Episodes

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 interview discusses the different options for the house after divorce and what steps to take for each option. Additionally, what are the considerations to keep in mind if one of you decides to keep the hous...

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 Georgia market. From maximizing your home’s exposure and timing your sale just right, to mastering curb appeal and choosing smart upgrades — Blake shares 14 actionable tips that every homeowner need...

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 m...

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 d...

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 ha...

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 th...

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 of...

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...

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...

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 ...

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 neighborhoo...

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, wat...

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 Market Activity: The number of existing home sales is expected to increase by 7.5%, with modest home value growth around 2.6%. What does this mean for buyers and sellers? Mortgage Rates: Rates are pr...

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 now, exploring: Mortgage rates: 1977's 8.875% vs. today's 7%. Household incomes: A 400% increase since 1977. Housing prices: A dramatic 773% rise in the national median home price over 47 years. Th...

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 slogan, “It All Starts with a Visit,” articulates the value of tourism to Chattanooga’s growth and development. See more details of what Darik shares at the website, visitchattanooga.com. Blake Watson is ...

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 sellers, and why Chattanooga is attracting luxury buyers from across the nation. Whether you're searching for a starter home or a luxury estate, this episode provides valuable insights to navigate the changin...

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 sales report: Red Bank 37415, Ooltewah 37363, and East Brainerd 37421. Blake touches on reasons for a current slowdown in home sales in the Chattanooga area, and some thoughts on the Chattanooga Mark...

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 are many ways to cut expenses while enhancing your home. 1. **EPB Free Energy Checkups** Discover how Chattanooga’s EPB can help you cut energy costs with their free in-home checkups, phone consultatio...

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 potential homebuyer, a real estate investor, or a renter, this episode will help you understand what these policies might mean for you and the future of real estate in Chattanooga and beyond. Key Topics Cover...

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 Highlights: Who’s buying homes in 2024? Explore the diverse range of buyers, from Millennials to first-time homebuyers, and how their preferences are shaping the market. Regional Real Estate Breakdown: Di...

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 those going through divorce. Lisa can be heard on the Silver Divorce Podcast, which is available on all major podcast platforms. She discusses her own journey and the journey of others through divorce ...

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 trees, brush piles, and many things that may surprise you. Haul Away Guy can be contacted at HaulAwayGuy.com, or by phone at (423) 922-7712. Blake Watson is the show host. Blake is a real estate agent...

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 method solves many of the building challenges our city and nation face in building more housing quickly. Amelia offers an interesting perspective with solutions to the development of more starter homes...

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 the next 14 ½ years. Blake Watson is the show host. Blake is a real estate agent licensed in Tennessee and Georgia, brokered by Epique Realty. Blake is also a real estate investor in Chattanooga, TN an...