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 >

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 >

Whether you enjoy Gatlinburg homes or other delightful locations in the East Tennessee Smokies, this time of the year is magical! Our blog has spent some time in years past mulling over the awesome beauty of year-end holidays in the Tennessee Smokies. For one reason or another many  of us get caught by the rapid progression of time as our planet completes one more revolution around the sun.For the blog, it seems only yesterday that we shared the incredible progression of spring time beauty overtaking these magnificent mountains. Now we are in the final days of one awesome fall of leaf changing color. Snow has already briefly dusted the highest  peaks of  The Great Smoky Mountains. Within a matter of weeks the leaves will have fallen for most deciduous trees. Our calendars display that the month of November is well underway. This can only mean that Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah & other important year-end holidays are rapidly approaching. So we need to examine the upcoming activities associated with our winter festivals. Sevier County kicks off their fabulous winter lighting displays in Sevierville, Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. Monday, November 7th, marked Sevierville’s Winter Kick Off with music, lights and magic. This event features free food & entertainment each year. The evening wrapped up with “flipping the switch” to begin the area’s Winter Festival Of Lights. Dollywood began their Smoky Mountain Christmas on November 5th. Sevierville provides 3D glasses in limited quantities for $1.00/pair that give lighting displays a new look. Gatlinburg begins their Winterfest with parades, trolley rides, entertainment & more on December 9th.

Our blogs will continue to skim the primary events as they come on board. For even better planning you can go online and get more details far in advance to better map out family trips. Some of you are still entertaining the idea of a property purchase this time of year. Visit our website, we have geared the
site to help you find the perfect property. You can begin the search at your own speed in the privacy of your own home. When the time is right, our team of professionals is here to help you close the deal.

Here are a few of my featured listings:

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

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: $379,900 Get more information >

Mt LeConte View w/Large Open Floor Plan 5 bedrooms all with in suite baths for privacy. Huge great room for those family gatherings and could walk to trolley to take to town or to Nat’l Park. Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee Price: $350,000 Get more information >

Mountain homes all over our area could potentially offer you the dream property you always wanted. That Smoky Mountain location could provide one of the best leaf viewing sites in North America. While this may appear to be a boastful statement, there are many leaf viewers who would agree.

 The Smokies have a diversity of plants and trees that rival equatorial rain forests.This tremendous variety of plant life gives a cornucopia of color when fall arrives. Northerly locations like New England have great color. However, you also have the high potential of experiencing cold, wet and snowy weather. The Southern position of the Tennessee Smokies provides leaf peepers with a better chance to experience warmer, sunny weather.

 These old mountains display colors of fall in a fantastic topographical scene. The convolution of the ridges and hollows allow micro climates to exist. These places “march to their own drummer” when it comes to fall colors. Bright colors may appear first at the highest elevations, but some lower level plants begin color change based upon their own circadian rhythms. These rhythms are dictated by that particular plant species. Driving around The Smokies one can see the yellows of; Tulip Poplars, Beech, Walnut and Sassafras. Reds are supplied by; Sourwoods, Maples, Burning Bush and Virginia Creeper. Orange appears on; Poison Ivy, Sugar Maples and others. This leaf color selection is far from being complete. As we mentioned in years past, colors get changed by; hours of sunlight, rainfall, sod minerals, temperature, elevation and micro-climate in addition to plant species.

 If you want to take in phenomenal Autumn leaf color  plan your viewing within the next few weeks. Serious wind and rain are known to strip the color quickly. Likewise, if you want that special Smoky Mountain home, you need to get going if you want to complete the process by year end.

Begin your search on our website and our team can help you ink the deal!

Here Are A Few Of My New And Featured Properties:

Panoramic Views & Custom Features! Rental income from June – October $32,424 with an additional $18,760 on the books! Not a typical cabin, this luxury home features panoramic mountain views, a home theatre, level parking & exposed beams surrounded by amazing custom craftsmanship. Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee Price: $1,249,900 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 >

Mountain Villa w/ Private Pool Just Reduced $100,000!!Mountain villa with private solar-heated salt water pool and cabana on a peaceful lake front setting. Chef’s dream kitchen and fantastic mountain views. Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee Price: $695,000 Get more information >

Gatlinburg properties and nearby locations in the Tennessee Smokies get a front row seat for some awesome July 4th festivities.  That is why we wanted to provide our blog readers with some early notice for this area’s fine activities that celebrate our nation’s birthday.  Gatlinburg will begin it’s 36th year for the first 4th of July parade in the country.  The parade line-up begins late on July 3rd and the parade starts on the stroke of midnight when the clock ticks over to July 4th.  There will be approximately 100,000 spectators viewing the parade participants.  The event is highly patriotic with an emphasis that honors current and past military personnel.  These individuals have served this country by risking their lives for our freedom.  The parade highlights their sacrifice.  The procession is over a mile long and has a variety of components from elaborate floats to marching bands.  More detail are available via Gatlinburg’s website. 

Another key element on the area’s July 4th celebration is Restless Heart.  They will headline at the Patriot Festival in Pigeon Forge on their 4th of July celebration.  The group had 4 gold albums and six #1 country singles in the early 1980′s  Additional flavor will be provided by The Return , a Beatles tribute band and Jimbo Whaley & Greenbrier, a local bluegrass group.  All of this entertainment is free, courtesty of the City of Pigeon Forge. 

Other area events include an Indepence Day sidewalk sale at the Beltz Outlet stores.  Downtown Gatlinburg hosts a great fireworks display downtown on July 4th at 10pm. Pigeon Forge also has a fireworks display on July 4th at Patriot Park.

We present many of these events to entice you to come and visit.  However, there is nothing quite like owning property here in the Smokies.  When you own something in the area, you can visit based on your schedule.  Venture on our website and look for something that fills your needs. Once you find it our expert staff is ready to help you seal the deal.  Begin today to find your home in the Smokies!!

Here are a Few of My Latest Listings: 

8 Bedroom Cabin with Mountain View! Wow! 8 bedroom cabin with so many amenities for your enjoyment, plus an incredible mountain view!! Great gross rental income in 2010 of $47,471 plus 2 wks of personal use during prime time! Great investment or permanent residence! Type: Single Family Home Location: Chalet Village Price: $409,900 Get more information >

Incredible Mtn Views! Fully Furnished! Incredible mountain views from this 8 bedroom, 5 bath home. Lots of amenities to make your stay enjoyable. $46,354 in gross rental income in 2010. Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee Price: $409,900 Get more information >

11 Bedroom- Smoky Mountain Stunner! This 11BD/11.5BA mountain top home is designed with hardwood floors, high quality furnishings and antique decor throughout. A stunning handcrafted cedar staircase, sunroom w/large swim spa, sauna, media room, over 2500 sq ft of decking to enjoy the view! Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee Price: $1,475,000 Get more information >

     Seasons Greetings !!

In keeping with last year’s holiday revelation, the Jason White Team is once again, minimizing our carbon footprint on the planet with this electronic      holiday greeting.  The overall impact of eliminating a card is staggering, if you encourage the savings in a large portion of the human population.  Saving trees is only a small percentage of the cost reduction.  Pollution across the board is curtailed essentially from the following eliminated activities; manufacturing, processing, transport, and disposal.

My realty team and our associates derive our livelihood from the sales of property, located in the East Tennessee area surrounding the Great Smoky Mountains.  The awesome natural beauty of the land here, instills a respect in many of us.  It makes conscious people choose to protect the earth in whatever way they can.  Lowering the impact of our carbon footprint is one way to begin helping our planet.

As this year moves toward another calendar ending, the Jason White Team would like to thank everyone from; our associates and assistants, to our friends, customers, and clients.  Your involvement in our business makes all of this possible.  We wish all of you a  joy filled holiday season with a healthy, prosperous New Year in  2011!!

Here are a Few of My Latest Listings:

Outstanding Mtn View/Open Floor Plan! What an outstanding mountain view with this chalet. Fully furnished with beautiful decor. Open floor plan and spacious rooms with lots of windows to enjoy the view. Type: Single Family Home Location: Chalet Village Price: $389,900 Get more information >

Full Furnished Condo in Gatlinburg Fully remodeled & furnished condo in downtown Gatlinburg area. Walk to all the amenities. Enjoy the community pool. Great rental history! Type: Condo Location:Gatlinburg, Tennessee Price: $149,900 Get more information >

Fully Furnished w/ Balcony in Gatlinburg Fully furnished condo with balcony, in downtown Gatlinburg area. Walk to all the amenties such as restaurants and shopping. Type: Condo Location:Gatlinburg ,Tennessee Price: $149,900 Get more information >

Fully Furnished in Downtown Gatlinburg! Fully furnished and ready to move in! Walk to downtown Gatlinburg to all the shopping and dining. Type: Condo Location:Gatlinburg, Tennessee Price: $149,900 Get more information >

Call today to view any of these or any other listings! 877-678-2121

Smoky Mountain real estate typically slows down as people begin their cold weather, winter hibernation.  Much of the population’s buying focus, shifts into year-end gift purchases.  Previous blogs have explored the awesome savings that careful “Black Friday” style property purchases can yield.  The November 2010 data reinforces the opportunities available in today’s East Tennessee real estate market.  However, let’s explore the figures and then draw your own conclusions. 

The following material is available to members of the Great Smoky Mountains Association of Realtors.  My bias is to compare year-to-date figures from the previous year with year-to-date numbers of the current year.  This can reveal some present market trends.

Total Residence Sold  through November 30, 2010-  120 sold vs. through November 30, 2009-  139 sold. 2010 less 19 than 2009. Down -14%.

Residential Dollar Volume Sold through November 30, 2010-  $21,105,121.00 vs. Through November 30, 2009-  $22,929,426.00.  Summary: 2010: $1,824,305.00 less or down -8%.

Average Sale Price through November 30, 2010-  $175,876.00 vs. through November 30, 2009-  $164,960.00.  Summary 2010: Increase $10,916.00 or up +7%.

Quantity of Active Listings through November 30, 2010-  3,755 listings vs. through November 30, 2009-  3,295 listings.  Summary 2010: Increase of 460 listings or up +14%.

As my blog readers are advised, today’s real estate markets are anything, but  free market.  Current markets are still seeking equilibrium after massive government intervention.  The homebuyer tax credits skewed data toward the low-end, first-time buyer. What savy real estate buyers know, is the following facts.  Today’s market favors qualified buyers.  Active listings are up, so there is a great selection of properties.  Mortgage interest rates are still quite low to finance.  Prices are off their highs,and there is market price competition from discounted real estate like; foreclosures and short sales.  All of these factors stack the deck in favor of today’s real estate buyer.  If you want the year-end gift that provides a multitude of dividends, go online and start your Smokies property search today.  Our website and our people are geared to provide the results you seek.

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 and swimming. 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 >

Gatlinburg real estate and surrounding communities of the Tennessee Smokies provide visitors with an awesome variety of wonderful places to stay.  Their diverse selection of lodging allows for an intimate participation in the many activities of the area.  Some might dispute me, but the late year festivities really amp up going into November.  There is an excitment akin to dropping the starting flag at a NASCAR race track.  When the autumn colors fade, with the dropping leaves, and cooling temperatures, the magic and tempo build.  Currently, we are through withThanksgiving and the race to the year end holidays is on. 

For those of you coming to the area, and for those still undecided, here is just a fraction of the local events that you could enjoy. Previously, we mentioned that Winter festivals began in early November.  These commence county-wide holiday lighting displays that are awesome.  These lights can be enjoyed independently from your own car tour or they can be viewed communally from trolley rides in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg.  There is also a fantastic synchronized lighting display almost 1 mile long called “Christmas Wonderland at Smokies Stadium” just off I-40.  Pricing and times can be pulled up online.

Many shopping events occur all over the area.  These events cater to all members of the family.  There are; knife, tool, auto, and outdoor sports locations.  Other stores and festivities cater to; clothing, housewares, interior decorations, and arts and crafts.  There are physical activities such as; small miniature golf courses, huge amusement parks like Dollywood, or ski area like Ober Gatlinburg to name a few.   If you can dream it, this area probably has it.

The events and amenities available in the East Tennessee Smokies are way beyond the scope of this blog.  To find fun activities that appeal to your friends and family, search online.  The options allow you to proceed at your pace and in your timing.  This same approach can apply to finding a great real estate investment in the area.  Go on our website, and set your own property search criteria.  We can tailor everything to your lifestyle, and your convenience.  You save valuable time, looking at only those items, that match your needs.  When it is time to appear in person, our experienced personnel are here to help you seal the deal.  Go online and start today or call us at 877-678-2121!

Here are a Few of My Latest Listings: 

Fantastic Rental Property/Mtn View Fantastic rental income in 2010- $94,303!! Outstanding view of Mt LeConte in Smokies, with 5 master suites, media room, close to Gatlinburg, ski resort and National Park! Fully furnished! Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee Price: $699,900 Get more information >

1.3 Acres in Beautiful Mountain Setting Well built custom home, with acreage, in a beautiful scenic mountain setting. Open great room with vaulted ceilings and lots of natural light. On 1.3 acre with garage. Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee Price: $239,900 Get more information >

Authentic Log Home w/ Fantastic Mtn View Top of a mountain ridge, authentic log home, with fantastic Smoky Mountain views. Big decks, hot tub, loft-cat walk with separate sitting room, fireplace, whirlpool tub, pool tqble and high ceilings. Quite the home for entertaining or just relaxing. Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee Price: $279,900 Get more information >

Call today to see any of these homes or any others that are of interest to you!  877-678-2121

Smoky Mountain Road in Autumn

Time in 2010 to view the beauty of autumn leaf color, or to buy Gatlinburg real estate is almost over.  November’s winds and precipitation will soon strip the remaining foliage off all, but the hardiest of trees.  The countdown to finalize a real estate purchase in calendar year 2010 gets more challenging by the day.   

However, the good news is that the Smoky Mountains winter festivals are just beginning, and they will replace leaf viewing.  In addition, real estate purchases can be enhanced by a minimal amount of foliage.  Without the covering of leaves, more becomes visible.  Buyers can easily see the proximity of neighboring homes and structures.  Noise transmits better without the deadening buffer of leaves.  Long range views become available and the phrase “winter views” reveals itself.  Property searches that occur after leaves fall, reveal more details in the topography and give buyers a better “lay of the land”.  If you are motivated to find your East Tennessee real estate before 2011, you need to scramble.  Beginning your search online and getting pre-qualified for financing will greatly accelerate your purchase.  Our website is geared to assist in this search process.  If you are ready to view in person, and finalize on a property, be sure to call ahead well in advance of your arrival.  This allows your realtor to reserve a block of time necessary to accommodate your needs.   

The interesting part of visiting the Smokies after leaves fall, is that other activities ramp up as the year winds down.  Winter festivals increase as you proceed through November.  The Winter Festival begins November 8th in Sevierville with; free food, entertainment, fireworks, and the switch flip to begin Sevier County’s Holiday lighting.  Pigeon Forge follows on November 9th with their lighting displays, and Gatlinburg follows on November 10th with Winter Magic and a chili cook off.  These dates mark only the beginning of a lengthy holiday lighting season.  The food, entertainment, fireworks, and fun, add to the festive season.  This blog has only scratched the surface of a season filled with activities.  Go online and search out the perfect activities for you and your family and time your visit to coincide with these events.  

Here are a Couple of My Current Listings: 

Foreclosure!! Walk to Gatlinburg! Newest and nicest condominiums in Gatlinburg. Listen to the creek while enjoying the pool and hot tub area. Elevator, covered parking, and walking distance to Gatlinburg shopping and restaurants. Foreclosure-priced to sell! Type: Condo Location: Gatlinburg, Tennessee Price: $199,900 Get more information >

Fantastic View with Level Lawn Area Lower floor condo unit with a fantastic view and level lawn area. The deck overlooks Mt LeConte and the ski slopes. Type: Condo Location: Chalet Village Price: $76,900 Get more information >