Localism: Gatlinburg, TN

For Us, Gas is More of a Problem

Thu, 02 Oct 2008 12:43:13 -0500

Here in the Great Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee the rental properties and the income they generate are a crucial part of our economy. Particularly, the real estate industry in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge.

So far this year the bad economic news hasn't affected our rentals much. The looming crisis for our best rental season, the Fall leaves changing color, is a shortage of gas in several major southern cities. We have plenty of gas to go around here but it seems that many of our visitors from such gas starved areas as Atlanta, Nashville, and MIami are having a tough time making the choice to place their families in the car or mini-van for a vacation.

I fully expect the fear of travel to quickly subside once the gas stations in those cities have full tanks again. Hopefully, in the meantime a few travelers will go home and tell everyone, "they have gas in East Tennessee."

I need a breather. And I want to breathe the best air in the world! And that means the Great Smoky Mountains!

Tue, 30 Sep 2008 07:21:26 -0500

Every October I take several trips to The Great Smoky Mountains National Park to photograph the change of the seasons. In the Southeast, the mountains and autumn are intrinsically intertwined. The brilliant leaf color, the cooler temperatures, and the abundance of visible wildlife all contribute to a rejuvenating experience.

And it's not just the sights that draw me either. It's the smell of the new fallen leaves, the autumn blooming flowers and the fragrance of the cascading brooks and rivers. Every breath recharges and renews, and goes deep within the spirit.

And there are fall tastes as well. Anything apple: apple cider, apple fritters and fried apple pies! In the south, we also enjoy a big sack of boiled peanuts while we are on the road. The best are made in a big black kettle over an open fire. The mountains are also associated with huge country breakfasts of ham, eggs, hash browns, grits, biscuits and lots of gravy! Oh and pancakes too, we mustn't forget the pancakes.

But, sad to say, this year might be different. Downturns in the real estate market have made discretionary cash very limited. It is also unnerving to "hit the road" with an uncertain supply of gasoline. In our part of the country, only one in twelve stations have gasoline to sell, and when you get it, it's a long wait at the pump.

And two years of drought have taken their toll. The water level in the streams and rivers is very low, sometimes just a trickle. Also, the drought makes the leaves a little browner and a lot less colorful. Not only is that bad for the vegetation and the ecosystem, is isn't the best scenario for the dedicated photographer.

I will find a way, somehow, to make my annual treks. It's the only way I can revitalize my spirit! I must. I need to breathe!

Photos courtesy of SmokyPhotos.com

All content, including text, original art, photographs and images, is the exclusive property of Coweta Fayette Real Estate, Inc., and may not be used without the expressed written permission of ERA United Realty and Coweta Fayette Real Estate of ERA United Realty Newnan Georgia. All information is believed to be accurate but is not warranted, Copyright 2003-2008.
Learn more about Coweta County and Fayette County Georgia Real Estate, and Lake West Point Lots.

Gatlinburg Tennessee Tourist Information.

Sun, 21 Sep 2008 22:44:48 -0500

Welcome to Gatlinburg Tennessee, the gateway to The Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Gatlinburg is just over a mile from the Sugarlands Visitors Center and offers all of the creature comforts sought after by area travelers.

Gatlinburg offers accommodations of every kind from simple motel rooms, suites, condos and cabins to deluxe upscale mountainside homes with spectacular views and every conceivable amenity.

Gatlinburg also offers a smorgasbord of food options, from fine dining on locally raised trout to fast food. There is truly something for every taste and preference, and choosing can be one of you toughest decisions of the day!

Gatlinburg offers shops and boutiques galore, and you can spend days here without visiting the same store twice. No trip to the Smoky Mountains is complete without an evening spent shopping in downtown Gatlinburg.

Here are some helpful links:

Gatlinburg - Official site of Gatlinburg and the Chamber of Commerce, Start you online research here!

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park - NPS Site.

Gatlinburg Arts and Crafts Community - Local crafts and regional art.

Gatlinburg Department of Tourism and Convention Bureau.

SmokyPhotos - Photos of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and surrounding area!



Richard Weisser, Broker, Associate Broker, Auctioneer, E-Pro, CE Instructor Era United Realty, Newnan Georgia, Coweta Fayette Real Estate, Inc. Serving Coweta, Fayette, Heard, Meriwether, South Fulton, Pike and Spalding Counties 770-827-6225, 770-683-8400 X364, 770-683-8401 (FAX) Follow me on Twitter Account cowetafayette All content, including text, original art, photographs and images, is the exclusive property of Coweta Fayette Real Estate, Inc., and may not be used without the expressed written permission of Coweta Fayette Real Estate, Inc. All information is believed to be accurate but is not warranted, Copyright 2003-2008.

New Style of Home for Gatlinburg

Wed, 03 Sep 2008 14:10:58 -0500

The Gatlinburg real estate market has seen many styles over the past 5 decades. None of which was more pronounced than the a-frames of the 1960's and '70's that dot the mountainsides. Today, a new grand style of luxury has made its way into the mountain scenery. The Big Log Lodges have arrived in Gatlinburg.

This style has been around for many years in the $10 to $30 million dollar estate homes out west in Colorado and Utah. The appearance of these super luxury cabins in the Gatlinburg mountains is still relatively unknown except to the savvy overnight renter. In fact, these homes are bringing in such incredible rental numbers (some over $200,000 per year in gross income) that many of the purchasers have been neighbors and friends passing the word to one another about the investment opportunity.

The most prominent mountainside community of Big Log Logdes right now is Pinnacle Vista. Mind-blowing views, big log construction, very large private lots, and exceptional rental income have combined to make this particular development feel like an overnight success. However, it's success has been several years in the making.

It's not often that you get to see your hometown transform with new high-end communities, underground downtown utilities, and a flurry of new investment (a new Hilton, several restaurants and a downtown waterpark are slated to be completed within the next 2 years). I am happy to say that I have been and will continue to be here to witness it all.

Absorption Rate is Key

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 18:35:19 -0500

The Gatlinburg real estate market is seeing the absorption rate increasing for existing homes. In the past 4 or 5 years the building of new homes was fast and furious. Now, the building of new homes in Gatlinburg has slowed tremendousely and subsequently has allowed the existing homes for sale to be absorbed at a faster pace.

Good news for the sellers who need to move their money elsewhere. Also, good news for buyers who are ready to take advantage of the market and deals that exist now.

Increasing sales and decreasing inventory mean that our market is stabilizing and returning to a more normal sales environment. Not to be mistaken with the exuberant period we saw in the past few years but more like the steady appreciation from the early 90's to the very early 2000's. A welcome change.