Welcome to Let’s Talk Chattanooga Real Estate, hosted by Blake Watson with Epique Realty. In this episode, Blake covers the biggest myths surrounding buying your first home—and reveals what’s actually true in today’s real estate market across Chattanooga and Northwest Georgia. This episode is packed with essential advice and practical tips for first-time homebuyers in 2025.

What you'll learn in this episode:

Why the 20 percent down payment myth is outdated. You’ll discover how loan options today allow you to buy a home with as little as 3 percent down or even zero down with programs like FHA, VA, USDA, and local down payment assistance.

How credit requirements are more flexible than most people think. Many first-time buyers are approved with credit scores in the 600s, and you’ll hear why it pays to speak to a lender early, even if your score isn’t perfect yet.

What’s really going on with the market and why waiting for a crash might backfire. Blake shares local trends in Chattanooga and Northwest Georgia that show a market cooling, not collapsing.

How first-time buyers are finding success in today’s shifting market. With more inventory, longer days on market, and increased seller flexibility, new buyers now have more negotiating power and breathing room.

Why the “perfect home” doesn’t exist and why that’s okay. You’ll hear how focusing on good bones, great location, and long-term potential is a smarter strategy than waiting for something flawless.

Blake also shares seven must-know tips for anyone planning to buy in the next 6 to 12 months, including how to get pre-approved, budget wisely for more than just the down payment, use local first-time buyer programs, and never skip the inspection.

Referenced episode links for Let’s Talk Chattanooga Real Estate:

Episode 60 from May 16, 2025 with Bruce Dodd from ChattMortgage on why home ownership is more attainable than many think

Episode 9 from February 13, 2024 featuring Lindsey Wood from Mortgage Investors Group on down payment assistance

Episode 1 from December 20, 2023 with Tina Christien from Churchill Mortgage, covering the full home loan process for first-time buyers

Get in touch:

Blake Watson, Realtor – Epique Realty

Mobile: 423-315-1815

Office: 888-893-3537

Website: athomechattanooga.com

Facebook and LinkedIn: Blake Watson

Instagram: @rocknrollblake

If you found this episode helpful, be sure to follow the podcast and share it with a friend who’s thinking about buying their first home.