Housing Explained
The Chattanooga-area housing market in plain English — weekly updates, honest guides, and answers to the questions everyone's actually asking.
Market
Chattanooga Cost of Living: What Your Budget Really Pays For
Is the Chattanooga cost of living really low? A local broker explains how rates, taxes, insurance, and your commute decide what life here actually costs.
November 1, 2026
Homeownership
How to Appeal Your Property Tax Assessment in Hamilton County
Think your home's value is too high? Here's how to appeal your property tax assessment in Hamilton County, step by step, from a Chattanooga broker.
October 31, 2026
Investing
Buying a Duplex in Chattanooga: What I'd Check First
Thinking about buying a duplex in Chattanooga? Here's what I check first, from zoning to shared walls, so your first two-unit deal doesn't bite you back.
October 30, 2026
Selling
Selling a House That Needs Repairs in Chattanooga? Read This First
Selling a house that needs repairs in Chattanooga? Here's what to fix, what to skip, and how to keep a leaky roof from sinking your whole sale.
October 29, 2026
Buying
New Construction vs Resale in Chattanooga: Which Wins?
New construction vs resale in Chattanooga: a local broker breaks down price, warranties, lot size, and the hidden costs nobody mentions until closing.
October 28, 2026
Market
Chattanooga Housing Market: City vs. Region in September
Chattanooga housing market: the city's median hit $354,950 in September, up 6.0% in a year, while the region held flat at $340,000. Here's why they split.
October 24, 2026
Homeownership
Protecting Your Home From Water Damage (Before It Gets Ugly)
Protecting your home from water damage comes down to gutters, grading, hoses, and early warnings. Here's a plain-English guide for Chattanooga homeowners.
October 24, 2026
Homeownership
Are Home Warranties Worth It? A Chattanooga Broker's Honest Take
Are home warranties worth it? Chattanooga broker Mike Burge breaks down what they cover, what they skip, and when you're better off saving the money.
October 17, 2026
Market
Chattanooga Housing Market Report Card: 2026 So Far
Chattanooga housing market report card: 8,425 homes sold Jan-Sept 2026, up from 7,848 last year, with a $340,000 median and 4,219 for sale. Here is the grade.
October 17, 2026
Investing
Becoming a Landlord in Tennessee: What Nobody Tells You
Thinking about becoming a landlord in Tennessee? Here's my plain-talk rundown on the laws, tenants, money, and rookie mistakes from a Chattanooga broker.
October 16, 2026
Selling
Sell My House in Cleveland TN? Here's Your Local Game Plan
Want to sell your house in Cleveland TN? Here's the local game plan: who's buying in Bradley County, how to price it right, and the steps that actually matter.
October 15, 2026
Podcast
Should You Take a Cash Offer on Your Chattanooga House?
Cash offers on Chattanooga houses aren't a scam or a steal — they're a tool. Here's the real math behind them, when taking one wins, and how not to get taken.
October 13, 2026
Market
Chattanooga Home Prices: City vs. Region, Sept. 2026
Chattanooga home prices split in September 2026: the city median hit $354,900, up 5.9% in a year, while the region sat flat at $340,000. Here's what it means.
October 10, 2026
Homeownership
Your First Year of Homeownership Checklist (Chattanooga Edition)
A first year of homeownership checklist from a Chattanooga broker: what to do in your first week, first month, and first year so your new house stays happy.
October 10, 2026
Investing
How to Analyze a Rental Property (Without Lying to Yourself)
Learn how to analyze a rental property the way a Chattanooga broker does: real rent, real expenses, real cash flow, and the gut checks spreadsheets miss.
October 9, 2026
Selling
How to Prepare Your House to Sell (Without Losing Your Mind)
Wondering how to prepare your house to sell in Chattanooga? Here's what's worth doing, what to skip, and how to avoid wasting money before you list.
October 8, 2026
Buying
Should I Buy a House Right Now? A Chattanooga Broker's Honest Take
Should I buy a house right now? A Chattanooga broker skips the sales pitch and gives you the honest checklist for deciding if now is your time to buy.
October 7, 2026
Podcast
How to Actually Get Your Chattanooga House Sold
Two real numbers from the Chattanooga market show what mispricing a house costs — around $10,000 on an average sale. Here's how to not be that seller.
October 6, 2026
Market
Housing Affordability in Chattanooga: What It Really Means for You
Housing affordability in Chattanooga isn't about sticker price. Mike Burge breaks down how prices, rates, and paychecks combine into your real monthly cost.
October 4, 2026
Market
Chattanooga Housing Market Trends: Is Inventory Peaking?
Chattanooga housing market trends for fall 2026: homes for sale fell for the first time since January, pendings dropped 21.6%, and the city median is $355,000.
October 3, 2026
Homeownership
How to Lower Your Property Taxes in Tennessee (Legally)
Wondering how to lower your property taxes in Tennessee? Here's how to check your appraisal, file an appeal, and find relief programs you may qualify for.
October 3, 2026
Investing
Tax Benefits of Owning Rental Property (Without the Headache)
The tax benefits of owning rental property can turn a so-so deal into a solid one. Here's my plain-talk breakdown of what you can deduct and what to watch.
October 2, 2026
Selling
Cash Offer vs Listing Your Home: Which Nets You More?
Cash offer vs listing your home? Here's how to compare the real numbers, the hassle, and the timeline so you pick the right path for your Chattanooga home.
October 1, 2026
Buying
USDA Loans in North Georgia: Zero Down, No Tractor Required
USDA loans in North Georgia can get you into a home with zero down. Here's who qualifies, which areas count as rural, and what trips buyers up.
September 30, 2026
Podcast
Best Suburbs Near Chattanooga: How to Pick Yours
There's no single best suburb near Chattanooga — there's a best one for you. An honest tour of the options, what each costs, and how to actually choose.
September 29, 2026
Market
Inflation and Real Estate Explained: A Chattanooga Coffee Talk
Inflation and real estate explained in plain English: why rising prices lift home values, squeeze buyers, and quietly help owners with fixed-rate loans.
September 27, 2026
Market
Chattanooga Housing Market Check-In: September 2026 Numbers
Chattanooga housing market check-in for September 2026: the city median sold price hit $355,000, up 6.0% YoY, and homes averaged about 53 days on market.
September 26, 2026
Homeownership
Tennessee Homestead Exemption: What It Does (and Doesn't) Do
The Tennessee homestead exemption won't cut your property tax bill. Here's what it actually protects, plus the programs that really can lower your taxes.
September 26, 2026
Investing
North Georgia Investment Property: Is It Worth Crossing the Line?
Thinking about north georgia investment property? Here's my plain-talk take on taxes, tenants, towns, and what to check before you cross the state line.
September 25, 2026
Selling
For Sale by Owner in Tennessee: Can You Really Pull It Off?
Thinking about selling for sale by owner in Tennessee? Here's what the paperwork, pricing, and showings really look like before you plant that yard sign.
September 24, 2026
Buying
VA Loan in Chattanooga: How It Works and What Trips Buyers Up
Thinking about a VA loan in Chattanooga? Here's how it works, what it costs, what the VA appraisal looks for, and how to make your offer stand out.
September 23, 2026
Market
Chattanooga Housing Market Update: Week of Sept. 19, 2026
Chattanooga housing market update: pending sales up 12.2% even as rates hit 7.03%, 4,120 homes for sale, and a $350,000 median price. Here's what it means.
September 22, 2026
Market
How Property Taxes Work in Tennessee (Chattanooga Edition)
How property taxes work in Tennessee, explained plain: the 25% assessment ratio, the rate per $100, reappraisals, and what Chattanooga buyers should budget.
September 20, 2026
Homeownership
Best Home Improvements for Resale Value (And What's a Waste)
The best home improvements for resale value in Chattanooga are rarely the fun ones. Here's what buyers actually pay for — and what quietly wastes your money.
September 19, 2026
Market
Chattanooga Housing Market: Why Homes Sit Longer Now
Chattanooga housing market: homes took 55 days to sell in August, up from 46, with 4,278 for sale. Prices still rose. Here is why, and what it means for you.
September 19, 2026
Investing
Buying a Rental Property in Cleveland TN: A Broker's Take
A rental property in Cleveland TN often pencils out better than Chattanooga. Here's how I'd pick the house, run the numbers, and avoid the usual expensive mistakes.
September 18, 2026
Selling
Selling an Inherited House in Tennessee: Where to Start
Selling an inherited house in Tennessee? Here's the probate, tax, and sibling stuff nobody warns you about — explained plain, from a Chattanooga broker.
September 17, 2026
Buying
Buying a Home in North Georgia: What the State Line Changes
Thinking about buying a home in North Georgia? Here's what the state line actually changes: taxes, closings, wells, septic, and the commute you didn't test.
September 16, 2026
Market
Chattanooga Housing Market Update: Week of Sept. 12, 2026
Chattanooga housing market update: pending sales up 14.5% vs last year, 4,114 homes for sale, and a $350,000 median price. Here's what it means for you.
September 14, 2026
Market
What Happens to Home Prices in a Recession? A Local Take
Wondering what happens to home prices in a recession? Usually less than you think. Here's how downturns really hit housing in Chattanooga and North Georgia.
September 13, 2026
Market
Chattanooga Housing Market: What Fall Does to Prices
Chattanooga housing market update: 4,278 homes for sale, a $350,000 median, and 55 days to sell. Plus what two years of data say happens here every fall.
September 12, 2026
Homeownership
Home Equity Explained: What That Number Actually Means
Home equity explained without the bank jargon: what it is, how it builds, how to check yours, and what it's really good for. Straight talk from Chattanooga.
September 12, 2026
Investing
House Hacking for Beginners: How to Start in Chattanooga
House hacking for beginners, explained without the hype: how to buy a place, rent out part of it, and let somebody else help cover your mortgage.
September 11, 2026
Selling
Capital Gains Tax on a Home Sale in Tennessee: What You Owe
Wondering about capital gains tax on a home sale in Tennessee? There's no state tax, and most homeowners owe the IRS nothing. Here's how the rules work.
September 10, 2026
Buying
How Long Does It Take to Buy a House in Chattanooga?
How long does it take to buy a house in Chattanooga? Usually two to four months. Here's the real timeline, what slows it down, and how to move faster.
September 9, 2026
Podcast
New Construction or Older Home in Chattanooga?
Brand new build or an older house for the same money? The real tradeoffs around Chattanooga, what builders won't volunteer, and the mistakes buyers make on new.
September 8, 2026
Podcast
What Your Money Actually Buys in Chattanooga
What does $200k, $350k, or $450k actually buy in Chattanooga? An honest walk up the price ladder, band by band, plus the costs nobody prices in.
September 8, 2026
Market
Why Is Chattanooga Growing So Fast? Follow the Money
Why is Chattanooga growing so fast? It's not luck or marketing — it's jobs, cheap money, bank lending, and simple math. A plain-English economics look.
September 6, 2026
Market
Chattanooga Housing Market: Buyer's or Seller's Market?
Chattanooga housing market update for August 2026: 4.75 months of supply, the most in two years, but sellers still got 97.9% of asking. Median hit $350,000.
September 5, 2026
Homeownership
Homeowners Insurance in Tennessee: What Your Policy Skips
Homeowners insurance in Tennessee covers more than you think and less than you hope. Here's what your policy pays for, what it skips, and how to check yours.
September 5, 2026
Investing
The BRRRR Method Explained: A Chattanooga Broker's Take
The BRRRR method explained by a Chattanooga broker: buy, rehab, rent, refinance, repeat, how it really works here, what it costs, and where it goes sideways.
September 4, 2026
Selling
What to Disclose When Selling a House in Tennessee, Honestly
Wondering what to disclose when selling a house in Tennessee? Here's the plain-English list of what the form asks, what you can skip, and what silence costs.
September 3, 2026
Buying
Buying a House in Cleveland TN: What Nobody Tells You First
Thinking about buying a house in Cleveland TN? Here's the honest rundown on commutes, wells, city vs. county taxes, and what your money actually buys.
September 2, 2026
Market
How Mortgage Rates Are Determined (And Why Yours Is Different)
Here is how mortgage rates are determined, in plain English: the bond market sets the base, and your file sets the rest. A Chattanooga broker explains.
August 30, 2026
Market
Chattanooga Housing Market Check-In: August 2026 Numbers
Chattanooga housing market update for August 2026: homes took 57 days to sell, the median price hit $350,000 region-wide and $365,000 inside the city.
August 29, 2026
Homeownership
Your Seasonal Home Maintenance Checklist for Chattanooga
A simple seasonal home maintenance checklist for Chattanooga, Cleveland, and North Georgia homeowners — what to check each spring, summer, fall, and winter.
August 29, 2026
Investing
What Is a Good Cap Rate on a Rental Property? My Honest Take
What is a good cap rate on a rental property? Usually 5% to 10% — but that range hides a lot. Here's how I read cap rates on Chattanooga area deals.
August 28, 2026
Selling
Selling a House As Is in Tennessee: What It Really Means
Selling a house as is in Tennessee? Here's what "as is" really covers, what you still have to disclose, and how to price it so it actually sells.
August 27, 2026
Buying
Down Payment Assistance in Tennessee: How It Actually Works
Down payment assistance in Tennessee is real money, not a myth. Here's how it works, who qualifies, what the catches are, and how Chattanooga buyers use it.
August 26, 2026
Homeownership
Dolly Parton Got Married in Ringgold
Dolly Parton died August 25, 2026. Few people outside North Georgia know that the most important day of her personal life happened twenty minutes from downtown Chattanooga.
August 25, 2026
Market
Renting vs Buying in Chattanooga: The Real Math
Renting vs buying in Chattanooga isn't about feelings or timing the market. It's a math problem — here's the plain-English version, with no sales pitch.
August 23, 2026
Market
Chattanooga Housing Market: Inventory Up 22% in July 2026
Chattanooga housing market update: 4,239 active listings in July 2026, up 22.3% year over year. Median sold price $359,450 and homes selling in 48 days.
August 22, 2026
Investing
Short Term Rental Regulations in Chattanooga: Read This First
Short term rental regulations in Chattanooga decide if your rental cash flows or sits empty. Here's how permits, zoning, and taxes work before you buy.
August 21, 2026
Selling
The Real Cost of Selling a House in Tennessee (No Sugarcoating)
Wondering about the real cost of selling a house in Tennessee? Here's every fee, commission, and surprise line item — and what you actually walk away with.
August 20, 2026
Buying
Closing Costs in Tennessee: What Buyers Actually Pay
Closing costs in Tennessee usually run 2% to 5% of the price. Here's what buyers actually pay, who covers what, and how to keep that number down.
August 19, 2026
Market
Is the Housing Market Going to Crash? A Chattanooga Answer
Is the housing market going to crash? Here's a plain-English look at what actually causes crashes, what I watch in Chattanooga, and why 2008 was different.
August 16, 2026
Market
Chattanooga Housing Market Check-In: July 2026 Numbers
Chattanooga housing market July 2026: inventory up 22% YoY, median sold price $360K, absorption rate 4.74 months — what buyers and sellers need to know.
August 15, 2026
Homeownership
Hamilton County Property Taxes Explained (Without the Headache)
Hamilton County property taxes explained in plain English: how your home's value becomes a bill, why reappraisal isn't a rate hike, and how to pay less.
August 15, 2026
Investing
Airbnb Investment in Chattanooga: Does It Still Cash Flow?
Thinking about an Airbnb investment in Chattanooga? Here's how permits, seasons, and the real costs shake out — and where short-term rentals still pay off.
August 14, 2026
Selling
When's the Best Time to Sell a House in Tennessee?
The best time to sell a house in Tennessee isn't always spring. A Chattanooga broker breaks down the months that actually work, and the one nobody talks about.
August 13, 2026
Buying
The Best Neighborhoods in Chattanooga for Families: Honest Take
An honest look at the best neighborhoods in Chattanooga for families — from Signal Mountain to Ooltewah to Ringgold — and how to pick the right one for yours.
August 12, 2026
Market
How the Fed Affects Mortgage Rates, Explained for Chattanooga
Curious how the Fed affects mortgage rates? Short version: it doesn't set them. Here's what really moves your rate — and what that means around Chattanooga.
August 9, 2026
Market
Chattanooga Housing Market Check-In: July 2026 Numbers
Chattanooga housing market July 2026: inventory up 35% in the city, median price hits $360,400. What the numbers mean for buyers and sellers in Hamilton County.
August 8, 2026
Investing
Best Places to Buy Rental Property in Tennessee: A Broker's Take
Looking for the best places to buy rental property in Tennessee? Here's a broker's honest take on Chattanooga, Cleveland, and the numbers that matter.
August 7, 2026
Selling
How Do I Sell My House Fast in Chattanooga? Here's the Truth
How fast can you really sell a house in Chattanooga? Cash closes in 7–21 days; a financed buyer adds about a month. Real timelines, what speed costs you, and how to sell fast without getting lowballed.
August 6, 2026
Buying
How Much House Can I Afford in Chattanooga? Let's Do the Math
How much house can I afford in Chattanooga? Here's the real math on payments, debt-to-income, taxes, insurance, and the costs online calculators skip.
August 5, 2026
Market
Chattanooga Housing Market Check-In: July 2026 Numbers
Chattanooga housing market check-in for July 2026: city inventory jumped 34.4% YoY, the median sold price hit $360,200, and homes averaged 47 days on market.
August 1, 2026
Buying
Moving to Chattanooga TN? Read This Before You Pack
Thinking about moving to Chattanooga TN? Here's the honest local rundown on neighborhoods, traffic, cost, and what nobody warns you about before you buy.
July 29, 2026
Market
Why Are Home Prices So High in Chattanooga? A Plain-English Look
Wondering why are home prices so high in Chattanooga? Here's how the Fed, banks, rates, and good old supply and demand collide right here on our ridges.
July 27, 2026
Investing
Real Estate Investing in Chattanooga: A Plain-Talk Guide
Real estate investing in Chattanooga: how to spot cash flow, pick the right neighborhood, and skip the costly mistakes. Straight talk, no fluff.
July 24, 2026
Selling
How Much Is My House Worth in Chattanooga? Let's Find Out
Wondering how much is my house worth in Chattanooga right now? Here's the honest, no-pressure breakdown of how that number actually gets figured.
July 23, 2026
Buying
First Time Home Buyer in Chattanooga: What to Know First
Wondering what it really takes to be a first time home buyer in Chattanooga? Here's the down payment, credit, and neighborhood truth, no fluff.
July 22, 2026
Market
Chattanooga Housing Market Update: Week of July 18, 2026
Chattanooga housing market update for the week of July 18, 2026: inventory is up 25.4% YoY, pending sales rose 7.4%, and June's median price held at $350,000.
July 18, 2026
Market
Chattanooga Housing Market Update: Week of July 11, 2026
Chattanooga logged 368 new listings and 237 pending sales the week of July 11, 2026. Here's what it means for buyers and sellers.
July 11, 2026
Buying
Buying a Home in Chattanooga: A First-Timer's Guide
A first-timer's guide to buying a home in Chattanooga: affordability, credit scores, pre-approval, cash needed, TN/GA buyer programs, and where to buy.
June 29, 2026
Market
March 2026 Housing Market Update: Spring Is Coming — And the Data Backs It Up
March 2026 housing market update: rebounding demand after Winter Storm Fern, rising inventory, lower mortgage rates, and record contract cancellations.
March 23, 2026
Market
Why U.S. Home Prices Surprised Economists
U.S. home prices ended 2025 stronger than forecast. Why the market bent but didn't break — rate lock, tight supply, regional divergence, and what's next.
February 24, 2026
Buying
Chattanooga Waterfront Homes For Sale
Explore Chattanooga waterfront homes for sale: costs of ownership, water access rights, flood risks, and why working with a waterfront specialist matters.
February 18, 2026
Selling
What is My Home Worth in Chattanooga TN?
Wondering what your home is worth in Chattanooga TN? Learn what drives market value, how to get an accurate estimate, and how to boost value before selling.
February 18, 2026
Selling
How to Sell a House Fast in Chattanooga: Expert Tips
Expert tips on how to sell a house fast in Chattanooga — pricing, presentation, selling strategy, flexible showings, and a guaranteed cash offer option.
February 6, 2025
Buying
Top 10 Affordable Homes for Sale in Chattanooga TN
Discover the top 10 affordable neighborhoods for homes in Chattanooga TN — from Highland Park to Hixson — plus tips for finding a home in your budget.
February 3, 2025
Selling
Should You Be Fixing Minor Issues Before Listing Your Home?
Is fixing minor issues before listing worth it? Learn which small repairs deliver the best ROI, faster sales, and better offers when selling your home.
January 30, 2025
Buying
The Pros and Cons of Buying New Construction
Weigh the pros and cons of buying new construction — customization, low maintenance, and efficiency vs. higher costs, limited negotiation, and delays.
January 27, 2025
Selling
How to Price Your Home for Maximum Profit
How to price your home for maximum profit in Chattanooga — market research, common pricing mistakes to avoid, and strategic pricing techniques that work.
January 23, 2025
Selling
How to Evaluate a Home's Resale Potential
Learn how to evaluate a home's resale potential in Chattanooga — location, buyer appeal, property condition, and market timing all factor into value.
January 20, 2025
Homeownership
Top 5 Home Improvements That Add Value
The top 5 home improvements that add value: curb appeal, kitchen and bathroom upgrades, usable living space, and energy efficiency for a faster sale.
January 16, 2025
Buying
How to Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage
How to get pre-approved for a mortgage: gather financial documents, check your credit, compare lenders, and avoid common pitfalls before house hunting.
January 13, 2025
Selling
How to Declutter Your Home Before Selling
Declutter before selling to attract buyers and boost your home's value — a room-by-room guide covering kitchens, closets, hidden clutter, and staging.
January 9, 2025
Buying
How to Build Your Home Buying Team in Chattanooga
Learn how to build your home buying team in Chattanooga — from choosing a real estate agent and lender to inspectors, attorneys, and insurance agents.
January 6, 2025
Selling
10 Tips to Prepare Your Home for Sale in Tennessee
Follow these 10 tips to prepare your home for sale in Tennessee — declutter, deep clean, stage, and upgrade to attract buyers and maximize your price.
January 2, 2025