Episode 72

Starter Home, Not Dream Home: How Renters Can Become Owners in Chattanooga

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He talks about how rising prices, debt burdens, and outdated beliefs about down payments are creating roadblocks for first-time buyers, and how to overcome them.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.

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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!