Along with seeing signs of positive trends in the housing market nationwide and a reasonably stable market in the Sevier County, Tennessee area, we have just come across more good news.

Frommer’s began as a travel guide-book series that started in 1957 and is one of the best-selling travel guides in America. They have an award-winning travel website, http://www.frommers.com/, that covers over 3,500 destinations. They have just announced that The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the 2012 Top Family Destination in the world. They are giving the Great Smoky Mountains a large amount of publicity with their article about the area.  How does this affect you as a seller or investor in Gatlinburg?

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park has the highest park visitation in the United States with over 9 million visitors each year. With the help of Frommer’s designation and with the fact that Gatlinburg is the gateway community to the park, we look forward to even more visitors than ever before.

As a seller, this kind of exposure is sure to bring more people to the area. Many visit Gatlinburg and are taken with all that the community offers; easy access to the park, numerous activities, shopping etc. Many buyers we come in to contact with say that they recently visited the area and are now looking to buy a second home here. With more people in the area, interest in real estate will spike and more people will begin to look. If you are thinking of selling let us know, we are happy to provide a free market analysis to help you determine the potential value of your property.

As an investor, the area is known for beautiful vacation rental properties and mountain cabins with that special Smoky Mountain feel to them. There has been a decline in hotel stays as more people are renting condos or cabins when they visit. They are looking for an authentic mountain experience. As we begin having more and more people visiting the area, now may be a great time to look into purchasing a vacation rental for yourself. We are happy to obtain rental income history for any property you may be interested in as well as providing direction every step of the way. We can assist with statistics, picking a rental management company, a cash flow analysis and more.

Whether you are thinking of buying or selling, this designation is a very positive thing for Smoky Mountain real estate. Stop by our website to see what’s going on in the market.

Here are a few of my featured listings:

Great Four Level Chalet/Nice Ridge View Did $25,344 gross rental income in 2010 & $24,445 in 2011. Your own Mountain Escape. Very large 4 level chalet that sleeps 16. Big open space in all rooms and 4 levels of decks. Nice mountain views and walking distance to owners club and pools. Type: Single Family Home Location: Chalet Village Price: $239,900 Get more information >

Busy Location for Office/Residential! Great, busy location ideal for commercial office site. Has a separate entrance for lower level so could be used for two businesses or in-law quarters if used for residential. Type: Office Location: Sevierville,TN Price: $329,900 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: $315,000 Get more information >

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 >

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 >

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 >

Mountain homes across the East Tennessee Smokies have been attractive investments for many years. A recent article through the National Association of Realtors cites some evidence that the U.S. housing market could recover in 2012. Everyone knows that 2011 was a tough year for our country’s housing market. The market has been struggling to find a bottom and build some momentum for most of this year. However, there are forces building that will eventually propel sales and improve prices. NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun thinks 2012 will show improvement. Currently the Chief Economist feels restrictive mortgage credit conditions are keeping home sales low. In addition, confidence among consumers has been uncertain. These major factors are holding the market back. When new jobs begin to increase an escalating buyer confidence will emerge. Demand will be driven by the increase in human population growth.

If we see the economic improvements in 2012 inventories of homes should decline aided by weak new home construction. The decline in home inventory would stabilize prices and perhaps drive them higher. Mortgage interest rates are also currently projected to move up in 2012.

None of the 2012 improvements are guaranteed to occur. However, our year-end market in 2011 has good factors for home buyers. First, prices are well off of their highs and the inventory of properties for sale is abundant. Second, for qualified buyers, mortgage interest rates are close to historical lows. In addition, many foreclosures and other distressed properties are forcing prices down. When market forces change and buyer confidence rises, demand will lower inventory and prices will rise. If real estate is in your plans go on our website and begin your search at home. When you narrow your possible residences to purchase, call and set up an appointment with our team of professionals. Everything we do is geared to find you the Smoky Mountain home of your dreams. Call today!

Here are a few of my featured listings:

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: $269,900 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: $299,900 Get more information >

Sky Walk To Balcony & Mountain Views 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: $229,900 Get more information >

Our month end look at Smoky Mountain homes continues to reveal areas of strength. We work to give our blog readers helpful material. The Great Smoky Mountains Association of Realtors published their month totals of residential sales through the end of October 2011. The GSMAR data we use is year to date and it compares this year to the same timeframe for last year. As we mentioned in earlier blogs, some areas in GSMAR are outperforming last year by significant margins. Given our current national property market this is great news.

 In the category of Total Residences Sold, this year lags 2010 (1,343) by 114 residences sold or 8% lower in 2011.

Total Residential Dollar Volume Sold was also lower in 2011. 2010 had $224,584,192 or 11% more.

The average 2011 residential sale was close to the 2010 average at  3% or $4,996 lower.

In the last category of Active Listings, 2011 leads 2010 by 572. This 9% gain over 2010 leaves 2011 with 6,628 active listings.

Our local market within GSMAR is reasonably healthy. The change from last year is 11% or less in most categories. This could be a great time for some of our blog readers to pick up some great property. Sale inventory is up and mortgage rates are still very low. Kick things around and begin looking online. You can shop discreetly from your own home. Our team of professionals is ready to assist in many ways to help secure your dream property. Call us today to get started.

Here are a few of my featured listings:

Active Location for Office/Residential! Great, busy location ideal for commercial office site. Has a separate entrance for lower level so could be used for two businesses or in-law quarters if used for residential. Type: Office Location: Sevierville,TN Price: $329,900 Get more information >

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 >

WHAT A BARGAIN! JUST REDUCED AGAIN!!! 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: $269,900 Get more information >

Some of my sources suggest that mountain homes could be at a good time to buy. Recently, The Wall Street Journal printed an interesting article by Jack Hough of smartmoney.com. Mr. Hough puts forth some intriguing ideas on why it could currently be a great time to buy a house. United States home prices have dropped almost 1/3 since 2006 and homeownership rates are falling like they were in the great depression. This may appear alarming, but there is a silver lining. First, lower prices are bringing value to home ownership and there is plenty of home inventory to consider. Number crunchers dance the line between renting vs. buying. The benefit of renting over buying changes with current market conditions. Home price/rent ratios are much like stock price/earnings ratios. Lower price/rent ratios favor owners over renters. Moody’s Analytics reports that price/rent ratios at the peak of the bubble were 18.5. Now the ratio is down to 11.3. For comparison from 1989-2003 the national average was approximately 10. Mortgage rates are a primary factor in overall home costs. Rates across the country are close to all time lows. The rates move from 3.94% to 4.12%. This makes house payments more affordable than in years. The hurdle comes in qualifying for today’s tighter lending standards.

It is important to factor in the location of the housing market you are considering. Some, like Detroit or Miami are bargains, while New York or San Francisco are in demand and command a premium. The author favors a “buy and hold” position and discourages an invest and flip position. He also recommends careful shopping as prices could decline farther. However, high yields are challenging in many of today’s investments, so homes offer a firm, reasonable opportunity.

If you want to explore your options in today’s East Tennessee Smokies, begin on our website. There are ample options available to explore at your own pace in the privacy of your own home. Begin today to explore these exciting opportunities.

Here a few of my new & featured listings: 

Great Four Level Chalet/Nice Ridge View Very large 4 level chalet that sleeps 16. Big open space in all rooms and 4 levels of decks. Nice mountain views and walking distance to owners club and pools. Type: Single Family Home Location: Chalet Village Price: $279,900 Get more information >

A-Frame w/Serene Setting/Incredible View Total privacy with this A Frame home with incredible mountain vista and mature native mountain laurel. Located in Gatlinburg and walking distance to community pools, tennis courts, and Ski Resort. Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee Price: $159,900 Get more information >

Great Price For 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 >

This blog works to provide relevant data on Smoky Mountain homes  and how that ties to the overall U.S. real estate market. The National Association Of Realtors reported in late September of this year that August 2011 pending home sales had declined nationally. However, the pending home sales index remains above August of 2010. The PHSI is a future oriented market indicator. It focuses upon signed home sales contracts which are not officially closed. These typically close in 1-2 months. Our interest is not centered exclusively upon this news but on material related to this story.

Four regions comprise the PHSI. Pending home sales here in the South was the only region across the country to have an increase in August 2011. NAR Chief Economist, Lawrence Yun feels that Hurricane Irene certainly impacted home sales in some parts of the nation. In addition, Mr. Yun is concerned that overly strict mortgage underwriting standards are rejecting a sizable number of financially qualified potential home buyers. The Chief Economist is hopeful that standards will be relaxed to allow more qualified buyers to enter the market.

For some time , we have advised our blog readers to get pre-approved for financing. This simplifies the home buying process by eliminating some of the guesswork. Go on our website  today to get started finding your dream property in the Tennessee Smokies.

*Information was obtained from: http://www.realtor.org/press_room/news_releases/2011/09/phs_august

Here are a few of my new listings:

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 >

Mt. Leconte Views On A Pond $17,832 rental income for 2010 & $17,444 already for 2011. Fantastic Mt. Leconte & community pond views. Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee Price: $179,900 Get more information >

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

The Smoky Mountain homes market is reasonably healthy. The ease of access and popularity of this area help to buffer our home sales from a challenging national housing market.

In this week’s blog, the focus will be on residential sales figures for The Great Smoky Mountains Association of Realtors. The GSMAR data provides a great tool for evaluating The Smokies’ residential sales. These numbers represent the overall area covered by GSMAR. However, there are locations within our Association that are outperforming last year by significant margins. While the sale numbers of our overall membership remain strong, these hotspots surpass all others. Please remember that residential sales include; single family homes, condos, townhouses and co-ops. These figures are cumulative year to date.

 In the category of total residences sold through the end of September, our year 2011 comes in with 1,646 residences vs. 1,764 for the same time in 2010. 2011 is off by 118 units or down by 7%.

In the category of total residential dollar volume sold through the end of September, 2010 leads with $295,887,524 or $26,760,006 more. In this category 2011 is off by 9%.

The average residential sale for 2011 is $163,504 or $4,233 less than 2010, a difference of 3% less.

Our final category for comparison is in Active Listings. The current year has 7,656. This is 575 more or 8% above 2010.

We previously mentioned that the housing market is currently seeking balance after massive federal stimulus. The evidence that all categories are less than 10% different from the previous year is reasonable. Our current year has no stimulus in effect. Some housing markets across the nation are way below the 2010 figures.

 For residential buyers, the market is good. Interest rates are quite low for qualified buyers. Property inventory offers a great selection. Pricing is well off the market highs and real estate at this point is nowhere near as volatile as other investment markets.

 Get on our website to explore your property possibilities today!

 Here are a few of my new and featured listings:

Breathtaking Mountain Views!!!!! Enjoy the breathtaking mountain views from this chalet. Located close to town of Gatlinburg for all you shopping and dining adventures, yet private and quiet for your relaxation. Greenbrier River and Greenbrier entrance to the Nat’l Park just minutes away Type: Single Family Home Location: Pittman Center, TN Price: $339,900 Get more information >

8 Bedroom/5 Bath Cabin w/Mountain View! Wow! 8 bedroom/5bath cabin with so many amenities for your enjoyment, plus an incredible mountain view!! Sleeps 24. 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: $399,900 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 >

When evaluating Gatlinburg real estate for sale, or other locations within the East Tennessee Smokies, it is crucial to rely on experienced expertise.  The seasoned advise of a true professional can literally save you a lot of money when shopping for property.  This week’s blog relies on data compiled by the Great Smoky Mountains Association of Realtors.  The GSMAR material evaluates residential sales figures across the region covered by their membership.  Residential sales for this blog are composed of; single family homes, condo’s, townhouses, and co-ops.  Our resources material shows that some areas within Great Smoky Mountain Association of Realtors are way ahead of this time frame one year earlier, while other locations have seriously declined.  In some aspects of property purchase, location becomes far more critical.  For instance, if one wants a residence for rental purposes or short-term investment, then the location becomes more crucial than a long-term purchase.  Be sure to define your real estate objectives and share these with your realtor so they can help you fulfill your property goals. 

In the category of Total Residence Sold, 2011 lags 2010 year to date by 100 (959 vs 1,059) or off by 9%.

For Total Dollar Volume Sold, 2010 again leads 2011 through the end of August by 10%. 2010 is $22,801,505.00 ahead in residential dollar volume over 2011.

In Average Residence Sold, 2011 narrowly lost out to 2010 YTD by $5,962.00 or 3%.

However, in the category of Active Listings 2011 leads 2010 by 563 or 10%.

Our blogs have long emphasized that real estate sales across this great nation have been skewed by government stimulus and other forces.  With current economic challenges at work, sales are resilient.  As we stated initially some areas are ahead of 2010 in their residential sales.  Clearly define your property purchase objectives and share these with your real estate professionals.  In this way, they can assist you to maximize your dreams. Contact us today!!

Here are a Few of My New Listings:

Breathtaking Mountain Views!!!!! Enjoy the breathtaking mountain views from this chalet. Located close to town of Gatlinburg for all you shopping and dining adventures, yet private and quiet for your relaxation. Greenbrier River and Greenbrier entrance to the Nat’l Park just minutes away Type: Single Family Home Location: Pittman Center, TN Price: $339,900 Get more information >

Furnished With Incredible Mountain Views Great Rental History-2010 of $27,121. Mountain log home located near the Arts and Crafts Community of Gatlinburg and only minutes to downtown. Three master suites, lots of windows to enjoy the great mountain views, hardwood floors, & cathedral ceilings. Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee Price: $239,900 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: $70,000 Get more information >