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Let's Talk Chattanooga Real Estate: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Blake Watson
Listening to this podcast will make you smarter, save you money, help you make more informed decisions about your home, and help you through the home selling or buying process. You’ll be armed with knowledge about the Chattanooga real estate market, and you’ll be able to move forward in any real estate transaction with more confidence.If you own real estate in the Chattanooga Tennessee area, or want to own real estate here, then this podcast is for you.Your host, Blake Watson, is a licensed real estate agent in Tennessee and Georgia with Epique Realty.Blake is also a real estate investor in Chattanooga Tennessee and Northwest Georgia.This podcast is about buying and selling homes in the Chattanooga area. Through expert interviews and real-life experience, we’ll be covering all the details you need to find and purchase your next home, resources and tips for your home maintenance and home improvements, and best practices, tips and advice for selling your home. We’ll keep you infor
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- 2 weeks ago15 min
4,120 Homes For Sale in Chattanooga: Mid-Year Market Update and What to Expect For the Rest of 2026
We're just over halfway through 2026, so this week, host Blake Watson of Epique Realty breaks down the data from the first half of the year to see where the Chattanooga real estate market really stands, and what to expect for the rest of the year.In this episode, Blake looks at the latest numbers pulled from the Chattanooga MLS, operated by the Greater Chattanooga Realtors, comparing June 2026 to June 2025 and the first half of 2026 to the first half of 2025.Topics covered:Why real estate doesn't behave like the stock market, and what the 2007 to 2010 housing crisis really tells us about long term home values, including how the VW plant announcement helped soften that downturn locallyInventory update: total listings jumped from 3,334 in June 2025 to 4,120 in June 2026, a 23.6 percent increase year over year, the highest inventory level in more than 10 yearsWhat rising inventory means if you are buying: more homes to choose from and more time to decideWhat rising inventory means if you are selling: the importance of pricing your home correctly and presenting it wellMedian sale price update: up from 347,000 dollars in June 2025 to 355,000 dollars in June 2026, a 2.25 percent increase that tracks close to the national inflation rateSales activity: just over 1,000 homes sold in June 2026 versus 978 in June 2025, a 3.6 percent increase. For the first half of the year, sales rose about 5.5 percent, from 5,024 homes in the first half of 2025 to 5,300 in the first half of 2026Why Chattanooga has shifted from a seller's market to a balanced market, and what months of inventory tells us about thatAverage days on market: up slightly from 54 days in June 2025 to 57 days in June 2026Interest rate trends in 2026, including the dip below 6 percent early in the year and the increase tied to the war with Iran, plus rising oil and fertilizer pricesBlake's prediction for the rest of 2026: interest rates holding around 6.5 percent, home sales up roughly 5 percent year over year, and prices remaining steady to slightly higherWhether you are thinking about buying, selling, or just want to understand what is happening in the local market, this episode gives you a clear, data driven look at the Chattanooga real estate market at the midyear mark and where things are headed.Contact Blake WatsonPhone or text: 423-315-1815 Instagram: @rocknrollblakeFacebook and LinkedIn: Blake Watson Website: athomeChattanooga.com Epique Realty office: 888-893-3537 Licensed realtor in Tennessee and Georgia
- Jun 19, 202624 min
An Estate Sale Worthy of A Plane Ticket? Even Better! It's Robins Nest Estate Sales in Chattanooga
In this episode, host Blake Watson of Epique Realty sits down with Robin Leach, owner of Robin's Nest Estate Sales, for a warm and candid conversation about a business that does much more than sell household contents. Robin shares how estate sales help families close one chapter of life while opening a new one for buyers, and why the heart behind the work is what has kept her thriving in Chattanooga for 13 years.What You Will Learn in This EpisodeWhat an estate sale actually is and who it serves:Robin explains that estate sales are not just for families dealing with the loss of a loved one. They also serve people who are downsizing, moving to assisted living, transitioning to a condo, or businesses looking to move inventory. The common thread is helping people close a chapter with dignity and care.How Robin got started:What began as a spontaneous stop between youth soccer games turned into a career that found her. After working for another Chattanooga estate sale company for three years, a friend handed her the keys to her aunt's home and asked her to take care of a sale. That moment gave birth to Robin's Nest Estate Sales 13 years ago.What sellers can expect:Robin and her team go into a home after the family has removed what they want to keep. From there, the team empties every cabinet, drawer, and closet, cleans and polishes furniture, and stages the home like a store so that buyers and the family alike can feel good about how things are presented. Robin's company takes a percentage of the sale and covers all associated costs including advertising, labor, and hauling, so families receive a check without worrying about fees. A separate crew can also empty whatever remains after the sale so the home is ready for its next stage.What shoppers can expect:Robin's Nest typically draws lines of 100 to 400 people at opening. Sales generally run three days with full price on the first day, 30 percent off on the second, and 50 percent off on the third. Robin emphasizes that her team is known for fair pricing, great customer service, and a fun atmosphere where regulars get to know each other. Shoppers who prefer to avoid crowds are welcome to come later in the day.The social media strategy that reaches buyers across the country:Robin works Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok actively, teasing items with live videos ahead of each sale. Her reach has drawn buyers from Mississippi who drove through the night, a shopper who flew in from Pennsylvania, and a bride who postponed a wedding dress fitting in New York City to secure a Lenox canister set.A remarkable story from a recent sale:While working an estate in Ooltewah, Robin discovered she had been corresponding with Debbie McKee Fowler of the McKee Bakery family, makers of Little Debbie snack cakes, without realizing who she was. The moment Robin recognized the signature on a Little Debbie doll in the home moved her entire team to tears.Robin's philosophy on working with families:Robin describes herself as transparent and approachable from the very first phone call. She is honest about what will and will not sell, treats every family's belongings with respect regardless of monetary value, and stays focused on the mission of honoring the lives that were lived in each home.How to Connect with Robin's Nest Estate SalesPhone: 423-443-7029Facebook: Robin's Nest Estate Sales, ChattanoogaInstagram: Robin's Nest Estate Sales, ChattanoogaHow to Connect with Blake WatsonPhone: 423-315-1815Epique Realty Office: 888-893-3537Website: athomechattanooga.comFacebook and LinkedIn: Blake WatsonInstagram: rocknrollblakeThank you for listening to Let's Talk Chattanooga Real Estate. Until next time, we wish you the best in your real estate journey.
- Jun 2, 202611 min
The 20 Year Story Behind Chattanooga's Housing Market: How Housing Demand Exploded
In this episode, host Blake Watson takes a detailed look back at two decades of growth in the Chattanooga housing market. How did prices get to where they are today? Was this boom sudden, or has it been building for years? Blake walks through the key economic turning points, migration trends, and supply and demand forces that have shaped the market we are living in right now.What you will hear in this episode:How Chattanooga navigated the 2007 and 2008 housing crash better than most markets, and why that matters.The game-changing impact of Volkswagen's decision to build its only US manufacturing plant in Chattanooga, announced in 2008 and operational by 2011.How employment growth throughout the 2010s outpaced national trends, according to research from UTC, the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.Why Chattanooga's citywide gig-speed internet, launched in 2010, generated billions in economic impact and put the city on the national map.The structural housing shortage that developed as household growth outpaced housing unit construction throughout the mid-2010s into the early 2020s.How the COVID-19 pandemic and the rise of remote work turned Chattanooga into a migration destination, with the metro area growing at more than twice the national population growth rate between 2020 and 2025.Why demand spilled outward into surrounding areas like Catoosa and Walker counties in Georgia and Bradley County in Tennessee as prices rose in Hamilton County.What accessory dwelling units, or ADUs, are and how the City of Chattanooga has introduced them as one tool to address the housing shortage.Where the market stands today, with inventory improving, homes taking longer to sell, and the region still on track to surpass 600,000 people by 2026.What all of this means for buyers, sellers, and anyone watching the market from the sidelines.If you have questions about buying, selling, or figuring out your next move in the Chattanooga area, reach out to Blake Watson directly. Blake is a real estate agent in Tennessee and Georgia.Phone: 423-315-1815 Website: athomechattanooga.comFacebook and LinkedIn: Blake Watson Instagram: @rocknrollblake Brokerage: Epique Realty, 888-893-3537If this episode helped you understand what is happening in our market, share it with someone who needs to hear it.
- May 13, 202614 min
Chattanooga’s Real Estate Micro Markets: Where Prices are Rising and Where They are Slipping
In this episode of Let's Talk Chattanooga Real Estate, Blake Watson breaks down the latest Chattanooga MLS data from April 2026 and explains what is really happening in the local housing market this spring.The Chattanooga market is shifting away from the fast-paced seller frenzy of the past few years and moving into a more balanced market. Inventory is rising across much of the region, homes are taking longer to sell, and price growth has slowed to a more normal pace. But despite these changes, the market is not crashing.One of the biggest themes in this episode is that not all of Chattanooga is the same market anymore. Different neighborhoods and zip codes are performing very differently depending on inventory levels, buyer demand, and pricing trends.Blake takes a closer look at several local areas including Hixson, East Brainerd, Southside Chattanooga, Ooltewah, East Ridge, Highland Park, Orchard Knob, Catoosa County, and Walker County. Some areas are still showing strong seller market conditions while others are becoming more favorable for buyers.You will learn:How rising inventory is affecting Chattanooga home pricesWhy some neighborhoods are still seeing strong appreciationWhich areas are shifting toward buyer-friendly conditionsWhat absorption rate and days on market tell us about the marketHow sellers should position their homes in today’s marketWhy buyers may have more negotiating power in certain areasWhy Chattanooga is now a collection of micro markets instead of one single marketWhether you are thinking about buying, selling, investing, or simply staying informed, this episode provides valuable insight into the current state of Chattanooga real estate in Spring 2026.For questions about your neighborhood or your real estate goals, contact Blake Watson with Epique Realty at 423-315-1815, or office 888-893-3537.Visit AtHomeChattanooga.comFollow Blake Watson on Facebook and LinkedIn as Blake Watson, and Instagram @rocknrollblake
- Apr 28, 202617 min
Why Homeowners Insurance Keeps Going Up and What You Can Do About It
Episode Description Homeowners insurance costs have been rising fast, and many homeowners are feeling the pressure. In this episode, Blake Watson breaks down why premiums have increased so dramatically and what homeowners in the Chattanooga and Northwest Georgia area can do to manage and potentially reduce those costs. From understanding rebuild values to avoiding costly coverage mistakes, this episode offers practical strategies to protect your home and your finances.What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why homeowners insurance premiums have increased by nearly 70 percent in recent years How rising construction costs directly impact your insurance rates The role of severe weather and national risk trends in local premiums What reinsurance is and why it affects what you pay How stricter underwriting is changing the way homes are insuredKey Strategies to Save Money Review and shop your insurance policy every year Compare bundled vs separate home and auto policies Evaluate whether raising your deductible makes financial sense Work with your insurance agent to adjust coverage and structureSmart Homeowner Upgrades That May Lower Risk Installing a new or more durable roof Adding monitored security systems Upgrading windows, doors, and electrical systems Improving drainage and storm resilience around your propertyCommon Mistakes to Avoid Letting your policy auto renew without review Switching from replacement cost to actual cash value coverage Underinsuring your home based on market value instead of rebuild cost Overlooking exclusions like sewer backup or flood damageImportant Coverage Insights Replacement cost coverage helps fully restore your home after a loss Actual cash value policies may leave you paying large out of pocket costs Flood insurance may be worth considering even outside high-risk zones Wind and hail deductibles may differ from your standard deductibleLocal Perspective This episode highlights real examples from the Chattanooga area, including storm damage, flooding, and insurance challenges homeowners have faced in recent years.Bottom Line Homeowners insurance is no longer a set it and forget it expense. Active management, regular reviews, and informed decisions are essential to controlling costs and avoiding major financial setbacks.Connect with Blake Watson from Epique Realty Call or text (423) 315-1815 Visit athomechattanooga.com Follow on Facebook and LinkedIn as Blake Watson Instagram: @rocknrollblake Office phone (888) 893-3537Podcast Let’s Talk Chattanooga Real Estate Hosted by Blake Watson, Epique Realty
- Mar 20, 202614 min
They Offered Me Cash for My House in Chattanooga. Should I Take It?
Selling Your House for Cash or Retail: What Every Chattanooga Homeowner Should KnowIf you have owned a home in the Chattanooga area for any length of time, chances are you have received a postcard or letter promising a fast cash offer with no repairs and no hassle. But what does that actually mean, and is it the right move for you?In this episode, Blake Watson with Epique Realty breaks down the three main ways you can sell your home and helps you understand the real differences between them so you can make the best decision for your situation.Blake covers cash offer companies, also known as direct buyers or iBuyers, and explains how they work, what that initial offer really means, and why their offers typically come in below market value. He also explains how wholesalers operate and why their process is different from a direct cash buyer, even though their marketing can look very similar. And he walks through what a traditional retail sale through the MLS looks like, including the advantages of broader market exposure and what it takes to get your home ready.You will also learn how to think through which option fits your property and your priorities. Whether you are dealing with a home that needs significant repairs, a major life transition, or you simply want to maximize your sale price, this episode helps you understand the trade-offs clearly before making one of the biggest financial decisions of your life.Blake also explains how he works with sellers to explore multiple options side by side, including running a cash offer and a retail listing at the same time so you can compare real numbers and make an informed choice.Topics covered in this episode include how cash offer companies gather information on your home, what wholesalers actually do and how their profit structure works, why homes listed on the MLS tend to attract more competition and higher offers, what situations favor a cash sale versus a retail listing, and how to avoid making a rushed decision when the postcards and letters start arriving.To reach Blake Watson with Epique Realty, call or text 423-315-1815. Find him on Facebook and LinkedIn as Blake Watson and on Instagram: @rocknrollblake. You can also visit www.athomechattanooga.com or call the brokerage office at 888-893-3537.Let's Talk Chattanooga Real Estate covers home buying, home selling, home improvement tips, market trends, and investing in real estate. If you own or want to own real estate in the Chattanooga, Tennessee area, this podcast is for you.
- Mar 10, 202614 min
You Inherited a House. Now What? The Chattanooga Guide to Inherited Real Estate
In this episode, Blake Watson breaks down what really happens when you inherit real estate, with a focus on Tennessee and Georgia. Whether you are dealing with the process right now or just want to be prepared, this episode walks you through the legal, financial, and practical steps involved.Topics Covered:What probate is and why it matters for inherited propertyProbate is the court-supervised process that validates a will, confirms a death, and formally transfers ownership of real estate to heirs. In most cases in Tennessee and Georgia, if the property was solely in the deceased persons name and not held in a trust, probate is required before any action can be taken. What happens when there is no willDying without a will is called dying intestate. State law determines who inherits, and a court-appointed executor manages the estate. Heirs generally cannot sell the property until probate is complete or the court grants authority to do so.The tax picture for heirs in Tennessee and GeorgiaNeither Tennessee nor Georgia has a state inheritance tax or a state estate tax. Federal estate tax only applies to estates exceeding very high exemption thresholds, currently 15 million dollars per individual in 2026, or 30 million dollars for a married couple with proper tax planning. Most heirs will not owe any estate tax at all.Stepped-up basis and capital gains taxWhen you inherit real estate, your tax basis is stepped up to the fair market value of the property as of the date of the owner’s death, not what the original owner paid for it. This can significantly reduce or eliminate capital gains tax if you sell the property shortly after inheriting it. If the inherited property was a rental, the depreciation clock also resets to zero.Holding costs and ongoing responsibilitiesProperty taxes, homeowners insurance, utilities, mortgage payments and basic maintenance do not stop during probate. These costs need to be kept current to avoid penalties or liens. Vacant properties may also carry higher insurance premiums and increased risk of vandalism or damage.Deciding what to do with the propertyHeirs generally have three options: sell the property, keep it as a rental, or move in themselves. There is no legal deadline forcing an immediate sale after probate, and it is okay to take some time to decide as long as ongoing expenses are being handled. Selling sooner often simplifies things, especially when multiple heirs are involved.Selling inherited propertyTraditional listings on the MLS are a strong option for move-in ready homes. As-is cash sales to investors can be a better fit when repairs, cleanouts, or time constraints are a concern. All heirs typically must agree to or authorize the sale, and disagreements among heirs are one of the most common challenges in these situations.Common pitfalls to watch out forProbate delays, unresolved liens, unpaid mortgages, back taxes, title issues, boundary disputes, and unauthorized occupants can all complicate or delay a sale. These situations are more common than people expect.A note for property owners planning aheadIf you own property and want to make things easier for your heirs, talk to them now about your wishes. Work with an estate planner and an attorney to reduce the chance of family conflict or legal disputes down the road.When to bring in professional helpInherited property involves law, taxes, and real estate. An estate attorney, a CPA, and a real estate agent experienced with inherited properties can each play an important role in helping you navigate the process efficiently and with less stress.Connect with Blake Watson, Realtor with Epique Realty and licensed in Tennessee and GeorgiaPhone: 423-315-1815Website: athomechattanooga.comFacebook: Blake WatsonLinkedIn: Blake WatsonInstagram: @rocknrollblakeBrokerage: Epique Realty, 888-893-3537If you have inherited property in the Chattanooga area or northwest Georgia and have questions about what comes next, reach out to Blake directly. He is both a licensed agent and an investor, and can help you evaluate all of your options.
- Jan 15, 202617 min
Chattanooga Real Estate Forecast 2026: Blake's Bold Predictions
In this episode of Let’s Talk Chattanooga Real Estate, host Blake Watson breaks down the latest Chattanooga MLS data to explain where the local housing market has been and where it may be headed in 2026. Looking back at 2025 and comparing historical trends, Blake walks through inventory levels, days on market, sales activity, home prices, and mortgage interest rates. He also shares realistic expectations for buyers, sellers, and homeowners as the market continues to shift toward a more balanced environment.Key Topics Covered:An overview of Chattanooga real estate market conditions entering 2026Residential inventory growth and what it means for buyers and sellersYear over year comparison of active listings from 2024 to 2025Historical inventory context going back to pre-pandemic levelsAverage days on market trends and slowing sales paceMonths of inventory and what defines a balanced marketAnnual home sales totals and whether demand is decliningMedian sales price trends and sustainable appreciationWhy homeownership continues to matter for long term wealthMortgage interest rate expectations for 2026Why a housing price crash is unlikely in ChattanoogaPredictions for inventory growth and buyer activityHow to think about real estate decisions using local data instead of national headlinesMarket Highlights Mentioned:Active listings increased approximately 21 percent from 2024 to 2025Inventory levels are similar to those last seen around 2016Average days on market increased from roughly 51 to 65 daysThe market has shifted from a strong seller’s market to a balanced marketAnnual home sales declined slightly by about 1.7 percentMedian home prices continue to rise at a sustainable paceMortgage rates ended 2025 near 6 percent with expectations of stabilityWho This Episode Is For:Chattanooga Homeowners curious about their property value in 2026Chattanooga Homebuyers wondering if they should wait or act this yearChattanooga Homesellers adjusting expectations in a more balanced marketAnyone interested in Chattanooga and Northwest Georgia real estate trendsAbout the host:Blake Watson is a real estate agent and investor licensed in Tennessee and Georgia with Epique Realty. Phone (423) 315-1815Website athomechattanooga.comFacebook and LinkedIn Blake WatsonInstagram @rocknrollblakeEpique Realty office (888) 893-3537
About Let's Talk Chattanooga Real Estate
Listening to this podcast will make you smarter, save you money, help you make more informed decisions about your home, and help you through the home selling or buying process. You’ll be armed with knowledge about the Chattanooga real estate market, and you’ll be able to move forward in any real estate transaction with more confidence.If you own real estate in the Chattanooga Tennessee area, or want to own real estate here, then this podcast is for you.Your host, Blake Watson, is a licensed real estate agent in Tennessee and Georgia with Epique Realty.Blake is also a real estate investor in Chattanooga Tennessee and Northwest Georgia.This podcast is about buying and selling homes in the Chattanooga area. Through expert interviews and real-life experience, we’ll be covering all the details you need to find and purchase your next home, resources and tips for your home maintenance and home improvements, and best practices, tips and advice for selling your home. We’ll keep you infor
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