Recent New Home Sales Surge Nationally Despite Slowly Rising Mortgage Interest Rates and Possible Fed Tapering

real estate investment

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

Heading Into December, The Great Smoky Mountain Real Estate Market Remains Steady

The Road To Recovery

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.

DECEMBER 2013 RESIDENCES SOLD GRAPH

 

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.

DECEMBER 2013 TOTAL RESIDENTIAL VOLUME GRAPH

 

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.

DECEMBER 2013 AVERAGE SOLD PRICE GRAPH

 

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.

DECEMBER 2013 AVAILABLE INVENTORY GRAPH

 

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 >


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

Heading Into November, The Great Smoky Mountain Real Estate Market Continues to Show Slow, But Steady, Growth

The Road To Home Ownership

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.

NOVEMBER 8 BLOG - GRAPH 1

 

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.

NOVEMBER 8 BLOG - GRAPH 2

 

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.

NOVEMBER 8 BLOG - GRAPH 3

 

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.

NOVEMBER 8 BLOG - GRAPH 4

 

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:

 

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 >
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 >


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

Latest News from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) Shows Existing Home Sales Are At Their Highest Levels Since 2007

real_estate_contract

 

Existing-home sales increased in August and reached the highest level in six-and-a-half years, while the median price shows nine consecutive months of double-digit year-over-year increases, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR).

Total existing home sales, which include completed transactions for single-family homes, townhomes, condominiums, and co-ops, went up by 1.7% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.48 million units in August from that of 5.39 million units in July. This is also 13.2% higher than the 4.84 million units sold in August 2012, one year prior to August 2013.

Sales are at the highest pace since February 2007, when they hit 5.79 million, and have remained above year-ago levels for the past 26 months.

According to Lawrence Yun, the chief economist for NAR, “rising mortgage interest rates pushed more buyers to close deals, but monthly sales are likely to be uneven in the months ahead from several market frictions.” These could include decreasing existing home inventories, as well as more restrictive lending standards, along with the potential for higher interest rates in the long-term.

In addition, while it is unclear at this point, the ongoing government shutdown could also pose potential longer-term complications from agencies, such as FHA (Federal Housing Administration), the IRS, and others, being at least partially shutdown or closed all together. External pressures such as these also could have a longer-term impact on the market itself.

However, according to NAR President Gary Thomas, “As the equity position of most homeowners continues to improve, some who have been on the sidelines will list their home for sale,” he said. “Most of those owners also will be buying another home, but higher levels of new home construction going into 2014, combined with some reduction in demand from less favorable affordability conditions, will help to moderate price growth to more sustainable levels.”

What does this all mean for you? Right now, there are still many great properties available in the Great Smoky Mountains real market, and if you are interested in buying a new home, today is the best time for you to realize your dreams of home ownership. Please feel free to browse our available properties, and see what we can do to help you find a new home here in the Great Smoky Mountains today!

 

Here Are A Few of My Featured Listings:

Great Mountain View Consistently produces income in the high $20k range. Cabin with a view, tongue and groove throughout, wood floors, recreation room with pool table and air hockey for your enjoyment. Type: Single Family Home Location: Pigeon Forge Price: $239,900 Get more information >
Picture Perfect Log Cabin Almost $25,000 in rental income for 2012! Well built log cabin with privacy and only 5 miles to Pigeon Forge. Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee Price: $219,900 Get more information >
Close Up City & Mountain Views Almost $50,000 in rental income for 2012! This is designed to be a year around home or an income producing rental. Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee Price: $439,900 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

 

Heading Into October, The Smoky Mountain Real Estate Market Remains Steady in Terms of Slow, Gradual Growth

The Road To Recovery

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 September of this year, we will see that these trends, particularly in this real estate market, do continue. Let’s now see what the numbers have to say.

In the category of Residences Sold, we see that in comparing September 2013 to that of September 2012, the number of residences sold is relatively unchanged, showing only a one (1) home decrease from September 2012 to September 2013. This shows and reflects a general steadiness in the real estate market, and as we look at the rest of the statistics, we will see that the market is still quite steady at the moment, and we expect this to continue and improve.

RESIDENCES SOLD THROUGH SEPTEMBER 2013

In the category of Residential Dollar Volume for the year, we actually see an increase of 5% through September of this year, as opposed to through September 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 is being sold, along with continuing to show a slow and strengthening market reflective of greater confidence on the part of both buyers and sellers.

TOTAL RESIDENTIAL VOLUME THROUGH SEPTEMBER 2013

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 September of this year versus that of September 2012, reflecting the recent local and national trends towards higher home prices. As inventory continues to decrease, we expect prices to continue their slow and gradual increase, in line with both national and local trends.

AVERAGE SOLD PRICE THROUGH SEPTEMBER

In addition, available homes on the market are actually holding relatively steady at the moment. Through September 2013, as opposed to September 2012, the percentages are relatively unchanged (0%), and actually show a two (2) home increase in housing inventory. As activity continues to remain steady, we expect to see a steadiness, and possibly a decline, in the available housing inventory in the near future.

AVAILABLE HOME INVENTORY THROUGH SEPTEMBER

As markets continue this gradual trend of growth 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?

 

Here Are A Few of My Featured Listings:

 

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 >
Unique, Private Home Close to Gatlinburg Unique, private, wood-style home located only mins. to downtown Gatlinburg. Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg, Tennessee Price: $139,900 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 >


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

Total Existing Home Sales in July Nationally on the Rise

Home Prices Rise

As a further sign of continued gradual growth in the housing market, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) recently announced that existing-home sales rose strongly in July, with the median price maintaining double-digit year-over-year increases.

According to the latest NAR report regarding July’s trends, total existing home sales  increased 6.5 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.39 million in July from a downwardly revised 5.06 million in June, and are 17.2 percent above the 4.60 million-unit pace in July 2012; sales have remained above year-ago levels for 25 months.

In addition, Freddie Mac also recently indicated that the national average commitment rate for a 30-year, conventional, fixed-rate mortgage rose to 4.37 percent in July from 4.07 percent in June, and is the highest since July 2011 when it was 4.55 percent; the rate was 3.55 percent in July 2012.

Furthermore, the national median existing home price for all housing types was $213,500 in July, which is 13.7 percent above July 2012. This marks 17 consecutive months of year-over-year price increases, which last occurred from January 2005 to May 2006. Also, based on the NAR findings, Total housing inventory at the end of July rose 5.6 percent to 2.28 million existing homes available for sale, which represents a 5.1-month supply at the current sales pace, unchanged from June. Listed inventory is also now 5.0 percent below a year ago, when there was a 6.3-month supply.

Therefore, based on the findings of the NAR for July in 2013, we foresee that home prices will continue their gradual rise, in spite of recent interest rate increases, and that housing inventories continue to slowly decrease, thereby raising the home prices as demand remains steady or increases.

There are still many great deals on homes available in the Great Smoky Mountain market, and today is a good time to look for the many properties that are available right now.  If you have thought about purchasing a property in the Great Smoky Mountain region, now is the time to start looking. We invite you to browse our available properties today, and see what our area has to offer for you.

Here Are A Few of My Featured Listings:

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 >
180 Degree City & Mountain Views Produced over $14k in rental income in 2012. Very private ridgetop retreat w/wraparound covered deck that has amazing 180 degree views of the mountains & city lights. Type: Single Family Home Location: Chalet Village Price: $189,900 Get more information >
Gone With The Wind Almost $27,000 income for 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 >

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

National Market and Consumer Trends Show Higher Home Prices and a Decrease in Housing Inventory

Improving Housing Market

 

The recent national trends of higher home prices and decreasing housing inventory continued through the month of July. According to Realtor.com, the nation experienced a 5.24% decline in housing inventory, which is the second month in a row with year-over-year inventory declines in the single digits. In addition, this report also shows that national median home listing prices increased 5.27% year-over-year while the median age of housing inventory is down 16.67% nationally. This shows a continued trend of higher home prices, while also showing a decrease in both the amount and age of housing inventory nationally.

Furthermore, according to the latest Fannie Mae Monthly National Housing Survey for July, consumers expect home prices to climb 3.9% on average over the next 12 months, holding steady from the May and June survey results. Also, the share of survey respondents who say it is a good time to buy a house increased to 74%, while those surveyed indicating that it’s a good time to sell a house increased to 40%, matching the survey high.

According to Doug Duncan, who is a Senior Vice-President and Chief Economist for Fannie Mae, “expectations for continued improvement in housing persist, and sentiment toward the current buying and selling environment is back on track from its dip last month.” In addition, Mr. Duncan also stated that “these results are consistent with our own analysis of previous housing cycles, which finds that interest rates and home prices are not strongly correlated.”

On the whole, the national trends continue to reflect a slight decrease in housing inventory, while also showing a continued rise in home prices available on the market. In view of these trends, there are many great deals available for homes in the Great Smoky Mountain market today, and right now is a good time to look for the many properties that are still available.  If you have recently thought about purchasing a property in the Smoky Mountain region, today is a good time to start looking. We invite you to browse our available properties, and see what the Smoky Mountain region has to offer.

 

Here Are A Few of My Featured Listings:

Picture Perfect Log Cabin Almost $25,000 in rental income for 2012! Well built log cabin with privacy and only 5 miles to Pigeon Forge. Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee Price: $219,900 Get more information >
Enjoy Resort Living In The Mountains Great rental income: 2012 – $32,195 & 2011- $24,226.Private three bedroom, three bath log cabin with great mountain views from three decks. Type: Single Family Home Location: Pigeon Forge Price: $289,900 Get more information >
Come Be A Happy Bear Over $27,000 in gross rental income for 2012! This one will make you $$$. Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee Price: $259,900 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

Home Prices on the Rise Nationally Show a Strengthening Housing Market

Home Sales Rising

 

Over the last year, U.S. home prices have jumped 12.2% as of May of this year, from that of May of 2012, which represents the largest annual gain since March of 2006. In addition, to reflect this recent trend, the Standard & Poor’s/Case-Shiller 20-city home price index released on Tuesday surged 2.4% in May from that of April, all in 2013. Furthermore, these price increases were widespread, where all 20 cities measured by the S&P Index showed gains over a month’s time, from April to May in this year.

The S&P Index covers roughly half of all U.S. homes, and measures prices compared with those in January of 2000, along with creating a three-month moving average. The May index figures, as noted here, are the latest figures available. Despite a recent increase in mortgage rates, especially since early May, the figures noted by the S&P Index have not been significantly impacted, and still show a general trend towards rising home prices across the nation.

The factors behind these home price increases primarily center on more people bidding on a scarcer supply of home that are available for sale, indicating a shrinking housing inventory nationally. In addition, steady price increases, along with stable job gains and historically low mortgage rates, have encouraged more Americans to buy homes. Also, with higher home prices, more sellers are able to put their homes on the market, which creates greater supply and contributes to the ongoing gradual housing recovery that is now currently underway.

What does all of this mean? The national trends, as reflected by the recent S&P Index, show a steady growth in the housing market, and continued strength in home prices across the board. For both buyers and sellers, the market appears to be more receptive at the present time, and is showing gradual gains amidst an ongoing economic recovery.

There are still many great deals on homes available in the Great Smoky Mountain market, and right now is a good time to look for the many properties that are available right now.  If you have thought about purchasing a property in the Great Smoky Mountain region, today is a good time to start looking. We invite you to browse our available properties that we have in the area.

Here Are A Few of My Featured Listings:

Beautiful Log Cabin w/Mtn. Views Brand new log cabin w/ 2 BD/2 BA, located just 2 mi. from the Downtown Gatlinburg Strip, & is w/in walking distance to the Gatlinburg Community Center. Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg,Tennessee Price: $259,900 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: $339,900 Get more information >
Remodeled Condo w/Amazing Mtn Views This contemporary style 2BD/2BA home offers practically a bird’s eye view of the ski slopes at Ober Gatlinburg plus an unparalleled exhibit of the Great Smoky Mountains! Type: Condo Location: Gatlinburg,Tennessee Price: $209,900 Get more information >

 

The Jason White Team

Century 21 Four Seasons Realty

1441 Wiley Oakley Drive

Gatlinburg, TN 37738

Toll Free: 877-678-2121

Fax: 865-436-7227

Email: jason@jasonwhiteteam.com

Website: www.SmokyMountainLifestyle.com

Fed Seeking to Ease Recent Increase in Interest Rates

Real Estate Deals

 

Federal Reserve officials recently expanded upon the latest comments by Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke, whose comments led a recent sudden spike in interest rates, including mortgage rates, which increased to the highest levels seen in nearly two years. The effects of this recent spike have led to potential increased borrowing costs for first-time and returning homebuyers, at a time when the housing market is showing slow, but steady, national growth.

 

Bernanke’s recent comments indicated that the Fed would reduce the amount of bond purchases that it has made since the 2008 economic downturn, along with keeping the benchmark interest rate down at all-time lows. However, according to William C. Dudley, President of the Federal Reserve Bank in New York, any increase in the Fed’s benchmark interest rate is “very likely to be a long way off,” and that any decision to reduce the pace of asset purchases wouldn’t represent a withdrawal of stimulus.

 

In fact, showing the reflectiveness of this recent rate spike, the average rate for a 30-year fixed mortgage recently rose to 4.46 percent from 3.93 percent, the biggest one-week increase since 1987, McLean, Virginia-based Freddie Mac said in a statement. The rate was the highest since July 2011 and above 4 percent for the first time since March 2012.

 

What does all of this mean? For the long-term housing market, especially for first-time and returning homebuyers, the Fed’s recent trend to consider a reduction of bond purchases and assets indicates a shift that may result in higher interest rates, including mortgage rates. While not immediate, the trends, as well as recent comments by the Fed, indicate that interest rates will go up in the long-term – it is just a matter of when and by how much.

 

There are still many great deals on homes available in the Great Smoky Mountain market, and today is a good time to look for the many properties that are available right now.  If you have thought about purchasing a property in the Great Smoky Mountain region, now is the time to start looking. We invite you to browse our available properties in the area.

 

Here Are A Few of My Featured Listings:

 

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 >
Beautiful & Spacious Home w/Amazing View Over $185,000 in rental income from 5/1/12-4/30/13. Self managed using VBRO.com eliminating big management fees and improving net income. Prepare to be impressed by the top quality construction and high end finish work. Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg,Tennessee Price: $1,950,000 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 >

 

The  Jason White Team
Century 21 Four Seasons Realty
1441 Wiley Oakley Drive
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Toll Free: 877-678-2121
Fax: 865-436-7227
Email: jason@jasonwhiteteam.com
Website: www.SmokyMountainLifestyle.com

 

 

The National Real Estate Market Continues to Hold Steady Halfway Through 2013

Housing Recovery

 

As we now reach the halfway point in 2013, there are some very noteworthy trends that are emerging nationally that continue to show a steady real estate market nationally. As we continue into 2013, here are some of the trends that are now emerging, and will have a noteworthy impact on real estate nationally, as well as locally.

According to the latest news from CoreLogic, the first indicator of note is that U.S. home prices have jumped 12.2% in May 2013 from a year ago, the most in seven years. The increase suggests the general national housing recovery is relatvively steady, and is, in fact, slowly strengthening. In addition, on average, national residential home prices rose 2.6% in May 2013 from April 2013, which is the 15th straight month-over-month increase, as measured. In many states, including Tennessee, home prices are gradually increasing and showing a generally positive increase.

The other notable indicator shows us that, according the U.S. Commerce Department, there was an increase in home construction, by 6.8%, in terms of overall pace of homes being constructed, in May 2013, as opposed to 14.8% decline in home construction in April 2013. Based on this, while not dramatically increasing, home construction is also holding steady and even gradually increasing, as well as with home prices.

Furthermore, according to Realtor.com, May of 2013 saw median list home prices were 2.10 percent higher than April 2013 home prices. This reflected a general and gradual trend towards higher home prices as a whole, and we see that the home prices are reflecting a steady national trend towards higher home prices, as well as greater consumer demand for homes.

The basic reasons for these trends are many, but generally can be attributed to greater demand, limited numbers of homes for sale, and fewer foreclosures, as well as steady hiring in the job market and relatively low mortgage rates. Based on this data, we foresee a gradual continuation of these national trends, especially with respect to home prices and available housing inventories.

There are still many great deals on homes available as we see home prices gradually rising nationally, especially in the Great Smoky Mountain market. If you have thought about purchasing a property in the Great Smoky Mountain region, now is the time to start looking. We invite you to visit our website to browse the available properties in the area.

Here Are A Few of My Available Listings:

 

Classic Mtn. Chalet w/Mt. LeConte View This high quality classic contemporary mountain chalet features four master suites each with deck access. Fantastic peninsula lot with beautiful views of Mount LeConte. Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg,Tennessee Price: $279,900 Get more information >
Custom-Built Home on Douglas Lake Custom built home on a lake front peninsula surround by water on three sides with expansive views. Type: Single Family Home Location: Douglas Lake Price: $899,900 Get more information >
Updated & Luxurious Move in ready, recently painted & in excellent condition. Lovely patios front & rear and lawn in back, extras such as dimmable lights, upgraded light fixtures, beautiful 18 heated tile in master bath & oak flooring make the home feel special. Type: Single Family Home Location: Sevierville,TN Price: $239,900 Get more information >