Podcast
Let's Talk Chattanooga Real Estate
Hosted by Blake Watson · EN
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 informed on real estate market trends and real estate developments in the Chattanooga area.
We’ll also discuss real estate investing: buying houses and land for rental income, Airbnb, or fix and flip – all with a focus on investing in Chattanooga and Northwest Georgia.
Blake Watson is a Realtor with Epique Realty, and can be reached at (423) 315-1815.
You can find Blake on Facebook and Linkedin as Blake Watson, and on Instagram as rocknrollblake. Show notes are at www.realestatebyblake.com and past episodes can be found at www.chattanoogarealestatepodcast.com
17episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Chattanooga Makes The List of Top 20 Cities Americans Are Moving To in 2025.
Dec 2300:12:49Tap to summarizeDiscover why Chattanooga has become one of America's top cities to move to in 2025. Host Blake Watson breaks down the latest migration data and explains who's moving to Chattanooga, where they're coming from, and what this means for the local real estate market. This episode analyzes current 2024-2025 data from the PODS Moving Trends Report and county-level migration estimates to reveal the forces driving Chattanooga's continued growth. Key Topics CoveredChattanooga's Rising National Profile- Chattanooga makes the top 20 U.S. cities list for move-in destinations in 2025- Tennessee places four cities on the national rankings: Chattanooga, Knoxville, Nashville, and Johnson City- Two-thirds of all long-distance moves in 2025 ended up in Sunbelt statesMigration Numbers- Hamilton County added roughly 3,000 net new residents from domestic migration in 2024- Total newcomers exceeded 4,500 when including international migration- Migration creates ongoing housing demand despite higher interest ratesWhere New Residents Are Coming From- Georgia remains the number one source, especially from the Atlanta metro area- California accounts for seven of the top 20 move-out cities nationally- Florida's migration patterns have shifted, with residents reassessing due to rising insurance costs, housing prices up 60% since 2020, and increased hurricane risk- North Carolina and South Carolina continue to be major move-in destinationsCities People Are Leaving- Los Angeles and Northern California lead the exodus- South Florida, Long Island, San Diego, and Chicago also see significant outmigration- High housing costs, taxes, congestion, and natural disaster risks are primary drivers- Equity from expensive markets impacts buying power in ChattanoogaChattanooga Retention Rates- Roughly three-quarters of young adults stay in or near the Chattanooga area long-term- Represents a significant shift from 20th century patterns when young people regularly left- Those who do leave typically relocate within Tennessee or GeorgiaMarket Implications- Housing demand remains resilient despite higher interest rates- Chattanooga competes directly with other mid-sized southeastern markets like Raleigh, Charlotte, Greenville, and Spartanburg- Migration supports long-term property values and explains ongoing competition for homesMortgage Rate Context- Early 2025 rates hovered around 7%- Current rates are just above 6%- Higher rates often accelerate moves away from expensive markets where affordability is already stretched Referenced EpisodeLet’s Talk Chattanooga Real Estate Episode 45 - November 26, 2024: Interview with Darik Dawes of Dawes Hospitality Group discussing tourism's impact on Chattanooga housing and the theme, "It all starts with a visit." Contact InformationHost: Blake Watson, Epique Realty. Blake is licensed in Tennessee and Georgia.Text or Phone: 423-315-1811Website: athomechattanooga.comEpique Realty office: 888-893-3537Social Media:- Facebook: Blake Watson- LinkedIn: Blake Watson- Instagram: @rocknrollblake About the PodcastLet's Talk Chattanooga Real Estate covers home buying, home selling, home improvement tips and ideas, market trends and developments, and investing in real estate in the Chattanooga, Tennessee area.
Transcribe →Chattanooga Sales Slow, Inventory Up, Neighborhood Shifts: Market Changes in Chattanooga
Dec 800:17:03Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Blake Watson breaks down the latest MLS market data for Chattanooga Tennessee from November 2025 and compares it with November 2024. Inventory is rising, sales are shifting, and different neighborhoods are performing very differently. Whether you are buying, selling, or planning for 2026, this is an episode you will want to hear.Key Market Highlights:MLS-Wide OverviewInventory up 21 percent, reaching the highest level since 2016Closed sales down 19 percent (785 to 636)Median price nearly flat ($337,000 to $340,000)Average days on market now 52 daysMarket trending toward a more balanced and cooling environmentCity of Chattanooga Inventory up 24 percentSales down 12 percentPrices up 8 percent ($340,000 to $367,750)Days on market increased from 39 to 49 daysStrong pricing power close to the urban coreZIP Code Spotlights37421 – East BrainerdInventory up 92 percent (147 to 282)Sales up 30 percentMedian price up 13 percent ($362,500 to $411,195)Absorption rate at 5.65 months, indicating a balanced marketSignificant influence from new construction activity37363 – OoltewahInventory up 19 percentSales down 47 percent (76 to 40)Prices down 5.5 percentDays on market improved from 54 to 44Market split between well-priced homes selling quickly and overpriced homes sitting37343 – HixsonInventory up 55 percentSales nearly flat year over yearPrices down 11 percentFast-moving segment with an average of 33 days on marketGeorgia CountiesCatoosa CountyInventory up 7 percentSales down 17.5 percentMedian price slightly higher with a 1.2 percent increaseAbsorption rate approximately 3.5 monthsConsistent and steady pricing environmentWalker CountyInventory up 15.5 percentSales down 30.5 percentPrices down nearly 5 percentAbsorption rate at 4 months, indicating a balanced marketBig Takeaways Heading Into 2026Inventory is significantly higher, giving buyers more optionsRising days on market means sellers should expect longer selling timelinesPrice trends vary widely by area, emphasizing the importance of local neighborhood dataThe overall market is balanced, offering stability to both buyers and sellersMortgage rates are holding in the low six percent range and may gradually decline in 2026Blake Watson is an agent with Epique Realty and is licensed in Tennessee and Georgia.Contact Blake by phone or text 423-315-1815Website: athomechattanooga.comInstagram: @rocknrollblakeFacebook and LinkedIn: Blake WatsonBrokerage: Epique Realty, 888-893-3537
Transcribe →Starter Home, Not Dream Home: How Renters Can Become Owners in Chattanooga
Nov 1900:15:24Tap to summarizeFeeling like you’ve missed your chance to buy your first home? You’re not alone—and you’re not behind. In this episode, Blake Watson of Epique Realty breaks down the real reasons why so many people in their 30s and 40s are still renting in the Chattanooga and Northwest Georgia area, and what you can do to take your first step into homeownership.He talks about how rising prices, debt burdens, and outdated beliefs about down payments are creating roadblocks for first-time buyers, and how to overcome them. Whether you’re dreaming of North Shore or just want a clean starter in Red Bank or East Ridge, this episode will reset your mindset and give you practical strategies for making 2026 your year to buy.What You’ll Learn: Why the average age of first-time buyers has shifted to 40Chattanooga area price increases: $230K in 2020 to $330K in 2025The importance of the “stepping stone” mindset vs. dream-home expectationsHow to identify hidden value in overlooked neighborhoodsWhy your debt-to-income ratio matters more than your incomeHow car loans and credit cards could be killing your mortgage potentialTips for reducing your debt and improving affordabilityThe truth about down payments, and why 20% is a mythPrograms and strategies to bridge the gap between savings and what you needLocations mentioned for First-Time Buyers:East Ridge, Red Bank, Highland Park, Brainerd, Hixson, Chickamauga, Fort Oglethorpe,Ringgold, LafayetteWho This Episode Is For:Renters in the Chattanooga area feeling left behindBuyers frustrated by prices and debtAnyone believing they need 20% down to buyHost:Blake Watson is a Realtor and real estate investor based in Chattanooga, TN, and Northwest Georgia. He’s passionate about helping everyday people make smart real estate decisions.Find Blake on LinkedIn and Facebook as Blake Watson, and on Instagram @rocknrollblake. His website is athomechattanooga.comThe Epique Realty office phone is 888.893.3537.
Transcribe →Chattanooga's Free Home Energy Checkup From EPB: Get Extra Perks While Cutting Your Bill
Nov 500:07:42Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Let's Talk Chattanooga Real Estate, host Blake Watson is joined by Nate Thomasson, an Energy Pro from EPB, to talk about a smart, simple way for local homeowners to lower their energy bills.Nate breaks down how EPB’s free Home Energy Checkup works, what the visit includes, and how it can lead to long-term savings. You’ll also learn about the limited-time energy savings kit available for customers who complete a checkup, and how EPB is making it even easier to identify energy issues in your home.Plus, get the details on EPB’s Jingle Jam contest, where local artists compete to create a new energy-themed jingle—and how you can vote to win prizes.This episode is a must-listen for any EPB customer in the Chattanooga area looking to improve their home’s efficiency and keep more money in their pocket.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:What EPB’s Home Energy Checkup includesHow long a typical visit takesThe most common energy issues found in local homesHow EPB rebates and trusted contractors can help with upgradesWhat’s included in the free energy savings kitHow to vote in the EPB Jingle Jam and enter weekly prize drawingsResources:Schedule your checkup or learn more: EPB.comCall EPB at 423-648-1EPB (372)Follow Blake Watson on Instagram: @rockandrollblakeConnect on Facebook and LinkedIn: Blake WatsonWebsite: athomechattanooga.comAbout the Host:Blake Watson is a licensed real estate agent with Epique Realty servingChattanooga Tennessee and Northwest Georgia. For real estate advice, localinsights, or help buying and selling, reach out to Blake at (423) 315-1815.
Transcribe →Land Loans, Barndominiums, Construction Loans and More: We Break It Down with TVFCU
Oct 2900:18:50Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Let's Talk Chattanooga Real Estate, host Blake Watson sits down with Andy Woodman, Director of Mortgage Lending, and Cynthia Blackwell, Mortgage Marketing Specialist from Tennessee Valley Federal Credit Union (TVFCU), to explore unique lending opportunities available in the Chattanooga and North Georgia region.From land loans and construction to perm financing, to low down payment mortgage options and creative pathways to credit union membership, Andy and Cynthia break down how TVFCU is reshaping the real estate lending landscape—offering flexible solutions and local decision-making. If you are a land buyer, builder, or you dream of a custom built home, barndominium, or manufactured home, this episode is packed with insider knowledge, practical advice, and insight for buying your next property.Host: Blake Watson, Realtor with Epic RealtyGuests:Andy Woodman, Director of Mortgage Lending, TVFCUCynthia Blackwell, Mortgage Marketing Specialist, TVFCUWhat You Will Learn:How TVFCU became a top real estate lender across 17 countiesHow land loans at up to 95 percent loan-to-value work, even on large acreageAn overview of construction-perm loans with one-time closingFlexible mortgage options, including 100 percent financing for qualified membersHow out-of-state buyers can become TVFCU membersAdvantages of borrowing through a federally chartered credit unionResources and Contact Information:Tennessee Valley Federal Credit UnionWebsite: www.tvfcu.comPhone: 423-634-3600Service area: 17 counties in Southeast Tennessee and Northwest GeorgiaBlake Watson, Host and RealtorPhone: 423-315-1815Licensed in Tennessee and GeorgiaFacebook and LinkedIn: Blake WatsonInstagram: @rocknrollblakeWebsite: athomechattanooga.comEpique RealtyOffice 888-893-3537
Transcribe →Power in First Impressions: The Art of Home Staging from a Chattanooga Pro
Oct 2200:21:01Tap to summarizeSelling your home? This episode is packed with practical insights that can help you present your house in the best light and make it attractive to buyers.Blake Watson sits down with Emily Wattenbarger of Epique Realty to talk about the often overlooked—but critically important—role of home staging in the selling process. As both a real estate professional and experienced stager, Emily shares expert advice on how to make any property feel more welcoming, valuable, and market-ready.In this episode, you’ll learn:What home staging really is and how it worksWhy staging matters more than ever in today’s real estate marketSmart staging techniques that don’t require a huge budgetHow a home seller can benefit from an unbiased professional review of their homeWhether you're a first-time seller or a seasoned investor, this conversation will help you think differently about how to present your home—and maximize your return. Learn why great staging isn't just about style—it's about strategy.Emily Wattenbarger can be reached on Facebook and by phone at (423) 599-3933. Show host, Blake Watson with Epique Realty, can be reached on Facebook and LinkedIn as Blake Watson, and on Instagram @rocknrollblake. Blake's website is athomechattanooga.com and his phone is (423) 315-1815.The Epique Realty office phone is (888) 893-3537.
Transcribe →Chattanooga's Story: How our neighborhoods began and the city developed.
Jan 24, 2025Tap to summarizeSam Hall, founder and owner of ChattanoogaHistory.com, shares the history of the development of Chattanooga into the neighborhoods and communities we know today. Sam explains the origins and development of Highland Park, Missionary Ridge, St. Elmo, Rossville Blvd, Ooltewah, Hixson, Northshore, North Chattanooga, Riverview, Signal Mountain, Red Bank, Soddy-Daisy, Harrison and the Chickamauga Dam. Sam takes us on a fascinating tour of Chattanooga history and how our Chattanooga area communities began. Sam can be reached through his website, ChattanoogaHistory.com.Blake Watson is the show host, and Blake is a Realtor with Epique Realty. If you’re interested in Chattanooga real estate or have questions, reach out to him at 423-315-1815 or his brokerage phone 888-893-3537, or visit www.athomechattanooga.com. You can also find Blake on Facebook, LinkedIn (Blake Watson), and Instagram (@rocknrollblake). Follow this podcast to stay updated on all things real estate in Chattanooga!
Transcribe →