Penny Wise, Pound Foolish

Did you know that almost every pre-owned cabin in the Smokies is a fixer upper?  Most owners contemplate selling for a while, and usually neglect the cabin before they finally pull the trigger.  The buyer, assured that it is "turn-key", finds out that the cabin needs a whole bunch of work before it can be rented.  And things can get REALLY expensive.  Structural problems, worn out HVAC, rot, mold, safety issues, furnishings that look really good in photos but...

If you are going to invest in a pre-owned cabin, plan on spending 5 percent of the purchase price to "get it right."  If it comes in less than that, consider the extra an early Christmas present.  And when you DO have to make all of those repairs, DON'T go on the cheap like the previous owner did and try to nurse it along.  You will pay for it in refunds and poor reviews.

Remember, this isn't your personal vacation retreat where "good enough" will do.  It's a mini hotel, and you are probably charging a premium for it.  Act accordingly.