All Blog Entries by Lauren Johnson

One of the more common questions from home sellers is: “Should I host an open house?” The short answer is—it depends. But for many sellers, an open house can be a powerful tool in generating buzz and bringing serious buyers through the door. Let’s break down the benefits and how to determine if it’s the right strategy for your home.

The Benefits of an Open House

An open house casts a wide net. It allows anyone—neighbors, potential buyers, or those just beginning their home search—to step inside and see the property without the pressure of a private showing. It’s a great way to get foot traffic and boost interest in the first crucial days your home hits the market.

When multiple buyers walk through the home at the same time, it creates a sense…

Summer in Chattanooga means scorching sun and sticky heat—but thankfully, our Scenic City is packed with ways to cool off, both outdoors and indoors. Here’s your ultimate guide to beating the heat in and around Chattanooga.

Outdoor Gems: Swimming Holes & Creeks

• North Chick Blue Hole (Soddy‑Daisy) – Just a 20‑minute drive from downtown, this rock‑framed creek gorge features deep turquoise pools, rope swings, and cliff‑jumping spots for adventurous swimmers.
• Big Soddy Creek Gulf – A 5‑mile out‑and‑back trail meanders along creekside blue holes; various pools offer everything from chill wading to swimming adventures.
• Suck Creek (Signal Mountain) – With multiple access points, friends and families love wading, exploring, and discovering…

Looking for the perfect night out in Chattanooga? Whether you're craving live beats, laid‑back lounges, outdoor fun, or quirky bars, this vibrant city has something for every 21+ explorer. Here’s your guide to an unforgettable evening in the Scenic City:

Live Music & High-Energy Vibes

| Downtown & North Shore |

• Kick off your night with craft brews and riverside views at Hair of the Dog (North Shore) or cozy up with cocktails at Flying Squirrel, known for its lively atmosphere and creative drinks .
• Then, catch local acts at JJ’s Bohemia, The Honest Pint, The Signal, or Tivoli Theatre—true gems of Chattanooga’s live music scene.

| Southside Energy |

• Head over to the Southside District: The Comedy Catch at the historic Choo…

Buying your first home is an exciting milestone—but it also comes with a new set of responsibilities. One of the most important (and often overlooked) costs of homeownership is property taxes. If you’re a first-time homebuyer, understanding how property taxes work can help you plan your budget and avoid surprises down the road.

What Are Property Taxes?

Property taxes are local taxes paid by homeowners based on the assessed value of their property, which includes both the land and any structures on it. These taxes are typically collected by your city, county, or municipality and are used to fund local services like public schools, police and fire departments, road maintenance, and libraries.

How Are Property Taxes Calculated?

The amount…

Our gorgeous city has recently achieved a remarkable distinction: it is now North America's first National Park City! This designation, awarded by the National Park City Foundation, "recognizes urban areas that integrate nature into the fabric of city life, promoting outdoor living, environmental stewardship, and cultural appreciation".

The path to this achievement was a community-driven effort that spanned several years. The campaign began with a vision to celebrate, elevate, and conserve the unique people, places, civic spirit, and cultures of Chattanooga and the Tennessee River Valley. The National Park City charter was developed with input from over 75 community leaders. This charter outlined seven core commitments:

1. Unrivaled Access to…

Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions most people will ever make. With fluctuating interest rates and rising home prices, many buyers are looking for creative ways to make their mortgages more affordable. One option that's gaining traction is the mortgage rate buydown. But what exactly is a buydown, and how can it benefit you as a homebuyer?

What Is a Mortgage Rate Buydown?

A mortgage rate buydown is a financing arrangement that allows borrowers—or sometimes sellers or builders on behalf of the buyer—to pay an upfront fee to reduce the interest rate on a mortgage for a period of time or for the entire loan term. This lower rate translates to lower monthly mortgage payments.

Buydowns typically come in two main forms:

• …

For those who love fresh, local produce and supporting regional farmers, the Chattanooga area offers a variety of farmers markets to explore. Whether you're a Chattanooga resident or visiting the surrounding areas, there's no shortage of opportunities to shop for seasonal fruits, vegetables, homemade goods, and more. Here's a guide to some of the top farmers markets in and around Chattanooga and Upper GA.

1. Main Street Farmers Market

• When: Wednesdays, 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
• Where: Corner of W. 20th St & Chestnut St 

Located in the heart of downtown Chattanooga, the Main Street Farmers Market is a bustling weekly event for both locals and visitors. Open on Wednesdays from 4 PM to 6 PM, it's the perfect stop to grab fresh produce, handmade…

Selling a home can be an exciting yet stressful experience. While preparing to list your property, it’s easy to get caught up in the many tasks at hand. However, knowing what not to do during the process is just as important as knowing what steps to take. Making certain missteps can cause delays, reduce your home’s value, or even prevent a sale altogether. To help ensure a smooth and successful transaction, here are some common mistakes sellers should avoid when selling their home.

1. Failing to Work with a Professional Real Estate Agent

Some sellers attempt to go the "For Sale by Owner" route to save on commission fees, but this can often backfire. Real estate agents are skilled negotiators with extensive market knowledge and experience in…

Sometimes you feel the need to get away and explore somewhere new. Other times, it's all about keeping it local and breaking up the normal routine. Dubbed a "staycation", here’s are some ways to enjoy a fantastic mini respite without leaving Chattanooga.

Outdoor Escapades

Chattanooga is often dubbed the “Scenic City” for a reason. Believe it or not, there are many who live in our gorgeous Chatt and have never visited well-known outdoor attractions. It's time to change that! Explore the famous Rock City Gardens, where winding paths lead you through lush gardens with stunning views of the surrounding valley. For an affordable experience, visit Point Park, where you can take in panoramic views of the city and enjoy a peaceful stroll through Civil…

Purchasing a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make, and it's easy to get swept up in the excitement of finding your dream property. However, it’s crucial to make sure that the house you’re about to buy doesn’t come with hidden issues that could cost you thousands of dollars down the line. This is where hiring a professional home inspector becomes invaluable.

While a property may look perfect on the surface, it could have underlying problems that are not immediately obvious to an untrained eye. A professional home inspector has the expertise to identify issues that could go unnoticed during a casual walk-through. These issues could include structural defects, plumbing problems, mold, or issues with the roof or electrical…