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

Feeling like you’ve missed your chance to buy your first home? You’re not alone—and you’re not behind. In this episode, Blake Watson of Epique Realty breaks down the real reasons why so many people in their 30s and 40s are still renting in the Chattanooga and Northwest Georgia area, and what you can do to take your first step into homeownership.

He talks about how rising prices, debt burdens, and outdated beliefs about down payments are creating roadblocks for first-time buyers, and how to overcome them. Whether you’re dreaming of North Shore or just want a clean starter in Red Bank or East Ridge, this episode will reset your mindset and give you practical strategies for making 2026 your year to buy.

What You’ll Learn:

Why the average age of first-time buyers has shifted to 40

Chattanooga area price increases: $230K in 2020 to $330K in 2025

The importance of the “stepping stone” mindset vs. dream-home expectations

How to identify hidden value in overlooked neighborhoods

Why your debt-to-income ratio matters more than your income

How car loans and credit cards could be killing your mortgage potential

Tips for reducing your debt and improving affordability

The truth about down payments, and why 20% is a myth

Programs and strategies to bridge the gap between savings and what you need

Locations mentioned for First-Time Buyers:

East Ridge, Red Bank, Highland Park, Brainerd, Hixson, Chickamauga, Fort Oglethorpe,

Ringgold, Lafayette

Who This Episode Is For:

Renters in the Chattanooga area feeling left behind

Buyers frustrated by prices and debt

Anyone believing they need 20% down to buy

Host:

Blake Watson is a Realtor and real estate investor based in Chattanooga, TN, and Northwest Georgia. He’s passionate about helping everyday people make smart real estate decisions.

Find Blake on LinkedIn and Facebook as Blake Watson, and on Instagram @rocknrollblake. His website is athomechattanooga.com

The Epique Realty office phone is 888.893.3537.

In this episode of Let's Talk Chattanooga Real Estate, host Blake Watson is joined by Nate Thomasson, an Energy Pro from EPB, to talk about a smart, simple way for local homeowners to lower their energy bills.

Nate breaks down how EPB’s free Home Energy Checkup works, what the visit includes, and how it can lead to long-term savings. You’ll also learn about the limited-time energy savings kit available for customers who complete a checkup, and how EPB is making it even easier to identify energy issues in your home.

Plus, get the details on EPB’s Jingle Jam contest, where local artists compete to create a new energy-themed jingle—and how you can vote to win prizes.

This episode is a must-listen for any EPB customer in the Chattanooga area looking to improve their home’s efficiency and keep more money in their pocket.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

What EPB’s Home Energy Checkup includes

How long a typical visit takes

The most common energy issues found in local homes

How EPB rebates and trusted contractors can help with upgrades

What’s included in the free energy savings kit

How to vote in the EPB Jingle Jam and enter weekly prize drawings

Resources:

Schedule your checkup or learn more: EPB.com

Call EPB at 423-648-1EPB (372)

Follow Blake Watson on Instagram: @rockandrollblake

Connect on Facebook and LinkedIn: Blake Watson

Website: athomechattanooga.com

About the Host:

Blake Watson is a licensed real estate agent with Epique Realty serving

Chattanooga Tennessee and Northwest Georgia. For real estate advice, local

insights, or help buying and selling, reach out to Blake at (423) 315-1815.