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 when dealing with properties in flood-prone areas across Chattanooga and Northwest Georgia. He also shares local flood history, how infrastructure like the Brainerd Levee came to be, and how smarter development is reshaping the region. Whether you're buying, building, or simply trying to understand your property's flood risk, this episode is packed with practical advice to protect your investment and your peace of mind.

Host: Blake Watson, Epique Realty

Topics Covered:

* What flood zones are and how FEMA categorizes them (Zone A, AE, X, floodway)

* How to find your flood zone online via FEMA’s Map Service Center

* The importance of elevation certificates and how to get one

* Chattanooga’s flood history from 1867 to recent events in 2019

* Key local flood zones like South Chickamauga Creek, East Ridge, Brainerd

* Floodplain construction rules: minimum elevation, no basements, flood vents

* Flood insurance basics under FEMA’s Risk Rating 2.0 system

* Pros and cons of private flood insurance options

* Mortgage and resale considerations for homes in flood zones

* How local governments use smarter development and FEMA grants

Key Takeaways:

* Even low-risk flood zones can pose serious risk as 40% of claims come from these areas.

* An elevation certificate can save thousands on insurance and help with resale.

* Building in a flood zone is possible but comes with strict requirements and added costs.

* Local infrastructure and development policies are critical in managing future flood risks.

Contact Blake Watson with Epique Realty, licensed in Tennessee and Georgia.

Phone: 423-315-1815 (mobile), 888-893-3537 (office)

Website: www.AtHomeChattanooga.com

Facebook and LinkedIn - Blake Watson, Instagram - @RockNRollBlake

Subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode, and share this one with someone who’s thinking about buying or building in the Chattanooga area.

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 outpace renters financially, how Chattanooga's growing real estate market is creating tremendous equity gains, and whether buying or renting makes sense for you today. Beyond the dollars, Blake explores the lifestyle, stability, and community connection homeownership can provide. Whether you're already a homeowner, considering buying your first home, or currently renting and planning for your future, this episode offers crucial insights into building long-term wealth through real estate.

Covered in this episode:

Homeowners vs. Renters: Why owning your home creates wealth

Chattanooga market snapshot: average home value up 60% in 4 years

Comparing monthly costs: Is buying still a smart financial move?

Equity explained: How homeowners are building long-term financial security

The hidden costs of renting: Why your rent checks don’t build wealth

Lifestyle benefits of homeownership: stability, community, and pride

Not ready yet? Practical steps renters can take toward homeownership

Contact Blake Watson at Epique Realty:

Mobile: 423-315-1815

Office: 888-893-3537

Website: athomechattanooga.com

Connect on Facebook and LinkedIn (Blake Watson) and Instagram (rocknrollblake).

If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a friend and follow this podcast to keep growing your real estate knowledge.

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 most desirable places to live. From unbeatable natural beauty to affordable living and a growing tech scene, Chattanooga offers a compelling blend of lifestyle, opportunity, and connection. Whether you're seeking a reset or simply more value for your dollar, this episode outlines eight powerful reasons Chattanooga could be the perfect fit for your next home.

Key Topics Covered:

Natural Beauty & Outdoor Life

Known as the “Scenic City,” Chattanooga boasts year-round access to rivers, trails, and mountains. Enjoy kayaking, hiking, or a stroll along the 16-mile Riverwalk with amazing views at every turn.

Affordability & Cost of Living

Compared to major cities, Chattanooga offers significant savings. Lower home prices, no state income tax, and cheaper daily expenses make your money go further.

Revitalized Downtown

Once quiet, downtown Chattanooga is now vibrant with shops, cultural venues, restaurants, and festivals. Neighborhoods like Northshore and Southside are thriving.

Gig City & Remote Work

Chattanooga was the first US city to offer gigabit internet, now upgraded to 10-gig speeds. Ideal for remote workers and entrepreneurs, with a rising tech and innovation scene.

Climate & Weather

Experience all four seasons with none of the extremes. Mild winters and long, colorful springs and falls make for perfect outdoor living.

Culture, History & Arts

Deep Civil War history meets a modern, creative vibe. Enjoy museums, murals, live music, the Tennessee Aquarium, and a booming food scene.

Community & Family Life

Safe, welcoming neighborhoods with great schools and plenty of kid-friendly activities. Real stories highlight how newcomers find deeper connections and better balance here.

Central Location & Accessibility

Chattanooga is within a few hours' drive to Atlanta, Nashville, Knoxville, and Birmingham, with direct flights to key destinations via its regional airport.

If you’re thinking about moving to Chattanooga or Northwest Georgia, reach out to Blake Watson with Epique Realty. He’s a licensed Realtor in both Tennessee and Georgia and ready to help you take the next step.

Website: athomechattanooga.com

Mobile: 423-315-1815 Office: 888-893-3537

Social: Facebook & LinkedIn – Blake Watson

Instagram – @RockNRollBlake

Please follow this podcast for more Chattanooga real estate news and information, and share it with anyone who’s considering a move to Chattanooga.

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 practical insights and demystifies the process.

They discuss the strengths of Tennessee’s THDA programs, how they compare with Georgia’s offerings, and what credit score you actually need to qualify.

The conversation also emphasizes why working with a local lender—not a faceless national provider—can be the difference between a smooth closing and a failed deal.

If you’ve been renting and wondering whether homeownership is within reach, this episode is your invitation to take a closer look. The information you gain today could save you money and open the door to building real wealth through real estate.

Key Topics Covered

What first-time buyers need to know about down payments

Tennessee and Georgia down payment assistance programs

How gift money from family can be used safely in a mortgage

Minimum credit score requirements for loan programs

The long-term wealth-building advantage of owning real estate

Why working with a local lender offers more reliability and accountability

Steps you can take today—even if you’re not ready to buy right now

Guest Info: Bruce Dodd

Bruce Dodd is a mortgage advisor at ChattMortgage in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He works with buyers across the region to help them navigate home financing with clarity and confidence. Bruce is known for taking the stress out of the loan process and for his deep knowledge of local and national programs.

Phone: (423) 591-9801

Website: chattmortgage.com

Host Contact Info: Blake Watson

Blake Watson is a licensed real estate agent with Epique Realty in Tennessee and Georgia.

Mobile Phone: (423) 315-1815

Website: www.athomechattanooga.com

Facebook and LinkedIn: Blake Watson

Instagram: @rocknrollBlake

If you're thinking about buying your first home or wondering how to stop renting, the best next step is to talk to someone local. Reach out to Bruce Dodd or a trusted lender near you to explore your options—there’s no pressure, just useful information.

And if you found this episode helpful, be sure to follow the podcast and share it with someone who might benefit from the conversation.

Epique Realty office (888) 893-3537

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 house?

Blake and Lisa go through a number of topics related to disposition of the house after divorce.

If you, or someone you know, is facing divorce later in life, subscribe to Lisa’s podcast, The Silver Divorce Podcast.

Blake Watson, a Realtor with Epique Realty in Tennessee and Georgia, 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.

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 needs to know. These are real-world insights based on market data, experience, and what’s working right now for home sellers just like you. If you want to get the most out of your sale, this is the episode for you.

Episode Highlights

- Why MLS listings sell for 17% more (and how to get your home in front of the right buyers)

- The value of working with a professional real estate agent

- When is the best time of year to sell in Chattanooga?

- How to highlight your home’s unique features to stand out

Curb appeal vs. Instagram appeal — and why you need both

- The subtle art of helping buyers “see themselves” in your space

- Why pricing it right from day one is crucial to avoid a stale listing

- Local market dynamics: Why your ZIP code really matters

- Pro tip: How a pre-inspection can build buyer trust and confidence

Links & Resources

💻 athomechattanooga.com — Blake Watson’s website for home searches in the Chattanooga area.

📱 Text/Call Blake Watson at 423-315-1815

🏢 Epique Realty Brokerage: 888-893-3537

📸 Instagram: @RockNRollBlake

👤 Facebook & LinkedIn: Blake Watson

Stay Connected

If you found this episode helpful, please rate, follow, and share Let’s Talk Chattanooga Real Estate with a friend or neighbor who might be thinking about selling. Every share helps spread the word to more homeowners right here in the Chattanooga area. Until next time — keep dreaming, planning, and making moves in Chattanooga real estate.

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!