Gatlinburg / Pigeon Forge – Impact of age on price of cabin

[Joyce Ong]

I recently bought a cabin in Gatlinburg and wonder how the age of the cabin will impact the price. Typically, with properties, investors rely on capital appreciation. However, is this possible with cabins, which seem to me may lose value over time due to deterioration of the materials as well as due to the architecture of the cabin going out of style? In terms of style, I am referring to some older cabins in Gatlinburg area which simply do not match with those build more recently.

As most of the cabins today on the market are generally about 10 to 20 years old. I wonder if anyone has a clue how much impact the age has on the price of cabin? How would price of the same cabin differ if the cabin was 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and even more years old?

Also, those which have been built sometimes back, 20 or more years ago, how do these compare in price with the new ones on today market?

[Chuck Kramer]

Take care of it and it will take care of you. there are a myriad of cabins 50+ yrs old. Like any home, don't chinch on maintenance, update as needed, and it will appreciate like any other in the area. Be sure to pay attention ro the real $$ drivers, like the view. Plan ahead to keep trees from obscuring great views.

However, 2008 taught us to not depend on appreciation. Always analyze based on cash flow and consider appreciation to be a bonus.