Next week we will be sharing the February statistics for the Great Smoky Mountain region however,  looking at preliminary numbers we expect to have very positive news to share. As in our area, nationally reports of market improvement continue to come in. Let’s see what our sources have to say.

Last week the National Association Of Realtors said it is becoming a seller’s market. NAR reported that the current inventory of homes on the market represents a 4.2 month supply at the current pace, the lowest we have experienced since April of 2005. This is a 25.3% decrease from the same time last year. Lawrence Yun, NAR Chief Economist has concerns that the limited inventory presents challenges for increasing sales volume as buyers are faced with lack of choice. “Buyer traffic is continuing to pick up, while seller traffic is holding steady,” he said. “In fact, buyer traffic is 40 percent above a year ago, so there is plenty of demand but insufficient inventory to improve sales more strongly. We’ve transitioned into a seller’s market in much of the country.” Yun went on to say, “We expect a seasonal rise in inventory this spring but it may be insufficient to avoid more frequent incidences of of multiple bidding and faster than normal price growth.”

The national median price for existing homes of all types was up in January by 12.3% from January of 2012. In the Smoky Mountains, single family homes remained even with last year and we expect to see them starting to rise as we are experiencing a decrease in inventory as well. As buyer activity continues and inventory shrinks prices will show gains.

We are also seeing properties spending less time on the market as buyers are not hesitating to move forward with offers once a property has been identified. Mortgage rates remain low and buyers are taking advantage of available opportunities. With all of these positive changes happening now is a great time to get a free market analysis of your property and see if now may be the prime time to get your property on the market. Email me or give me a call at 877-678-2121 and I am happy to prepare a detailed report for you.

If you are considering a purchase, there are still plenty of great homes at this time but as we expect prices to begin a rise now is the time to start searching. It is very important with the current market conditions to work with an experienced Buyer’s Agent who will help you to balance between moving quickly on the perfect home and protecting your interests. We also strongly encourage speaking to a mortgage lender to begin the process of getting pre-qualified prior to viewing homes to make your negotiation position stronger once you have identified a property. We are here and ready to help with all the details.

Here Are A Few Of My Featured Listings:

Creek Front Charmer Pull up a chair and enjoy the soothing sounds of the mountain stream. This 2BD/2.5BA chalet is on a large creekside lot but just a 5 minute drive to downtown Gatlinburg. Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg,Tennessee Price: $189,900 Get more information >

Money To Be Made!!! Income potential with consistent rental history. $25,737 in 2009, $26,127 in 2010 & $20,352 in 2011. Don’t miss out on all these features! Type: Single Family Home Location: Chalet Village Price: $149,900 Get more information >

Hot Buy On Authentic Log Cabin Right at $30k in rental income for both 2010, 2011 & 2012!! Soaring ceilings and three walls of glass create a dramatic feel and bring the expansive views into the living space of this modern day cabin. Type: Single Family Home Location: Pigeon Forge Price: $149,900 Get more information >

The first month of 2013 has started with positive numbers and great news. As we look at the statistical numbers we see a whirlwind of activity and gains toward improvement that are bigger than we have seen in quite some time. Let’s take a look.  

In the category of Total Residences Sold we have started 2013 with an overall increase of 8%. January is typically a busy month in the area for real estate but we see a trend towards increased buyer activity from recent years.

Total Volume of real estate sold in the area was also up with an increase over the same period last year of over $1,000,000 or 8%.

Prices have actually remained nearly even with last year. The numbers show only a $707 difference in the Average Sold Price. This is very positive news for sellers.

Inventory of available homes has dropped by 10%. As buyers are more active and the above numbers improve we expect to see this number continue to decrease helping prices to remain even and start to rise.

As supply and demand continue to balance out we believe now is the time to consider a Smoky Mountain Purchase. Take a look at our website to view all of the available homes and get started on the road to making a great investment. We are here to help when the time is right for you.

Here Are A Few Of My Featured Listings:

87 Gently Rolling Acres Await 87 gently rolling mountain top acres with outstanding 270 degree uninterrupted panoramic views of the major peaks of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park including Mt. Cameror, Geyot, Webb, Greenbriar, and LeConte. Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee Price: $1,750,000 Get more information >

Relax By The Water Waterfront living at its finest on 7.92 acres with 365′ fronting the Holston River in Grainger County! Offering a custom home featuring many updates, privacy, scenic views, wildlife, private boat ramp & more! Type: Single Family Home Location: Grainger County Price: $667,000 Get more information >

12 Acre Mountain Retreat 12 pristine acres bordering the Great Smoky Mountains National Park with direct view of downtown Gatlinburg and surrounding mountains. Cove Mountain Trail literally touches the property line. Type: Single Family Home Location: Chalet Village Price: $799,900 Get more information >

One of the many reasons the Great Smoky Mountains are such a great place to visit and a great place to invest are the wide variety of special events hosted in the area. There is a broad spectrum of events throughout the year that appeal to a wide variety of interests. This month Gatlinburg will host a new event; the First Annual Smoky Mountains Songwriters Festival. The event will be held from August 23rd – August 25th and like many events in the area will spread out over multiple venues.

So, what’s it all about? The event is designed to “Celebrate Our Appalachian Musical Roots” and allows songwriters to perform their original songs, attend workshops and get guidance on how to get their songs published. It is no secret that many top singers, songwriters and other musical performers have blossomed out of the Tennessee region and this event centers around promoting new talent. Slated as “one of the most entertaining shows you will ever see”, many of the venues that are hosting the performers are free. Many songs are easily recognized as “hits” and the artists will not only be performing their songs but also telling you the stories behind the music.

Things will kick off at Ober Gatlinburg at 4:00 PM on the 23rd with a special meet and greet with the performers. Tickets for this VIP event are $25.00. Throughout the event there are numerous shows and workshops. On the 25th, Jimbo Whaley & The Greenbrier will be performing at Mills Auditorium. Tickets are $20.00 and a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Gatlinburg Garden Club’s Lucinda Ogle Oakley Log Cabin Restoration Fund. A full schedule of events may be found at the Smoky Mountain Songwriters Festival website.

Whether you are an aspiring songwriter looking for information to help you along, just interested in Appalachian musical history or looking for a great reason to visit the Smokies this event is sure to please. 

These types of events add to the growing number of annual visitors to the Gatlinburg region and help to keep it as a top vacation destination. There are plenty of reasons to visit the National Park and they add to the reasons to invest in real estate in the area. Imagine owning a beautiful vacation rental home in the Smoky Mountains that not only puts money in your wallet but also provides you with the chance to visit the area more often. There are plenty of investment opportunities available on the market. Take a look at our website to explore the options then plan a visit, take in this brand new event and give us a call to start looking at homes.

Here Are A Few Of My New Listings:

Close To The National Park Did right at $18,000 in rental income for both 2010 & 2011! Three level chalet only 2.5 miles to Gatlinburg, 2 miles to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and 7.5 Miles to Pigeon Forge. Type: Single Family Home Location: Chalet Village Price: $149,900 Get more information >

Value Priced Investment Did almost $20,000 in rental income for 2011! Value priced three level home fully furnished and ready for rental. Type: Single Family Home Location: Chalet Village Price: $159,900 Get more information >

Peace & Serenity Await Produced almost $24,000 gross rental income in just 11 months of 2011! This recently updated cabin is only minutes to Gatlinburg but offers the peace and serenity that you expect from your mountain get away. Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee Price: $179,900 Get more information >

The South’s largest children’s festival kicks off at Dollywood on June 22nd and continues through July 29th. This year Dollywood will welcome back The Gazillion Bubbles Show. Sure to enchant both young and old this is a spectacular interactive show featuring stunning bubble artistry paired with lasers and special lighting effects. It has been featured on The Oprah Winfrey Show, David Letterman and many others and will find a home right here in Pigeon Forge this summer.

Love animals? Watch out for flying dogs at the newest edition to KidsFest; Chris Perondi’s Stunt Dog Experience. With a dozen of America’s most talented canine performers on center stage this is a show not to be missed. Enjoy gravity defying jumps, tricks and stunts as seen on Nickelodeon and Animal Planet. Chris started training dogs in 1996 and has entertained millions nationwide with one of the most thrilling dog acts in the world.

Of course one of the long time favorites at KidsFest will be featured again this year;The Penguin Players. At Dolly’s Imagination Playhouse they will bring your favorite storybooks to life on stage including the classic The Little Engine That Could. Each segment is filled with interactive sing along songs and music written by Dolly herself.

No vacation to the Great Smoky Mountains is complete without a visit to Dollywood but the other entertainment choices are endless. During the same time as KidsFest, The Inn At Christmas Place will be celebrating Christmas in July. This month long event will feature story telling, Christmas character visits, cookie decorating and children’s crafts. on July 27th, Country Tonite Theatre will host George Jones in concert. And of course there are plenty of outdoor opportunities within The Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Enjoy rafting, hiking, horse back riding or just a relaxing day on a quiet walking trail taking in the beauty of the park.

No matter what your interests there is something here in the Smokies to delight everyone. Summer is a special time in the mountains with a flurry of activities, festivals and displays of nature. We believe it is a top vacation destination and it only makes sense as a great place to purchase either a second home or investment property. Why not take a look at all the area has to offer in real estate choices at our website? When the time is right we are available to assist you in your search and guide you through the process from the very first search through the day that your Smoky Mountain dream becomes a reality.

Here Are A Few Of My Featured Listings:

A Place To Remember Step inside this beautiful mountain home and you will quickly see why it is named A Place To Remember. Features five private master suites and did over $30,000 in rental income for 2011! Type: Single Family Home Location: Chalet Village Price: $389,900 Get more information >

Designed With Distinction In Mind It’s graceful presence combined with thoughtful design, hand crafted quality and a stunning mountain vista create an atmosphere of peace and tranquility one can rarely find in a home today. Type: Single Family Home Location: Chalet Village Price: $637,000 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: $279,900 Get more information >

As we move out of February into March we are seeing amazing spring weather with temps in the 60′s and above. February’s real estate market in The Great Smoky Mountains also closed out with some positive activity and movement signaling good things to come for home buyers & sellers along with the spring weather. Let’s take a look at what the numbers have to say.

In the first category of Total Residences Sold, we see an increase from last year of 9% with 186 homes sold.

In the category of Total Residential Volume Sold, we have a slight decrease of 10%. We believe this relates to the number of lower priced foreclosures the banks are still working to liquidate from the market.

Relating to the previous category, the Average Sales Price also shows a small decrease of 17%. As more of the lower priced properties are closed and off the market we will begin to see these numbers move closer to positive.

In the last category of Number Of Active Listings we show an increase of 330 homes available on the market over last year.

With signs of spring all around and plenty of deals still available on Smoky Mountain homes, this is a great time to plan a visit and start searching for your Smoky Mountain dream. There are almost 3,000 homes to choose from making it easy to find the Smoky Mountain cabin, chalet or other residence that is perfect for you. Begin at our website  to view all of the Sevier County, TN 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 >

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 >

Fantastic Rental Income & Mtn View! Almost $37K rental income for only 8 months of 2011! Furnished rental with fantastic Mt LeConte view. Lots of decks w/hot tub to enjoy the view. Bedroom suites w/rec 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 >

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 >

The calendar is approaching autumn.  At higher elevations in the Smokies, trees are turning and some are dropping leaves.  It will be some time before the main portion of the area’s forests turn color and drop leaves, but the clock is ticking.  In Gatlinburg, the Fall Festivals kick off, with the 14th annual “Taste of Autumn”.  This fun event allows attendees to spend money to support our local United Way Charities in Sevier County, while enjoying awesome food and entertainment from home town sources.  The “Taste of Autumn” is only the beginning of a fun-filled season to savor.

Many of our blog readers come here from other parts of our country.  Some fell in love with the area and decided to buy real estate here.  Their goals varied.  Others wanted investment property, or rental cabins to shelter money in these turbulent times.  If you or your family are entertaining similar ideas of owning property in the East Tennessee Smokies, your time to buy, may be now.  As everyone knows, real estate pricing is well off it’s highs.  Inventory of property for sale is up.  A good contact in the mortgage business announced some awesome mortgage news.  U.S. MORTGAGE RATES ARE AT HISTORIC LOWS.  Some 30 year fixed mortgages were as low as 3.875% with no discount points.  Get on our website and explore your real estate options.  You can explore infinite possibilities from the privacy of your own computer.  Begin today and find your Tennessee Smokies’ dream.

Here are a Few of My Latest and Current Listings:

Mountain Getaway w/ Spectacular View! Spectacular views from this mountain getaway. Enjoy the vaulted ceilings,walls of glass for viewing the mountains, mtn stone f/p, 3 bedroom suites, theatre room, and level parking. Type: Single Family Home Location: Chalet Village, TN Price: $299,900 Get more information >

Price Just Reduced $10,000!!! 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: $179,900 Get more information >

Just Reduced $10,000!!!! True log home with lots of charm and modern comfort. Only five minutes to Gatlinburg, ski resort and Great Smoky Mountains. Totally updated top to bottom with new appliances, first rate oak floors, fixtures, granite bath counter and much more.Must see! Type: Single Family Home Location: Chalet Village Price: $129,988 Get more information >