Our Blog

Knoxville is growing, and its story is about more than numbers. Explore the people, places, and history shaping downtown Knoxville through the perspective of locals, UT alumni, and property owners, including Compass's role in the revitalization of The Emporium on Gay Street.

Our team did the research so you don't have to: here's why investors in Charlotte, Atlanta, Nashville, Raleigh, Louisville, Cincinnati, and Greenville should all be looking at the Smokies right now. Different city, different reason — same conclusion.

Tennessee's tourism economy grew 40% since 2018 — nearly double the national rate — pulling in a record $32.5 billion in visitor spending last year. Austin breaks down what's behind that growth and why it's exactly the kind of place worth building in.

CEO Austin Williams breaks down why the Smokies market isn't one story right now; older, self-managed cabins are softening, while newer, well-managed properties are holding pricing power. Backed by real data, he explains why Compass's projects sit on the stronger side of that split.

Successful acquisition of Casago Middle Tennessee expands our hospitality and property management platform into the Nashville market. With operations officially beginning May 1, this marks a strategic step in connecting our systems, strengthening our flywheel, and growing our regional presence.

Compass now offers brokerage services, enhanced by our partnership with Casago Smoky Mountains. By combining sales with real operational insight, we help buyers and sellers maximize value and create a seamless transition from acquisition to a high-performing, income-producing asset.

Compass Landscaping is the newest addition to our in-house capabilities, enhancing efficiency, quality, and consistency across every project. As part of our vertically integrated approach, we now offer landscaping services for both Compass developments and select external projects.

Compass is proud to announce the launch of Casago Smoky Mountains, a locally-owned and operated franchise of Casago, following the acquisition of Vacasa’s regional operations. We prioritize homeowner earnings, guest experience, and local accountability.

Looking to Invest in the Smokies? Explore how Compass unlocks real estate opportunities across short-term rentals, workforce housing, and downtown redevelopment. From high-performing cabins to transformative multifamily projects, discover the strategies—and the numbers—behind our most successful.

Sevier County’s booming tourism industry, with continual annual increases in visitor spending, creates prime real estate investment opportunities in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville—helps investors capitalize on this growth.

Compass is proud to support the S.E.V.I.E.R. Ready program, which prepares Sevier County high school students for careers in construction. Through partnerships with local companies, S.E.V.I.E.R. Ready offers students hands-on training, skill-building, and career exploration in the trades.

Investing in the Smoky Mountains is especially lucrative in fall and winter, with over 1.5 million visitors driving 25-30% increases in rental income for vacation properties and cabins. With 90%+ occupancy rates during peak seasons, the area offers a prime opportunity for real estate investment.

This blog post highlights the strategic partnership between Compass and DLP Capital, emphasizing their shared commitment to community transformation in the Smoky Mountain region. Through this collaboration, Compass and DLP aim to meet urgent housing needs while enriching local communities.

Over the past two years, Sevier County has experienced significant growth and development, driven by a combination of economic recovery, population increase, and a booming tourism industry. Read more about the past two years here!

What's new in Sevier County, Tennessee? 

The Smoky Mountain region in the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains offers more than just scenic vistas and outdoor activities. It presents a unique investment opportunity combining dynamism and stability, making it attractive for savvy investors.

As we head into 2024, our county’s list of developments completed in late 2023 and coming in 2024 continues to grow. Let's check them out.

In 2024, the Smoky Mountain region is the prime destination for your investment. Allow Compass to show you the top three reasons why.

The Smoky Mountain Region's real estate investment potential is undeniable. Our area has diverse investment opportunities, stable market conditions, and long term appreciation probability. Check out our list of reasons why investing in the Smokies is the best idea.

Sevier County real estate development in 2023 has been nothing short of exciting. Investing in our County has never looked better. We've compiled this list of some of the great things happening in Sevier County this year.

Sevierville, Tennessee, is undeniably experiencing a transformation, and at the heart of this evolution lies the synergy between civil engineering, architecture, and real estate development. Compass Ventures' strategic approach to projects that respect the environment & prioritize community needs.

In recent years, Sevierville, Tennessee, has emerged as a prime destination for both tourists and investors alike. Known for its picturesque landscapes, proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains, and charming Southern hospitality, Sevierville has witnessed a surge in real estate development.

In the world of architecture and design, every structure tells a story, and every space becomes a canvas for creativity. At Compass Ventures, we take immense pride in curating a diverse portfolio that embodies innovation, functionality, and aesthetic brilliance.

The Smoky Mountain region, encompassing the towns of Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, and Gatlinburg, is a picturesque haven that seamlessly blends natural beauty with modern amenities. This unique blend has attracted not only tourists but also real estate developers seeking to capitalize on the allure.