Tagged : Blog RSS Feed

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…

February 13th isn’t just another day on the calendar; it’s Galentine’s Day! Originating from the hit TV show Parks and Recreation, Galentine’s Day has become a much-needed occasion for ladies to celebrate friendships. If you find yourself in Chattanooga this year, here are some fantastic ways to make the most of this special night out with your gal pals.

Start your evening on a delicious note by exploring Chattanooga’s vibrant culinary scene. If it's brunch you seek, places like the Bluegrass Grill or Milk & Honey offer cozy atmospheres perfect for catching up over pancakes or avocado toast. Don't forget to toast with mimosas or a refreshing coffee to kick off your celebration. For night owls, head to the trendy West Village area for chic eateries…

Chattanooga is a city brimming with affordable activities and attractions perfect for a weekend getaway. Whether you're traveling solo, with friends, or as a family, you can enjoy the best of Chattanooga without breaking the bank. Here's how to make the most of your visit on a $100 or less budget:

Saturday Morning: Outdoor Adventures ($0-$5 per person)

Start your day with a visit to Coolidge Park in the North Shore district. Stroll along Tennessee Riverwalk or hop on the historic carousel ($2 per ride). The park's open spaces and public art make it an ideal spot for a picnic or simply soaking in the atmosphere.

Saturday Afternoon: Affordable Eats and Indoor Fun ($30-$35 per person)

For lunch head to Champy's Famous Fried Chicken on MLK…

The Choo Choo's nostalgia with restaurants inside,
Walkable Northshore, Coolidge Carousel rides,
Outdoor adventures in fall, summer, and spring,
These are a few of our favorite things.

The Tennessee aquarium with penguins galore,
Hamilton Place shopping, an abundance of stores,
Festivals and concerts with artists who sing,
These are a few of our favorite things.

When we travel,
Getting homesick,
And we're feeling sad...
We simply remember the city we love,
And then we don't feel so bad.

Watching the Lookouts and Red Wolves play games,
A 16-mile Riverwalk and ample bike lanes,
Distilleries, art, battlefields; rich history they bring,
These are a few of our favorite things.

Surrounding mountains boast breath-taking views,
Enjoying the sights from a riverboat…

If there's anyone excited about the holiday season, it's The Torgerson Team! Living in Chattanooga has its perks, including tons of holiday events to take in through November and December. We've got a few favorites to brighten your holiday planning.

Rock City's "Enchanted Garden of Lights"

• Where: Lookout Mtn, GA
• When: Nov 22 - Jan 4 (nightly, closed Christmas Eve)
• Cost: $31-35 (tickets ONLY available online ahead of time)

A Chattanooga classic, Rock City's EGL is a magical experience for all ages. Wander through thousands of sparkling lights with themed sections like the "Arctic Kingdom" and "Magic Forest". Enjoy warm cocoa, live entertainment, and treats for the kids. Santa will be visiting until December 23!

Chattanooga…

Buying a home is a significant milestone, but before starting the search, most buyers need to be financially prepared to qualify for a mortgage. Securing a home loan involves a detailed review of your financial health, and preparing in advance can make the process smoother. Here are some key steps to improve your chances of qualifying:

• Check Your Credit Score

Your credit score plays a crucial role. Most lenders use it to assess your creditworthiness and determine the interest rate you'll receive. Typically, a score of 620 or higher is required for most conventional loans, although some government-backed loans (like FHA) may accept lower scores.

Before applying for a mortgage, check your score with a free credit report from all three…