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 >

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 >

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 >

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 >

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 >

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 >

Stay at a Gatlinburg home or other local rental location to get an intimate perspective on the colors of nature during this time of transition. This awesome process is already under way in the forests of our area. The calendar pages shift from September to October on this coming weekend. It also signals that Fall Harvest Festivals are opening across the region.

Gatlinburg kicked things off with the Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival which began on September 15th. This weekend running until Halloween, Ober Gatlinburg hosts their Bavarian Style Oktoberfest At Ober. This fun event is held  each weekend until October 31st. Ripley’s Haunted Adventure celebrates the 13th year of Fright Nights held every weekend through Halloween. Pigeon Forge and Sevierville begin their Harvest Festivals with Dollywood and Dixie Stampede hosting great activities. The first and second of October in Sevierville enjoy Robert Tino’s Smoky Mountain Homecoming as well as a VW Car Show and swap meet at the Sevier County Fairgrounds. These events are set up to cater to all members of a family. There are food choices, arts & crafts, activities to engage all participating individuals and shopping or entertainment to appeal to almost anyone.

We frequently mention to our readers that EVERY kind of real estate is available in our area. Becoming a property owner puts you in close touch with the multitude of activities that occur here on a daily basis. Hop on our website to explore your options today!

Here Are A Few Of My New Listings:

Your Key To Resort Living Over $20,000 in rental income in 2009 & 2010 with 2011 right on track for the same or better. Just minutes to downtown Pigeon Forge, area attractions and Dollywood. Don’t miss your chance! Type: Single Family Home Location: Pigeon Forge Price: $159,900 Get more information >

Your Key To Prestigious Riversong Own this lot in a premium neighborhood for 25 cents on the dollar! Over an acre with Mountain Views, river access and more! Type: Land Location: Pittman Center Price: $15,000 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: $399,900 Get more information >

The Jason White Team
Century 21 Four Seasons Realty
1441 Wiley Oakley Dr
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Toll Free: 877-678-2121
Fax: 865-436-7227
Email: jason@jasonwhiteteam.com
Website: www.SmokyMountainLifestyle.com

Shopping for Smoky Mountain homes comes with benefits.  Our East Tennessee Smokies are a 24/7 tourist destination.  Because tourism is so dominant, this area always has plenty of fun activities on tap.  Even Mother Nature is amping up your enjoyment.  Temperatures and high humidity levels have dropped in the past few weeks.  It now is fun to get outside and participate.  The Autumn equinox is days away and the vibrant colors are only beginning to appear.

Please realize that this blog can only scratch the surface of all there is to enjoy.  Going online opens up a huge magnitude of possibilities.  So please dive in and pursue your cornucopia of options.  However, to wet your appetite here are a few items to get you started.  Gatlinburg is into their Fall Festival season with their Craftsmen’s Fair beginning October 6th.  For fishing enthusiasts the 12th Annual Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament will be held this weekend, September 24th & 25th.  Octoberfest kicks off at Ober Gatlinburg from September 30th- October 31st with Bavarian Fun.

In Pigeon Forge, the Titanic Museum hosts the Titanic Princess Tea Party on Saturday, September 24th.  Also, occurring in Pigeon Forge on Saturday, September 24th is the 8th Annual Old Mill Heritage Day.  On October 1st Pigeon Forge begins their 16th Annual Harvestfest for one month.  The Rotary Club Craft Fair will be held during this time at Patriot Park and Dollywood hosts the National Southern Gospel & Harvest Celebration at Dollywood.  In Sevierville, on September 23rd, Gene Watson and Connie Smith will be in concert.  On Saturday, September 24th, the Diner will host a car event “Crusin For The Kids” with trophies, music, games, and prizes.  From Sept 25-October 2, Wonderworks sponsors Teacher Appreciation Week.  Teachers and 1 guest are free, but RSVP is required.  On October 1st & 2nd, Sevier County Fairgrounds has a Fall VW Show & Swap Meet.  These same days Robert Tino hosts his Smoky Mountain Homecoming at the Gallery with 2 days of art, bluegrass music, storytelling, children’s activities and more.  Go online for details and much more to do.

If you want to have a home or vacation home here, then you could be involved in these events whenever you choose.  To explore your options, follow my website and get started today!  Your options are endless and the rewards are great.

Here are a Few of My New & Current Listings:

Astonishing Views Are What It Has Looking for amazing views & plenty of privacy? It can be found right here perched high above Pigeon Forge & just minutes from downtown Gatlinburg. Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee Price: $249,900 Get more information >

Come Be A Happy Bear Great rental potential with $10,185 in rental income just since August of this year. Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee Price: $289,900 Get more information >

Great New Price On Corner Condo W/View Ground floor, corner unit with spectacular Great Smoky Mountain views. Wonderful indoor facility w/ pool as well as an outside pool. Type: Condo Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee Price: $74,900 Get more information >