The Derosia Team

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.

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 ca...

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.

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

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!!

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 bu...

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!!