Whether real estate has hit bottom yet or not, there is no mistake that it is a buyer's market

The biggest question hovering around these days is, have we hit bottom?  Whether this question be a general question regarding the recession or the real estate market, we have to ask does it matter?  Whether we hit bottom a couple of months ago or are going to hit it a couple of months from now, we can all agree that we have had better times and better times are in our future.  Whether we have hit bottom or not there is no mistake that it is a buyer’s market when it comes to real estate.

That being said, if we haven’t hit bottom then the bottom must be close.  Wouldn’t it be better to buy near the bottom than miss it entirely?  Across the Country there are markets that are on their way down, markets that have stabilized and markets that are on their way back up.  Whether the market hit bottom a couple of months ago, is at the bottom now, or will hit the bottom in a couple of months, the top of the market is far away.

It is a buyer’s market out there.  Whether you are looking for a primary residence or a second home it is a great time to invest in real estate.  Property values are lower than they have been in years, interest rates are still hovering at 30 year lows and some tax incentives make buying real estate today more affordable than it has been in years.  For all we know the real estate market might be more affordable today than it will be for many years to come.

To search for properties listed in the Great Smoky Mountains (and find that deal at or near the bottom of the market) click here.

Gatlinburg Mountains

The Gatlinburg real estate market is seeing the absorption rate increasing for existing homes. In the past 4 or 5 years the building of new homes was fast and furious. Now, the building of new homes in Gatlinburg has slowed tremendousely and subsequently has allowed the existing homes for sale to be absorbed at a faster pace.

Good news for the sellers who need to move their money elsewhere or have reached the end of their depreciation schedule. Also, good news for buyers who are ready to take advantage of the market and the exceptional homes available now.

Increasing sales and decreasing inventory mean that our market is stabilizing and returning to a more normal sales environment. Not to be mistaken with the exuberant period we saw in the past few years but more like the steady appreciation from the early 90′s to the very early 2000′s. A welcome change even though we didn’t see the appreciation rates of 30 to 60 percent like some areas of the country.

It’s always easy to tell when the Summer rental season is happening in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. The streets are busy and the sidewalks are full. The locals are making the most of the “back roads” and the few lucky tourist who have found out about them are too. If you are lucky enough to have a contact in Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge that can direct you around the traffic, take advantage of it.

Of course, your friendly local real estate agency will be happy to help.

One more thing that always reminds me of tourist season is when the grocery stores are full. The produce is always fresh!

The sales environment in the Gatlinburg real estate market this year has seen it’s ups and downs. Fortunately, right now everything seems to be going up. The average list price to sale price ratio this ytd is 93.7%. An impressive number for an off year. The average sales price in Gatlinburg (includes homes and condos) so far this year is $214,653. We’re starting to see more of the homes in Gatlinburg over $350,000 go under contract right now. I predict that this Fall will continue to be a busy time for us.