Art, culture & History
"Peopling the Tennessee Hills"
"Sacred Lands to Industrialization"
"Sacred Lands to Industrialization"
Southeast Tennessee Early History
Spring 2009
written by Deborah Lubell
Who are the original inhabitants of the Tennessee Appalachian Mountains? With all the recent hoopla of the Irish, Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations, I thought I would mention the SCOTTS. The Mountain People who first came to settle the Blue Ridge Mountains of eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina were typically Scottish, English, and German descent, and mostly in that order.[1]If you’ve watched the historical drama “Outlander” TV series then you may have an idea of the culture, traditions, religion, and superstitions that they brought with them. Some inhabitants were from Wales, France, Holland, and Africa. After conquering the local inhabitants, the Cherokee Indians, they often intermarried with them and even borrowed some of their traditions.[2]
[1]Jones, Appalachian Values, The Jesse Stuart Foundation, Ashland, KY, 1994, p. 14.
[2]Walker-Freel, Our Heritage: The people of Cherokee County, North Carolina 1540-1955, The Miller Printing Company, Ashville, NC, 1956, The Andrews Journal, 1973, p. 48-49.
"Sacred Lands to Industrialization"
"Sacred Lands to Industrialization"
"Sacred Lands to Industrialization"
Southeast Tennessee Early History
March 2023
written by Deborah Lubell
Southeast Tennessee was also settled by a diverse group of people over several centuries, including Native American tribes, European explorers, and pioneers from other parts of the United States.
The Cherokee people were the dominant Native American tribe in the region prior to the arrival of European settlers. The Cherokee had a complex society with a central government in present-day Georgia, but they also had numerous villages throughout present-day Southeast Tennessee. However, the Indian Removal Act of 1830 forced the Cherokee and other tribes to leave their lands and move westward to Indian Territory, now Oklahoma.
The first Europeans to explore Southeast Tennessee were likely Spanish explorers in the 16th century, although no permanent settlements were established at that time. The first permanent European settlement in Southeast Tennessee was established by English traders in the mid-18th century at Fort Loudoun, near present-day Vonore. However, the fort was later destroyed by the Cherokee during the French and Indian War.
After the American Revolution, settlers from Virginia and North Carolina began to migrate into Southeast Tennessee. Many of these settlers were Scots-Irish, who had already established themselves in the Appalachian Mountains of the eastern United States. These settlers were attracted to the fertile land and abundant natural resources of Southeast Tennessee, and they established towns such as Chattanooga, Cleveland, and Athens.
During the early 19th century, Southeast Tennessee became a center of industry and transportation. The region was home to numerous textile mills, iron foundries, and other manufacturing operations. The construction of railroads and steamboats further facilitated economic growth in the region.
During the Civil War, Southeast Tennessee was the site of several important battles, including the Battle of Chickamauga and the Battle of Chattanooga. After the war, the region experienced significant economic growth and industrialization. Today, Southeast Tennessee is known for its natural beauty, outdoor recreation opportunities, and rich cultural heritage. The region is home to numerous historic sites, including Civil War battlefields, museums, and other attractions.
2021-2022 Real estate history
2021-2022 A Pivot Point for the Real Estate Market
2021-2022 A Pivot Point for the Real Estate Market
by Deborah Lubell
Published in “Ooltewah Living” Magazine September 2022
The 2021 real estate boom was one of the most aggressive markets in U.S. history. I had the privilege of working with both sellers and buyers who were relocating to our beautiful Southeast Tennessee communities. It was an exciting time with multiple offers, all-cash offers, and offers above the asking price, even exceeding appraised values. What a ride it was! Now, one year later, the real estate market has reached a pivotal point. On the positive side for homebuyers, there has been a record-setting 30.7% increase in the number of properties for sale in July compared to the same month in 2021 [realtor.com/research/July-2022-data]. This surge marks the largest increase in active listings in recorded data.
In the 2022 market, housing prices have experienced a significant decline of 19.1% [ibid] as sellers adjust to the new reality that last year's booming market has passed. While this may be disappointing for sellers, it is actually a positive development as homes are now being sold at fair market values, helping to curb excessive housing inflation. It's important to clarify that the market is not crashing; rather, it is simply no longer experiencing unchecked growth. Additionally, it's worth noting that the real estate market is not uniform and subject to regional variations across the country.
In the current market, we are witnessing a decline in mortgage applications due to rising interest rates and a decrease in available funds. Compared to the peak of summer 2021, US mortgage applications have dropped by 28%. According to CNBC, mortgage demand has reached a 22-year low as higher interest rates and inflation deter potential homebuyers. The previous surge in house prices was largely fueled by exceptionally low nominal interest rates. However, individuals who relocated to Southeast Tennessee last year often made purchases using cash from their retirement funds, which may no longer be readily available. As a result, we are now observing a shift in the market where aggressive asking prices are being lowered to align with the current buyer demand. This stands in stark contrast to the dynamics of 2021 when demand was high and supply was limited. Today, we are experiencing an increase in supply and a decrease in demand.
While the frenzied multiple offer scenario of 2021 has significantly slowed down, Ooltewah continues to shine as an attractive destination. Although the wave of new homebuyers has subsided, our corner of paradise continues to draw in new transplants who appreciate the area's allure. Ooltewah remains an exceptional place to raise a family, establish roots, and enjoy a high-quality lifestyle. As a result, many home sellers in Ooltewah still have the advantage of commanding higher values for their properties compared to the average home on the market. This is just one of the many reasons why we take pride in calling Ooltewah our home!
Sizzling Summer: The real estate boom of 2021
written by Deborah Lubell for Ooltewah Living Magazine, Fall 2021
It was a hot summer for the real estate market both nationally as well as here in Ooltewah Living country. But as the cooler weather rolls in, and families settle down for another season of school, the leaves are not the only thing that fall. The real estate thermometer has cooled as well, if by, only a few degrees.
Home sales in the Ooltewah Living area went from a high of 169 transactions during the hot period of June through September 2020, to a dip of 153 closings during the same months of this year. This modest lack of supply, nevertheless forced many of those drawn to our communities to be aggressive in getting the home they wanted. This often meant bidding well over the asking price, paying cash, and essentially having no contingencies in their offer. Even sympathy letters to the sellers, (describing both the buyer’s love and want for the home) didn’t cut it. Most locals found themselves unable to compete in this hot seller’s market -- as there were a lot of buyers out there sitting on a lot of cash ready to buy their next home.
During this time, Meadow Streams and Seven Lakes were the communities with the highest turnover, with a total of 23 homes sold (excluding MLS unlisted new construction). The highest-priced residence in Meadow Streams sold for $550,000, while in Seven Lakes, it was $465,000. Other communities within the readership of the magazine also saw sales, just not up to the thermometer levels of these two hot communities. Homes were flying off the market in less than three days, and seeing an appreciation on the average of 13 percent compared to the previous year. While home sales are still on the rise in the latter part of 2021, they are not reaching the same level of momentum as seen in the summer.
As we move into shorter days and longer nights, the demand for a cozy home in East Tennessee still exceeds the supply. There appear to be more buyers in the market than leaves on the ground. The holiday season may provide some relief for those who have been consistently outbid, but overall, sellers remain in the driver’s seat. If you’re in the real estate market to sell, it’s good news. All you need to do is put on a sweater - and rake them in.
