Real Estate Blog - Lauren Johnson

Make Mother's Day Magical

Mother’s Day is one of the most popular weekends of the year to celebrate in Chattanooga—and whether you’re planning an elegant brunch, a garden outing, or something casual and family-friendly, there are plenty of options across a range of price points. The key? Plan ahead. Many of the most popular spots require reservations and book up quickly.

Elevated Brunch Experiences (Reservations Required)

If you’re looking to truly treat Mom, Chattanooga has several upscale brunch experiences that feel like an event. A standout option is Public House Chattanooga, which hosts an annual Mother’s Day brunch buffet. Expect a full spread of brunch favorites and desserts, typically priced around $48 for adults and $24 for kids. Reservations are required and…

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Appraisals: The Price Tag Behind the Price

If you’re buying or selling a home, the appraisal is one of the most important—and often most misunderstood—steps in the transaction. It’s not just another box to check; it plays a key role in determining whether a deal moves forward smoothly or hits a speed bump.

So, what exactly is a home appraisal?

A home appraisal is a professional, unbiased estimate of a property’s market value, conducted by a licensed appraiser. If a buyer is using a loan, the lender requires this step to ensure they’re not lending more money than the home is worth. In simple terms, it protects the bank—but it also impacts both the buyer and seller in a big way.

What Happens During the Appraisal?

Once the appraisal is ordered, the appraiser will schedule a visit to…

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Instagrammable Spots in Chattanooga

It’s not called the Scenic City for nothing. Beyond great neighborhoods and lifestyle perks, this city offers some of the most photogenic backdrops in the Southeast. Whether you’re new to the area or just exploring, these Instagram-worthy spots showcase exactly why so many people fall in love with Chattanooga.

Walnut Street Pedestrian Bridge

No list would be complete without the iconic Walnut Street Bridge. Stretching across the Tennessee River, it’s one of the longest pedestrian bridges in the country and a go-to for both locals and visitors. Early mornings and sunset are especially popular for photos, with soft light reflecting off the water and the city skyline in the background. It’s a place where everyday walks turn into memorable moments.

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What is an HOA?

If you’ve spent any time browsing homes, chances are you’ve come across the term “HOA.” For many buyers, it can feel a little unclear—sometimes even intimidating. So let’s break it down in simple terms.

An HOA, or Homeowners Association, is an organization within a neighborhood or community that creates and enforces rules for the properties and residents. If you purchase a home in an HOA community, you automatically become a member and agree to follow its guidelines, often called covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs). Most HOAs also collect monthly, quarterly, or annual dues. These fees go toward maintaining shared spaces and amenities—things like neighborhood pools, clubhouses, sidewalks, landscaping, or even gated entrances.

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Date Night Chattanooga: Valentine's Edition

Valentine’s Day in Chattanooga, Tennessee is a fantastic time to celebrate love with your partner—and the Scenic City has something for every vibe and every budget. From romantic underground adventures to relaxed creative evenings and lively social events, here are some great date night ideas and Valentine’s-themed happenings to make February special.

Local Valentine-Specific Events

One of Chattanooga’s most memorable Valentine’s experiences is Romance at Ruby Falls. This special after-hours lantern-lit cave tour is offered on select nights in February (including around Valentine’s Day) and gives couples an intimate guided experience deep inside the iconic waterfall cavern—with a professional photo and keepsake gift included.

Railroad Couples…

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2026 Real Estate Resolutions

A new year is the perfect time for fresh starts—and for many people, that includes buying or selling a home. Whether you’re hoping to land the keys to your dream home or sell your current one for top dollar, setting clear, realistic real estate resolutions can make all the difference. Instead of vague goals like “move this year,” successful buyers and sellers focus on preparation, education, and smart decision-making. Here are practical New Year’s real estate resolutions to help you navigate the market with confidence.

New Year’s Resolutions for Homebuyers

1. Get Financially Ready
One of the most important resolutions for buyers is to get pre-approved for a mortgage. Pre-approval gives you a clear picture of your budget, strengthens your…

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Adopt Your Best Friend in Pawtastic Chattanooga

We know that it's not just houses—but the communities that make them homes. One thing we can attest to is how pet-friendly Chattanooga feels the moment you settle in. Whether you’re considering adopting a furry friend or already have one, our city offers wonderful options for both pet care and pet life.

Chattanooga and the surrounding area are home to a network of compassionate animal rescues and shelters dedicated to finding pets loving forever homes. These organizations serve both people and animals in meaningful ways:

• Humane Educational Society — A trusted local shelter that works to place pets in loving homes and supports responsible pet ownership through education and community outreach.
• McKamey Animal Center — This large shelter…

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6 Reasons to Buy a Home in 2026

Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions most people make—but 2026 could be a uniquely strong year to take the leap. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or someone looking to upgrade, several trends are lining up that make 2026 an excellent time to invest in homeownership.

1. Mortgage Markets Are Stabilizing

After a period of volatile interest rates, 2026 is shaping up to offer more predictable mortgage pricing. Lenders and economists are increasingly optimistic that rate fluctuations will ease, giving buyers a better ability to plan long-term financing. Even if rates aren’t back to historical lows, locking in a stable rate now can protect you from future increases and help you build predictable monthly housing costs.

2. Home…

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It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas

December in Chattanooga is pure holiday magic. From twinkling light displays and train rides with Santa to adults-only cruises and festive pub crawls, the Scenic City and surrounding communities offer something for everyone this Christmas season.

Family-Friendly Holiday Traditions

One of the most beloved seasonal traditions is the spectacular light show at Rock City. Its Enchanted Garden of Lights transforms the gardens into a glowing winter wonderland with more than a million LED lights, holiday displays, live music, and opportunities to sip hot cocoa and meet Santa. It runs nightly through January 4, 2026.

If your crew loves interactive experiences, the Asian Lantern Festival at the Chattanooga Zoo casts the zoo grounds in radiant colors…

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Why Isn't My Home Selling?

You’ve cleaned, staged, listed, and waited… yet the offers aren’t coming. While every situation is unique, homes typically don’t sell for a few predictable reasons. Understanding these factors is the first step toward fixing the problem.

The number one reason a home doesn’t sell is price. Even in strong markets, buyers are well-informed and compare your home to others that have recently sold. If your home is priced higher than comparable properties, buyers may skip it entirely. A home that sits on the market too long can also develop a stigma, leading buyers to assume something is wrong—even if it’s not. Pricing correctly from the start is critical.

Most buyers discover homes online before ever stepping foot inside. If your listing photos are…

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