Why Homeowners Insurance Keeps Going Up and What You Can Do About It

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 Episode What 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 Sales Phone: 423-443-7029 Facebook: Robin's Nest Estate Sales, Chattanooga Instagram: Robin's Nest Estate Sales, Chattanooga How to Connect with Blake Watson Phone: 423-315-1815 Epique Realty Office: 888-893-3537 Website: athomechattanooga.com Facebook and LinkedIn: Blake Watson Instagram: rocknrollblake Thank you for listening to Let's Talk Chattanooga Real Estate. Until next time, we wish you the best in your real estate journey.

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.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/] Brokerage: Epique Realty, 888-893-3537 If this episode helped you understand what is happening in our market, share it with someone who needs to hear it.

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.