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 They also discuss the increasing inventory of Chattanooga homes for sale.

They discuss how economic conditions, particularly recessionary fears, can drive mortgage interest rates lower, and what that means for someone wanting to buy a home in the Chattanooga area.  They discussed the higher inventory levels in Chattanooga creating more buying opportunities for homebuyers.

Don Oakes can be contacted at Highlands Residential Mortgage, 423-524-0448, or visit their website at highlandsmortgage.com. 

Connect with Blake Watson, agent with Epique Realty in Tennessee and Georgia, by phone or text at 423-315-1815 or visit www.athomechattanooga.com. 888-893-3537.  Follow Blake on Facebook and LinkedIn as Blake Watson, and on Instagram @rocknrollblake. Be sure to

follow the podcast to stay updated on future episodes.

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 county's history.

If you're worried this means a dramatic increase in your property taxes,

there's good news. Tennessee law prevents local governments from automatically

increasing their revenue due to rising property values. Instead, they must

adjust the tax rate downward—known as a revenue-neutral or rollback rate.

However, cities and counties can vote to raise taxes above this rollback

rate, but only after public hearings. Recent statements indicate Hamilton

County Mayor Weston Wamp and East Ridge’s city manager aren't planning tax

increases, though Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly has yet to commit either way.

While tax rates might remain flat or decrease, homeowners may still see changes

in their tax bills based on how their property values compare to the county

average.

Nearby counties in Tennessee, including Bradley and Sequatchie, are

experiencing similar rapid increases in property values. Northwest Georgia

counties such as Walker, Catoosa, and Dade are also seeing significant rises,

but Georgia’s Property Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights ensures transparency in any

potential tax hikes, requiring public hearings and clear notices if taxes

increase even slightly above the rollback rate.

If you believe your new appraisal is incorrect, you have options. In

Hamilton County, you can request an informal review or file a formal appeal

with the County Board of Equalization by June 6.

Ultimately, whether your taxes increase depends on your home's value change

relative to the county average, local government tax decisions, and whether you

appeal your appraisal. Understanding these elements can help you better manage

your finances and plan your future.

Let’s Talk Chattanooga Real Estate is hosted by Blake Watson with Epique Realty.  He is a Realtor licensed in Tennessee and Georgia.  You can reach Blake directly by phone or text at 423-315-1815, visit his website athomechattanooga.com, connect on Facebook or LinkedIn as Blake Watson, or on Instagram @RockNRollBlake.  If you found this episode helpful, please follow and share the podcast.

Thanks for listening—here's to your real estate success!

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 buying or selling a home, this episode will explain why now might be the perfect time to make your move.

Key Topics Covered in This Episode:

• Interest Rates Are Dropping
• The 30-year fixed mortgage rate has fallen for seven consecutive weeks, currently averaging a little above 6.5% as of March 11, 2025.
• Lower interest rates are making homeownership more affordable and encouraging more buyers to enter the market.
• Inventory Levels Are Up
• Chattanooga’s housing inventory has increased by 41% year-over-year, from 2,053 homes in February 2024 to 2,897 homes in February 2025.
• More homes on the market mean more choices for buyers and a slightly slower market pace.
• Days on Market Are Increasing
• The average time a home stays on the market is now 59 days, up from much shorter timelines in previous years.
• This gives buyers more time to shop around, compare homes, and make informed decisions.
• Home Prices Continue to Rise
• The median home sales price in the Chattanooga MLS has climbed to $330,000, an 8% increase from $306,000 in February 2024.
• Home values are still appreciating, making now a smart time to buy before prices rise further.
• Closed Sales Remain Strong
• February 2025 saw 684 closed sales, nearly identical to February 2024’s 696 closed sales, showing consistent buyer demand despite shifting market conditions.

Why This Matters for Buyers & Sellers

With more inventory available, lower interest rates, and home values continuing to rise, the Spring 2025 real estate market presents a strong opportunity for both buyers and sellers. Whether you're upgrading, downsizing, or purchasing your first home, now is the time to take action before prices climb further.

Get in Touch with Blake Watson, Realtor with Epique Realty.

If you're thinking about buying or selling a home in the Chattanooga area, Blake would love to help!

Call or Text: 423-315-1815

Website & Home Search: athomechattanooga.com

Office Number: 888-893-3537

• Follow Blake on Social Media:
• Facebook & LinkedIn: Blake Watson
• Instagram: @rockandrollblake
• 
  

If you found this episode helpful, please share it with a friend who might be thinking about buying or selling a home. Be sure to follow this podcast so you don’t miss future episodes, and thanks for listening to Let’s Talk Chattanooga Real Estate.

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 expansion of his business, including the recent opening of a

store in Ringgold, and how his company focuses on high-quality products,

service, and expert installation.

Jordan and Blake explore the latest trends in flooring, with

a strong focus on luxury vinyl plank (LVP), which has become the most popular

choice due to its durability, waterproof properties, and ease of maintenance.

Jordan highlights the advantages of thicker LVP flooring and how Direct

Flooring ensures top-quality stock. They also discuss the growing demand for

real hardwood floors and how Direct Flooring has adapted to meet customer

preferences.

The conversation also touches on Direct Flooring’s

commitment to customer service, working closely with real estate professionals,

homeowners, and investors. Jordan explains how their walk-on showroom allows

customers to experience flooring firsthand before making a purchase and how

their business offers competitive pricing by leveraging strong supplier

relationships.

With locations in Chattanooga, Hixson, and Ringgold, Direct

Flooring serves a broad area and provides installation within a 90-minute

radius. They also offer shipping services to clients throughout the Southeast.

Jordan emphasizes the importance of working with a trusted company that stands

behind its products and installations, ensuring long-term customer

satisfaction.

For more information, you can contact Direct Flooring at

423-541-8080 or visit their website at www.directflooringchatt.com.

Connect with Blake Watson, agent with Epique Realty in

Tennessee and Georgia, for all your real estate needs at 423-315-1815 or visit www.athomechattanooga.com.

888-893-3537.  Follow Blake on Facebook

and LinkedIn as Blake Watson, and on Instagram @rocknrollblake. Be sure to

follow this podcast to stay updated on future episodes.

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 footprint in the region, including their largest development in Sweet Briar and the new Watercolor community, which offers lake access and a variety of amenities.

Melani explains the different home series offered by D.R. Horton, including

the Emerald series, which features higher-end finishes like tile showers,

pendant lighting, and upgraded features. She also highlights current buyer

incentives, including the Red Tag Sales Event through February 28, 2025, which

offers up to $30,000 off select homes and special financing options through

their preferred lender.

The conversation explores the benefits of buying a D.R. Horton home,

including faster build times, a strong home warranty program, and smart home

features like video doorbells, Wi-Fi-controlled thermostats, and smart locks.

Blake and Melani also discuss the affordability of D.R. Horton’s offerings,

with homes starting in the low $200,000s in some nearby rural communities,

making homeownership more accessible to first-time buyers and those relocating

to the area.

If you’re interested in checking out D.R. Horton’s communities in

Chattanooga, you can visit their model homes, browse their website at

drhorton.com, or reach out to Melani directly at 423-716-0333. Blake is also

available to help guide you through the home-buying process in a D.R. Horton

community or any other home in Tennessee or Georgia.

Blake Watson, a Realtor with Epique Realty, can be reached on mobile at

(423) 315-1815 or office (888) 893-3537. Visit Blake’s website at www.athomechattanooga.com, or connect with Blake on Facebook or LinkedIn as Blake Watson. You can also connect through Instagram @rocknrollblake.

If you found this episode helpful, be sure to share it with a friend and follow the podcast so you never miss an episode. Until next time, best of luck on your real estate journey!

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 weather

extremes, we cover everything you need to know about buying a home in

Chattanooga.

Whether you're a first-time homebuyer, investor, or just considering a

move to Chattanooga, this episode will help you make an informed decision.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

1. Chattanooga’s current housing market trends and median home prices
2. The advantages of buying a home in Chattanooga, including affordability, job opportunities, and outdoor recreation
3. The downsides, such as infrastructure challenges and public transportation limitations
4. Why Chattanooga continues to attract homebuyers and investors

Highlights:

1. Chattanooga's current real estate market snapshot
2. The cost of living and home prices compared to national averages
3. Chattanooga’s job market, gig-speed internet, and arts scene
4. Outdoor recreation, climate, and family-friendly atmosphere
5. The cons: infrastructure, public transportation, and education disparities

Also referenced in this episode, “House Hacking,” which is covered in detail on episode 17 from April 9, 2024. Here is a link to that episode: https://www.chattanoogarealestatepodcast.com/what-is-house-hacking-can-you-make-money-house-hacking/

Connect with Blake Watson

Mobile: 423-315-1815

Office: 888-893-3537

Website: AtHomeChattanooga.com

Social Media: Facebook & LinkedIn: Blake Watson, Instagram: @rocknrollblake

If you found this episode helpful, be sure to subscribe to the podcast and share it with a friend.

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 homebuyers are both eligible.

The program can be really helpful if you are buying a home in Tennessee.  There is some urgency with the program, as the funds can be reserved beginning March 3, 2025 and there are limited funds available.

Orly can be contacted by call or text at (615) 243-3303 and at [email protected].

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 on mobile 423-315-1815 or office 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!

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, 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!

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 share predictions for Chattanooga house prices, inventory levels and interest rates for 2025.

Plus, they discuss the rise of million dollar home listings in Chattanooga along with ZIP code and neighborhood data for the most active selling neighborhoods in the Chattanooga

area.

Don Oakes can be reached at Highlands Residential Mortgage (423) 624-0448.

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!

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: Benefits including lower costs, peace and quiet, and more space, counterbalanced by issues like limited amenities, slower internet, and isolation.
• Key Considerations for Rural Buyers: Septic systems, water supply, heating, and zoning laws, among other critical factors when buying rural properties.
• Personal Touch: Blake shares essential tips for purchasing rural properties and insights from his own experience raising Nigerian Dwarf goats on a family farm in Ringgold, GA.

Connect with Blake:

• Mobile Phone: 423-315-1815
• Epique Realty Office: 888-893-3537
• Social Media:
• Facebook & LinkedIn: Blake Watson
• Instagram: @rocknrollblake
• Website: athomechattanooga.com

Don’t forget to follow this podcast for future episodes and share it with friends!