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

Featured Listing for November 5, 2013 – Misty Mountain (808 San Remo Drive)

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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! It is here that the Great Smoky Mountain National Park wraps around your very own unique, wildlife sanctuary.  You can walk out your back door and in minutes be at Cataract Falls or stroll along the river into town. Perhaps, you might like instead to drive an easy mile from your 6000 square foot home into town for fine dining and entertainment, which you can do in minutes. All of this and so much more awaits your inspection of this incredible, one of a kind property.

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This 12 acre property has access to water and sewer lines for any possible future development. It features a level yard with an orchard of peach, cherry and plum and well as plenty of space for a garden. This mountain estate features three levels with four bedrooms plus numerous other rooms with plenty of room for dining and entertainment. It also includes a sauna, hot tub and gym. Totally remodeled and ready to be used as a residence, vacation rental, or retreat center. New hardwood flooring, new HVAC, new roof, new appliances, and new light fixtures. Additionally, two massive hand-crafted, wood burning stone fireplaces which feature the artistry of a master stone mason. The one in the main living area soars upward seventeen feet to the skylighted ceilings. Additionally there are two gas stone fireplaces, stone and slate patios, open sun deck, enclosed sun room, mature gardens, and several fenced acres for pets to create an environment that is truly one of kind. You’ll never find another unique place like this one! Especially, since it’s priced $100,000.00 below appraisal!!! Once this is grabbed up, there isn’t another one like it.  So when might be the best time for you to see it? . Right now, before it’s gone!
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

Federal Reserve’s Decision Wednesday to Continue Stimulus Could Keep Short-Term Interest Rates Low for Immediate Future

Real Estate Investing

On Wednesday, the Federal Reserve made the announcement that it would continue its long-running stimulus program of asset purchases and low interest rates. The Fed was widely expected to continue adding $85 billion a month to its portfolio of Treasury securities and mortgage-backed securities, particularly after the disruptive partial shutdown of the federal government in the first half of October.

The Fed maintained a relatively optimistic economic outlook in the statement, released after a scheduled two-day meeting of its policy-making committee. It said the economy continued to expand “at a moderate pace” and that the availability of jobs continued to improve.

“Taking into account the extent of federal fiscal retrenchment over the past year, the committee sees the improvement in economic activity and labor market conditions since it began its asset purchase program as consistent with growing underlying strength in the broader economy,” the Federal Open Market Committee said in its statement. “However, the committee decided to await more evidence that progress will be sustained before adjusting the pace of its purchases.”

As a result of the Fed’s decision, the expectations are that short-term interest rates will remain low, at least for the immediate future. Fears about higher interest rates, especially on mortgages, have been on the rise since the Fed had also recently indicated a slowdown, or tapering, of its ongoing stimulus program. Fed officials had spent much of the summer preparing investors for a retreat from the bank’s stimulus campaign before the end of the year. That remains a possibility: The Fed’s policy-making committee is scheduled to meet for the final time this year in mid-December. However, no timetable or other decision on any tapering is expected from the Fed until at least mid-December, at the earliest.

What does this all mean for you? With low short-term interest rates still anticipated for at least the immediate future, there are many great deals and properties available here in the Great Smoky Mountains, with many types of homes and great deals still available! Please feel free to browse our available properties today, and let us help you find the home of your dreams!

Here Are A Few of My Featured Listings:

Unique Chalet Adj. to Ober Gatlinburg! Uniquely built and designed 1BD/1BA chalet located along Ski Mountain Road, close to Ober Gatlinburg, and mins. to downtown Gatlinburg! Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg, Tennessee Price: $129,900 Get more information >
Contemporary Home w/Mt. LeConte View! Well-built and designed 3BD/2.5BA home with a bonus room and attached 2-car garage, located just minutes from dwtn. Gatlinburg and all of the attractions. Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg, Tennessee Price: $375,000 Get more information >
Unique Chalet Adjacent to Nat’l Park! 12 pristine acres bordering Great Smoky Mtns. National Park w/direct views of downtown Gatlinburg & surrounding mtns. Cove Mountain Trail literally touches the rear property line. 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

Preparing For Your Smoky Mountain Home Purchase

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

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

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

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

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

Here Are A Few Of My Featured Listings:

Totally Updated & Turn Key Located just minutes from Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park this cabin is totally updated and turn key. Lovely furnishings and charming spaces are to be found inside this authentic Appalachian log home. Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee Price: $209,900 Get more information >
Rustic Charm – Modern Comfort Over $20,000 in rental income in both 2011 & 2012. This log cabin nicely displays a nice balance of rustic charm blended with modern comfort. It features true log construction with high ceilings and an open floor plan. Type: Single Family Home Location: Chalet Village Price: $139,900 Get more information >
Beautiful Setting On The River Consistently produces almost $40,000 gross annual income!! Once you see it you’ll never want to leave. Directly on the pristine Middle Prong of the Pigeon River, found to be the cleanest river in the state by the Tennessee Resource Defense Council. Type: Single Family Home Location: Pittman Center Price: $399,900 Get more information >

 

Why The Smoky Mountains?

Smoky-Mountains-WaterfallThe Great Smoky Mountains National Park is America’s most visited national park. With a strong sense of Appalachian culture, the ancient mountains, over 800 miles of trails and something for everyone in the surrounding communities it is easy to see why. Let’s explore a few of the things that this awe-inspiring region has to offer and why it is such an appealing location for your real estate purchase.

If you are looking for a place to kick back, get away from the rush of day-to-day life and get in touch  with nature The Great Smoky Mountains region offers multiple opportunities. From easy walking trails to  longer back packing trips you will not run out of chances to hike and enjoy waterfalls, an abundance of  wildlife and amazing mountain views. A trip to Cades Cove offers a chance to visit historic buildings and can be taken in with a walk, an auto tour, a cycling trip or even on horseback. As you are out and about expect to see elk, deer and black bear as part of your Smoky Mountain experience.

If you are looking for a more intense adventure venture to Pigeon Forge and give Dollywood’s newest roller coaster a try. As America’s first winged coaster it is sure to get the adrenaline going. Want something more hands on? There are a multitude of options for a day spent whitewater rafting, flying through the sky on one of the local zipline tours or even indoor skydiving.

As the gateway community to The Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg is a picturesque traditional mountain town. With bits of nature and history at every turn it is easy to lose yourself in the local mountain heritage. With a stroll down the gorgeous streets you can encounter pieces of history, street performances and a wide variety of shopping opportunities.

With the quiet beauty and many entertainment options of the area there is no question why this has become a top tourist destination. Add this to a recently improving housing market and it equals a great location for anyone considering a real estate purchase. It is the perfect choice of locations whether you are looking for a vacation home, a money-making investment or a special place for retirement. Take a look at all of the available homes by visiting our website.

Here Are A Few Of My Featured Listings:

Over $30,000 Rental Income! Over $30,000 in gross rental income for 2012! This is a turn key authentic log cabin in excellent condition. Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee Price: $217,000 Get more information >
Top Floor With Amazing Views First time on market! Top floor unit – best location in the building & best view in the building. Type: Condo Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee Price: $550,000 Get more information >
Near Ski Resort & Downtown A great opportunity to own a lot in desirable Chalet Village and has a winter view of the mountains. Type: Land Location: Chalet Village Price: $29,900 Get more information >

 

 

First Time Home Buyer? Some Tips To Get You Started

Real-Estate-AdvisorsWith mortgage rates being at all time lows, making home loans more affordable than ever more buyers are considering their first purchase. If you are thinking of taking the leap you may be wondering where to start to locate the right home and have a smooth transaction. We would like to share some tips from the team and answers to common myths here today.

Myth 1: 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 2: You must have a 20% down payment.

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. Talk with your lender about options such as an FHA or Rural Development loan.

Myth 3: 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 4: The perfect home is out there if I just keep looking.

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.

Tips From The Team:

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

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

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

We hope that this information is helpful to you as you begin to pursue a new home. We invite you to begin at our website to see all that is available in the Sevier County region of The Great Smoky Mountains.

Here Are A Few Of My Featured Listings:

2 For The Price Of 1 A great opportunity to own two Chalet Village lots for the price of one. Type: Single Family Home Location: Chalet Village Price: $15,000 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 >
A View Second To None Over $40,000 in rental income for 2012! Aptly named A View Second To None, this chalet has breathtaking views of Mt. LeConte. Located just minutes to downtown Gatlinburg & Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort. Type: Single Family Home Location: Chalet Village Price: $269,900 Get more information >

As Foreclosures Ease, The Market Benefits

RecoveryWe have watched as inventory decreases and prices rise both locally and nationally. This is due in part to a steady decline in foreclosures entering the market. In March the number of foreclosure filings fell 21% from a year earlier and repossessions were at the lowest number we have experienced in five and a half years. Let’s take a closer look at all of the factors in play that are helping ease the numbers.

Stronger guidelines for processing short sales have been put into play for some loans helping the process move along more quickly. As buyers see that short sales are not taking as long they are more interested in these listings resulting in more of them being sold instead of moving into foreclosure.

Banks are also approving more loan modifications and refinances to help owner’s stay in their home instead of considering foreclosure proceedings as the first option. According to a new report for March by Lender Processing Services, the number of owners who are behind on payments or in danger of foreclosure dropped below the 5 million mark for the first time since 2008. LPS reports that by the end of March the number of homes in foreclosure dropped to 3.4%, down from 4.2% just a year ago.

We are also seeing a huge increase in banks using deeds-in-lieu of foreclosure. A deed-in-lieu of foreclosure allows the bank to take possession of a home while foregoing the foreclosure process. Often times a deed-in-lieu comes with an offer of “cash for keys” an incentive for owners to vacate the home without letting it fall into foreclosure. Nationwide, in 2012, deeds-in-lieu were up 40% from 2011 according to RealtyTrac.

There are still many great deals on homes available as we see prices rising slowly. For the week we saw average mortgage rates drop .02% to 3.65% keeping home affordability at record lows. 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 all of the available properties in the area.

Here Are A Few Of My Featured Listings:

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 >
Great Income, Perfect Location Over $40,000 in rental income for 2012! Big open floor plan with 5 bedrooms & bath suites. Four of the suites have whirlpools & 3 feature fireplaces. Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee Price: $299,900 Get more information >
Charming River Front Cottage Almost $15,000 in rental income for 2012. Sitting right along the Little Pigeon River, this charming cottage is just minutes to the Pigeon Forge Parkway. Type: Single Family Home Location: Pigeon Forge Price: $177,900 Get more information >

 

Gatlinburg, Your Key To The Smoky Mountains

Gatlinburg TennesseeLocated in the state of Tennessee at its eastern-most edge lies Sevier County, home to a massive tourist destination centered around The Great Smoky Mountains National Park. If you follow U.S.Hwy 441 down through the county, marvelous vistas of the Smoky Mountain lure you onward. As you reach the intersection of Hwy 441 and Hwy 321 you are getting close to the National Park and the Gateway Community of Gatlinburg.

Gatlinburg is often called the “Gateway to the Smokies” for good reasons. Following U.S. Hwy 441 takes you downtown into Gatlinburg and from there into The Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Hwy 441 climbs in elevation as it scales some of the highest peaks of the Eastern United States and then works its way into North Carolina down into Cherokee.

Gatlinburg is magical in its attractions and in many other aspects as well. This tiny city may very well have been lost such as many remote southern rural towns. However, the creation of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park changed the destiny of this city immediately. Restaurants and hotels sprang up rapidly to accommodate the influx of tourists coming to see the “Nation’s Most Visited National Park”. Hemmed in by mountains on all sides, Gatlinburg is never at a loss for magnificent views. The lush hardwood and coniferous forests carpet the areas outside of town. Clean, rocky, boulder-strewn creeks and rivers run through the city with a beautiful zen-like quality. Wild life such as; deer, boar, black bear, and turkey roam the area even into the city.

Ober Gatlinburg gives the city the allure of being a ski resort/winter sports center. Year-round activities and festivities keep this tiny burg hopping. Despite the nightlife, the topography of this location makes it easy to access the city amenities and within minutes you can escape to the seclusion of your own private residence, condo, or rental cabin. Gatlinburg is rare. It has all the amenities of a large city from; restaurants, fine dining, hotels, convention accommodations, shopping, amusements, entertainment and more.

The beauty of Gatlinburg is that it is still rooted in its humble beginnings. The city is; fun, friendly, and most importantly, it is affordable. It lies less than 10 hours from over 1/2 of the U.S. population so it is America’s understated getaway destination, making it a great location to visit, live or purchase investment property.

Here Are A Few Of My Featured Gatlinburg Listings:

Large Lot Borders National Park Residential lot located within Gatlinburg city limits but borders the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Type: Land Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee Price: $55,000 Get more information >
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: $339,900 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 >

Plenty Of Reasons To Plan A Spring Trip To The Smokies

Spring SmokiesAside from the beauty of the flowers and trees blooming and things turning green in the mountains there are numerous other reasons to plan a visit this Spring. As is customary in the area each season is celebrated with a multitude of festivals and events. Let’s take a look at a few of the upcoming choices for those looking to experience a Smoky Mountain celebration when they visit.

An always anticipated event, the season opening for Dollywood, kicks off in just a few short weeks on the 23rd with Dollywood’s Festival of Nations. This event lasts through April 22nd and this year features The Paper World Show by Mimirichi with entertainers from Ukraine. Many other acts will be performing as well. Take a journey to Ireland with Spirit Of The Dance, enjoy the Zambian Vocal Group bringing us songs from Africa and much more.

Someone in the group love to fish? Enter the Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament for a chance to win over $10,000 in cash and prizes! On April 6th & 7th visitors of all ages can enjoy getting in to the outdoors and trout fishing over 20 miles of Smoky Mountain streams. More details may be found at the event website.

Want to take a walk down memory lane? April 19-21 will be the return of the Spring Grand Rod Run. One of the all time favorite events for the region, it is a great time to visit and enjoy a metal and chrome display all the way down the Parkway. With thousands of cars and vendors from all across the nation someone is always on hand to tell the stories about these beautiful machines. There are numerous booths, demonstrations and contests to enjoy making it the perfect time to enjoy a piece of yesteryear.

The Titanic Museum will be hosting numerous events as well including a Children’s Weekend on May 11th & 12th and several events focusing on our Veterans. Things will continue on in to Summer with Dolly Parton’s 28th Annual Homecoming Parade on Friday May 10th. Very similar to other parades, this one features gorgeous floats, marching bands, horses and more. The big difference? Dolly herself leads the festivities through town! You should arrive early to get a great view as the event draws more than 50,000 visitors to the area.

All of these events throughout the year are designed to make the Sevier County region of the Great Smoky Mountains a favorite place to visit. Attracting millions of visitors each year it is also a hot spot for real estate activity. If you have dreamed of letting your mountain vacations pay for themselves why not take a look at some of the available properties and see if a vacation rental investment or maybe even a permanent move might be right for you?

Here Are A Few Of My Featured Properties:

Custom Built Dream Home This is a well built custom one owner home on a 3/4 acre level corner lot with mountain views of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Type: Single Family Home Location: Cosby Price: $239,900 Get more information >
Large Lot Borders National Park Residential lot located within Gatlinburg city limits but borders the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Type: Land Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee Price: $55,000 Get more information >
Beautiful Setting On The River Consistently produces almost $40,000 gross annual income!! Once you see it you’ll never want to leave. Directly on the pristine Middle Prong of the Pigeon River, found to be the cleanest river in the state by the Tennessee Resource Defense Council. Type: Single Family Home Location: Pittman Center Price: $399,900 Get more information >