The Derosia Team

The Smoky Mountain Real Estate Market for 2012 is showing positive trends in some key areas over the last year.  We have put together some statistics and visual aids for January - July 2012 compared to January - July 2010 and 2011. The first category we compare was residential units sold through July. As you can see there were 179 more units sold in 2012 than in 2010.  There were 252 more units sold in 2012 than in 2011. The total units sold are up 17% from 2010 and 24% from 2011. As we look at the average days on market we will see a positive trend as well.  In 2012 the average residence was on the market for 13 days less than 2010 and 22 days less than 2011.   The year-to-date average sale price is down from 2010 and 2011.  This usually means it is a buyers market. The final category of total volume sold through May has also shown a positive increase.  2012 is up by 4% from this time in 2010 and 16% when compared to 2011.

Tourist destinations are packed full of restaurants; most of them being the well known chain restaurants that can be dined in all over the country.  However, every city has the smaller restaurants that are usually out of the hustle and bustle of the city life.  These restaurants are  local favorites and mom and pop establishments that don't make it into the guidebooks and vacation brochures.  Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Sevierville, and the other surrounding areas of the Smoky Mountains have several well-kept secrets that the locals love.   These establishments in the Smoky Mountains are often a great place to go and learn about the local culture, as well as eat some of the best local food.  Most of the establishments have more reasonable prices than the chain restaurants in town.  The service is above and beyond in these family owned establishments and the food is worth coming back for over and over again. Because there are so many local favorites we will pick a featured res

Are you looking for an adventure?  Do you have a motorcycle or sports car?  If so then you may want to consider taking a ride to Deals Gap, better known as the "Tail of the Dragon" or just the "Dragon."  The Dragon is a popular and internationally famous destination for driving enthusiasts. The Dragon in Tennessee offers up to 318 curves over 11-miles. The road earned its name from its curves resembling the tail of a dragon.  The stretch bears the street name Tapoco Road in North Carolina and Calderwood Highway in Tennessee and is signed entirely by U.S. Highway 129.  Since part of the road is also the southwestern border of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, there is not development along the 11-mile stretch.  The road travels mostly through forested area.  Along the route there are a few scenic overlooks and pull off points. The speed limit on the Dragon was 55 mph prior to 1992; however, in the 1990s and early 2000s, the limit was reduced a number of ti

Townsend, Tennessee is known as the "Peaceful Side of the Smokies."  Townsend is a quiet mountain community that is a change of pace from the hustle and bustle of Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville.  Townsend is an Appalachian town, full of rich heritage and surrounded by breathtaking nature. Townsend lies in the beautiful Tuckaleechee Cove, a mountain valley at the border of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.  The Little River descends from the mountains into the heart of town, making it a natural gathering place for recreation.  These waters are very clear and clean and are often used by visitors and locals for swimming, fishing, kayaking, and tubing. Townsend is very conveniently accessible to the Smoky Mountains and is a very popular town for the outdoor enthusiasts.  There is an endless number of ways to enjoy the outdoors around Townsend, from biking and hiking to golfing and fishing. Townsend's surrounding nature looks so pristine and untouched

A vacation the The Great Smoky Mountains National Park gives kids of all ages a opportunity to get back to nature and learn about plant and animal life, history, and the ecosystem.  Here are some helpful tips of some fun ways kids can get involved. Park Activities Become a Junior Ranger.   Kids can earn a badge by participating in specially-designed programs such as blacksmithing, pottery, venturing to learn about insects and other wildlife, or becoming a nature detective and identifying animal signs and tracks.  Age-specific booklets are available at visitor centers and guide kids ages 5 to 12 through a variety of activities. Walk with a park ranger.   Get the real scoop on nature during a ranger-guided walk or attend a slide show at designated campgrounds.  Check out the park newspaper for times and topics. Attend Discovery Camp.   Participate in a three-day program at Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont, designed specifically for children ages 9 through 12. Watch Mi

In the 1st 6 months of 2012 Tennessee is ranked second in the "Top Ten States where Relocation Requests Originated." The Top Ten are as follows: Florida Tennessee Ohio Mississippi North Carolina Georgia Louisiana Virginia Illinois Indiana Homes & Land of the Smokies had 543 requests in the last 6 months.  These requests originated from 36 different states. Homes and Land has had 29 years of continuous service in the region and over 39 years across America.