Need advice about investing in Sevierville

[Lauren Johnson]

Hi

We are in the beginning stages of looking for a STR in the Sevierville area. I would love to hear from those of you that have invested there about what were the most important features to look for in choosing a property. Now that you own your property, what are some of the things that have come up for guests inquiring about renting from you?

Is view important? Number of master bedrooms? Hot tub? Etc.

We just want to make sure we are considering what the guests might be looking for when they go to rent a vacation property in this area.

Would love any and all feedback!

Thanks!

Lauren

[Julie McCoy]

Hi @Lauren Johnson!  @Avery Carl and @Luke Carl are da bomb and will definitely get you hooked up.  I've bought three cabins in Sevierville with Avery representing me.  Here's what I've learned in the last 15+ months of owning there:

- Stick within 10-15 minutes of the main drag in Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg (Parkway)

- Well-paved roads with are easy to travel are ideal - beware the single-lane wooded gravel road!

- View is a bonus but isn't as important as you might think.  You pay more of a premium for a view in the purchase price than you'll get on the rental side, it seems

- Let your target demographic determine your number of bedrooms. Do you want to host couples, or families, or large groups? They'll all rent well, and your ROI will be roughly the same, but they have different travel patterns and needs. Figure out what you're most comfortable with and let that drive the size of your purchase.

- A hot tub is mandatory

- A fire place is mandatory

- Invest in decent furniture.  Whatever the cabin comes with might be garbage - take the time to learn if it is, and spend the money to replace it if necessary.

- There's no such thing as a "turn-key" cabin unless it's a new build.  Be prepared for some repairs, though they don't have to be major.  It's worth it to replace the old HVAC/water heater/whatever now vs. having to do it while guests are in there unhappy that it broke on their vacation.

Okay that's enough for now!  Good luck on your search, you're in good hands!