Selling your home? This episode is packed with practical insights that can help you present your house in the best light and make it attractive to buyers.

Blake Watson sits down with Emily Wattenbarger of Epique Realty to talk about the often overlooked—but critically important—role of home staging in the selling process. As both a real estate professional and experienced stager, Emily shares expert advice on how to make any property feel more welcoming, valuable, and market-ready.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

What home staging really is and how it works

Why staging matters more than ever in today’s real estate market

Smart staging techniques that don’t require a huge budget

How a home seller can benefit from an unbiased professional review of their home

Whether you're a first-time seller or a seasoned investor, this conversation will help you think differently about how to present your home—and maximize your return. Learn why great staging isn't just about style—it's about strategy.

Emily Wattenbarger can be reached on Facebook and by phone at (423) 599-3933.

Show host, Blake Watson with Epique Realty, can be reached on Facebook and LinkedIn as Blake Watson, and on Instagram @rocknrollblake. Blake's website is athomechattanooga.com and his phone is (423) 315-1815.

The Epique Realty office phone is (888) 893-3537.

Is now a good time to buy a home in Chattanooga, or should you wait until spring? In this episode, Blake Watson breaks down why October might be one of the most overlooked, yet strategic, months to make your move.

You’ll learn:

What current home prices and trends tell us

How much competition buyers are really facing this fall

Where mortgage rates are headed and how they affect affordability

What inventory looks like across Chattanooga

How down payment assistance programs could make buying now easier

What you risk losing if you wait 6 to 12 months

If you’re a first-time homebuyer or thinking about entering the market before the end of 2025, this episode will help you make an informed, confident decision.

Mentioned in this episode:

• THDA Great Choice and Great Choice Plus
• Chattanooga Neighborhood Enterprise down payment assistance
• Georgia Dream Program
• Local market stats from Chattanooga MLS (as of September 2025)
• Mortgage rate updates from Freddie Mac

The show host is Blake Watson, a real estate agent in Chattanooga, TN and Northwest Georgia with Epique Realty.

Connect with Blake Watson:

Website: www.athomechattanooga.com

Call or Text: 423-315-1815

Facebook: Blake Watson

LinkedIn: Blake Watson

Instagram: @rocknrollblake

Brokerage: Epique Realty | 888-893-3537

If you found this episode helpful, follow the show and share it with someone who's thinking about buying a home in the next year.

Chattanooga’s real estate market has officially entered a new era.

In this episode, Blake Watson of Epique Realty breaks down the biggest shift we’ve seen in nearly a decade: a dramatic increase in housing inventory, rising days on market, and cooling prices. Whether you're buying your first home or preparing to sell, this episode explains why the old rules no longer apply—and what you need to do to win in this balanced (and possibly tipping) market.

This episode covers:

Why inventory has jumped over 250% since 2022

How rising mortgage rates are reshaping buyer strategy

What sellers must do to stand out in a crowded market

Price trends, buyer leverage, and realistic expectations for both sides of a home sale

If you want real numbers, real talk, and real guidance for navigating this shifting Chattanooga real estate market, this episode is a must-listen.

Blake Watson is a Realtor in the Chattanooga Tennessee and Northwest Georgia area. You can find him on LinkedIn and Facebook as Blake Watson, and on Instagram @rocknrollblake. His website is athomechattanooga.com. Contact Blake at (423) 315-1815 or the Epique Realty office phone (888) 893-3537.

Selling a home can feel overwhelming, but with the right plan, it becomes a clear and manageable process. In this episode of Let's Talk Chattanooga Real Estate, Realtor Blake Watson walks you through the first four essential steps every homeowner should take to successfully sell their home.

You will learn how to decide when and why to sell, prepare your house to impress buyers, set the right price, and market your home effectively. These strategies will not only help you avoid costly mistakes but also position you to attract more buyers and achieve the best possible return on your home sale.

• Why your reason for selling shapes your strategy
• How to prepare your home for showings with decluttering, deep cleaning, and staging tips
• The importance of curb appeal and creating a great first impression
• How to set the right price using comps and market conditions in Chattanooga
• Marketing tactics that give your home maximum exposure, from professional photos to online listings and open houses

Whether you are relocating, upsizing, downsizing, or simply exploring your options, this episode is designed for homeowners in Chattanooga who want a step-by-step plan to sell with confidence.

If you are thinking about selling your home and want a personalized plan, reach out to Blake Watson, real estate agent with Epique Realty.

Facebook and LinkedIn: Blake Watson

Instagram: @rocknrollblake

Website: athomechattanooga.com

Phone or Text: (423) 315-1815

Epique Realty Office: (888) 893-3537

Chattanooga’s housing market is shifting. Nearly half the homes in the city are now rentals, with many owned by investors and out-of-state landlords. In this episode, we unpack the data behind rising absentee ownership, what it means for local buyers and renters, and how the trend compares across Hamilton, Walker, and Catoosa Counties. Whether you're buying, renting, or investing, here’s what you need to know about who really owns Chattanooga.

Blake Watson, of Epique Realty, is the show host. Blake is a Chattanooga native and is both a homeowner and investor in the community. Connect with Blake on Facebook or LinkedIn as Blake Watson, or on Instagram @rocknrollblake. His website is athomechattanooga.com. He can be reached by phone at 423-315-1815 or 888-893-3537.

Follow this podcast to catch future episodes and refer to previous episodes for plenty of insight and information into Chattanooga real estate.

Welcome to Let’s Talk Chattanooga Real Estate, hosted by Blake Watson with Epique Realty. In this episode, Blake covers the biggest myths surrounding buying your first home—and reveals what’s actually true in today’s real estate market across Chattanooga and Northwest Georgia. This episode is packed with essential advice and practical tips for first-time homebuyers in 2025.

What you'll learn in this episode:

Why the 20 percent down payment myth is outdated. You’ll discover how loan options today allow you to buy a home with as little as 3 percent down or even zero down with programs like FHA, VA, USDA, and local down payment assistance.

How credit requirements are more flexible than most people think. Many first-time buyers are approved with credit scores in the 600s, and you’ll hear why it pays to speak to a lender early, even if your score isn’t perfect yet.

What’s really going on with the market and why waiting for a crash might backfire. Blake shares local trends in Chattanooga and Northwest Georgia that show a market cooling, not collapsing.

How first-time buyers are finding success in today’s shifting market. With more inventory, longer days on market, and increased seller flexibility, new buyers now have more negotiating power and breathing room.

Why the “perfect home” doesn’t exist and why that’s okay. You’ll hear how focusing on good bones, great location, and long-term potential is a smarter strategy than waiting for something flawless.

Blake also shares seven must-know tips for anyone planning to buy in the next 6 to 12 months, including how to get pre-approved, budget wisely for more than just the down payment, use local first-time buyer programs, and never skip the inspection.

Referenced episode links for Let’s Talk Chattanooga Real Estate:

Episode 60 from May 16, 2025 with Bruce Dodd from ChattMortgage on why home ownership is more attainable than many think

Episode 9 from February 13, 2024 featuring Lindsey Wood from Mortgage Investors Group on down payment assistance

Episode 1 from December 20, 2023 with Tina Christien from Churchill Mortgage, covering the full home loan process for first-time buyers

Get in touch:

Blake Watson, Realtor – Epique Realty

Mobile: 423-315-1815

Office: 888-893-3537

Website: athomechattanooga.com

Facebook and LinkedIn: Blake Watson

Instagram: @rocknrollblake

If you found this episode helpful, be sure to follow the podcast and share it with a friend who’s thinking about buying their first home.

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.