Let's Talk Chattanooga Real Estate

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 prices Why some neighborhoods are still seeing strong appreciation Which areas are shifting toward buyer-friendly conditions What absorption rate and days on market tell us about the market How sellers should position their homes in today’s market Why buyers may have more negotiating power in certain areas Why Chattanooga is now a collection of micro markets instead of one single market Whether 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.com [https://blakewatson.epiquerealty.com] Follow Blake Watson on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/blake.watson.501] and LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/blakewatson/] as Blake Watson, and Instagram @rocknrollblake [https://www.instagram.com/rocknrollblake/]

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 insured Key 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 structure Smart 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 property Common 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 damage Important 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 deductible Local 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 [https://blakewatson.epiquerealty.com] Follow on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/blake.watson.501] and LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/blakewatson/] as Blake Watson Instagram: @rocknrollblake [https://www.instagram.com/rocknrollblake/] Office phone (888) 893-3537 Podcast Let’s Talk Chattanooga Real Estate [https://www.chattanoogarealestatepodcast.com/] Hosted by Blake Watson, Epique Realty

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 Know If 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.

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 property Probate 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 will Dying 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 Georgia Neither 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 tax When 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 responsibilities Property 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 property Heirs 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 property Traditional 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 for Probate 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 ahead If 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 help Inherited 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 Georgia Phone: 423-315-1815 Website: athomechattanooga.com [https://blakewatson.epiquerealty.com] Facebook: Blake Watson [https://www.facebook.com/blake.watson.501] LinkedIn: Blake Watson [https://www.linkedin.com/in/blakewatson/] Instagram: @rocknrollblake [https://www.instagram.com/rocknrollblake/] Brokerage: Epique Realty, 888-893-3537 If 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.

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 2026 Residential inventory growth and what it means for buyers and sellers Year over year comparison of active listings from 2024 to 2025 Historical inventory context going back to pre-pandemic levels Average days on market trends and slowing sales pace Months of inventory and what defines a balanced market Annual home sales totals and whether demand is declining Median sales price trends and sustainable appreciation Why homeownership continues to matter for long term wealth Mortgage interest rate expectations for 2026 Why a housing price crash is unlikely in Chattanooga Predictions for inventory growth and buyer activity How to think about real estate decisions using local data instead of national headlines Market Highlights Mentioned: Active listings increased approximately 21 percent from 2024 to 2025 Inventory levels are similar to those last seen around 2016 Average days on market increased from roughly 51 to 65 days The market has shifted from a strong seller’s market to a balanced market Annual home sales declined slightly by about 1.7 percent Median home prices continue to rise at a sustainable pace Mortgage rates ended 2025 near 6 percent with expectations of stability Who This Episode Is For: Chattanooga Homeowners curious about their property value in 2026 Chattanooga Homebuyers wondering if they should wait or act this year Chattanooga Homesellers adjusting expectations in a more balanced market Anyone interested in Chattanooga and Northwest Georgia real estate trends About the host: Blake Watson is a real estate agent and investor licensed in Tennessee and Georgia with Epique Realty. Phone (423) 315-1815 Website athomechattanooga.com [https://blakewatson.epiquerealty.com] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/blake.watson.501] and LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/blakewatson/] Blake Watson Instagram @rocknrollblake [https://www.instagram.com/rocknrollblake/] Epique Realty office (888) 893-3537