The Derosia Team

Smoky Mountain - Market Statistics

2011-05-06T11:47:00.000-07:00

Today is already the first week of May! The year is already more than a quarter gone. I thought you might be interested in some statistics:

Year to date as compared to same period last year in Sevier County:
Jan 1, 11 - May 6, 11 -- - 372 homes sold
Jan 1,10 - May 6, 10 -- 478 homes sold

The decrease in homes sold is 106 homes. Down about 22%.
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The average sale price so far this year is around $176,740.00

The average sale price this time last was around $181,556.00

Not a big difference in average sale, sales are predominately, under $200,000.
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The average sales price to list price ratio is almost 93%. Looks like negotiations are about 7% off list price.

Days on market is around 195 days.

46% of houses expire on the market and are not sold. The market is very competive right now. Price is still everything. It is still and probably will be for a while a buyers market.
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There are 3806 homes on the market right now.

Last year this same time there were 3541.

We have 265 more homes on the sale right now from last year. Up about 7%.
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From what we can see the inventory for quality/well priced cabin type homes is down. The good deals on cabins are far and in between and the price/sq ft has climbed some. A year ago or even 6 months ago we could find a good deal on cabin for under or a little over 100.00 a sq ft. Now we are well above $110.00 a sq/ft or higher.

Buyers don't get discouraged though there are great deals out there. What is more important right now is that you are ready and willing to go! Waiting, figuring things out, checking this or that will loose the deal. Put it in contract and let your contingencies work for you!

Call us today for the full foreclosure list.

Happy New Year!

2011-01-24T10:26:00.001-08:00

As you can probably tell by our lack of posts that we aren't the best at blogging. However, we would like to wish all of our clients a very happy new year (although we are a little late) and hope everyone had a great holiday season.

2010 turned out to be another excellent year for us. Thank you to everyone that purchased from us! We moved offices in August. It was a scary move at first, but we quickly adjusted and LOVE our new location at Realty Executives Smoky Mountains in Pigeon Forge. Earlier in 2010, Darlene and I (Kim) reached a personal goal for each of us and got our brokers licence. It was a very hard test to pass, but we both did!

We have many goals for a successful 2011. One of our goals is to provide our clients with a good website that is very user friendly. I think we have come a long way on this, and we hope you enjoy the new look of our website. Searching for property is easier than ever. You can search right from the home page now! If you want to see a list of foreclosures and short sales in our area, all you have to do is click on "Area Foreclosures" or "Area Short Sales." You no longer have to sign up to view the properties! Check out all our changes, and we hope you find our site more user friendly!

2010-11-29T14:15:00.001-08:00

First-Time Homebuyer Mistakes

2010-08-04T11:28:00.000-07:00

This is an article we found on some mistakes that first-time homebuyers make when shopping for their first home. Buying your first home is very exciting but can also be stressful if you don't look for a couple of key points. These are just some suggestions and cautions to take when looking for a place to call home. If you have any questions please let The Derosia Team help you out.

http://realestate.yahoo.com/promo/10-worst-first-time-homebuyer-mistakes-2010

Gatlinburg Summer Events

2010-07-21T20:12:00.000-07:00

If you are visiting Gatlinburg in July and August, we suggest you check out the semiannual Gatlinburg Craftsmen's Fair and see the creativity of our talented local artist. Also enjoy the Fair's live entertainment of Bluegrass and Country Music. The fair runs from July 16 - July 24 from 10:00 am - 6:00 pm Monday - Saturday and 10:00 am - 5:00 pm on Sunday at the Gatlinburg Convention Center. If you would like to learn more please visit http://www.craftmensfair.com.

Also while walking the streets of Gatlinburg don't forget to stop and watch our sidewalk performers of the Smoky Mountain Tunes and Tales. This is a great time to learn about the mountain heritage. Stop by for a fantastic interactive, educational, and entertaining experience that everyone in the family will enjoy. Here is a video to give you a preview of this show.

Should I Buy or Rent?

2010-07-17T15:04:00.000-07:00

The question for many individuals in search of a place to call home is: “Is it more beneficial to buy or rent?” While the decision is personal preference, we would like to provide you with the advantages and disadvantages of both prospectives.

There are many advantages to buying a home. A homeowner’s mortgage goes towards the ownership of their home and the property builds equity. Also, the average homeowner’s mortgage will decline after several years of paying their mortgage. Many homeowners qualify for annual tax benefits which in some way or form reduces the mortgage. Homeowners are not dependent on landlords to maintain the property and are free to change the décor and landscaping of their home.

There are also some things that should be taken into consideration before purchasing a home. There is a possibility of foreclosure and loss of equity if the homeowner fails to make payments. Also, in some cases the homeowner may be responsible for such things as: property taxes, home and causality insurances, and maintenance of home and property.

There are a couple advantages to renting. When the lease expires the renter can move if they choose. Also, in most cases, the renter has little or no responsibility for maintenance of the home and property.

However, there are many things people should consider before renting. Many will say that renting is like throwing money down the drain. The amount of money a renter spends on rent can be about the same or less than the amount a homeowner spends on a mortgage. The difference is that at the end of the renter’s lease the renter has nothing to show for the rent they have paid into their home. Also, in many cases a renter experiences an annual 2-5% increase in their rent which they have no control over. There is also the possibility of eviction with little time to move or find a suitable place to live.

Given the advantages and disadvantages of buying and renting, people should ask themselves which one better suits their needs. Also, when making a decision to buy or rent, one might want to use a buy vs. rent calculator. There are several sites that provide this tool. One recommendation is to visit http://michaelbluejay.com/house/rentvsbuy.html.

What is a Short Sale?

2010-06-02T11:15:00.000-07:00

A short sale is a sale of real estate where the property sales for less than the balance owed on the property's loan. A short sale must be agreed upon by both the borrower and the lender. This allows them to avoid foreclosure. A short sale, however, does not necessarily release the borrower from the obligation to pay the remaining balance of the loan. A short sale will affect the credit score, but not as much as a foreclosure would. If you are thinking about short selling your property or purchasing a short sale, feel free to contact us to discuss in depth how this process works. Currently, Phillip handles all our short sales and is very knowledgeable about the process.

2010-05-06T11:11:00.000-07:00

I found this quote today and I think it fits us perfectly!

"Our business in life is not to get ahead of others, but to get ahead of ourselves- to break our own records, to outstrip our yesterday by our today." - Stewart B. Johnson

Dogwood Winter

2010-04-13T13:10:00.000-07:00

Growing up in Gatlinburg, I (Kim) have always heard my family talk about "dogwood winter" but had no clue what they were talking about. It's actually very simple! Dogwood winter is a term used mostly in the south that refers to a period of cold weather that coincides with the blooming of the dogwoods. In the beginning of spring there is usually a stretch of warm and pleasant weather followed by several days of cold, cloudy weather and even possibly frost or snow flurries. Because of dogwood winter, most gardeners don't plant until after the dogwood trees have bloomed. With that said, I do believe that dogwood winter has recently just ended in Gatlinburg!!

For Sale By Owner.... Reasons For Realtor Representation

2010-04-08T08:59:00.000-07:00

Although some people prefer to sale their home on their own, and even do a great job, there are several reasons to consider using a Realtor.

To maximize sales price! Often, for sale by owners often settle for "just a buyer" versus real estate agents who bring the best and most qualified buyers to your property. This also helps avoid problems which result from unscreened buyers.

To secure a professionally trained real estate negotiator. Home sellers benefit when a trained professional negotiates the highest possible price by "objectively" and enthusiastically "selling" the value of the property.

To access a networking system! Real estate agents network properties within the real estate community, an essential element in the successful sale of any home.

Easy accessibility to a respected real estate professional! Buyers are typically quite leery of contacting or intruding upon homeowners they are unfamiliar with. This is especially true with out of area buyers.

Real estate professionals are always available and present property professionally. With today's technology, real estate agents are always available and are trained to represent property professionally and objectively.

Free Advertising! Advertising on your own can be very expensive. A good agent will take care of all your advertising expenses for you, and advertise where we know buyers are looking!

Tips For Sellers!

2010-04-07T11:20:00.000-07:00

Sometimes sellers put their home on the market, but don't know that there are a few things that they can do to help sale their property. To prepare your home for sale, view it from the "eyes of a buyer." If you were to walk into your home, is there anything that might turn you away? Clutter? Spider webs in the corners? Dirty windows? Any time and money spent on cleaning, repairs, and removing clutter will maximize the home's appearance!

Here are some ideas to improve CURB APPEAL:

Repaint the front door and trim. If needed, repaint the rest of the house.
Move all garbage cans, extra building materials, gardening supplies, etc. into the garage or shed.
Check gutters and your roof for dry rot and leaks.
Prune bushes and trees. Remove and dead shrubs and trees.
Weed and maintain all planted areas.
Sweep all walkways and steps.
Clean the swimming pool, jacuzzi, or hot tub.
Use driveway cleaner to remove oil stains from the driveway or garage floor.
Clean or replace worn or badly stained door mats.
Replace any outdoor lighting that isn't working.

More Effective Showings:

Open the front door. If it squeaks, groans, or drags... Fix it!
Review every room in your house. If needed, paint walls, clean windows, shampoo carpets.
Take down or rearrange certain pictures or objects on the walls. A gallery wall of family photos or large collections frequently distract buyers and cause them to focus away from the home.
Clear all unnecessary items from the kitchen counter tops.
Remove messages from the refrigerator.
Clean your kitchen appliances.
Remove all extra items from tubs, shower stalls, commode tops, and counter tops in the bathrooms.
Keep toilet lids down.
Fix leaking plumbing.
Organize your closets and cupboards.
Clean and tidy up the attic and basement.
Sweep the garage and keep it tidy.
Make sure all lights work properly throughout the home.

These are just a few things that you can do to make your home show better. Just remember, if you have to ask yourself, "I wonder if a buyer will mind this," then they probably will!

Happy Good Friday!

2010-04-02T18:41:00.000-07:00

Today is Good Friday and Sunday is Easter. Here are some things about Easter that you may or may not already know.

Easter is a Christian celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ which is the 3rd day after Good Friday.

The cross is a symbol of his crucifixion and resurrection.

Lights, candles, and bonfires are used in many cultures to celebrate different things. Roman catholics often put the candles out in the church on Good Friday and light them again on Easter.

Eggs are a symbol of the new life that returns to nature during Easter time.

Rabbits symbolized life and rebirth in ancient Egypt.

Hope everyone has a great Good Friday and very Happy Easter!!

Derosia Team Receives Award

2010-04-01T10:09:00.000-07:00

http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2010/mar/30/derosia-team-receives-award/

Check this out! We are in the Knoxville News!!!

Springfest in Gatlinburg

2010-03-31T16:33:00.000-07:00

March 11 started Springfest in Gatlinburg! During this time, you see the town transform into the wonderful spring season. Spring flowers will be planted throughout the town. Starting today through April 3rd is the annual Easter Arts & Crafts show at the Gatlinburg convention center. There you can see some of the great work by some of our local artists.

April 4th is Easter! Ober Gatlinburg will be hosting their 12th annual Easter Sunrise service. Tram rides up to mountain will start at 6:00 am. If you are visiting the area during this time, several local churches will also have sunrise services.

April 22 will be Gatlinburg's Ribfest and Wings! This is a lot of fun, but you might want to get there early and allow time for finding and place to park.

These are just a few of the great things that will be going on during the next few months. You can find more information at www.eventsgatlinburg.com.

Long Time.... No Blog....

2010-03-30T13:59:00.001-07:00

Wow! It has been a VERY long time since we've updated this blog. Today is absolutely gorgeous in Gatlinburg. It's around 70 degrees and sunny! The seven day forecast is supposed to be nice all week!

This month was our Century 21 Awards banquet. We walked away with 4 awards! Thank you to everyone who helped us achieve our goals last year! :)

We are 3 months into 2010 and working harder than ever. Each of us is very busy right now! (We're not complaining though!)

PHONES RINGING! Time to get back to work!

Gatlinburg Happenings!

2008-07-20T11:02:00.000-07:00

Happenings in Gatlinburg:
Gatlinburg Craftsmen's Fair
Date(s): July 18 - 27
Description:
Art, crafts and music lovers can find almost 200 booths featuring some of the nation's finest work. Artisans and craftspeople are on hand to demonstrate their skills, answer questions and offer their unique art for sale. Live Country & Bluegrass entertainment. Open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location:Gatlinburg Convention Center
Website/Link: http://www.craftsmenfair.com
Contact Info: 865-436-7479

Smoky Mountain Tunes and Tales
Date(s): June 9 - August 9
Description:
All summer long hear tales, mountain music, and learn the lore of the Smoky Mountains on the sidewalks of downtown Gatlinburg. Fourteen acts nightly. 5 - 10 p.m.

Inspired By Appalachia Concert Series
Date(s):June 20 - July 19
Description:
Featuring their distinctive Appalachian roots, the Lovell Sisters, Justin Townes Earle, Adrienne Young and Darrell Scott are the headline performers as Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts in Gatlinburg presents its third annual summer concert series, Inspired by Appalachia, June 20 through July 18. The versatile Lovell Sisters kick off this summer’s Inspired By Appalachia series on Friday, June 20, with emerging Americana star Justin Townes Earle returning to Arrowmont on Friday, June 27. The series continues with an intimate evening with Adrienne Young on Friday, July 11, then Grammy-nominated, Nashville Music Row maverick Darrell Scott culminates the schedule on Friday, July 18. Concerts take place in an intimate 150-seat performance auditorium inside the main building of the Arrowmont School. All concerts begin at 7 p.m. Tickets ($15 general admission, $50 for the series) are available at the door or by calling 865-436-5860.
Location: Arrowmont School of Arts & Crafts
Website/Link: http://www.arrowmont.org/concertseries.html
Contact Info: 865-436-5860

National Storytelling Conference Concerts
Date(s): August 7 - 10
Season:
Description:
Over 200 of the nation’s best storytellers will gather in Gatlinburg Aug. 7 through 10 when the National Storytelling Network hosts its annual conference in the City’s Convention Center. The general public has a couple of options open to them to enjoy live stage acts of storytelling. Some will make you laugh and cry!
Location: Gatlinburg Convention Center
Website/Link: http://www.storynet.org/Events/Conference/2008/
Contact Info: 423-913-8201

Check out the Gatlinburg website for a full list, and then make your plans and head this way!

Sevier County Statistics June 2008

2008-07-05T12:09:00.000-07:00

The Derosia Team is hard at work and this week we bring you some numbers to look at!

June 2008!
Current residential active listings: 4332
Sold: 107
Average Sale Price: $210,140.00
Average Days on Market: 143 days

June 2007!
Current residential active listings: 3881
Sold: 193
Average sold Price: $208,325.00
Average Days on market: 132

So you can see that our number of residential properties for sale are up and the number of places that have sold in the same month are down. Also our days on market are longer!

What does that mean! Well you guessed it we have more sellers and not enough buyers! Not sure why though it is a great time to buy prices are down!

As for us our numbers are up ever so slightly.

Statistics brought to you by Great Smoky Mountain Association of Realtors! This would also cover all of Sevier County including Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Sevierville, Jones Cove, Pittman Center, Wears Valley and other surrounding counties.!

Check me out on www.twitter.com Name Smokymtnrealtor, sign up today, free and you can network with people!