available properties on our website, plan an autumn visit and let us know if you would like to begin the search for your home away from home while you are in the area.

Here Are A Few Of My New Listings:

Spectacular Mountain Views Custom built home with Crystal Clear mountain views! Great rental income with $25,750 for 2010 and $27,713 for 2011! Type: Single Family Home Location: Chalet Village Price: $279,900 Get more information >

 

Indoor Pool & Mountain Views Consistently produces over $60,000 a year in rental income! This is an exquisite log cabin with an indoor heated swimming pool! You will find it nestled on a private lot just outside of Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee Price: $269,900 Get more information >

 

Walk To Downtown Gatlinburg Classic and charming vintage Gatlinburg cottage is walking distance to downtown Gatlinburg or to the trolley stop. No need to worry over traffic or parking should you like to stroll to town for coffee, dinner or a shopping excursion. Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee Price: $139,900 Get more information >

 

 

What If It Isn’t Perfect? Should You Buy That House?

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As we watch prices rising in some areas, mortgage rates staying low and foreclosures being liquidated from the market it is a perfect environment for purchasing real estate. But what if you can’t find your dream home? Let’s take a look at a few things to consider if you are torn between buying now or waiting for the perfect property to come along.

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 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.

When you have found a property that is suitable for your current needs we will help you in determining the financial value of the purchase. When you combine your must haves with the financial value of a particular home you will many times find that it makes sense to move forward with an offer while rates are still low and prices have not completely recovered. Make a sound investment now and it will put you one step closer to owning a home that is perfect in every way in the future.

There are so many homes to choose from in the Smoky Mountain region at this time that we are confident once you are armed with your “absolute must have” list and your pre-approval letter you will have no trouble finding a home that is so close to perfect you will know it is time to purchase. Please take some time at our to explore some of the many options available.

Here Are A Few Of My New Listings:

Smoky Mountain Charm Has produced right around $15,000 in gross rental income for each of the last two years! Three level chalet with a bedroom and bathroom on each floor for maximum privacy. Type: Single Family Home Location: Chalet Village Price: $189,900 Get more information >

 

Breathtaking Mountain Views Gorgeous home in Cobbly Nob with an equally gorgeous Smoky Mountain view. Enjoy a spacious floor plan, currently configured with three bedrooms, level parking, a four seasons room and a two car garage with an attached car port. Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg, Tennessee Price: $298,500 Get more information >

 

Totally Updated & Great Views Almost $30,000 in rental income for 2010 & 2011! High quality construction and a great view combined with tasteful updates should put this one on your short list. Type: Single Family Home Location: Chalet Village Price: $229,900 Get more information >

 

As The Market Improves, Warren Buffett Says Buy Houses

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We have seen many positive reports and predictions for the American housing market so far in 2012. Both nationwide and locally we continue to see positive signs of recovery and a slow but steady climb towards market stability. Some markets are seeing values rise as inventory decreases.

In an earlier in the year Warren Buffett praises owning homes as an investment, saying “Well, if I thought I was going to live, if I knew where I was going to want to live the next five or ten years, I would buy a home and I’d finance it with a 30-year mortgage, it’s a terrific deal. And if, literally, if I was an investor that was a handy type, which I’m not, and I could buy a couple of them at distressed prices and find renters, and again take a 30-year mortgage, it’s a leveraged way of owning a very cheap asset now and I think that’s probably as  attractive an investment as you can make now.”

Buffett also said “If I had a way of buying a couple hundred thousand single-family homes and had a way of managing—the management is enormous—is really the problem because they’re one by one. They’re not like apartment houses. But I would load up on them and I would take mortgages out at very, very low rates.”

Though most of us are not looking to purchase “a couple hundred thousand” homes, with interest rates at all time lows, it is a great time to consider adding investment homes to your portfolio. Mr. Buffett touches on the challenges of the management of investment properties, however, in the Smoky Mountain real estate market there are several options for handling the day to day care of your property. As this is a prime vacation spot, a large number of properties are used as overnight rentals which opens the door to not only making a great investment but also having a Smoky Mountain get away of your own. If you prefer a more hands on approach many investors in the area have had success with using online marketing tools and handling the rental and management of their properties themselves. With this option you may also consider the use of a company such as , which offers customized care plans for absentee owners. They work both with homes that are vacation rentals by owner and second homes that are not used as rental. They offer a wide variety of services from cleaning and maintenance to just stopping by to open the windows and make sure everything is in order. If you prefer to be less involved there are a number of vacation rental management companies in the area that will handle the daily details and offer a wide variety of services. Our team has great relationships with these companies and we will assist you in identifying the management solution that will be a fit for your investment goals.

The Smoky Mountain real estate market offers a wide variety of choices in investment properties. Why not take a look at our to see all that is available? If you see a property that looks like it has potential to add to your investments, let us know, we are here to help you obtain additional information about rental income history, market statistics and monthly expenses.

Here Are A Few Of My Featured Investment Properties:

Private Chalet Minutes To Downtown Produced $23,207 rental income for 2010 & right at $20,000 for 2011! Great location only a mile from the 441 Parkway and about 1.5 miles to downtown Gatlinburg. Type: Single Family Home Location: Chalet Village Price: $189,900 Get more information >

 

Close To Downtown Well over $30k rental income in both 2010 & 2011! Well built cabin in excellent condition within the city limits of Gatlinburg. Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee Price: $289,900 Get more information >

 

A View From Above Did over $94K in rental income for 2010 & over $97K in 2011!!! Outstanding view of Mt LeConte in Smokies, with 5 master suites, media room, close to Gatlinburg, ski resort and National Park! Fully furnished! Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee Price: $699,900 Get more information >

 

A Prime Time To Invest In Smoky Mountain Real Estate

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We know from experience and previous articles that the Great Smoky Mountains are a top tourist destination. There are over 9 million annual visitors and the numbers keep climbing. Aside from those facts there are many more reasons why we believe the Smoky Mountain area is a great pick for a real estate investment. The area boasts the largest collection of independent artisans and hosts numerous events like this week’s Annual Craftmens Fair in Gatlinburg. There are numerous attractions and it is all within a days drive for two thirds of America. Now, both Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg have big projects going on that are going to make the list even longer. Let’s see what they have planned.

Over the last few months, Gatlinburg officials have held numerous meetings to explore and discuss the possibility of constructing a youth sports complex. On Tuesday evening it was decided that they would move forward towards making this a reality. The city entered into agreements with the Sports Facility Advisory and the consulting firm Conventions & Leisure to conduct feasibility  studies and a business pro-forma analysis. The findings were positive, showing that Gatlinburg had adequate accommodation choices and entertainment venues to attract major sports tournaments and other sports events. The facility would include a 79,000 square foot indoor complex with five basketball courts, eight full sized multi-use soccer fields and 600 new parking spaces. The effect would be more vacationers drawn to the area and planning their trips around sports tournaments. The studies reveal that the project would bring more than $34 million to the area.

In September of 2013, Pigeon Forge will open the LeConte Center. Located near Pigeon Forge attractions, shows and shopping this will be a multi-use event center that will attract many new events to the area. The facility will include a 100,500 square foot assembly hall, numerous multi-purpose rooms, catering, concessions and 1,600 parking spaces. It is expected to be home to numerous assemblies, competitive events and trade shows.

Both of these facilities will add jobs to the area and increase the already high tourism to the area. At this time we see a real estate market that is improving from last year and the addition of these new attractions for the area are on track to keep that trend going. There are numerous investment properties available on the market and we believe now is the time to start exploring the option of purchasing a home in the area. Not sure where to start with owning a vacation rental property? Our team is dedicated to providing you sound information and guiding you through every step of the process. Start at our to get a feel for what is available and when the time is right we are ready to answer your questions and assist you on the path to owning a Smoky Mountain home.

Here Are A Few Of My Featured Investment Properties:

Picture Perfect Views Beautiful and private 2 acre site with postcard views. Literally, we have post cards from the 70’s that have the view from this home’s deck on them. A picture perfect view for sure. Type: Multi Family Home Location: Chalet Village Price: $475,000 Get more information >

 

Consistent $$$ Maker At A Great Price!! CONSISTENTLY RENTED OVER 200 DAYS PER YEAR FOR THE PAST FOUR YEARS, WITH REVENUE RANGING FROM $38,000-$41,000! Wonderful and spacious 3-level cabin tucked away in Gatlinburg and only a short drive to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park! Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee Price: $250,000 Get more information >

 

Smoky Mountain Money Maker Smoky Mountain money maker did over $26,000 in rental income for both 2010 & 2011. Nestled in a resort like neighborhood this large cabin is filled with amenities & is close to Dollywood. Type: Single Family Home Location: Pigeon Forge Price: $179,900 Get more information >

 

Expect Strong Improvement For The Real Estate Market In 2012

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When we looked at the Smoky Mountain market statistics for January through May of 2012 it was noted that homes are selling faster, sales volume is up but prices are still down by 14% from last year. We believe that this is directly related to the still existing inventory of distressed homes that are lingering on the market. Distressed homes affect not only the market but families, communities and the overall economy. It is positive news that both lenders and government have been working through several new options and getting more aggressive in their  attempts to liquidate inventory and prevent more from coming to the market. The National Association of REALTORS believes that increasing access to affordable loans and committing more resources to loan modifications and short sales is the key to calming the situation.

As we move through the year we expect to see the average sales price move more and more towards stronger numbers. Buyers are actively involved in the market and mortgage rates are at all time lows. The pieces are falling in place for a market recovery and every month we see more positive news both locally and nationally. The National Association of REALTORS reports that although the last four years in home sales have been essentially flat they forecast a solid increase of around 400,000 more homes sold in 2012. Nationally all major home price trackers are showing a trend of rising home prices in many areas. Harvard University’s Joint Center for Housing Studies released it’s Annual State of The Nation’s Housing report for 2012. The report points to increasingly strong market fundamentals and says home sales could see serious improvement this year.

Slower job growth, the above mentioned distressed properties and the slow pace that young people are moving in to their own homes are a few things hanging over the recovery but things are moving in the right direction. With rentals getting pricier and mortgage affordability at an all time high, demand continues to increase. The report from Harvard includes a detailed graph showing how much more affordable mortgage payments have become compared to rental rates. We expect to see many more first time buyers entering the market as the year progresses.

With the flurry of activity in the market now could be a great time to consider putting a home on the market as buyer exposure is continuing to increase. Wondering how much the market may have changed this year? We are happy to prepare a for you to give you an idea of what buyers are currently paying for homes similar to yours.

Thinking of buying a mountain home? With plenty of properties at great prices still to be found in the Smoky Mountain region and mortgage rates so low, now is the time to enter the market. We are happy to assist you with getting pre-approved, finding the right home and assisting with your path to home ownership. Why not take a look at all that is available at our ?

Here Are A Few Of My Featured Listings:

Like Brand New
The effective year built on this cabin is basically 2009. A very impressive top to bottom remodel has totally transformed it into one the nicest and most up to date you’ll find.
Type: Single Family Home
Location: Chalet Village
Price: $488,000
Get more information >

 

Custom Built Home On The River
Custom built home on the Pigeon River with year around mountain views in one of Sevierville’s most sought after neighborhoods.
Type: Single Family Home
Location: Sevierville,TN
Price: $389,700
Get more information >

 

Secluded & Private Country Home
Over $30k rental income in both 2010 & 2011! This secluded & private country home is located in the heart of the Arts & Crafts community.
Type: Single Family Home
Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee
Price: $289,900
Get more information >

 

The Smoky Mountain Real Estate Market Is Heating Up

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As we look at the statistics for single family homes in Sevier County through the end of May we are met with positive news in several categories. Buyer activity in the market continues to be strong, distressed properties are closing and disappearing from the market and higher priced homes are starting to move. Let’s take a look at what the numbers have to say.

2012 continues to stay ahead of last year in the category of Total Residences Sold. With a difference of 21% or 94 more homes than the same period last year there is no doubt that the market is active.

May gave 2012 some momentum and overtakes 2011 with a 4% increase in the Total Dollar Volume Sold category. This is an increase of just over $3,000,000 in real estate sold.

The Average Sold Price is the only category that is still not ahead of 2011, showing a 14% decrease. This can be attributed to the continued liquidation of distressed homes and as the year continues we can expect to see this number looking more positive as well.

In the last category of Average Days On Market we continue to see signs that we are in an active and improving market as we see the time on the market decrease by 9% vs. last year.

If you have been thinking of putting your Smoky Mountain property on the market now is a great time to get a and measure what the market may have to offer. Properties are certainly moving and buyers are continuing to stream in to the market. Thinking of purchasing? There are still several great deals available and a wide variety of properties to choose from. Why not take a look at our and see if your dream property is waiting for you here in the Smoky Mountains?

Here Are A Few Of My Featured Listings:

Consistent $$$ Maker At A Great Price!! CONSISTENTLY RENTED OVER 200 DAYS PER YEAR FOR THE PAST FOUR YEARS, WITH REVENUE RANGING FROM $38,000-$41,000! Wonderful and spacious 3-level cabin tucked away in Gatlinburg and only a short drive to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park! Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee Price: $250,000 Get more information >

 

Simply Unforgettable Over $20,000 in rental income for both 2010 & 2011! Located near Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail this charming log cabin is sure to please. Beautiful wooded setting, very private and serene. Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee Price: $199,900 Get more information >

 

Updated & Mountain Views Want a great investment property? Then this is it! Already on a rental program and has a great rental history. Recently updated, offers private bedroom suites, and has a sky walk to balcony and mountain views. Type: Single Family Home Location: Chalet Village Price: $219,900 Get more information >

 

The Housing Market Sees Best First Quarter In Five Years

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Existing home sales rose 3.4 percent over last year in April and the National Association of REALTORS has reported that the first quarter of 2012 has been the strongest for home sales since 2007. Lawrence Yun, NAR Chief Economist said “It is no longer just the investors who are taking advantage of high affordability conditions. A return of normal home buying for occupancy is helping home sales across all price points and now the recovery appears to be extending to home prices.”

We believe that there are many factors contributing to improving conditions. We are seeing all time low mortgage rates with Freddie Mac reporting the national average rate for a 30 year, fixed rate, conventional mortgage at 3.91 percent in April. With that trend, first-time buyers rose to 35% of purchasers in April. As confidence in the market continues to rise we will see even more improvement.

NAR President, Moe Veissi, highlights how important it is for home buyers to look into financing at the early stages of searching for a home stating, “With the tight lending environment it’s a good idea to consult with a REALTOR about mortgages and program options in your area and tips for boosting your credit score well in advance of making an offer on a home.” Being pre-approved is one of the strongest negotiation tools a buyer can have on their side. You may find out more about the process in a previous post titled

For sellers, we see a lowering percentage of foreclosures and distressed homes on the market which is helping home prices. Yun said, “We now have broad shortages of lower priced homes in much of the country, with very tight supply in Western states for homes through the middle price ranges. This is good news for many sellers who wish to list now or for those waiting for prices to improve.” In April, the median existing single family home price was up 10.4% from April of 2011 nationally. In the South, existing home sales rose 3.5% in April and was 6.5% higher than a year ago with the median price raising 8% from April of 2011.

As we move forward further into 2012 with an eye on 2013 economists predict that conditions will continue to improve. As a buyer, now may be just the right time to start searching for your perfect Smoky Mountain home. With plenty of inventory to choose from and favorable lending rates, why not stop by our and see what the market has to offer?

Here Are A Few Of My Featured Listings:

Smoky Mountain Views Found Here! Magnificent mountain views but just minutes to downtown Gatlinburg. This mountain get away is perfect for the buyer looking for a prime location at a great price. Type: Single Family Home Location: Chalet Village Price: $147,900 Get more information >

 

Character, Details & Views! Pictures do not do justice to the view! Picturesque home with tons of space and lots of windows. Wine cellar/tasting room are just one of the many unique features you will enjoy. Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee Price: $384,200 Get more information >

 

Come Be A Happy Bear Great rental potential with $12,270 in rental income just for August – December of 2011. Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee Price: $269,900 Get more information >