Episode 76

Chattanooga Real Estate Forecast 2026: Blake's Bold Predictions

In this episode of Let’s Talk Chattanooga Real Estate, host Blake Watson breaks down the latest Chattanooga MLS data to explain where the local housing market has been and where it may be headed in 2026. Looking back at 2025 and comparing historical trends, Blake walks through inventory levels, days on market, sales activity, home prices, and mortgage interest rates. He also shares realistic expectations for buyers, sellers, and homeowners as the market continues to shift toward a more balanced environment.

Key Topics Covered:

An overview of Chattanooga real estate market conditions entering 2026

Residential inventory growth and what it means for buyers and sellers

Year over year comparison of active listings from 2024 to 2025

Historical inventory context going back to pre-pandemic levels

Average days on market trends and slowing sales pace

Months of inventory and what defines a balanced market

Annual home sales totals and whether demand is declining

Median sales price trends and sustainable appreciation

Why homeownership continues to matter for long term wealth

Mortgage interest rate expectations for 2026

Why a housing price crash is unlikely in Chattanooga

Predictions for inventory growth and buyer activity

How to think about real estate decisions using local data instead of national headlines

Market Highlights Mentioned:

Active listings increased approximately 21 percent from 2024 to 2025

Inventory levels are similar to those last seen around 2016

Average days on market increased from roughly 51 to 65 days

The market has shifted from a strong seller’s market to a balanced market

Annual home sales declined slightly by about 1.7 percent

Median home prices continue to rise at a sustainable pace

Mortgage rates ended 2025 near 6 percent with expectations of stability

Who This Episode Is For:

Chattanooga Homeowners curious about their property value in 2026

Chattanooga Homebuyers wondering if they should wait or act this year

Chattanooga Homesellers adjusting expectations in a more balanced market

Anyone interested in Chattanooga and Northwest Georgia real estate trends

About the host:

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

Phone (423) 315-1815

Website athomechattanooga.com

Facebook and LinkedIn Blake Watson

Instagram @rocknrollblake

Epique Realty office (888) 893-3537

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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 with 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!