Why the Smoky Mountains Are Different

Cabin-dominated market. Unlike most STR markets where you’re buying single-family homes or condos, the Smokies are primarily log cabins on mountain lots. Construction quality, road access, septic systems, well water, and driveway grade all matter — and most out-of-state investors don’t know what to look for. A good Smokies agent has walked hundreds of mountain driveways in the snow and knows which ones will cost you guests (and reviews).

Resort vs. non-resort matters enormously. Some of the highest-grossing cabins sit inside gated cabin resorts with amenity packages (pools, mini golf, arcades). Others are standalone mountainside cabins with better views but no shared amenities. The revenue profiles are very different, and the right choice depends on your investment strategy and target guest.

Sevier County permitting. Sevier County requires short term rental permits and annual inspections. Properties must meet specific safety standards — fire extinguishers, posted evacuation routes, railing requirements, and more. Your agent needs to know the current permit requirements and whether a property will pass inspection before you close.

Occupancy tax collection. Operators must collect and remit Tennessee state sales tax (7%), local option tax (2.75%), and Sevier County’s tourism tax.  Platforms like Airbnb collect some but not all taxes automatically. Your agent should connect you with a CPA who understands Tennessee STR tax obligations, including cost segregation and bonus depreciation strategies.

Seasonality is a strength, not a weakness. Fall leaf season (October-November) and summer are peak. Winter holidays and spring break are strong secondary peaks. Even January and February produce revenue — ski traffic from Ober Mountain, Valentine’s getaways, and budget travelers seeking off-peak deals. A good agent can show you real revenue data by month, not just annual projections.

 

The amenity arms race. Hot tubs are baseline — every competitive cabin has one. What separates top performers now: indoor pools, home theaters, game rooms with arcades, themed rooms, and outdoor entertaining spaces. Your agent should know which amenities drive the highest revenue uplift per dollar invested.

 

What Makes an Agent “The Best”?

 

You want a short term rental expert — not a generalist who occasionally sells a cabin. Look for:

– A large track record of closed transactions with investor clients specifically in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville

– Personal experience owning and operating short term rental cabins in the Smokies

– Knowledge of which cabin resorts, communities, and standalone locations produce the strongest revenue

– Understanding of Sevier County permit requirements, inspection standards, and tax obligations

– A deep local vendor network — cleaners, handymen, inspectors, photographers, property managers

 

Ask direct questions:

– “How many short term rental transactions have you closed in the Smokies?”

– “Do you own a short term rental cabin here yourself?”

– “What’s the typical revenue for a 2-bedroom vs. 4-bedroom cabin in Pigeon Forge vs. Gatlinburg?”

– “Which cabin resorts are producing the highest per-bedroom revenue right now?”

– “Can you introduce me to lenders, inspectors, and cleaners you trust?”

 

The Agent Problem Nobody Talks About

 

The Smokies are flooded with agents who dabble in STR sales. Most of them sell a handful of cabins a year alongside their primary home sales. They don’t know the difference between a cabin that grosses $80K and one that grosses $40K two streets over — because they haven’t done enough STR transactions to see the patterns.

Even more concerning: many agents advertising on data platforms and influencer podcasts paid to be there. They weren’t vetted for Smokies STR expertise, and some don’t even live in Sevier County or even Tennessee. When a podcaster or influencer recommends an agent, ask: “Are you being financially compensated for this recommendation?” The answer is almost always yes.

 

Meet the Smoky Mountains Team at The Short Term Shop

 

The Short Term Shop is the number one vacation rental real estate team in the country, having helped over 5,000 investors close more than $3.5 billion in short term rental properties across 20+ markets. The Smoky Mountains is our largest and most established market, with a team of agents who live in the area, own cabins themselves, and work exclusively with STR investors.

 Jeana Maddux — Founding Agent & Top 3 Realtor in the Smoky Mountains

 

Jeana Maddux is a founding agent at The Short Term Shop and one of the most accomplished short term rental realtors in the entire Smoky Mountains market — not just our team. With over 15 years of real estate experience, Jeana has helped 313 clients buy and sell investment cabins with more than $300 million in closed sales volume, consistently ranking in the top 3 real estate agents in the Smoky Mountains region.

Before joining The Short Term Shop at its inception, Jeana managed the Transaction Department at eXp Realty — overseeing operations for more than 35,000 real estate professionals nationwide. That systems-level expertise shows in every transaction she handles.

Jeana is also an active short term rental investor. She owns a stunning vintage A-frame cabin in Gatlinburg that she personally renovated and now operates as a successful vacation rental. The property was featured on HGTV for its design, renovation, and mountaintop views — showcasing her eye for what makes a cabin both beautiful and profitable.

Originally from Chattanooga, Jeana fell in love with the Smokies during visits while dating her husband. What started as weekend getaways became a life-changing decision — she and her family relocated to Pigeon Forge, and she’s been living her dream of helping investors build wealth through Smoky Mountain cabins ever since.

Why investors choose Jeana:

– 313 closed STR transactions — among the highest in the Smokies

– Over $300 million in sales volume

– Founding agent at The Short Term Shop since day one

– Owns and operates her own Gatlinburg cabin (featured on HGTV)

– Deep knowledge of cabin resorts, standalone properties, and revenue patterns across Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville

 

Natalie Walthour — Top-Ranked Smoky Mountain Realtor & Airbnb Cabin Investor

 

Natalie Walthour is a top-producing short term rental realtor and experienced Airbnb cabin investor who consistently ranks among the top 10 real estate agents in the Smoky Mountains.

Natalie’s story is one our investors connect with deeply — because she started as one of them. In early 2020, she purchased her first cash-flowing cabin in Gatlinburg as a client of The Short Term Shop. The income from that single investment allowed her to leave a 13-year career as a public school teacher and transition into full-time real estate. She’s been helping others achieve the same financial freedom ever since.

Since becoming an agent, Natalie has helped over 250 clients buy and sell investment cabins with more than $200 million in closed volume. She also owns a personal portfolio of vacation rental properties across the Smoky Mountains, Destin (Florida), and Orlando — giving her multi-market perspective that most single-market agents can’t offer.

As both an investor and agent, Natalie evaluates properties the way her clients do — looking at real revenue potential, guest appeal, location quality, and amenity value. She’s known for her integrity, responsiveness, and ability to help buyers confidently identify cabins with the highest short term rental potential.

Why investors choose Natalie:

– Over 200 closed STR transactions with $150M+ in volume

– Top 10 ranked agent in the Smoky Mountains

– Started as an STR investor herself — understands the buyer’s perspective firsthand

– Owns vacation rentals in the Smokies, Destin, and Orlando

– Former teacher — patient, thorough, and focused on education

Matt Castle — #1 Listing Agent in the Smoky Mountains

 

Matt Castle has been the number one listing agent in the entire Smoky Mountains for nearly a decade — and it’s not close. With over 500 transactions closed, Matt is a data and numbers specialist who approaches every deal with the analytical rigor of an investor, not just an agent.

While Matt works with both buyers and sellers, his listing track record is where he truly separates from the field. If you’re selling a cabin in the Smokies, there is no one with more market data, pricing expertise, and track record of getting top dollar than Matt. He knows what cabins are worth down to the submarket and bedroom count — because he’s closed more of them than anyone.

Matt is also a real estate investor himself, with properties across multiple states. That investor mindset means he doesn’t just list your property and hope — he positions it strategically based on what buyers and investors are actually paying right now.

Why sellers choose Matt:
– #1 listing agent in the Smoky Mountains for nearly a decade
– 500+ closed transactions
– Data-driven pricing and market analysis — no guesswork
– Active real estate investor across multiple states
– Works with buyers too — deep understanding of what investors look for in a cabin

More Smoky Mountain Agents

 

The Short Term Shop’s Smokies team also includes:

Levi Trentham— Over 300 investors helped, $150M+ in closed volume, 5 STRs owned. Deep family legacy in the Smokies — named after his great-grandfather, “The Prophet of the Smokies,” whose cabin still stands in Elkmont. Agent bio → 

Reagen Natho — Started as a Short Term Shop client in 2019, now a licensed agent with 50+ closed transactions. Specializes in helping investors who plan to self-manage. Agent bio →

Wayde Hall — Former Orlando market lead, 100+ families helped, $70M+ in volume. Relocated to the Smokies in 2024. Active investor with STRs in Orlando and Blue Ridge. Agent bio → 

Zeke Goodman— 150+ clients helped, $100M+ in volume. Active investor with 3 Smoky Mountain STRs. Known for high energy and investor-first approach. Agent bio → 

Shannon & Danielle McRoberts — Husband-wife team specializing in Gatlinburg cabin investments. Active STR owners and operators. Agent bios → 

Chris Looper — Knoxville native with background in automotive finance. Active STR owner and investor in the Smokies. Agent bio → 

Mike Court — 15+ years in East Tennessee. Active investor who manages his own STR portfolio alongside client work. Agent bio → 

 

How to Find the Right Lender

 

The Mortgage Shop is our in-house lending partner and specializes exclusively in short term rental loans. They understand projected cabin rental income, DSCR qualification, and Tennessee-specific financing nuances. Whether you’re looking at a conventional investment loan, DSCR loan, or second home loan, they can guide you through the best strategy for Smoky Mountain cabin purchases.

 

Don’t Forget Your Vendors

 

In the Smoky Mountains, you’ll need:

 

Cleaners experienced with cabin turnovers — including hot tub service, fireplaces, and game rooms. Budget $150-$350 per turnover depending on cabin size.

Handyman/maintenance tech — Mountain properties take a beating. Decks, roofs, driveways, and hot tubs need regular attention.

Home inspector familiar with cabin construction — Septic, well water, foundation on mountain grades, and roof condition are all cabin-specific concerns.

Photographer — Professional photos with drone shots of mountain views are standard for top-performing listings.

CPA familiar with short term rental tax strategies — Cost segregation, bonus depreciation (now 100% under OBBBA), and Tennessee tax obligations.

 

Our agents can connect you with trusted local vendors at closing.

 

 📞 Contact The Short Term Shop — Smoky Mountains

 

Ready to buy a short term rental cabin in the Smoky Mountains? Work with the number one short term rental real estate team in the country — agents who’ve helped over 5,000 investors close more than $3.5 billion in vacation rental properties.

 

📧 Email: ag****@**************op.com

📞 Call/Text: 800-898-1498

🌐 Smoky Mountains listings: 

Disclaimer: This page is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or investment advice. Always consult a licensed professional before making investment decisions.*