As we follow market statistics, news and other sources it seems that we may be headed towards recovery. This week let’s take a look at what everyone is saying, what the trends are and what it all means as you are looking at the purchase or sale of a home.

On January 9th The National Association of  Home Builders added 40 new metro areas to its NAHB/First American Improving Markets Index. This is up from  only 41 improving areas  in December, with 31 states represented by at least one entry.The index identifies metropolitan areas that have shown improvement from their respective troughs in housing permits, employment and house prices for at least six consecutive months. In a release on January 12th David Crowe, NAHB Chief Economist states “2011 ended on a positive note with economic activity continuing to expand at a moderate rate and the housing sector finally gaining some positive momentum after bouncing along the bottom for most of the year.”

We are seeing banks taking measures to streamline the processing of  backlogged foreclosure inventory and aggressively seeking alternatives to foreclosure. Bank of America and a few other lenders are currently testing a few pilot programs to entice homeowners to pursue a short sale of their property in lieu of letting it go to foreclosure. So what does it all mean?

For sellers:
If you are thinking of selling your Smoky Mountain property, this is all good news. The Smoky Mountain area remained relatively stable throughout 2011, with only minor changes from 2010. You can find the 2011 statistics in our earlier blog post here. At the turn of 2012 we have seen a definite spike in activity with interest rates at extreme lows & more qualified buyers entering the market looking for their own Smoky Mountain get away. With the phones ringing, email inquiries pouring in and the influx of people visiting the area to look at property, sellers are seeing a big increase in exposure of their homes to qualified buyers. We would be happy to provide you with a complimentary market analysis of your property to help you see what it’s true value is in the current market.

For buyers:
Looking to purchase a second home or investment property in the smokies? As mentioned above, we may begin to see less foreclosures, more stabilized prices and a more competitive market as the year progresses. There are many great opportunities still available in the current market and now may be the time to start looking to see what is available. Interest rates are remarkably low & we would be happy to assist you in getting pre-qualified for a mortgage to begin your buying process. For more information about getting pre-approved and why it is so important in today’s market please visit last week’s blog post here.

See what opportunities the Smoky Mountain home market has to offer by viewing available homes at our website.

Here are a few of my featured listings:

Small Price – Large Mountain Home Almost $27,000 rental income for 2011! Great bargain for future income. Beautiful chalet with lots of room for entertaining. Type: Single Family Home Location: Chalet Village Price: $189,900 Get more information >

Charming & Authentic Log Cabin Did $22,907 in rental income from April – December of 2011. Charming and authentic log cabin located in desirable Sky Harbor community between tourist centers of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee Price: $179,900 Get more information >

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

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 >

Last week, we touched briefly on the recent Trip Advisor article that named Pigeon Forge #4 on its list of the top 15 United States vacation destinations “on the rise for 2012″.  Now we would like to explore some of the reasons the area could be named such a great destination and what this means to you in terms of a possible real estate purchase in The Great Smoky Mountains.

Trip Advisor attributed close proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, outdoor activities and other attraction options like Dollywood as a few of the advantages of Pigeon Forge. If we dig deeper into the area we will find a few other things that bring many people back to the area time and again.

First, Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge boast America’s largest collection of independent artisans. Gatlinburg is the home of Arrowmont School of Arts & Crafts and the 8 mile loop known as The Arts & Crafts Trail.  Established in 1937 the Arts & Crafts Trail has been designated as part of the Tennessee Heritage Trail. Many events throughout the year, such as the twice a year Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair, are centered around Smoky Mountain arts & crafts and attract many visitors, shoppers & craftsmen to the area.

Next, two-thirds of America is within a one day drive. With rising travel costs, the Smoky Mountains are an easy trip for a large portion of travelers to make.

The third point we would like to touch on is the wide variety of activities available. There is literally something for all ages, interests and budgets. Entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is free. You can spend time hiking, viewing wildlife, camping and much more within the park. Both Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg boast numerous opportunities for shopping with outlet malls and smaller shops showcasing mountain heritage items. There are a wide variety of dinner shows, haunted houses, go-kart tracks and other family friendly attractions. Throughout the year you will find numerous special events going on, such as The Grand Rod Run car show, Wilderness Wildlife Week, Appalachian Quiltfest and many more.

The area has millions of visitors each year and many come to the area looking for a true mountain experience in a Smoky Mountain cabin. We feel that all of this combined with low property taxes & affordable home prices make this a top area to consider for a real estate investment. 

Our team is experienced in all aspects of purchasing a vacation rental home. We will be there from the very first steps of your search through helping you find the right rental management company. You can take a look at some of the great opportunities available at our website. When the time is right we are ready to assist in any way we can. Give us a call and start  learning what America’s #4 destination has to offer.

Here are a few of my featured properties:

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: $243,900 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 >

Nature & Beautiful Mountain View Plenty of community amenities, 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 >

We wanted to take this time to look at how the last month of 2011 shaped up for the Smoky Mountain real estate market. We are still seeing a reasonably healthy market with only minor changes from 2010 and plenty of homes in inventory. If you are looking at purchasing investment property now may be the time. A recent article by www.WBIR.com says Pigeon Forge is getting more national attention as a top travel destination.  The article notes that Trip Advisor recently released its 2012 list of the “Top 15 US Destinations on the Rise” with Pigeon Forge making the list at number four. Trip Advisor said one of Pigeon Forge’s advantages is its close proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and its outdoor activities as well as other attraction options like Dollywood. Let’s take a look at the numbers and see if the Smoky Mountain area may be the perfect place for your next investment.

 In our first category, Total Residences Sold, we see that 2011 is only down by 64 homes from the previous year.

Total Residential Dollar Volume is also down from last year showing a decrease of 9%.

The Average Residential Sale shows only a small decrease of $8,647 from 2010.

Our last category, Active Listings, still shows an increase from last year with 7,071 homes available on the market to choose from. This is a change of 659 homes for sale.

It would seem that the Smoky Mountain area market is still somewhat stable. With plenty of homes on the market as well as all of the national attention as a top destination, this could be the perfect time & place to look at a potential investment home. Get started by looking at the wide array of homes available at our website.

 Here are a few of my featured listings:

Smoky Mountain Views Found Here! Magnificent mountain views but just minutes to downtown Gatlinburg. This mountain get away is perfect for the buyer looking for a prime location at a great price. Type: Single Family Home Location: Chalet Village Price: $154,900 Get more information >

Beautiful Ridge Top Property! Great Deal Beautiful ridge top property with level building site. Clear a few trees to have a wonderful mountain view. Gravel driveway to the top of the ridge. VERY MOTIVATED SELLERS! Type: Land Location: Gatlinburg, Tennessee Price: $39,900 Get more information >

Walk To Arts & Crafts Community A very unique and artistic log home. Very private yet within walking distance to the arts and crafts community in Pittman Center. Beautiful mountain view from the stone patio,covered front porch w/hot tub, and lots of stained glass throughout. Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee Price: $168,500 Get more information >

The activities and celebrations do not end with Christmas in the Smoky Mountains. As we begin 2012, January 7th will kick off the 22nd Annual Wilderness Wildlife Week. What better time to come explore more of the Smoky Mountains? With nearly 100 different expert guides on hand it is a great opportunity to get into the great outdoors and learn more about everything related to The Great Smoky Mountains.

Authentic Log Cabin Authentic log cabin home in a resort like community. Over $20,000 in rental income for the last three consecutive years. Everything to love… Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee Price: $215,900 Get more information >

Character, Details & Views! Pictures do not do justice to the view! Picturesque home with tons of space and lots of windows. Wine cellar/tasting room are just one of the many unique features you will enjoy. Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee Price: $389,900 Get more information >

Quality Features & Mountain Views If you are looking for your own home away from home you must see this quality three bedroom. Fantastic Smoky Mountain Views, attached garage, workshop & much more. Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee Price: $379,900 Get more information >

Gatlinburg is a town that showcases deep-rooted feelings of community & traditions even more so than most in Tennessee. We would like to share a few stories of the original roots and history of this beautiful Smoky Mountain area with you.

In 1807 Martha Jane Huskey Ogle, her children & several family members arrived in a remote location in the East Tennessee Smokies. They were pursuing her late husband’s desire to settle in the “land of paradise”. The building of The Ogle Cabin was the event that marked the settlement of White Oak Flats, what we now know as Gatlinburg. Great Grandson Andrew Ogle & his family were the last of the family to live in The Ogle Cabin, abandoning it around 1910. It was later sold to the Pi Beta Phi Fraternity.

Why the name change? It was originally known as White Oak Flats because of the abundance of native white oak trees in the landscape. In 1854, Radford C. Gatlin came to the area & opened a general store in the village. In 1856 the area’s first post office opened in his store and the town name changed to Gatlinburg. Although controversy soon surrounded Mr. Gatlin, resulting in his banishment from the community, the city still carries his name.

In 1912, a public settlement school was developed by the Pi Beta Phi Fraternity. The school provided practical education and contributed to the rebirth of the “cottage craft industry” movement. Currently located on the old Pi Beta Phi school grounds at 556 Parkway, you will find the Arrowmont School of Arts & Crafts. A nationally renowned center of arts & crafts education, it offers year round courses for college credit. 

The Tennessee Heritage Trail has been developed by the state to highlight the culture, history & diversity of the area. Numerous Gatlinburg locations are an integral part of the trail. It has been divided into three different paths to offer a wide range of experiences; The Arts & Crafts Trail, The History Trail & The Music Trail. Many treasures of the Smoky Mountain heritage are available along the way. We hope that next time you are in the area you will treat yourself to a tour along the trail & discover more about the events, people & traditions that built this mountain community.

Living in this rich cultural area surrounded by the beauty of The Great Smoky Mountains is truly breathtaking as William Ogle believed back in the early 1800′s. As “Your Guides To The Best Of The Great Smoky Mountains”, we hope you will choose The Jason White Team when it is time to begin your own discovery of the area & the vast real estate opportunities available. Begin your journey to a home in The Great Smoky Mountains by visiting our website.

Have your own stories and fun facts to share about the area? We would love to hear from you, share them with us on Facebook.

Here are a few of my featured listings:

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 >

Mountain Streams/View/Private Home Fantastic creekside location on 1.84 acres in beautiful Pittman Center. Enjoy the ridge top views and private mountain stream from this log cabin. If privacy is what you want this is it. Even a level driveway and easy parking. Comm swimming pool access. Type: Single Family Home Location: Pittman Center Price: $249,900 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 >

In an article dated November 21st, Time magazine listed Pigeon Forge as one of the top nine most “Christmassy” towns in America. When we take a look at all of the events, activities & traditions surrounding  the holidays in The Great Smoky Mountains, there is no room to wonder why.

Just this past weekend, Ripley’s Aquarium of The Smokies presented the 36th Annual Fantasy Of Lights Christmas Parade in Gatlinburg. More than 80,000 spectators were expected for the event. With over 100 parade entries and more than a dozen marching bands from Tennessee, North Carolina, Virginia, Georgia and Alabama it was a beautiful Christmas event. You can watch the festivities on video at this link. Coming up this Saturday, December 10th you can join The Great Smoky Mountains National Park for the 36th Annual Festival Of Christmas Past at Sugarlands Visitors Center. Focusing on the culture of the Smoky Mountains with an emphasis on Christmas, this is a free event sponsored in cooperation with The Great Smoky Mountains Association. There will be music by the Lost Mill String Band, Boogertown Gap and South of the River Boys, demonstrations of making mountain berry baskets, apple-head dolls, quilts, and apple butter along with many special presentations throughout the day.

In Pigeon Forge you can enjoy over five million lights on display, stop by Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas (three-time winner of America’s Best Christmas Event), take a stroll through The Christmas Place (the American South’s largest Christmas store) or spend an evening at the brand new “Smoky Mountain Opry Christmas Spectacular”.

These are just a few of the events that go on in Sevier County during this part of the year. It is truly a special time when The Smoky Mountains come to life with all of the beauty and cheer of the holidays.

Imagine spending your holidays below snow-capped mountain peaks, cozy by the fireplace in your Smoky Mountain cabin. It would be easy to take part in all of these holiday activities and maybe even start a few new traditions of your own. With plenty of homes to choose from, why not get started now towards having your own “Smoky Mountain Christmas” to look forward to? Visit our website to view the wide array of 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 >

Private Oasis Bordering National Park Private mountain oasis tucked on over an acre bordering the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Plenty of amenities & plenty of space. Type: Single Family Home Location: Chalet Village Price: $369,900 Get more information >

Wonderful Family Home/Fenced Yard!! Great family home with additional space for possible, media room, in-laws quarters, or teenage paradise. 2 car garage, fenced back yard, and close to Knoxville or Sevierville. Type: Single Family Home Location: Sevierville,TN Price: $259,900 Get more information >

As we take a look at our month end statistics for Smoky Mountain real estate we continue to see a reasonably active and healthy market. Using data published by The Great Smoky Mountains Association of Realtors let’s explore how things are looking as we move towards year-end.  The GSMAR data we use is year to date and it compares this year to the same timeframe for last year. Though come select areas are still outperforming last year, we will look at the overall view of the entire residential market in this area through November.

In the category of Total Residences Sold, this year is down from 2010 by only 69 residences sold or 5% less.

Total Residential Dollar Volume Sold was also lower in 2011 with $225,111,411 or 9% less than the same period in 2010.

The average 2011 residential sale is still not far off from the 2010 average at  5% or $7,577 lower.

In the last category of Active Listings, 2011 shows plenty of inventory available with 6,870 homes available. This is a 10% increase over the same period in 2010 with 641 more homes on the market.

The real estate market in The Great Smoky Mountains is active. With plenty of Smoky Mountain homes to choose from and mortgage rates still very low, it could be the perfect time to start shopping. Contact your lender to see what kind of great rates are available, visit our website to look at the variety of homes available, then contact our team of professionals to take care of the rest!

Here are a few of my featured homes:

Functional Work Of Art W/Stunning Views Once you see this functional work of art that doubles as a spacious home you’ll never want to leave. Type: Single Family Home Location: Chalet Village Price: $950,000 Get more information >

New Construction Full Of Style Newly built this one is full of style & character. Native stone accents outside with a great exterior color combination. Hand made kitchen cabinets andbathroom vanities crafted from super rare wormy chestnut. Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg, Tennessee Price: $159,900 Get more information >

Handcrafted Custom Home W/Views! $35,999.58 Rental Income from June 2011 forward. This custom home overlooks the golf course and has amazing mountain views. All the custom features you are looking for are found right here. Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg, Tennessee Price: $1,500,000 Get more information >

Your choices range from homes in Gatlinburg to rental cabins/chalets elsewhere in the East Tennessee Smokies. The time we choose to spend with family can take on a special quality when we truly savor each moment. The holidays, from Thanksgiving thru the end of the year, serve to remind us that another calendar year is coming to an end. It is a wake up call to pause and give thanks. This special family time is important to include the children. The eldest family members should be acknowledged for their wisdom and experience. These elders should be encouraged to pass their expertise to younger generations. Advice from experienced family members has never been more crucial, given the challenges that currently face humanity across the planet. Most important at this time of year is to be thankful for life’s many blessings. When we take time to feel gratitude all aspects of our lives are enriched.

Obviously, there are a ton of local activities and celebrations here in Sevier County to amp up any Holiday vacation. Our blog has touched on the Holiday lighting displays across the county in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge & Sevierville. Gatlinburg has their Trolley Ride Of Lights going on through January 30th. The city adds then; The Festival Of Trees, Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Holiday Show, The Nutcracker and Winter Magic Tunes & Tales. Go online to pull up details on these events and much more.

If you are entertaining the purchase of Smoky Mountain real estate, visit our website to get started online. We geared the website to assist our clients and customers.There are helpful tips to get started in the quiet of your own home. You proceed at your own pace. When the timing is right, our team of professionals is here to help you finalize your purchase. Go online and begin today!

Here are a few of my featured listings:

Tucked Away Above It All What a great deal on a nice, clean & spacious mountain get away. Type: Single Family Home Location: Chalet Village Price: $129,900 Get more information >

Stunning View Of Mount Leconte Absolutely stunning view of Mt. Leconte & ski resort. Fantastic complex in excellent condition that is of the highest construction quality. Type: Condo Location: Chalet Village Price: $199,900 Get more information >

Upper Unit With Views!! Much sought after top level corner condo has it all. Great mountain views & two large balconies put you one on one with the spacious outdoors. Type: Condo Location: Chalet Village Price: $112,000 Get more information >