Steady Progress For The Gatlinburg Area Real Estate Market

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National real estate news continues to report positive progress for real estate as a whole and the Smoky Mountain area is no exception. The statistics through August reflect the same steady progress that we have witnessed throughout the year and with more positive changes being put in to play, such as the new short sale guidelines we spoke about last week, we expect the trend to continue. Let’s take a look at the progress we have made so far in 2012.

In the category of Total Residences Sold we see an 18% increase over 2011. We would also like to point out that this is the highest number of single family homes sold in Sevier County since 2007.

The Total Dollar Volume Sold category shows almost $7,000,000 more real estate sold than last year. With mortgage interest rates so low buyers are very active in the market and homes are moving.

The Average Sold Price is still down however, we have maintained that as distressed properties are liquidated this will improve. The new guidelines for certain short sales that go in to place on November 1st will help move these properties along at a much more rapid pace.

Homes continue to spend less time on the market as buyers are ready willing and able to invest in real estate and sellers are taking advantage of the number of buyers in the market. Smoky Mountain properties are spending an average of 2 weeks less time on the market than they did in 2011.

We encourage those of you who have been dreaming of a home in the Smoky Mountains to take advantage of the current low interest rates and explore the wide variety of homes available in the area. If you are thinking of selling but were holding out for the right time, we are happy to provide you with a free market analysis to see what the current market value of your home may be. Our team is ready to help make your real estate goals a reality.

Here Are A Few Of My New And Reduced Listings:

Your Hillside Retreat Has produced over $27,000 in rental income for 2012 so far following great income history for both 2010 & 2011. This authentic log cabin sits atop the most beautiful lot in the subdivision. Type: Single Family Home Location: Pigeon Forge Price: $267,500 Get more information >

 

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: $422,500 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: $365,000 Get more information >

 

New Short Sale Guidelines Bring Changes To The Market

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In the past if you were upside down on your mortgage but still current on your payments you may have been told you would not qualify for a short sale. This could cause further hardship if you had experienced  a divorce, job transfer or other life changing event that was going to make it increasingly difficult to maintain your payments. Or, as a potential buyer interested in a short sale property listed on the market you may have heard how difficult and time consuming the process would be while waiting on the bank to make a decision. We have maintained in several previous posts that approving more short sale applications and improving the process will impact the market in a significant way by keeping foreclosures out of the market place. With encouragement from the National Association of REALTORS it seems that this is exactly what the FHFA is accomplishing. For many these situations may be a thing of the past with new guidelines being put into place as of November 1st of this year by the Federal Housing Finance Authority. Let’s see what a few of the changes are and how they will help change the situation of home owners, buyers and the market.

Certain home owners do not have to be delinquent to qualify:

The new guidelines will allow certain home owners who are still current on their mortgage to qualify for a short sale. To qualify you must have a mortgage that is insured by Freddie Mac or Fannie Mae. To verify if your mortgage is backed by one of these agencies you may visit http://www.FannieMae.com/loanlookup or https://www.FreddieMac.com/corporate/. 

After determining this you must have one of the following hardships:

• Death of a borrower or death of the primary or secondary wage earner in the household • Unemployment • Divorce • Long-term disability • Distant employment transfer/relocation (more than 50 miles one way) • Increased housing expenses • Disaster (natural or man-made) • Business failure

Less required documentation and faster processing:

In an effort to expedite the approval of more short sales many guidelines are being put into place to streamline the process. One key change is that home owners who have low credit scores and have missed several payments will be required to provide little or no documentation to prove the need for a short sale. This will also help buyers in the market as much of the delay in getting an approval has been waiting on the collection and review of endless amounts of documentation. To keep the process moving lenders will be required to adhere to strict time lines for considering short sales. They must review and respond to a short sale offer within 30 days, provide weekly status updates if an offer is under review for more than 30 days and submit a final decision within 60 days of receipt of the offer and completed documentation.

Financial changes:

Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac will waive their right to pursue a deficiency judgement after a completed short sale in exchange for a financial contribution towards the difference when the owner has the income or assets to enter into such an agreement. Evaluating this situation will now be part of the approval process. Special consideration will be given to military personnel who are being relocated. Service members will be automatically eligible for short sales whether they are delinquent or not and will not be required to contribute funds to cover the short fall on the mortgage. The last major financial change is that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will offer up to $6,000 to pay off secondary liens on the property. In the past negotiating a second mortgage could drastically slow the process down and this change will help to keep things moving forward.

These changes have the potential to benefit numerous people and we ask that if you or someone you know may benefit from a short sale of their home please reach out to us. A short sale has the potential to change someone’s financial outlook and will certainly help the real estate market by keeping a foreclosure from happening. I am a Certified Short Sale Specialist and our team has the dedication, sincerity and experience to successfully negotiate a short sale. More information about the new guidelines may be found at this website.  

Not Short Sales But Still Great Deals:

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 >

 

Great Home Or Home Away From Home Custom built home in desirable Norton Creek. It is in such good condition, you’ll think it was just finished. Thoughtful design for year around low maintenance make it suitable for retirement, second home use or as a family home. Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee Price: $259,900 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: $379,700 Get more information >

 

The Truth About These Common Homebuying Myths

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Buying a home can seem like a daunting process. With the wide variety of information readily available on the internet it is easy to be left wondering what is true and what is not. Let’s take a look at a few of the prevailing myths about purchasing a home that may be holding you back from taking the first steps towards owning a home.

Myth 1: Owning a home is more expensive than renting. Mortgage rates are at all time lows making home ownership more affordable than ever before while rental prices are on the rise. It is true that owning your own home will mean that you are responsible for repairs but in exchange for that you gain the freedom to make your own choices about your living space.

Myth 2: You have to have perfect credit to buy a home. It is correct that the higher your credit score the more options you will have in choosing a mortgage. However, having a score in the lower ranges does not mean it is impossible to obtain a loan. If you are thinking of a purchase talking with a lender will help you to navigate your credit report and verify the loan options that are available to you.

Myth 3: You must have a 20% down payment. Sure, having a large down payment will lower your payments but is not always necessary. Many loan programs are available that will allow as little as a 3.5% or in some cases no down payment. We recommend talking with your lender about options such as an FHA or Rural Development loan.

Myth 4: Getting a mortgage is too complicated. Although lending guidelines have gotten tighter than they used to be, with the help of your lender and your real estate agent navigating the process is made much easier. There are some hoops to jump through and it may seem that your lender is asking for an endless supply of documentation but your agent and lender will assist you in making sense of it all and getting you to a successful closing on your home.

Myth 5: Foreclosures need a lot of work. Though some foreclosed homes are left in a state of disrepair this is certainly not the rule. Your agent will assist you with obtaining home inspections to determine the true condition of the property. In many cases you will find that like other homes a foreclosure just needs a little TLC. If the inspection reveals major items that need repaired your agent will be looking out for your best interests and help you negotiate through the inspection results.

Myth 6: Buying a foreclosure will get me a huge discount. Yes, the banks are looking to thin their inventory but they are also trying to protect their interests as well. Though some foreclosed properties are offered at lower than market value prices this is not always the case. The bank obtains a market analysis of the property and sometimes a full appraisal prior to listing it on the market and price it accordingly to see what the market will bear. In most cases the bank would prefer to lower the price in small increments until they obtain a reasonable offer rather than accept a cut rate offer.

Myth 7: The perfect home is out there if I just keep looking. Homes are a lot like people, none are perfect in every way but when we love them we accept the flaws. When you step into the house that is right for you for the first time you will know it. Prior to viewing homes make a list of the things that are most important to you in a home and of what things would be a deal breaker. Once you have an accepted offer we encourage you to have a home inspection which will reveal if any of your deal breaker items exist or if there are simple maintenance items that you are willing to address so that you do not lose the opportunity of owning the home that was meant for you.

The goal of our team is to make your home buying process as easy and stress free as possible. Armed with a great agent and accurate advice you will find the home that is right for you and be at the closing table before you know it. Take some time at our website to see the wide variety of homes that are available and when you are ready to take the next step we are available to assist with every aspect of the process.

Here Are A Few Of My Featured Listings:

View City Lights Against The Mountains Absolutely amazing views of downtown Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Incredible close up night lights view, you can actually see people on the sidewalks with a dramatic mountain backdrop. Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee Price: $359,900 Get more information >

 

180 Degree Mountain & City Light Views $14,300 rental income in 2010 with 2011 already ahead at $14,500 through October. Very private ridgetop retreat w/ wraparound covered deck that has amazing 180 degree views of the mountains & city lights. Type: Single Family Home Location: Price: $189,900 Get more information >

 

Mount Leconte Views Beautiful mountain home with view, wrap around decks, updates throughout including kitchen, new appliances, quartz counter tops and glass tile back splash. Great for permanent residence or rental. Type: Single Family Home Location: Chalet Village Price: $239,900 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 free Market Analysis 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 website?

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 >

 

You’re Pre-Approved To Purchase A Home:What Happens Next?

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In a previous article we went in-depth about pre-approval, what it is, how to get it and why it is a very important first step to buying a home. So you have gathered your financial documents, talked with a lender and have your pre-approval in hand, now what? Let’s talk a little bit about a few things you can do to prepare further for your home purchase and a few things you can expect along the way.

We believe that with a large amount of inventory to choose from in the Smoky Mountain region it is important for you to start by making a list of your needs/wants in your future home. This list should include number of bedrooms, location, type of view and any other items that are important to you. Will the home be a second home or investment? If so will you be using it as a vacation rental? This will play a factor when your agent is helping you to locate a home and needs to help you analyze rental income history of prospective property.

Once you have narrowed down your criteria let us know the most important characteristics your future home needs to have. This will assist us in setting you up to automatically receive listings that may be of interest, letting you know as soon as we come across a home that may fit the bill and also in preparing for your first meeting to view homes.

When the time is right we will make an appointment to view property. You will want to bring along the list you have created as well as a notepad or electronic device to use for jotting down notes about homes you see. This will come in handy at the end of the day when houses seem to be blending together. You will know when you step in to the perfect home. When this happens be prepared to write an offer. The Smoky Mountain market is moving pretty steadily with a large number of buyers in the market. Remember, if you are rating a house at an 8, 9 or 10 someone else probably will too. This is where your pre-approval letter comes in to play because:

*Being pre-approved may expedite the acceptance of your offer to purchase. Many sellers will not respond to an offer to purchase without a pre-approval letter. In the meantime, they can continue to consider other offers.  

 *You will be in a much better negotiating position with a pre-approval in hand especially in the case of multiple offers on the same property.

Once you have identified that perfect Smoky Mountain home and are ready to make an offer we will assist you in preparing the offer by providing current market data to detail what the pricing trend for similar homes is indicating, thoroughly going through the required documents for your offer then preparing it and presenting it to the seller’s agent to begin your negotiations.

With a little bit of preparation and the guidance of our dedicated real estate team the journey from pre-approval to accepted offer will be much easier to navigate. As you are working on your list take a look at our website and get a feel for all that the Great Smoky Mountains have to offer.

Here are a few of my featured properties:

Wears Valley Dream Come True You’ll notice the unusually high quality construction from the moment you pull in the driveway. Type: Single Family Home Location: Pigeon Forge Price: $597,000 Get more information >

 

Unbelievable Price On A Mountain Home Opportunity knocks with this can’t be beat price on a Smoky Mountain home. Just minutes from Ober Gatlinburg & tucked away on a wooded lot with level parking. Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee Price: $129,900 Get more information >

 

Pigeon River Right Outside Your Door! This remodeled riverfront home is a sure to please. With the calming sounds of the Pigeon River right outside your door this completely remodeled home complete with sauna and hot tub are sure to take the stress away! Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee Price: $289,900 Get more information >

 

Great Things Happening For The Gatlinburg Real Estate Market

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It has been not only an exceptionally busy year but also a year that has brought great news for the local housing market. Many sellers fear that buyers are not willing to spend much money and many buyers fear that banks are not willing to lend much, especially on investment or second homes. Recent events point to a very different story for both buyers and sellers. On March 14th, our team closed the largest residential real estate transaction that our local MLS service has seen in over five years. This was not a cash deal nor a distressed sale. It is simply a feel good story of willing buyer, seller and lender coming together. The home pictured above is a twelve bedroom vacation rental property here in Chalet Village above Gatlinburg. Many thought it would be impossible to sell in today’s market. With conventional bank financing and a willing and able buyer we were able to gain an acceptable offer and successfully close the transaction with a purchase price of $1,750,000. What does this mean for your real estate plans? The fears of a slow market are becoming a thing of the past. The market is saturated with buyers and banks are lending money. If you have been considering putting your home on the market, now may be a great time to request a market analysis.

This kind of market movement is combined with recent attention for the area from Forbes magazine. In a recent article they have named Gatlinburg one of the Top 10 Prettiest Towns In America. Calling upon experts from the Travel Channel, National Geographic, travel authors and others to bring the list together, Forbes cites many reasons why Gatlinburg made the list. Zain Habboo, National Geographic’s director of travel stated “The wildflowers around Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park are absolutely spectacular in the spring as they burst with wildflowers at their peak.” Others pointed out access to whitewater rafting, hiking and the dramatic mountain backdrop as reasons Gatlinburg has become a hotspot. It is truly a beautiful mountain town filled with charm, history and nature. As a top tourist destination we believe the Gatlinburg area is one of the best places in America to consider purchasing an investment property.

There is plenty of inventory available, homes are moving and banks are lending. Is now your time to purchase that Smoky Mountain dream property? Take a look at our website to browse all that the Smoky Mountains have to offer. When the time is right our team is ready to help you turn dreams into reality.

Here Are A Few Of My Featured Gatlinburg Properties:

Travel Through Time Take a walk in the park just by stepping off of the deck. Perfectly preserved, this mountain home is just steps from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Boundary and will take you back in time. Type: Single Family Home Location: Chalet Village Price: $179,900 Get more information >

 

Mount Leconte Views Beautiful mountain home with view, wrap around decks, updates throughout including kitchen, new appliances, quartz counter tops and glass tile back splash. Great for permanent residence or rental. Type: Single Family Home Location: Chalet Village Price: $239,900 Get more information >

 

Unparallelled View of Great Smokies!! Contemporary home with many interior updates and incredible view of ski slopes at Ober Gatlinburg and Great Smoky Mountains. Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee Price: $224,900 Get more information >

 

High Above Gatlinburg: What Makes Chalet Village A Premiere Mountain Community?

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Last week we talked about my experience on Mt. Leconte with the annual helicopter supply drop and ended with a note about being able to see Chalet Village from that high vantage point. Today I would like to explore more facts about Chalet Village and why I think it is a great place to consider for your mountain home purchase.  One of the great advantages is being able to have a view like the one you see pictured above, but let’s take a closer look at this beautiful community above Gatlinburg.

Easily accessible from four major roadways on Ski Mountain in Gatlinburg, Tennessee is the mountain resort community of Chalet Village. Residents are close to countless opportunities available at Ober Gatlinburg Mountain Ski Resort, Ripley’s Aquarium, Dollywood, Outlet Mall shopping, Splash Country, numerous restaurants and other attractions. Many recreational options are also available at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which lies adjacent to Chalet Village. It is not unusual to see people hiking, biking, rafting, fishing or enjoying any number of other activities. Chalet Village is in the center of all the fun of the eastern Tennessee mountains.

Chalet Village offers homeowners exclusive resort communities that are great for second homes, investment properties for rentals, or full-time residency. Homebuyers in Chalet Village can find older single family homes, chalets, condos or breathtaking new and luxurious log cabin homes. If you are wishing to build a custom home, lots and land are readily available and provide breathtaking views of the mountains surrounding Chalet Village.

The prestigious Chalet Village, with around 2,000 residential/rental lots, is the last community before entering the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Not only do residents enjoy breathtaking views of mountain peaks, but also spectacular views of Gatlinburg and the ski slopes at Ober Gatlinburg Mountain Ski Resort, which is located in the village. A route of the Gatlinburg Mass Transit runs over Chalet Village and makes stops within the national park.

Despite its close proximity to Gatlinburg, the community is nestled and secluded in the never-ending mass of forests for the ultimate in privacy and peacefulness. Three main sections make up Chalet Village, and these neighborhoods offer the best amenities including tennis courts, swimming pools and playgrounds. The main subdivisions of the Chalet Village area adjacent to Gatlinburg are Alpendorf, Chalet Village North and Tryolea.

Residents of Chalet Village are served by the Sevier County School System. For residents of all ages, The Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts, established in 1945, is world-renowned for arts and crafts instruction. It is located within minutes of this charming mountain hideaway.

Set in a serene and quiet environment, yet surrounded by big city amenities and recreation, Chalet Village offers the finest choices in mountain living amidst the blue mist of the Great Smoky Mountains range. Our office is also located here in Chalet Village, give us a call anytime to explore the neighborhood and all it has to offer. With many Chalet Village homes available, you can visit our website to start your search.

Here Are A Few More Featured Chalet Village Listings:

 

Views Of The Highest Mountain Peaks
Over $24,193 rental income for 2010 & $9,956 for only 5 months of 2011! At the very top of Gatlinburg at around 3200ft in elevation sits this gem of a cabin along the boundary line of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Type: Single Family Home
Location: Chalet Village
Price: $399,900
Get more information >

 

Wide Open Spaces
Dances With Bears is a spacious chalet with soaring ceilings and an open floor plan.
Type: Single Family Home
Location: Chalet Village
Price: $179,900
Get more information >

 

Everything You Are Looking For
You will find all the features you are looking for right here in Creekside Serenade. Make this one your personal mountain retreat or your personal income producer. Consistent rental income & tons of amenities!
Type: Single Family Home
Location: Chalet Village
Price: $205,000
Get more information >

 

 

February Ushers In Beautiful Weather & An Active Smoky Mountain Market

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As we move out of February into March we are seeing amazing spring weather with temps in the 60’s and above. February’s real estate market in The Great Smoky Mountains also closed out with some positive activity and movement signaling good things to come for home buyers & sellers along with the spring weather. Let’s take a look at what the numbers have to say.

In the first category of Total Residences Sold, we see an increase from last year of 9% with 186 homes sold.

In the category of Total Residential Volume Sold, we have a slight decrease of 10%. We believe this relates to the number of lower priced foreclosures the banks are still working to liquidate from the market.

Relating to the previous category, the Average Sales Price also shows a small decrease of 17%. As more of the lower priced properties are closed and off the market we will begin to see these numbers move closer to positive.

In the last category of Number Of Active Listings we show an increase of 330 homes available on the market over last year.

With signs of spring all around and plenty of deals still available on Smoky Mountain homes, this is a great time to plan a visit and start searching for your Smoky Mountain dream. There are almost 3,000 homes to choose from making it easy to find the Smoky Mountain cabin, chalet or other residence that is perfect for you. Begin at our website  to view all of the Sevier County, TN homes available.

Here are a few of my featured listings:

Your Smoky Mountain Dream
Smoky Mountain dream cabin for a great price. Wrap around covered decks w/vaulted ceilings and exposed beams. Level yard, patio, spacious rooms and walking distance to Arts & Crafts shops.
Type: Single Family Home
Location:
Price: $239,900
Get more information >

 

High on a Ridge outside of Gatlinburg
Log cabin high on a ridge with spectacular views of the Smokies. Excellent location- only 5 mins to Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge. Cozy log construction.
Type: Single Family Home
Location: Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Price: $129,900
Get more information >

 

Fantastic Rental Income & Mtn View!
Almost $37K rental income for only 8 months of 2011! Furnished rental with fantastic Mt LeConte view. Lots of decks w/hot tub to enjoy the view. Bedroom suites w/rec room and kitchenette for entertaining. Lots of room for large groups. Sleeps 18.
Type: Single Family Home
Location: Sevierville,TN
Price: $399,900
Get more information >

 

A Very Busy Start For Smoky Mountain Real Estate In 2012

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2012 saw a flurry of activity in January with February picking up even more momentum. There was a marked increase in the number of buyers in the area looking at property and offers being written. So how did January end up for the Smoky Mountain real estate market? Let’s take a look at the numbers released by The Great Smoky Mountain Association of REALTORS. Please note that in an effort to provide the most accurate data available with a focus on our specific area, going forward our monthly market statistics will exclude any properties outside of Sevier County.

In the category of Residences Sold we see great numbers with only 7 less residences sold than the same month last year.

Residential Dollar Volume for January is down $3,911,688. This may seem like a large number however, with the end of the year this may be largely attributed to foreclosure listings that went under contract in December and closed in January or received price reductions as the banks work to get them off the books. This is actually positive news, knowing that other properties on the market will be competing with less foreclosures in inventory.The Average Sold Price was also down somewhat from last year with a 17% decrease. This may also be related to the liquidation of foreclosure properties.

The category of Active Listings for January 2012 shows an increase of 13%. With the increase of buyer activity and the relative stability of our market the beginning of this year has proven to be a great time to list property for increased exposure to qualified buyers.

As we see lending rules getting tighter we are seeing that getting a property from accepted offer to closing has been taking a little longer than it used to. Because of this we would also like to note that an additional 97 properties went under contract in January but have not yet reached closing. Most will likely close in February and we will begin to see the positive effects of how busy January turned out to be in terms of buyer activity.

 Are you thinking of purchasing your own Smoky Mountain dream? Now may be a great time to start looking. With the expansive inventory of property available and extremely low mortgage rates there are many great opportunities to take advantage of. Take the first step by visiting our website to see if your perfect Smoky Mountain get away is already on the market waiting for you.

 Here are a few of my featured listings: 

Hot Buy On Authentic Log Cabin
Over $30,000 in rental income for both 2010 & 2011!! Soaring ceilings and three walls of glass create a dramatic feel and bring the expansive views into the living space of this modern day cabin.
Type: Single Family Home
Location: Pigeon Forge
Price: $149,900
Get more information >

 

Smoky Mountain Dream Come True
Produced $24,329 in rental income for 2011! This is what Smoky Mountain dreams are made of, the perfect mountain get-away that combines the best features the area has to offer.
Type: Single Family Home
Location: Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Price: $259,900
Get more information >

 

Come Home To A Resort Setting
Just one mile from Ober Gatlinburg is where you will find this super affordable condo. Nestled in a resort like community you will enjoy all of the best amenities the Smoky Mountain area has to offer.
Type: Condo
Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee
Price: $75,000
Get more information >

 

 

Why Should You Get Pre-Approved To Purchase A Smoky Mountain Home?

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Whether you are searching the web, talking to friends or getting ready to meet your real estate agent you have most likely been asked if you are pre-approved. Ever wonder what all the buzz is about? Let’s take an in-depth look at what it means to be pre-approved, how to do it and why we think it is such an important first step in your home search.

What It Is:
A loan officer will review your financial status, including your income, cash flow and credit score, to help you determine the maximum monthly housing payment for which you may be able to qualify, and, if qualified, “pre-approve” your mortgage before you’ve found a home. 

How To Get It:
We suggest speaking with a few lenders to shop for rates and decide who you feel most comfortable with. A great place to start is at your current bank. Next, ask us for a recommendation. We have a network of lenders that we work with who are very familiar with all aspects of purchasing in the Smoky Mountains. It only takes a short amount of your time but the benefits of  being pre-approved are numerous.

The Benefits:
*Armed with a mortgage pre-approval, you can start searching for homes with a much better idea of your price range, and in turn save time as you will know the right homes to focus on. Obtaining a pre-approval may offer more confidence and certainty to home sellers in your ability to purchase the home.

*It will give you the ability to see the homes you want to see when you start looking. Many sellers in today’s market will not approve a showing without a pre-approval being provided ahead of time.

*Purchase forms often require buyers to apply for financing within a given time period, in many cases, seven to 10 days. By meeting with loan officers in advance and identifying mortgage programs, it won’t be necessary to quickly find a lender, check credit, and rush into a financing decision that may not be the best option.

*Being pre-approved may expedite the acceptance of your offer to purchase. Many sellers will not respond to an offer to purchase without a pre-approval letter. In the meantime, they can continue to consider other offers.

*You will be in a much better negotiating position with a pre-approval in hand especially in the case of multiple offers on the same property.

If you would like more information about pre-approval or would like one of our preferred lender partners to contact you please give us a call or email anytime. We look forward to assisting in your home purchase. While you are working on that pre-approval why not take some time to browse the variety of property for sale in the area?

Here are a few of my featured listings:

 

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 >

 

Award Winning Design & Mountain Views
This home’s commanding presence and awe inspiring setting have contributed to its status as an architectural icon. Award winning design and attention to detail create a distinctive home unlike any other you’ve seen.
Type: Single Family Home
Location: Chalet Village
Price: $899,900
Get more information >

 

Fantastic Rental Income & Mtn View!
Incredible furnished rental with fantastic Mt LeConte view. Lots of decks w/hot tub to enjoy the view. Bedroom suites with recreation room and kitchenette for entertaining. Lots of room for large groups. Sleeps 18.
Type: Single Family Home
Location: Sevierville,TN
Price: $399,900
Get more information >