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PODCAST · education

Let's Talk Chattanooga Real Estate

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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Episodes

  1. How Did Homeownership Become Part of the American Dream? Is It Still Possible Today?

    As America marks 250 years since the Declaration of Independence, Blake Watson looks at how homeownership became such a central part of the American dream. The opportunity to own a home did not develop through individual effort alone. Laws and public policies shaped who could own land, how…

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  2. Up to $21,000 for First Time Homebuyers! Chattanooga’s New Down Payment Assistance Program Explained

    In this episode of Let’s Talk Chattanooga Real Estate, Blake Watson talks with Don Oakes of Highlands Residential Mortgage about a new City of Chattanooga down payment assistance program designed to help qualified first-time homebuyers overcome one of the biggest obstacles to purchasing a home…

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  3. 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…

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  4. 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...

  5. 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...

  6. 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...

  7. 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...

  8. 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...

  9. 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....

  10. 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,...

  11. Top Home Improvements With the Highest ROI in 2026

    As we head into 2026, many homeowners are asking the same question: Which home improvements actually pay off? In this episode of Let’s Talk Chattanooga Real Estate, host Blake Watson breaks down the home upgrades that deliver the highest return on investment, based on the latest cost versus value...

  12. Chattanooga Makes The List of Top 20 Cities Americans Are Moving To in 2025.

    Discover 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...

  13. Chattanooga Sales Slow, Inventory Up, Neighborhood Shifts: Market Changes in Chattanooga

    In 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...

  14. Starter Home, Not Dream Home: How Renters Can Become Owners in Chattanooga

    Feeling 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...

  15. Chattanooga's Free Home Energy Checkup From EPB: Get Extra Perks While Cutting Your Bill

    In 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...

  16. Land Loans, Barndominiums, Construction Loans and More: We Break It Down with TVFCU

    In 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...

  17. Power in First Impressions: The Art of Home Staging from a Chattanooga Pro

    Selling 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…

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  18. Fall in the Market: Why October is the Underrated Month for Smart Homebuyers

    Is now a good time to buy a home in Chattanooga, or should you wait until spring? In this episode, Blake Watson breaks down why October might be one of the most overlooked, yet strategic, months to make your move. You’ll learn: What current home prices and trends tell us How much competition…

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  19. Over 3,500 Homes & Counting: Chattanooga's Biggest Housing Inventory in a Decade

    Chattanooga’s real estate market has officially entered a new era. In this episode, Blake Watson of Epique Realty breaks down the biggest shift we’ve seen in nearly a decade: a dramatic increase in housing inventory, rising days on market, and cooling prices. Whether you're buying your first home...

  20. The First 4 Steps to Selling Your Chattanooga Home (For Maximum Profit)

    Selling a home can feel overwhelming, but with the right plan, it becomes a clear and manageable process. In this episode of Let's Talk Chattanooga Real Estate, Realtor Blake Watson walks you through the first four essential steps every homeowner should take to successfully sell their home. You...

  21. Who Really Owns Chattanooga? The Rise of Rental Homes in the Scenic City

    Chattanooga’s housing market is shifting. Nearly half the homes in the city are now rentals, with many owned by investors and out-of-state landlords. In this episode, we unpack the data behind rising absentee ownership, what it means for local buyers and renters, and how the trend compares across...

  22. Top 5 First-Time Homebuyer Myths and the Truth Behind Them in 2025

    Welcome to Let’s Talk Chattanooga Real Estate, hosted by Blake Watson with Epique Realty. In this episode, Blake covers the biggest myths surrounding buying your first home—and reveals what’s actually true in today’s real estate market across Chattanooga and Northwest Georgia. This episode is...

  23. Flood Zones Explained, and Chattanooga's History of Flooding

    In this episode of Let’s Talk Chattanooga Real Estate, host Blake Watson demystifies the often misunderstood topic of flood zones and flood insurance. From FEMA flood maps to elevation certificates and building restrictions, Blake breaks down what homebuyers, sellers, and builders need to know…

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  24. From Renting to Riches: Why Homeowners Are 43 times Wealthier Than Renters

    Did you know the average homeowner is 43 times wealthier than the average renter? In this episode of Let’s Talk Chattanooga Real Estate, host Blake Watson of Epique Realty explains the surprising and powerful link between homeownership and wealth creation. Discover why homeowners significantly...

  25. Why Everyone's Moving to Chattanooga (And Why You Might Be Next)

    Host: Blake Watson, Epique Realty Episode Focus: Exploring the top reasons why people across the country are relocating to Chattanooga, TN Episode Summary: Thinking of making a move? In this episode, Blake Watson breaks down why Chattanooga, Tennessee is quickly becoming one of the Southeast’s…

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  26. Think You Can’t Afford a Home? Think Again: Advice for First-Time Buyers

    In this episode of Let’s Talk Chattanooga Real Estate, host Blake Watson of Epique Realty talks with Bruce Dodd of ChattMortgage to break down what first-time homebuyers really need to know. From affordable down payment options to how gift money from family can help you buy a home, Bruce shares...

  27. Silver Divorce, Golden Questions: What About The House?

    In this episode of Let’s Talk Chattanooga Real Estate, Blake Watson switches out the host chair with Lisa McClusky as we share a recent interview Lisa conducted on her podcast, The Silver Divorce Podcast. Lisa interviews Blake about considerations for the marital house after divorce. This…

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  28. Selling Your House in Chattanooga: 14 Must-Know Tips for Chattanooga Homeowners

    Selling your home can be one of the most significant financial decisions you’ll ever make. Whether you’re planning to sell soon or just thinking about it, Blake Watson from Epique Realty lays out a clear, strategic plan to help you sell faster and for top dollar in the Chattanooga or Northwest...

  29. Tariffs, Stock Market, Interest Rates and Inventory: How Buying a Home in Chattanooga Just Got a Little Easier

    In this episode of Let's Talk Chattanooga Real Estate, host and Realtor Blake Watson welcomes Don Oakes, Branch Manager at Highlands Residential Mortgage in Chattanooga. Don and Blake discuss the current stock market volatility caused by tariffs and how that is impacting 30-year mortgage rates…

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  30. Property Taxes and Skyrocketing Values: What Hamilton County Homeowners Need To Know.

    Blake Watson with Epique Realty covers one of the most talked-about topics in Hamilton County: property reappraisals and their impact on your property taxes. Home values in Hamilton County have skyrocketed—an average increase of about 60% over the last four years, marking the largest jump in the...

  31. Is Spring 2025 the Time to Buy a Home in Chattanooga? What Buyers and Sellers Need to Know in Chattanooga.

    Spring 2025 Market Update: Why Now is a Great Time to Buy or Sell In this episode of Let’s Talk Chattanooga Real Estate, host Blake Watson, a licensed Realtor in Tennessee and Georgia with Epique Realty, dives into the latest Chattanooga market trends for Spring 2025. If you’ve been considering...

  32. Flooring Trends & Smart Choices: Inside Direct Flooring with Jordan Parker

    In this episode of Let's Talk Chattanooga Real Estate, host and Realtor Blake Watson welcomes Jordan Parker, the owner of Direct Flooring. Jordan shares his journey in the flooring business, starting in 2004 and growing Direct Flooring into a trusted name with multiple locations. He discusses the...

  33. Newly Built Homes in the Chattanooga area with D. R. Horton Communities

    In this episode of Let’s Talk Chattanooga Real Estate, host Blake Watson sits down with Melani Trelut, sales representative with D.R. Horton in Chattanooga, to discuss D.R. Horton developments in new home construction across the Chattanooga region. Melani shares insights about D.R. Horton’s...

  34. Pros and Cons of Buying a Home in Chattanooga TN

    In this episode, we dive into an important question: Is Chattanooga Tennessee a good place to buy a home? Blake Watson, Realtor with Epique Realty, breaks down the pros and cons of homeownership in the Scenic City. From affordability and job opportunities to infrastructure challenges and seasonal...

  35. Welcome Home Program! Up to $20,000 grant for down payment and closing costs in Tennessee

    Our guest is Orly Cohen, a mortgage loan officer with First Bank. Orly explains the Welcome Home Program designed to assist low to moderate income households to achieve homeownership with up to a $20,000 grant for down payment and closing cost assistance. First-time homebuyers, and repeat...

  36. Chattanooga's Story: How our neighborhoods began and the city developed.

    Sam 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,...

  37. 2025 Chattanooga Housing Forecast: What will happen with interest rates, house prices and inventory.

    Don Oakes from Highlands Residential Mortgage joins Blake to review the Chattanooga housing data from the Chattanooga MLS and data from mortgage interest rates over the past 15 years. Using the data, Blake and Don make informed predictions for the Chattanooga real estate market in 2025. They…

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  38. City Life or Country Life: Which Lifestyle Is a Better Fit for You?

    Host: Blake Watson, Realtor with Epique Realty, licensed in Tennessee and Georgia Episode Highlights: Urban Living: Advantages such as access to amenities, public transportation, and job opportunities, along with challenges like noise pollution, higher costs, and limited space. Rural Living:...

  39. Housing Market Predictions from Zillow for 2025: Insights for Buyers, Sellers, and Renters.

    Blake Watson, real estate agent with Epique Realty, dives into Zillow’s newly released housing market predictions for 2025 and insights from other experts. Whether you're buying, selling, or renting, this episode will help you understand what lies ahead and how to prepare. Key Takeaways: Housing...

  40. Chattanooga News: Housing Costs Soar Out of Reach for All but Upper 25 Percent. Details Here.

    In this episode of Let’s Talk Chattanooga Real Estate, Blake Watson dives into a fascinating piece of history that feels strikingly familiar today. Starting with a headline from 1977, "Housing Costs Soar Out of Reach for All but Upper 25 Percent," Blake compares housing affordability then and…

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  41. How Chattanooga's Tourism Industry Benefits Homeowners and Local Residents

    This episode features Darik Dawes, CEO of Dawes Hospitality Group and Vice-Chair of the Chattanooga Tourism Board. Darik discusses how tourism impacts Chattanooga homeowners in many ways including job creation, local tax dollars saved, improved quality of life, and more. He explains how the…

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  42. More Million Dollar Homes: Chattanooga's Evolving Real Estate Market

    In this episode of Let’s Talk Chattanooga Real Estate, Blake Watson, dives into remarkable trends in Chattanooga's real estate market, particularly focusing on the increase in million-dollar homes. Discover what’s driving this notable increase in high-end listings, how it impacts buyers and...

  43. Chattanooga Home Sales Report for October - What's Happening In The Market?

    On this podcast, Blake Watson reviews the October market data for Chattanooga area home sales, and shares some insights into what the numbers mean for homeowners and for you if you are wanting to buy a home. He also takes a deeper dive into several local ZIP Codes to review their October home…

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  44. Free Stuff for Chattanooga Homeowners and Renters

    In this episode of Let’s Talk Chattanooga Real Estate, your host Blake Watson, Realtor with Epique Realty, dives into some of the best free resources available for homeowners and renters in Chattanooga and Northwest Georgia. From saving on energy costs to getting hands-on gardening advice, there...

  45. Kamala Harris vs. Donald Trump: Real Estate Policies Compared for Homeownership, Rentals, and Investment

    In this episode of Let’s Talk Chattanooga Real Estate, host Blake Watson breaks down and compares the real estate platforms of Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. Find out how each candidate’s housing plan could impact homeownership, rental markets, and real estate investment. Whether you're a...

  46. Zillow’s 2024 Housing Trends Report: Who’s Buying, How They’re Paying, and What Surprises Them

    In this episode, we’re diving into Zillow’s 2024 Consumer Housing Trends Report to uncover the latest insights into the real estate market. Whether you’re curious about buyer demographics, financing trends, or the most important home features for today’s buyers, we’ve got you covered. Episode...

  47. Sell The House or Keep The House After Divorce? What To Do About Your House In Divorce.

    Lisa McCluskey, founder and host of the Silver Divorce Podcast, shares her own experience and the knowledge she's gained about what to do with the house during and after divorce. She explains the many considerations and pitfalls, and brings some understanding and advice regarding real estate for...

  48. Too Much Junk? Need It Gone? Haul Away Guy Has You Covered.

    On this podcast, Haul Away Guy owner, Isaac Caza, tells how his company handles getting rid of unwanted stuff. His company hauls it all away, from a full property clean-out to just one piece of furniture. Not only does Haul Away Guy get rid of junk in a house or garage, but they also clear downed...

  49. Wind River Built's Mission to Bring Back The Starter Home in Style with Modular Home Construction

    Amelia Dicks, Director of Business Development at Wind River Built, tells us how her company is on a mission to bring back the starter home, and do it with style using modular home construction. She explains how modular home construction is the wave of the future, and how the modular construction...

  50. Albert Einstein’s Eighth Wonder Connects with Chattanooga Real Estate

    On this podcast, Blake Watson explains the connection between an Albert Einstein quote and wealth building through real estate. Blake shares Chattanooga area historical home price statistics and shares the simple math that would suggest if you buy a home today, it will likely double in value over...

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

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

HOSTED BY

Blake Watson

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Let's Talk Chattanooga Real Estate have?

Let's Talk Chattanooga Real Estate currently has 86 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is Let's Talk Chattanooga Real Estate about?

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...

How often does Let's Talk Chattanooga Real Estate release new episodes?

Let's Talk Chattanooga Real Estate has 86 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to Let's Talk Chattanooga Real Estate?

You can listen to Let's Talk Chattanooga Real Estate on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts Let's Talk Chattanooga Real Estate?

Let's Talk Chattanooga Real Estate is created and hosted by Blake Watson.
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