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

Facebook and LinkedIn Blake Watson

Instagram @rocknrollblake

Epique Realty office (888) 893-3537

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 data and real-world trends in the Chattanooga and North Georgia market.

From curb appeal and kitchens to energy efficiency and long-term strategy, this episode helps homeowners avoid overspending on projects that do not move the needle and focus on upgrades that truly add value.

Whether you are planning to sell soon or stay in your home for years to come, this episode provides practical, data-backed guidance to help you make smarter improvement decisions.

Topics Covered in This Episode

Why not all home renovations deliver a strong return on investment

The importance of curb appeal and first impressions for buyers and appraisers

Entry door and garage door replacements and their impact on home value

Low-cost landscaping improvements that boost perceived value

Minor kitchen remodels versus full renovations and why smaller updates win

Bathroom refreshes that improve buyer appeal without overspending

When adding a half bath makes financial sense

Energy efficiency upgrades that provide comfort, savings, and resale value

Attic insulation, window upgrades, and HVAC considerations in the Southeast

How to prioritize upgrades if you plan to sell soon versus staying long-term

Common renovation mistakes homeowners make before selling

Key Takeaways

Smaller, high-impact upgrades often outperform major renovations when it comes to return on investment. Strategic improvements like exterior updates, insulation, cosmetic kitchen and bath upgrades, and basic maintenance can increase value, improve comfort, and reduce negotiation issues during a sale.

About the Host

Blake Watson is a real estate agent and investor licensed in Tennessee and Georgia with Epique Realty. He specializes in helping homeowners make smart decisions that balance lifestyle, market value, and long-term financial outcomes in the Chattanooga and North Georgia area.

Get in Touch with Blake Watson:

Phone or Text: 423-315-1815

Website: athomeChattanooga.com

Facebook and LinkedIn: Blake Watson

Instagram: @rocknrollBlake

Epique Realty Office Phone: 888-893-3537

Podcast: Let’s Talk Chattanooga Real Estate Covering home buying, selling, investing, market trends, and smart homeownership strategies in the Chattanooga area.

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 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 Covered

Chattanooga'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 states

Migration 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 rates

Where 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 destinations

Cities 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 Chattanooga

Chattanooga 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 Georgia

Market 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 homes

Mortgage 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 Episode

Let’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 Information

Host: Blake Watson, Epique Realty. Blake is licensed in Tennessee and Georgia.

Text or Phone: 423-315-1811

Website: athomechattanooga.com

Epique Realty office: 888-893-3537

Social Media:

- Facebook: Blake Watson

- LinkedIn: Blake Watson

- Instagram: @rocknrollblake

About the Podcast

Let'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.