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

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

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

Here are a Couple of My Latest Listings:

Private Bedroom Suites w/Mountain Views! Incredible mountain views with private bathroom suites. Type: Single Family Home Location: Chalet Village Price: $269,900 Get more information >

Mountain Community w/Serene Privacy Nestled among 13+ acres this Mountain Community offers a mountain stream, tennis courts, pool and many more amenities. This hand crafted custom log home is ideal for retirement living due to the layout. Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee Price: $399,000 Get more information >

Gatlinburg real estate results follow general U.S. property trends.  Long term realtors of the Smokies have watched our housing market follow the broad American property market.  In this blog, let us first examine the S & P/Case-Shiller April data in greater detail.  This specific index was started in 2006 to track U.S. home prices.  It began with 10 metropolitan population areas and expanded to 20.  Figures are compiled as “seasonally adjusted” and non-seasonally adjusted.  For you serious analysts, you can go to links online to view the home price indices model.  Click on the S & P/Case-Shiller April data link above.   However, in the interest of time for most blog readers here is the “cliff notes” version of the April results.  April 2010 was an improvement over March of 2010.  Similar improvement was observed in the 10 and 20 city composites of April 2009 over April 2010.  Given that April 2010 was the final month for the “homebuyer tax credit”, this was widely expected.  This general home price improvement does not indicate that a robust home price recovery is currently under way.  However, some intriguing details are revealed in the data from the indices. 

In sifting through the data you can see that favorite places with beauty and great climate have not radically declined like some metro areas.  Noteable examples are San Diego and San Francisco.  These locations of beauty and great climate have continued to attract homebuyers.  This contrasts with neighboring areas like Las Vegas.  Las Vegas was a skyrocket performer in the recent price bubble, that is currently struggling to rebound.

Over the years, we realtor/residents of the East Tennessee Smokies saw our area grow like much of the national real estate market.  However, our area never experienced insane price spikes like some areas.  Smoky Mountains homes enjoy great climate and awesome natural beauty.  The ease of access for over 1/2 the U.S. population is a bonus.  The multiple man-made activities are a draw that amps up the area’s tourist attraction.  In a time of economic uncertainty, the Smokies offer the real estate investor multiple options from houses, to rental properties.  Start looking on our website to begin your search.

Here are a Few of My Current Listings:

2.42 Acre Rocky Creek Frontage! Level building site with beautiful rocky creek frontage. Only 1.5 miles to downtown Gatlinburg and southern exposure! Type: Land Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee Price: $150,000 Get more information >

Upscale Neighborhood-Authentic Log Cabin This authentic log home is located in an upscale neighborhood and is in excellent condition. Bedroom/Bath on each floor for privacy as well as a large gameroom for your enjoyment. Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee Price: $249,900 Get more information >

Spectacular Smoky Mountain View!! Unique opportunity to own a lot like this! Spectacular mountain and city view, with level building site. Type: Land Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee Price: $125,000 Get more information >

The National Association of Realtors data showed Smoky Mountains homes and existing-home sales across the nation continued their improvement in April 2010.  For real estate market observers, these results were totally expected.  April was the last month for buyers to sign a contract on a home to qualify for the federal homebuyer tax credit.  Sales of existing-homes include; single family houses, townhomes, condo’s, and co-ops.  This market analysis measures homes under contract, yet not officially closed.  These transactions normally close within 1-2 months.  April 2010 figures were 7.6% above March 2010 and were 22.8% above April of 2009.  Chief economist, Lawrence Yun, expects some decline in sales, as the tax credit ends.  However, he sees a growing buyer confidence returning to the U.S. home buying market.  He feels that overall economic improvement, home buyer confidence, and home price stabilization will assist the home market in regaining it’s momentum. 

NAR President, Vicki Cox Golder shares some additional observations on today’s housing market.  She sees many buyers are still remaining in the market, searching for just the right home.  Affordability conditions are good and Freddie Mac reports rates are still low at 5.10% on a 30 year fixed loan.  Total housing inventory rose slightly in April by 0.3%, but it is 11.6% below the record set in July of 2008.  The NAR President, sees buyers shifting into a “buy and stay mode”.  This may be too early to view the change, but the “buy and flip” mentality may be slowly disappearing.  April data shows 49% of homes were purchased by first-time homebuyers.  This was up 5% from March. The national median priced home for April 2010 was $173,400.  This is a 4.5% increase over the previous year.  Single family median prices rose in 18 out of 20 metropolitan statistical areas across the country, with 6 of these seeing double digit increases.  The Northeast led the nation in the number of existing -home sales as well as in the highest median-priced home.  Here in the South, existing home sales figures were close to being in the middle of the statistical results.  The Southern median price for an existing-home is $150,000 just above the Midwest at $146,400.  This makes our area quite attractive for home buyers looking for value on their purchase.

All of these current trends and statistical results indicate that our real estate market is favorable for property investment.  If buying a house or property in the East Tennessee Smokies is a priority, check us out today!  The Jason White Team has a website geared to begin a buyer’s search for property.  We have made it so user-friendly, that some may find their dream real estate totally online.  We offer all the resources and expertise to turn your dream into a reality.  Call us today to get started!  877-678-2121

Here are a Few of My Current Listings:

Sits on Beautiful Pigeon River!! Located on the state’s most pristine river this is truly a one-of-a-kind property. Listen to the sounds of the river on this 2.8 ac in upscale subdivision of Riversong. This home offers a gourmet kitchen, huge game room and even a playroom for the kids. Type: Single Family Home Location: Pittman Center Price: $1,195,000 Get more information >

Easy Access and Great for Large Groups Three level chalet with big rooms and cathedral ceilings to accomodate that large group or family reunion. Bring the mountain views and outdoors in with all the glass windows. Fun awaits you with a gameroom and 3 levels of decks with hot tub. Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee Price: $259,900 Get more information >

Short Sale’ Great Location!! This conveniently located home is within walking distance of Community Center, Mills Park, schools, and Gatlinburg shopping and dining. Lovely wooded setting and nice furnishings. Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee Price: $179,900 Get more information >

Call today to view these or any other properties!!  877-678-2121  Ask for myself or Buyer Specialist, Stephanie Huskey!

There is encouraging news that continues to build in the country’s housing market.  My realty news sources out of the National Association of Realtors in Washington D.C. are reporting improvement on multiple fronts within U.S. home sales.  In the first quarter of 2010 more metropolitan areas of the country are seeing home price increases, over the same period in 2009. There were 91 out of 152 metropolitan statistical areas, that saw higher median existing single-family home prices over 2009’s first quarter figures.  The national median existing single-family home price for the first quarter was $166,100.  2009’s first quarter median price was $167,300.  In a median price, 1/2 sell for more and 1/2 sell for less.  This slight decline shows a resilience in the housing market because the first quarter of 2010 contained 36% distressed homes.  “Distressed” homes are bargain priced, typically 15% below market price, and include; foreclosures, short sales, REO’s, etc.  With over 1/3 of the first quarter houses selling with below market prices, the balance of non-distressed homes must be improving their value to offset this difference.

NAR’s Chief Economist, Lawrence Yun is encouraged by the growing stabilization in home prices.  He continues to believe that the drop in inventory of homes for sale will promote home price stability.  The reduction of home inventories has been facilitated by the homebuyer tax credit stimulus.  Yun hopes that this federal stimulus will be enough to allow home prices to consolidate and then resume their upward trend. NAR President, Vicki Cox Golder sees a renewed confidence returning to homebuyers.  She also sees homebuyers moving into a “buy and hold” mindset that is moving away from the “buy and flip” mentality that became prevalent in recent homebuyers.  The NAR President feels that financing of homes may be the greatest hurdle to future home purchases.  Interest rates are beginning to rise and mortgage restrictions have been a challenge to closing deals for many realtors. 

If you have been entertaining the dream of owning a home in the Tennessee Smokies, now could be the time to buy.  There is a good supply of properties for sale.  For qualified buyers, there are good interest rates that are slowly beginning to increase.  Prices are off their highs on most real estate.  With the world’s currency and stock markets moving up and down like yo-yo’s, this could be a good time to put some investment into Smokies real estate.  At least it gives you a reason to come and visit the beauty and fun here in East Tennessee’s Great Smoky Mountains.  Surf our website and get your search parameters set to find the property you want.  Getting started with leading realty professionals of the Jason White Team is only a mouse click or phone call away.  Call today!  877-678-2121

Here are a Couple of My Latest Listings:

Level Parking/Great Views of Mt LeConte! Totally updated chalet with huge wrap around deck to enjoy the spectacular views of Mt LeConte. Private master with sitting area and custom tile shower and 2 shower heads and updated gourmet kitchen. Sold fully furnished and short walk to community pool. Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee Price: $249,900 Get more information >

Contemporary Mtn Home w/Mt LeConte View This contemporary mountain home as been updated. It offers amazing Mt LeConte views with master on main level and two bedroom suites and living room downstairs for privacy. Already on a rental program and producing great income. Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee Price: $399,900 Get more information >

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

My news sources in Washington, D.C. at the National Association of Realtors are excited to see March “existing-home sales” rising as predicted.  The existing-home category includes; single family, townhomes, condominiums, and co-ops.  March data reveals a 6.8% increase over February. February’s figure was 5.01 million units with March increasing to 5.35 million units.  Lawrence Yun, the Chief Economist for NAR, was encouraged that home sales have experienced a broad-based recovery almost everywhere across the country.  Home sales have remained above prior year sales for nine consecutive months.  Another positive factor is that inventories of homes for sale have trended down for 20 months.  Yun feels that this decrease in homes for sale will stabilize home prices.  He feels that much middle class wealth is tied to the value of the family home. The Chief Economist is optimistic that the “home buyer tax credit” stimulus is effectively preserving middle class wealth through the stabilization of home pricing.  Yun is encouraged to see the supply of foreclosures quickly being absorbed by buyers.  This has been especially evident at the lower-end of the market where first-time homebuyers are competing for the deeply-discounted, foreclosed homes.  This process of lowering home inventories and price stabilization should continue as the tax credit stimulus expires at the end of April 2010.  NAR President, Vicki Cox Golder is also pleased with the current housing market.  Loan standards are tougher, but prices have become more reasonable and mortgage interest rates are close to historic lows.

If you are considering real estate here in East Tennessee’s Smoky Mountains, now is a great time to buy or sell.  Our selection of properties is good and qualified buyers will find good mortgage interest rates.  The real estate market in our area is favorable, with prices below their all-time highs.  Property in this area is reasonable with respect to taxes and prices.  On top of that, the scenery of the Smokies is incredibly beautiful.  If 2010 is your year for real estate in Tennessee’s Smokies, start now! You can get on our buyer-oriented website to begin.  Our site allows you to set personal criteria for your property search.  This saves everyone time.  When  you come for a visit, you look at your best selections and it allows you time to enjoy the area’s many different amenities.  Our team of professionals can assist in refining your search.  Begin today to find your property in the Smokies!

Here are a Few of My Latest Listings:

Estate Home on Lake Peninsula This palatial,custom built, heirloom estate is a perfect home for entertaining or just relaxing by the waterside. With expansive views of Flat Creek(Douglas Lake) the surrounding mountain ridges and professionally landscaped grounds are impressive. Type: Single Family Home Location: Sevierville,TN Price: $1,120,000 Get more information >

Incredible Smoky Mountain Home & Views! Outstanding workmanship and distinctive design make this gorgeous mountain getaway with five master suites, gourmet kitchen, HUGE rec room and magnificent,unblemished views of the Smokies a one of a kind! Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee Price: $799,900 Get more information >

15 Acre Mountain Lodge!! Breathtaking views from this Mountain Lodge, on 15 acres, located in prestigious Chalet Village. 12 Master Suites all with their own whirlpool baths, LCD TV’s,king beds & private balconies w/ views! Room to entertain 100 people with parking for 14 cars. Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee Price: $1,870,000 Get more information >

Call today for more information on any of our properties!  877-678-2121

In an earlier blog, I mentioned how late winter and early spring home sales are driven as much by weather as they are by economic conditions.  This theme is repeated as we examine final tallies in February Existing-Home Sales.   My source for this material comes out of the National Association of Realtors, in Washington, D.C.  The March 23rd news flash reports that overall existing-home sales declined slightly in February 2010.  The only regions of small gains were in the Northeast and Midwest.  Existing-home sales include; single family homes, townhouses, co-ops, and condominiums.  February’s figures slipped less than 1% off January’s 5.05 million figure.  The good news is that February 2010 is 7.0% higher than February 2009.  Lawrence Yun, NAR’s chief economist, feels that winter storms were the contributing factor for the lower sales.  People are unable to view property and close deals when forces of nature make travel, next to impossible.  Yun feels the market is currently still in recovery and could be fragile.  The chief economist expects that a wave of buyers will jump into the market to beat the April 30th deadline for the homebuyer tax credit.  This activity should drop home inventory levels enough, to stabilize home prices.

The article went on to review other data, but there was also good advice from Vicki Cox Golder, NAR President that could apply to some of my blog readers.  NAR’s President stressed that the April 30th, 2010 deadline is rapidly approaching for the end of tax credit.  With up to $8,000 at stake for qualifying buyers, there is no time to waste.  For most home buyers, the process from looking at homes to inking their signature on a contract takes several months.  This process can naturally be reduced in time duration if various pre-work is out of the way.  First, determine your maximum price limits.  Meet with your financial people and become pre-approved if a mortgage is needed.  Second, determine what type of property you need and what will best serve you some years from now.   Third, determine where in an area you need to be.  Do you require being close to a city’s ammenities or do you prefer to be out in nature away from it all?  Taking the time to sort out these details and requirements saves tons of time for you, and people you rely upon in your property acquisition process. 

Here, at the Jason White Team, we gear our website to assist you in this property decision process.  We make the East Tennessee real estate market only a series of keystrokes away.  We also simplify the refinement process by allowing you to set up a filter of your own parameters.  This only lets in properties that meet your specifications.  Contact us online or by phone (877) 678-2121 to get things started today!

Here are a Few of My Lastest Listings:

Take tram to Gatlinburg from this home! Walk to Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort or Community Pool. Updated, private and mountain views! Great investment property or personal home! Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee Price: $159,900 Get more information >

Upscale Neighborhood-Authentic Log Cabin This authentic log home is located in an upscale neighborhood and is in excellent condition. Bedroom/Bath on each floor for privacy as well as a large gameroom for your enjoyment. Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee Price: $249,900 Get more information >

Fantastic Home on Private 4.72 Acres Amazing home with fantastic floor plan and incredible quality. Office, mud room, bonus room that could be in-law quarters with lots of storage and full bath, playroom, theater room, 3 car heated garage, and lots of composite decking to enjoy the 4.72 acre Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee Price: $699,900 Get more information >

Call us today to view any of these homes! 877-678-2121  Ask for Jason White or Stephanie Huskey!

The U.S. real estate market in recent months has closely tracked our country’s weather patterns.  An exceptionally cold winter with ample precipitation tends to discourage leaving a warm house.  The past winter was a classic example of how humanity is still at the mercy of the forces of nature.  The federal government in Washington DC even shut down as some tenacious “Northeasters” dumped heavy snow on the nation’s capital.  All this cold weather and precipitation ranging from; flooding, monsoon-style rains, to freezing varieties like record snow fall has gripped most of our nation, off and on for the past several months.  The consequence of these challenging weather patterns has been a slow down in shopping for real estate.  The extreme weather has impacted recent trends in the Homebuilder Sentiment Index for March.  Even my realty news sources at the National Association of Realtors echo this same idea.  

NAR’s chief economist, Lawrence Yun addresses the issue of an abnormally severe and pro-longed winter on real estate shopping across the U.S. in his March 4th, 2010 report.  Yun explains that abnormal activity must be anticipated in all markets. However, the real estate arena still has pent-up demand from buyers looking to utilize the homebuyer tax credit.  With the weather improving, buyers are expected to use the tax stimulus and the first half of 2010 should be strong. 

Here in the Smokies, my team and I are seeing a growing number of buyers coming to look for property.  Old man winter is slowly releasing his icy grip on the weather.  Each weekend seems to build with additional people coming into the area.  Spring bulbs are popping up everywhere and in warm locations the daffodils are starting their bloom.  It will be a little bit before the trees flower, but it is coming.  If you are thinking about buying property in the Smokies in 2010, contact us on the web or by phone- 865-436-2121. We want to give each client the time they need and weekends sometimes can get busy.  Help us pre-plan for your arrival.  There are many ways to facilitate this process; you can pre-screen properties on our website and meet with your lenders to become pre-approved for financing. Our website allows you to create a screening filter set from your own personal wants and needs in selecting a property.  Contact us at the Jason White Team to get started today on finding your property in the Great Smoky Mountains.

Here are a Couple of My Latest Listings:

Easy Access and Great for Large Groups Three level chalet with big rooms and cathedral ceilings to accomodate that large group or family reunion. Bring the mountain views and outdoors in with all the glass windows. Fun awaits you with a gameroom and 3 levels of decks with hot tub. Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee Price: $259,900 Get more information >

Fantastic Views of Mt LeConte!! Enjoy the fantastic views of Mt LeConte and the tram from the spacious decking of this nicely decorated cabin. Each bedroom has in suite baths as well. This is a must see! Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee Price: $249,900 Get more information >

Existing Homes Sold

My sources in Washington, DC have finished their number crunching on fourth quarter U.S. existing-home sales. The data out of the National Association of Realtors shows favorable results. Fourty-eight states plus  D.C.  had sales  increases from the third through the fourth quarter of 2009. Thirty-two of these states saw double-digit gains. Furthermore, the District of Colombia and 49 states had higher year-over-year sales. In year-over-year sales, only three states among the 49 lack double digit annual gains.  More analysis of 4th quarter information reveals almost one third of the quarter’s sales was in financially-distressed property. The influence of these discounted properties may be a major contribution to the 4.1% decrease in the national median price of an existing single family home. However, this decline was the smallest price decrease for homes in over 2 years. The current national median price on an existing home in the U.S. stands at $172,900.

NAR’s Chief economist, Lawrence Yun feels that home buyer stimulus from the tax credit is fueling the improving conditions. Another factor bringing buyers into the housing market is the record low mortgage interest rates. The influx of home buyers is lowering the inventory of property for sale. In turn, this assists in stabilizing home prices. The rapid turnover on foreclosures and deep-discounted real estate also helps in price stabilization, by removing their low price influence from the market. In addition, today’s home buyer appears more savy, after the recent challenges in real estate. Tighter qualifications are keeping buyers within their budgets, and buyers are avoiding adjustable-rate mortgages. The low rates on long term mortgages currently available,  should help in real estate’s recovery. Chief economist Yun and NAR President Vicki Cox Golder expect good results especially for the near-term, as buyers take advantage of the tax credit.

If you are considering the purchase or sale of real estate in the Tennessee Great Smoky Mountains, contact the Jason White Team immediately, to maximize the current market conditions. There is ample inventory for a great selection of property. The tax credit for new or repeat buyers will expire soon. Homes must be under contract by April 30, 2010 and finalized by June 30, 2010,  to be available for the tax incentive. Real estate prices especially on residential property seems to be stabilizing. This could be an opportunity to buy before prices climb. On a similar note, long-term fixed mortgage interest rates are low, and most predictions call for increases as 2010 rolls along. The year 2010 is starting out stronger and if real estate is on your agenda, contact us today, to begin fulfilling your property dream.

Here are a Couple of My Current Listings:

Gatlinburg Home in Enclave w/ Mtn Views This custom home has beautiful mountain views with plenty of decking and outside fireplace to enjoy. The spectacular kitchen offers plenty of high end appliances and custom details and the master bath is incredible with tumbled Italian Tile. Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee Price: $1,950,000 Get more information >

Spectacular Mtn Views & Unique Features! This charming home offers a spectacular mountain view and really unique features. Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee Price: $229,700 Get more information >

Throughout my assessment of the current real estate market, I like some diversity in the analysis of data. Today’s blog will focus on information out of New York via Standard & Poor’s/Case-Shiller Home Price Indices. This index provides both seasonally adjusted and non-seasonally adjusted data that helps track the path of single family homes in 20 large metropolitan areas across the country. Most analysis requires a time lag to post and interpret the data. The figures we are viewing are from November of 2009. With S&P/C-SHP Index we can look at individual metro areas or view the index from a 10-city or a 20-city composite to assess trends in home pricing. The good news is that most markets are showing improvement. Home prices are off their peak, but the rate of decline has slowed. Some of the country’s best markets are entering positive territory for the first time in 2 years like; Dallas, Denver, San Diego, and San Francisco. On the flip side, markets in; Las Vegas, Charlotte, Seattle, and Tampa are putting in lower prices that may establish the bottom for higher values in the future.

All this information is interesting, but each of us must utilize it in some way that benefits our lives. For some, the figures show that extreme bubble-inflated real estate markets are still searching for a bottom. There also seems to be a trend that; upbeat, fun, climatically-favorable markets are among the first real estate markets to recover. For those of you considering the Great Smoky Mountains, as a place for real estate purchase or sale, this current data supports us. While this area of East Tennessee saw growth at the peak, we were not unrealistic like other markets. Our area is like many of the markets that are first to recover. The Smokies has a great location, we have fun amenities available, and our climate and scenery are beautiful. We are a top location for the eastern half of the nation. Contact the Jason White Team today, to secure your personal slice of paradise for; a primary residence, a vacation home, or an investment property.

Now is a great time to view vacant land!!  Here are a few of my outstanding current listings nestled in the upscale neighborhood of Riversong:

Private-Close to Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge This private upscale subdivision has a common access to boulder strewn river for swimming and fishing. This lot can be built on the downside allowing for sloping drive. Type: Land Location: Sevierville,TN Price: $54,900 Get more information >

Upscale Neighborhood-Close to Smoky Mtns This property is convenient to Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Sevierville but in a private, serene, wooded, upscale, subdivision which offers common access to the river for swimming and fishing. Type: Land Location: Sevierville,TN Price: $64,900 Get more information >

One Mile to Great Smoky Nat’l Park! This private lot is gently rolling, mountainous and wooded. Located in the upscale subdivision of Riversong which offers common access to the river for swimming or fishing and is centrally located for convenience. Type: Land Location: Sevierville,TN Price: $64,900 Get more information >

Exclusive Home Site w/Mountain View This level road access property offers a exclusive home site in a private, serene, wooded environment with mountain view. Type: Land Location: Sevierville,TN Price: $54,900 Get more information >

Two Mtn Lots/ Serene/Wooded /Sevierville Two lots combined in subdivision to make one fantastic private lot with no close neighbors and common area access to the river for swimming and fishing. Type: Land Location: Sevierville,TN Price: $74,900 Get

My news sources out of the National Association of Realtors in Washington, DC, show improvement continues in pending home sales. For new readers, the Pending Home Sales Index is a tool for measuring U.S. residential sales. A pending home sale is a home under a written contract, but not officially closed. Usually, these pending sales officially close within 1-2 months.

This index uses a level of 100 to be equal to the average home contract activity of 2001. This was year one in utilizing the “PHSI” and it was the first of five back-to-back record years, in existing-home sales. NAR’s data on the “Index” figures, combined with comments from Lawrence Yun, confirmed my views on recent Smokies’ home sales. Mr. Yun is NAR’s chief economist and his comments are valuable in understanding U.S. real estate trends. The chief economist feels last year’s home market responded to the homebuyer tax credit stimulus. We saw robust activity in the Smokies and across the U.S. as the homebuyer stimulus approached it’s deadline. Congress later renewed and expanded the homebuyer tax credit for qualified buyers, to get new homes under contract by April 30, 2010. Buyers have until June 30th, 2010 to finalize their contracts and be eligible for the tax credit. In retrospect, last year’s home market was driven by lower-end new home sales and by deep-discount foreclosures. Sales reached a crescendo with the deadline of the home buyer stimulus. Activity plummited with the end of the first tax credit.

However, the expanded extension of the homebuyer tax credit is slowly rebuilding a momentum that will likely peak in April of this year, and then possibly back off. The analysis of monthly raw data always lags current activity, but here is the latest PHSI data. November of 2009 dropped 16.4% from its upward trend in previous months to an index reading of 95.6. Then December of 2009 increased 1% to an index of 96.6. This gain is most likely stimulus-driven, but it remains 10.9% above December of 2008.

 A quick look at this material indicates a home buying market that was government-driven. However, a deeper focus reveals some positive indicators. The underlying trend seems to be a firming in price stability and a gradual improvement in overall home buyer sentiment. The downturn in new home construction is not building the inventory of homes for sale. The current lack of a good safe haven for people’s savings combine with uncertainty over the future of the U.S. dollar. This makes real estate attractive as an investment. Market demand for low priced homes and discounted foreclosures removes their lingering influence from forcing home values lower, thus allowing prices to stabilize.

Today’s real estate buyer or seller faces uncertainty across a global economy. At some point each individual must decide for themselves what is best. Here in the Smokies, we have; location, climate, and natural beauty in our favor. Currently, mortgage rates are near historic lows, and there is a good inventory of property for sale. If you are buying or selling real estate in Tennessee’s Great Smoky Mountains, enlist a professional with a great track record. Please contact me, Jason White, at the  Jason White Team today to get started on your goal.

                                  Here are a Couple of My Latest Listings:

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

Level Lot/ Walk to Club House,Ski Resort This gently rolling property is convenient to everything. community pools, tennis courts, ski resort and tram to take you into town. Type: Land Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee Price: $35,000 Get more information >