Smoky Mountain Real Estate and Gatlinburg Home Sales Mirror the U.S. Housing Market

 

 Our country’s housing market, like our Smoky Mountain real estate, is still adjusting to life without stimulus money.  My news sources at the National Association of Realtors in Washington, D.C. are confirming widely predicted results for the country’s property sales.  “Pending Home Sales” tracks homes under contract, but not officially closed.  July 2010’s pending home sales index moved lower by 2.6% from June 2010.  NAR’s chief economist, Lawrence Yun had predicted this pullback in housing activity, earlier in the year.   Yun felt that the congressional extension of the homebuyer tax credit would amplify the normal spring homebuyer surge.  The stimulus incentives did bring hesitant buyers into the market.  It worked well at accelerating home purchases across the nation.  In the short term, home prices have stabilized in most areas, as inventories of homes for sale have dropped.

However, it was expected among real estate economists that this artificial acceleration of buyers into homes, would lead to a period of lower home sales, when the federal stimulus ended.  What we are seeing in the current real estate market, is the lull as the market re-adjusts.  NAR’s Yun anticipates some months of reduced home sales during this re-adjustment period.  The chief economist expects a pick-up in home sales later in the year, as long as the U.S. job market continues to improve.  In the short term, inventory of homes for sale may increase, but Yun feels pricing on homes has reached justifiable levels where they should not change meaningfully from today’s levels.  He sees some local markets across the country showing price improvement.  Mortgage interest rates are also expected to remain at these historically low levels for most of this year.  The critical factor in a strengthening U.S. housing market lies in serious job creation across the nation.  NAR’s chief economist feels employment growth is paramount to lasting improvement in the U.S. housing and real estate markets. 

It seems as though most of today’s national real estate news was expected and not surprising at all.  The current real estate environment is still favorable for investment in the East Tennessee Smokies.  Prices are off their highs.  Inventory of properties for sale offer a great selection.  Qualified buyers can obtain historically low mortgage interest rates.  The Smokies provide; a beautiful , centrally-located destination, with great climate, and a reasonable cost of living.  If you are considering a real estate investment, we have everything from; rental cabins to primary and secondary homes.  Jump on our website today and see how the Jason White Team can help you find the property you always wanted.

OPPS!! Our latest figures for the month of July are incorrect. Unfortunately, the figures included commercial and there was a very large sale in the commercial side of real estate which threw off my figures. I usually have figures for residential only. I will have the correct figures in next weeks blog.  My apologies!

Here are a Couple of My Latest Listings:

Ridgetop Property/Heart of Pigeon Forge
If you want peace and quite on top of a ridgetop with phenomenal mountain views, then this is the property for you. Located in the heart of Pigeon Forge.
Type: Single Family Home
Location: Pigeon Forge
Price: $159,900
Get more information >
Pristine Mountain Views!
Located in heart of Pigeon Forge with all the amenities this property offers a pristine mountain view as well!
Type: Single Family Home
Location: Pigeon Forge
Price: $189,900
Get more information >

Call today to view these properties or any others!  877-678-2121

July 2010 Gatlinburg Real Estate and Mountain Homes of East Tennessee

Smoky Mountain real estate took positive steps in it’s move toward a market without federal stimulus.  I just received July 2010 real estate sales results from the Great Smoky Mountains Association of Realtors.  The results in various categories reveal clues to our market’s behavior.  Please keep in mind, this data covers July 2010.  Accuracy in market trends is best verified over a longer period of time, and not just 1 month.  In reviewing the GSMAR data, we should begin with number of residences sold.  This catagory includes; single family homes, condos, co-ops, and townhouses.  The current period had 111 residences sold vs 145 one year earlier.  The units sold is down by 34 or -23%.  This would seem negative until we examine other categories.

 Dollar volume sold for July of 2010 is $90,421,283 compared to $25,725,551 of July 2009.  July 2010 is up $64,695,732 or 251% higher.

Furthermore, July of 2009 saw an average sale of $177,418 per residence. Our July of 2010 average sale jumped to $814,606 for an increase of $637,188 or 359% higher.

In our final category of active listings, July 2010 has 4,058 compared to 3,545 in July of 2009.  Active listings are up 513, for a 14% increase.

In evaluating this data, some market aspects may be revealing themselves.  Currently, the federal homebuyer tax credit has expired.  This program was a powerful incentive for new homebuyers to enter the market.  In the short term, it has brought many new homebuyers into the market and it helped absorb some excess home inventory.  However, the data reveals that most of the homebuying occurred at the lower end of the market.  With the stimulus almost over (because of congressional action a few late closings may still trickle in), unbiased market activity is revealing itself. These July 2010 stats are showing that experienced homebuyers are coming off the sidelines to purchase higher priced properties. Without the large number of new homebuyers picking up lower end real estate, the “total dollar volume sold” and the “average sale price” has massively increased for July of 2010.  It is too early to be certain, but seasoned buyers could be returning to the real estate market.  These July 2010 figures seem to indicate that this activity is starting.

If you are considering East Tennessee real estate for some of your investments, begin on our website.  We have geared our site to be user-friendly, and we constantly update, to keep it current.  You set your personal search criteria, and it saves valuable time in viewing only property that meets your needs.  When the time arrives to personally view and close on your property, the experience and expertise of the Jason White Team is available to make your dream a reality.

Here are a Few of My Current Listings:

Fantastic Views With Great Rental Income
This unique one of a kind home is totally updated and is in excellent condition. The fantastic mountain view is enjoyed on the covered or sun decks. The level parking is an absolute bonus!
Type: Single Family Home
Location: Cobbly Nob
Price: $289,900
Get more information >
Spacious- Great For Entertaining!
Spacious with extraordinarily large deck to enjoy the beautiful mountain view. Fully furnished with tasteful furnishings and just around the corner from the Chalet Village Club House to enjoy swimming and tennis.
Type: Single Family Home
Location: Chalet Village
Price: $199,900
Get more information >
Great View Of Great Smoky Mountains
Live in the prestigious community of Riversong. With the Little Pigeon River close by to enjoy fishing,swimming, etc. This private 1.26 acre property is a must see with wonderful mountain views and just around the corner from the Great Smoky Mountains.
Type: Single Family Home
Location: Pittman Center
Price: $359,900
Get more information >

A View of Gatlinburg Real Estate and Smoky Mountain Homes

Currently, East Tennessee’s Smoky Mountain real estate is still a great location for investment.  In this week’s blog, I want to share general trends in our current property market that make it a great place to buy or sell.  First off, the area is positioned in a beautiful, cental location.  Over 1/2 of the U.S. population lives in the eastern half of the country, within 10 hours drive of our mountains.  Our location makes for an easy car ride to visit the area.  Given current economic conditions, this is important.  In addition to a cental location, our area overflows with a natural beauty, that the earth’s creator lavished upon these mountains.  The awesome vistas are enhanced with a cornucopia of plants and animals, that add their interest into the mix.  On top of natural beauty, you add the man-made attractions that have multiplied over the years.  These amenities begin with outdoor-oriented fun like; camping, hiking, horse back riding, kayaking, and white water rafting.  They progress into amusement opportunities like: miniature golf, go carts, and thrill rides.  Then there are activities that offer simple enjoyment and relaxation.  These range from; simple to higher-end dining, hot-tubbing, boating, arts and crafts, shopping, dinner theaters, or rocking on a porch viewing the wonderous mountains.  The spectrum of the natural and man-made attractions in the Smokies are limited only by the participants.  In addition, our high elevation playground has been mostly uneffected by oil spills and hurricanes that wreak havoc on coastal, lowland locations.

Besides beauty and location, the Smokies never got crazy in the real estate bubble of recent years.  While the area’s property values increased, they never exploded like hot markets (Las Vegas).  Consequently, our properties are reasonably priced compared to other areas.  In addition to conservative values, buyers find prices off their highs.  Property taxes and other living costs are low compared to other parts of the country.

Financing of real estate has become tighter, as a consequence of preventing future real estate melt-downs.  However, qualified buyers with good credit will find mortgage rates at historic low levels.  Good financing, combined with a fine selection of properties, and stabilizing home prices could make this a great time to buy or sell real estate in the Smokies.  Start your property adventure on our user-friendly website.  When you need local, professional expertise that knows the area well, contact the Jason White Team online or by phone at 877-678-2121 and let us help you seal the deal.

Here are a Few of My Current Listings:

Nestled Among the Trees w/ Mtn View
This chalet is nestled among the trees with close access to area attractions, ski lodge, shopping and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Type: Single Family Home
Location: Chalet Village
Price: $239,900
Get more information >
Spectacular Home w/ Spectacular Views!
This spectacular custom built home offers so many unique features. Waterfall shower off master bedroom private deck, atrium green house, and includes all furniture and furnishings. Plus plenty of level parking and only one step into the cabin.
Type: Single Family Home
Location: Chalet Village
Price: $379,900
Get more information >
Quality Built Home on Private Corner Lot
Formal,custom built home on a very nice and private corner lot in beautiful neighborhood of Belle Meadows. Close to hospital and all the amenities that Sevierville has to offer.
Type: Single Family Home
Location: Sevierville,TN
Price: $297,000
Get more information >

A Look At Property Taxes for Sevier County’s Smoky Mountain Real Estate

I receive many questions regarding what our property taxes are here. So this week’s blog looks at Sevier County property taxes on mountain homes.  The property tax rate is per $100 assessed value of the home. County tax for Sevier County is $1.54 per $100 assessed value. City tax per $100 assessed value is:   Sevierville is $0.31. Pigeon Forge is $0.1242, Gatlinburg is $0.1493, and Pittman Center is .77.  The ratio of assessment is 25% for residential/rental property. This applies to owner occupied homes and second homes.  See the examples below for a home assessed at $100,000 and $250,000.

                                               For Sevier County Tax
Sevier County tax is $1.54 per $100 assessed value:
$100,000 Home     25% of $100,000 = $25,000 x $1.54 = $385.00 tax paid per year
$250,000 Home     25% of $250,000 = $62,500 x $1.54 = $962.50 tax paid per year

                                                       For City Tax
Sevierville is $.31 per $100 assessed value:
$100,000 Home     25% of $100,000 = $25,000 x $.31 = $77.50 tax paid per year
$250,000 Home     25% of $250,000 = $62,500 x $.31 = $193.75 tax paid per year

Pigeon Forge is $0.1242 per $100 assessed value:
$100,000 Home     25% of $100,000 = $25,000 x $0.1242 = $31.05 tax paid per year
$250,000 Home     25% of $250,000 = $62,500 x $0.1242 = $77.63 tax paid per year

Gatlinburg is $$0.1493 per $100 assessed value:
$100,000 Home     25% of $100,000 = $25,000 x $0.1493 = $37.33 tax paid per year
$250,000 Home     25% of $250,000 = $62,500 x $0.1493 = $93.31 tax paid per year

Pittman Center is $.77 per $100 assessed value:
$100,000 Home     25% of $100,000 = $25,000 x $.77 = $192.50 tax paid per year
$250,000 Home     25% of $250,000 = $62,500 x $.77 = $481.25 tax paid per year

Plus 30% of contents for personal property tax
There is no Income Tax
Sales Tax 7%
 
Many visitors to our area find our property taxes very reasonable.  The planning and working with tourist traffic over the years has helped to develop the Sevier County infrastructure.  The influx of visitors provided a revenue stream that has assisted in sharing the costs for developing the area.  This has helped to keep costs lower for residents by maintaining reasonable local living taxes.

If you are interested in living here, or owning investment property that keeps you coming back with tax incentives, then check out the Jason White Team website.  You set your own search criteria, and view only those properties that fit your criteria. When it is time to take a personal look, our team of property professionals are here to assist you.  Contact us today to begin your Smoky Mountain property acquisition.

Here are a Few of My Latest Listings:

Estate Home on Lake Peninsula
This palatial, custom built, heirloom estate is a perfect home for entertaining or just relaxing by the waterside. Expansive views of Flat Creek(Douglas Lake) and surrounding mountain ridges. Beautiful professionally landscaped gardens.
Type: Single Family Home
Location: Douglas Lake
Price: $1,120,000
Get more information >
Updated with Private Bedroom Suites!
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: $249,900
Get more information >
Dramatic Mt LeConte View/Newly Updated!
Totally updated Chalet with dramatic Smoky Mountain (Mt LeConte)views. Level parking which is a bonus as well as within walking distance of pool and tennis courts at Owner’s Club
Type: Single Family Home
Location: Chalet Village
Price: $349,900
Get more information >

Homes For Sale in Gatlinburg and Across the Country are Adjusting

Smoky Mountain Real Estate joins the rest of the country in an adjustment to life without federal stimulus, for buying houses.  The May news out of the National Association of Realtors for Pending Home Sales was totally expected.  The report for May showed the Pending Home Sales Index fell 30% from the April index reading.  This forward-oriented index tracks home purchase contracts that are signed, but the transaction is not officially closed.  The Pending Home Sales Index has proven to be a useful gauge in tracking home sales.  Trends are more accurate in longer term comparisons.  For instance, there is better accuracy in time frames year vs year, than in month to  month match-ups.  The significant drop from April to May was almost a forgone conclusion.  The extension of the “homebuyer tax credit” artificially forced hesitant homebuyers into the market.  This provided robust home sales figures for; February, March, and April of this year. When the homebuying incentive ended, activity fell off. 

NAR’s chief economist, Lawrence Yun expected this homebuyer behavior from the federal stimulus.  He is pleased that congress has extended the deadline on official closings, because approximately 180,000 buyers missed the original June 30th close date.  Unusually long closing times were caused by tighter lending qualifications, and by lengthy short sale processing.  Yun also expects June figures to be low, as the adjustment to a more natural home buying market takes effect.  The Chief Economist is pleasantly surprised, that some markets have seen increased home purchases without the federal stimulus.  Furthermore, the tax credit appears to have helped stabilize home prices.  Additional good housing news appears in a congressional renewal of the National Flood Insurance Program.

Today’s housing and real estate market is still a great place for purchasing a home or investment property.  Given the uncertainty across the world’s investments markets, Smoky Mountain real estate looks quite good.  There is ample inventory for sale and  qualified buyers will find low interest rates on mortgages.  Our mountain area is geographically beautiful, with many man-made attractions throughout the region.  Check out properties on our user-friendly web site, using your personal search criteria. Contact the Jason White Team to finalize your purchase with help from our experienced real estate professionals.

Here are a Couple of My Latest Listings:

Private Bedroom Suites w/Mountain Views!
Incredible mountain views with private bathroom suites.
Type: Single Family Home
Location: Chalet Village
Price: $269,900
Get more information >
Mountain Community w/Serene Privacy
Nestled among 13+ acres this Mountain Community offers a mountain stream, tennis courts, pool and many more amenities. This hand crafted custom log home is ideal for retirement living due to the layout.
Type: Single Family Home
Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee
Price: $399,000
Get more information >

A Look at June 2010 Gatlinburg Homes For Sale

Gatlinburg homes sales and real estate transactions from nearby areas are reported monthly to members of the Great Smoky Mountains Association of Realtors.  The June 2010 results are out, and the comparisons to June of 2009 are complete.  This data can be useful in spotting trends and identifying local pockets of amplified sales activity. The June 2010 analysis reveals a mixed bag of results with some areas up and others down in sales.  There certainly appears to be evidence of the tax credit stimulus having an influence on residential sales.  June 2010 was the final month where qualifying homes had to close for the tax credit. The total residential results for all areas seem to indicate this stimulus influence.  Number of residences sold in June 2010 vs June 2009 is up 7% to 123.  However, total residential volume sold is down 4% to $20,619,568 for this June.  In addition, the average sale for a residence is down 9% to $167,639 for June of 2010.  All this data indicates that last minute, first time homebuyers were scrambling to qualify for the tax credit.  Their activity was the driving influence for this June’s residential sales.  Another item of interest is that the quantity of active listings is up 17% to 4,067 for June of 2010.

This material can be helpful for finding your Smoky Mountain dream property.  Current interest rates are quite low for qualified buyers.  These Great Smoky Mountain Association of Realtor results show active listings are up.  That gives today’s buyers a great selection and good mortgage interest rates which is a great combination.  You can start your Smoky Mountains property search with no commitment to go further than you want.  Simply go on our website and avail yourself to our real estate resources.  When you decide to buy that special home or property, contact us and use our expertise to purchase that special piece of Smoky Mountains real estate.

Here are a Few of My Current Listings:

Fantastic Views of Mt LeConte!!
Enjoy the fantastic views of Mt LeConte and the tram from the spacious decking of this nicely decorated cabin. Each bedroom has in suite baths as well. This is a must see!
Type: Single Family Home
Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee
Price: $249,900
Get more information >
Outstanding Mtn Views, family retreat!!
This classic mountain chalet has spectacular mountian views and used previously as a private family retreat. High ceilings, lots of glass and 2 beautiful mountain stone fireplaces, plus lots of level parking and walking distance to community club house.
Type: Single Family Home
Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee
Price: $269,900
Get more information >
Incredible Smoky Mountain/Valley Views!
This home is truly Above and Beyond. Even has an elevator! The mountain and valley views are worth viewing this home! Incredible log details throughout.
Type: Single Family Home
Location: Wears Valley
Price: $669,000
Get more information >

Real Estate Has Bright Spots as the Overall Market Adjusts to Stimulus Withdrawal

Homes in Gatlinburg, Tennessee and across the nation are adjusting to a real estate market without federal tax incentives for buying houses.  My news sources out of the Wall Street Journal feel the market is reacting much as expected, to life without an $8,000 tax credit for buying a new home.  Throughout the duration of this federal program, the stimulus tax credit combined with low mortgage interest rates, to bring buyers back into the real estate market.  The influx of homebuyers absorbed enough of a massive inventory of homes for sale to stall a decrease in home values.  Many areas of the U.S. are seeing home prices rebound nicely.  Obviously, the tax incentives accelerated homebuying activity and enticed buyers to purchase earlier than they may have done without the stimulus.  For this reason, a drop in homebuying was expected as the federal stimulus ended.

The highlight in the current real estate market is that mortgage interest rates are very low and there is a good selection of homes for sale.  Average 30 year rates fell to 4.8% while 15 year rates appeared to rise to 4.25%.  However, the fees charged to borrowers fell, in effect, lowering the 15 year rate.  The challenge in mortgages lie in the tougher qualification standards.  If you qualify, this is a great time to find your property and lock in a really great interest rate on your mortgage. 

In considering East Tennessee Smokies’ real estate, there are several factors that could make now a great time to buy.  First, as previously mentioned, there are great interest rates for qualified buyers and there is a great selection of property for sale.  Second, the Smokies did not see the great spike up in prices that drove other markets across the country.  One can get a lot of value for the money in this area.   Third, our area is a convenient location for over 1/2 of the U.S. population.  The area is physically beautiful and the local area caters to visitors.  In addition, an investment in Smokies real estate could be far more stable than other investments in today’s volatile investment arena.  Contact the professionals of the Jason White Team online or by phone and begin your search today to acquire the property of your dreams in East Tennessee’s Great Smoky Mountains.

Here are a Few of My Current Listings:

Private with Beautiful Mountain View
Plenty of community ammenities, private, yet close to town. Enjoy nature and wildlife at this tastefully furnished log cabin from three covered decks, all with mountain views. Spacious for family gatherings, with two game rooms as well as a living room.
Type: Single Family Home
Location: Pigeon Forge
Price: $325,000
Get more information >
Heritage Log Home w/ Views of Mt LeConte
This beautifully built Heritage Log Home in prestigious Chalet Village has great views of Mt. LeConte. Private yet close to downtown shopping and dining. Three master suites for privacy and on a open lot with level parking.
Type: Single Family Home
Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee
Price: $379,900
Get more information >
Gatlinburg Home in Enclave w/ Mtn Views
This custom home has beautiful mountain views with plenty of decking and outside fireplace to enjoy. The spectacular kitchen offers plenty of high end appliances and custom details and the master bath is incredible with tumbled Italian Tile.
Type: Single Family Home
Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee
Price: $1,950,000
Get more information >

Call today for information on any of these or other listings that may be of interest to you!  877-678-2121

Smokies’ Real Estate Rebounds Rather Nicely in April

As we approach late spring and head towards summer, real estate in Tennessee’s Great Smoky Mountains is picking up momentum in home sales.  April’s residential figures have been compiled, and the data looks very encouraging.  The Great Smoky Mountains Association of Realtors reported that total residences sold are up 20%.  This April there were 133 residences sold, or 22 more than April of 2009. 

Dollar volume sold in April 2010 is 8% higher over the previous year, with a total of $22,528,707.  The increase in total dollar volume sold was $1,751,237. 

The influence of first time homebuyers, combined with an influx of discounted foreclosures is continuing to be a dominant force in today’s property market.  These factors have forced the “average price per residence sold” to be less in April 2010 than in April 2009.  The average price per residence sold in April 2010 was $169,389.  This figure was $17,795 less (10% lower) than April 09′.

The number of residences actively listed for sale is up 17% with April 2010 leading last year by 569 units for a total of active listings at 3,953.

All of this data, factored with today’s market conditions, could indicate that currently Smokies’ real estate might be a good investment.  Qualified buyers can find great low interest rates on home mortgages. There is a great variety of property currently for sale.  Today’s investment market in the global stock and bond arena is volatile to the point of becoming dangerous.  This was evidenced by last week’s stock market meltdown, leading into this week’s rebound.  Owning property in a beautiful, desirable part of the country might be a good place for some of your hard-earned money.  Check out our website, or call us at 877-678-2121 today,  to get started owning your personal piece of Tennessee Smokies’ real estate.

Here are a Couple of My Current Listings:

Mt LeConte Views from Gatlinburg Home!!
Custom built,many hand crafted features,gourmet kitchen with Brazilian granite counter tops,plus huge master bedroom on the main level. Even a separate living quarter on lower level.
Type: Single Family Home
Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee
Price: $598,700
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: $239,900

Call me today at the Jason White Team to view any of these listings! 877-678-2121

Real Estate Blossoms like Spring Flowers

On several occasions, I said that home sales and real estate track Mother Nature. When the weather is cold and inhospitable, most people stay home and leave property searches for nicer weather.  Here in the Smokies, it feels like we jumped from winter straight into summer.  Temperatures have recently soared into the 80’s, dropping back soon to more seasonal weather patterns. However, springtime has arrived in an ever-increasing splash of color.  Early bloomers are in full array and the next wave of flowers is beginning to show themselves.  Just like the forces of nature, home buyers are coming out in greater numbers as springtime brings better weather.

Our Great Smoky Mountains Association of Realtor sales data is revealing this trend.  Number of residences sold is up 15% over the same period last year.

Dollar volume sold is off 6% from last year, or down $1,293,479.00.

The average price per residence sold is $173,547.00, and is lower than last year by 18% or $38,398.

The quantity of active listings is up 15% over last year, with a total of $3,854 listings.

From my perspective, this data shows that the tax stimulus for new homebuyers is working.  New homebuyers and discounted foreclosures are still a dominant aspect of today’s real estate market.  It will be interesting to see if the housing market keeps up this momentum as the tax incentives drop off at the end of April in 2010.  However, there are still favorable conditions in today’s real estate market for both buyers and sellers.  Qualified buyers can still obtain historically low mortgage interest rates for financing. 

Today’s online property searches make it easy to prescreen with your personal search criteria, so you save time and money in viewing property to buy. Here at the Jason White Team, we cater to your needs.  Our website is designed for our clients’ ease in finding their property. We back all our web technology with years of personal realtor; professionalism, expertise, and knowledge of the area.  Contact us today to get started finding your dream property.

Here are a Couple of My Latest Listings:

2.42 Acre Rocky Creek Frontage!
Level building site with beautiful rocky creek frontage. Only 1.5 miles to downtown Gatlinburg and southern exposure!
Type: Land
Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee
Price: $150,000
Get more information >
Fantastic Mountain Views and Private!
The private location and awesome mountain views make this home a winner. It is on a level lot with level parking and side yard, 3 mi to Gatlinburg so close to everything, open floor plan with 4 master suites which is always desirable for privacy and space
Type: Single Family Home
Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee
Price: $419,900
Get more information >

Let Old Man Winter Fade Into Memory As You Embrace Our Smoky Mountain Springfest

 

Spring Flowers

It seems that everyone I talk to, has a story to tell of an unusually cold winter that is still gripping parts of our country. Despite the duration of cold temperatures, that combined with a prolific variety of precipitation, winter is slowly giving way to spring.  If you desire an escape into spring,  join us for the Smoky Mountain Springfest.  This three month celebration has already started, but Mother Nature is just beginning to participate.  Springfest continues into the second week of June and is focused upon Gatlinburg and neighboring communities in the East Tennessee Smokies.  Visitors will find city streets loaded with baskets of beautiful blooming flowers and plants.  Now the forces of nature are joining in to amp up the festivities.  The daffodils and tulips are bursting into spring glory and are supported by the early blooming trees and shrubs.  Quince, forsythias, Bradford Pears, and Star Magnolias are coming into flower.

As the season progresses, the wild flowers and dogwoods join with Eastern Redbuds to color in the oncoming green of our woodland forests.  For the upcoming Easter weekend, weather looks sunny and quite warm.  Area churchs welcome visitors to services throughout the Smokies.  Gatlinburg will have their annual Easter morning Sunrise Service at Ober Gatlinburg set among the splendor of the Great Smoky Mountains. The Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community has their annual Easter show from March 31st through April 3rd. 

The warmer weather also heralds a new season of great southern barbeque.  April 22nd will be a date for Gatlinburg’s Ribfest & Wings.  Vendors from all over the Southeast will tempt you with their secret receipes for ribs and wings as the sweet scent of hickory smoke perfumes the air.  Simultaneiously, from April 21st through April 25th you can join in the 60th Annual Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage and Greener Living Expo.  This event offers nature hikes of varying degrees of physical challenge that allow you to explore plants and wildflowers of the Great Smoky Mountains.  There are classroom lectures and automobile excursions that compliment the hikes. 

May’s entries in the Springfest includes, Gatlinburg’s Scottish Highland Games and Festivals May 14th through 16th.  Scottish games, bagpipe music, dancing, and food, combine with a parade to create a great time.  This event shares center stage with Gatlinburg’s Fine Arts Festival on May 15h & 16th.  Both events are family oriented with activities and food for everyone.  You can find details of the Fine Arts Festival in one of my earlier blogs or by visiting http://www.gfaf.net/.  My wife Jessica Weiss will have a booth displaying her custom jewelry.

If you are really looking to extend your fun in the Tennessee Smokies and have some incentives to visit often, consider buying real estate in the area.  We have a multitude of options from; rental cabins, to primary, and secondary homes. Whatever you desire in mountian property, we can most likely supply.  Currently, there are tax incentives that expire the end of April for  home buyers, and low mortgage rates that will probably increase throughout the year.  Now is a good time to purchase from many perspectives.  Our website is an ideal location to begin your property search.  You can select your parameters for selection and set up a filter that brings in time-saving possibilities that match your criteria.  Log on our website or call the Jason White Team today 877-678-2121 and get high-ranked realty professionals to assist in your property search. 

Here are a Couple of  My Current Listings:

Spectacular Smoky Mountain View!!
Unique opportunity to own a lot like this! Spectacular mountain and city view, with level building site.
Type: Land
Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee
Price: $125,000
Get more information >
Gorgeous Mountain Views and Private!
This totally secluded log cabin has incredible mountain views and lots of space. The unfinished basement/garage has hugh potential to become an extra living area.
Type: Single Family Home
Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee
Price: $149,900
Get more information >