The Derosia Team

Sevier County, Tennessee was established September 18, 1794 and covers about 6,000 square miles.  There are three distinct regions in Sevier County, Appalachian Mountain region to the north, Foothills region in the central portion, and the Great Valley of East Tennessee, which stretches 9,200 square miles across Virginia, Georgia, and Tennessee. Since the counties establishment, the county seat has been situated at Sevierville, the eighth oldest city in Tennessee.  As with an old county throughout the world, their is always historic buildings and places that still remain today.  Sevier County is no exception.  There are many historic buildings that make up part of the history of Sevier County that are still standing today.  Some of these buildings/places have made their way to the United States National Registry of Historic Places.  Because their are so many important buildings/places within Sevier County it is near impossible to hit on all of these in one sitting.  We will choose o

WOW, 2012 is in the books.  The question is: How did the Smoky Mountains Real Estate Market end the year?  The Derosia Team has put together some statistics and visual aids to share with our readers. The first category we compared was residential units sold with the residential units listed in the year of 2012. As you can see there were 117 more units sold in 2012 than in 2010.  There were 131 more units sold in 2012 than in 2011. The total units sold are up 10% from 2010 and 12% from 2011. Total volume sold in 2012 compared to the previous years is also showing some positive trends.  While 2012 is down .2% from 2010, it is up 4.91% from 2011. The last category we have compared average list price with average sale price. Average sale price is down, as well as average list price, from the previous years.  This often means it is a buyers market rather than a sellers market. In 2010 the residential units sold for 92.40% of their list price.  In 2011 houses sold for 93.13% o

The city of Pigeon Forge has rounded up some fine talent for the 13th annual Saddle Up.  If you are in the area stop by for all of the outstanding cowboy entertainment and activities. Our award-winning Stories & Strings returns for a second season, joining three other concerts, a chuck wagon cook off  Cowboy Dance and Cowboy Church. “Capturing the Old West,” a special photography exhibit and video presentation by award-winning photographer Ken Jenkins, is a new addition for 2013. Saddle Up guests will hear an all-star lineup of performers including award-winning poets and singers, fancy fiddlers, amazing yodelers and hall-of-fame musicians. Pigeon Forge is proud to welcome Brenn Hill, Chris Isaacs, Waddie Mitchell, The Quebe Sisters Band, Dave Stamey, Sourdough Slim, T. Scot Wilburn and the Shut Up -N- Playboys, and Wylie & the Wild West. Saddle Up takes place on February 20-24 in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.   Here is the schedule for the duration of the event: Wednesday

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 pi

Have you considered buying a vacation home as an invest?  What better way to go on vacation than to go out of town and stay at your on home? Then when you are not visiting you can rent it out throughout the year to cover your cost.  Sounds good, right? Let's consider a couple things and you can make your own decision. Gross Income Depending on where you plan to buy a vacation make sure to take into consideration that must vacation destinations are seasonal.  In other words you will not have a renter everyday of the year.  For example, in the Great Smoky Mountains the season runs from mid-March through December.  January and February can often be dead months but are starting to pickup. Management Fees If you plan on using a management company to rent your vacation home you will need to factor in the percentage the rental company takes for each rental plus any other hidden fees.  Do your research and know what you are getting yourself into. Another option is to rent your ho

Valentine's Day is approaching quickly and the Titanic Museum in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee is celebrating the entire month of February. On April 10, 1912 the Titanic set sail and it was very apparent that romance and adventure were in the air.  Twelve couples aboard the Titanic on April 10 were on their honeymoon, 9 in first class.  There was also young brides to be setting sail to America to begin a new life.  Of coarse, Rose, the fictional character from the film was apart of that group. Titanic is giving you to experience the power of love during Sweetheart Month.  Titanic is celebrating Valentine's Day all month long to pay tribute to romance and the long lasting love of couples everywhere.  During Sweetheart Month you can renew your wedding vows in elegant style on Titanic's Grand Staircase. Each ceremony is presided over by the ships captain.  Reservations are required.