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

Follow Blake Watson on Facebook and LinkedIn as Blake Watson, and Instagram @rocknrollblake

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

Follow on Facebook and LinkedIn as Blake Watson

Instagram: @rocknrollblake

Office phone (888) 893-3537

Podcast

Let’s Talk Chattanooga Real Estate

Hosted by Blake Watson, Epique Realty

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.

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.

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 for 2026, this is an episode you will want to hear.

Key Market Highlights:

MLS-Wide Overview

Inventory up 21 percent, reaching the highest level since 2016

Closed sales down 19 percent (785 to 636)

Median price nearly flat ($337,000 to $340,000)

Average days on market now 52 days

Market trending toward a more balanced and cooling environment

City of Chattanooga

Inventory up 24 percent

Sales down 12 percent

Prices up 8 percent ($340,000 to $367,750)

Days on market increased from 39 to 49 days

Strong pricing power close to the urban core

ZIP Code Spotlights

37421 – East Brainerd

Inventory up 92 percent (147 to 282)

Sales up 30 percent

Median price up 13 percent ($362,500 to $411,195)

Absorption rate at 5.65 months, indicating a balanced market

Significant influence from new construction activity

37363 – Ooltewah

Inventory up 19 percent

Sales down 47 percent (76 to 40)

Prices down 5.5 percent

Days on market improved from 54 to 44

Market split between well-priced homes selling quickly and overpriced homes sitting

37343 – Hixson

Inventory up 55 percent

Sales nearly flat year over year

Prices down 11 percent

Fast-moving segment with an average of 33 days on market

Georgia Counties

Catoosa County

Inventory up 7 percent

Sales down 17.5 percent

Median price slightly higher with a 1.2 percent increase

Absorption rate approximately 3.5 months

Consistent and steady pricing environment

Walker County

Inventory up 15.5 percent

Sales down 30.5 percent

Prices down nearly 5 percent

Absorption rate at 4 months, indicating a balanced market

Big Takeaways Heading Into 2026

Inventory is significantly higher, giving buyers more options

Rising days on market means sellers should expect longer selling timelines

Price trends vary widely by area, emphasizing the importance of local neighborhood data

The overall market is balanced, offering stability to both buyers and sellers

Mortgage rates are holding in the low six percent range and may gradually decline in 2026

Blake Watson is an agent with Epique Realty and is licensed in Tennessee and Georgia.

Contact Blake by phone or text 423-315-1815

Website: athomechattanooga.com

Instagram: @rocknrollblake

Facebook and LinkedIn: Blake Watson

Brokerage: Epique Realty, 888-893-3537