Episode 46

Chattanooga News: Housing Costs Soar Out of Reach for All but Upper 25 Percent. Details Here.

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.


The ongoing gap between wage growth and housing costs.


Despite the challenges, Blake highlights the opportunities

that still exist for aspiring homeowners, thanks to programs like THDA, Georgia

Dream, USDA Rural Development, and FHA. With historical insights and practical

advice, this episode emphasizes the importance of planning and taking advantage

of available resources to achieve homeownership.

Get your free copy of Blake’s book, The Complete Guide to

Buying a Home. Contact him at (423) 315-1815 to request your copy today.


Blake Watson is the show host, and Blake is a Realtor with

Epique Realty. If you’re interested in Chattanooga real estate or have

questions, reach out to him at (423) 315-1815 or his brokerage phone (888) 893-3537,

or visit www.athomechattanooga.com.  You

can also find Blake on Facebook (Blake Watson), LinkedIn (Blake Watson), and

Instagram (@rocknrollblake).

If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a friend, follow

the podcast for more insights, and let’s make homeownership in Chattanooga a

reality together!

About the Podcast

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Let's Talk Chattanooga Real Estate
Real Estate in Chattanooga Tennessee and Northwest Georgia

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About your host

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Blake Watson

When you choose to partner with me as your Realtor, I bring knowledge, expertise, and real estate experience to our partnership. You can count on my negotiation skills and marketing know-how to help sell your property or help you secure the home of your dreams. I am Blake Watson, real estate agent brokered by Epique Realty, and serving Chattanooga and Northwest Georgia. In addition to being an agent, I host the “Let’s Talk Chattanooga Real Estate” podcast.
Honesty, transparency and trust are qualities you can expect from me. Above all, you can be confident that I will serve you with your best interest at heart.
Chattanooga is my hometown. I'm a proud graduate of Hamilton County Public Schools with years at East Brainerd Elementary, Westview Elementary, Brown Middle and Central High. I went on to graduate from the Honors Program at the University of Georgia, where I met my amazing wife. After several years away in other southern cities, we returned to the Chattanooga area. Now, we live in Ringgold, GA with our two adopted kids, and we raise goats on our small farm.
I've worked in Chattanooga and Northwest Georgia for decades and know and love the towns and neighborhoods throughout the area. I love the community we have in Chattanooga, and the incredible transformation our city has enjoyed over the past 20 plus years. If you live here, you know what I mean. If you are considering a move to Chattanooga, be prepared to fall in love with this beautiful area that is so full of life and fun!