Gatlinburg, TN

If you are considering a purchase (or even a sale) of investment or vacation property in the Gatlinburg, TN area (including Sevierville, TN and Pigeon Forge, TN) keep in mind that some of the traditional methods of determining a fair market value for a property aren't as useful in our market. Take, for example, the "price per square foot" method. While this can be a gross indication of a property category (and you should be aware of it) it doesn't really take into account the special needs of our market here in Gatlinburg. The fact of the matter is, hardly anyone purchases a vacation or investment home based primarily on square footage. Much more common are concerns about:

•· View

•· Parking

•· Rental History and Income

•· Privacy

•· How Many it Sleeps (This is not the same as "number of bedrooms"!)

•· Ease of Access

• Proximity to the National Park and other amenities (OK...Dollywood counts here too!)n

Based on information from Gatlinburg's top cabin rental company, the top 2 requests for cabin amenities are "view" and "privacy"...in that order!

As the months have passed and economic conditions have changes, anyone interested in real estate activities around the country has become educated in some aspects of short sales and foreclosures. In fact, many of the buyers coming into town looking for the best deals tell us "we only want to see foreclosures ". While our market here in Sevier County TN (Gatlinburg, Sevierville and Pigeon Forge) has its share of those to be sure, there is another group of properties that shouldn't be overlooked: those that are fully owned or have a great deal of owner equity.

Properties that were purchased for cash, have been owned by the same individual for a long time or new construction properties owned by the builder would fall into this category. Some of these are now on the market for greatly reduced prices that compete head on with foreclosures and short sales. And, these properties have the added advantage of not being bank-owned or requiring bank approval, thus shortening the time and hassle of the purchase process!

So, if you are coming up the mountain to look for the best deals in Gatlinburg, don't leave this group out of your search!

As the months have passed and economic conditions have changes, anyone interested in real estate activities around the country has become educated in some aspects of short sales and foreclosures. In fact, many of the buyers coming into town looking for the best deals tell us "we only want to see foreclosures ". While our market here in Sevier County TN (Gatlinburg, Sevierville and Pigeon Forge) has its share of those to be sure, there is another group of properties that shouldn't be overlooked: those that are fully owned or have a great deal of owner equity.

Properties that were purchased for cash, have been owned by the same individual for a long time or new construction properties owned by the builder would fall into this category. Some of these are now on the market for greatly reduced prices that compete head on with foreclosures and short sales. And, these properties have the added advantage of not being bank-owned or requiring bank approval, thus shortening the time and hassle of the purchase process!

So, if you are coming up the mountain to look for the best deals in Gatlinburg, don't leave this group out of your search!

Of course our real estate market here in the Gatlinburg area (including Sevierville, TN and Pigeon Forge, TN) has experienced a downturn, but I've had the experience of some surprised buyers in the last few weeks. Having listened to the news reports and using the information from their home real estate markets (such as Michigan or Florida) some have arrived in town looking for looking for fantastic unbeleiveable bargains. Yes, those properties are out there, and Yes , we can find them...but what is surprising to some is that when we DO find those properties, buyers are many times no longer in the "buyer's market" they are expecting. In the current climate it is a little hard to convince them they'd better move fast to take advantage of the best deals. (OK they actually roll their eyes when I say that)...but in truth, I have had buyers lose properties they wanted recently because they didn't believe there were any other buyers around.

The fact is, that people still want to own mountain properties in this special place, and as the market has made our very desirable homes more affordable, there is a point where savvy individuals and investors jump in, and move fast. When there is a particularly good deal to be had, it is not unusual (yes, even in "this market") to get multiple offers very quickly. This applies especially to short sales and foreclosures.

So, if we find that perfect home and the price is fantastic, just keep in mind you might not be the only person who thinks so!

Eye Candy in Gatlinburg Tennessee

Nothing like some nice yummy eye candy.

Actually, I couldn't think of a thing to photograph, until I headed south of the border only a few days ago on New Year's Eve.

I crossed the Kentucky border into the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee.

I needed a break from blogging and real estate.

I thought I might...what is the word? RELAX

As I was driving in through the winding roads along the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, I saw plenty of eye candy that I just couldn't resist. I'm sure motorists thought I was holding up traffic as I jumped out to take random shots that I liked.

Hey, that's what tourists do!

I call this "Beehive Hill"

Old Mill on a creek.

The "Pirate" that got left behind after the putt-putt golf course went bust.

Old Lodge on a creek.

Gatlinburg Castle in the sky.

Barn located on Middle Prong of The Little Pigeon River.

Emert's Cove Covered Bridge

Gatlinburg Tennessee Barn

Scary Trees at Summit View

Last...but not least...the Gatlinburg raptor.

Once thought to be extinct, but very much alive and thriving on

unsuspecting tourists in the mysterious Smokey Mountains of Tennessee.

You better keep an eye out for them

as they like to lurk around the outlet malls.

THE END

Lizette Fitzpatrick- Principal Broker at Lizette Realty.

#1 featured Kentucky Realtor on Activerain.com and Localism.com.

Publisher/Author for the only Central Kentucky email newsletter on local real estate listings and sold properties, Kentucky relocation, local events, homeowner information and fun!

For more information on Lizette, Kentucky Horse Farms, Lizette Realty, Madison County, Fayette County, Richmond or Lexington KY real estate click on Lizette.us.

See for yourself what Lizette's extraordinary clients have to say about their Kentucky Real Estate experience. Copyright © 2009 By Lizette Fitzpatrick, All Rights Reserved..*Winter Eye Candy In Gatlinburg Tennessee*