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Real Estate Insight: Why a Slow Market Isn’t All Bad News
Welcome to the June issue of THE BRUCE BEAT, my monthly real estate newsletter. If you’ve been keeping an eye on the Chattanooga real estate market lately, you’ve probably noticed things are a little quiet. Homes are sitting longer, buyers are hesitant, and sellers are wondering if they missed their window. It’s true — the market has slowed down. Some have said that this is the slowest spring season we have seen in years in the Chattanooga area. But that doesn’t mean opportunities have disappeared. In fact, a slower market can actually work in your favor, whether you’re buying, selling, or just planning ahead.
In a hot market, buyers often feel pressure to make split-second decisions and enter bidding wars. Right now, many listings are getting fewer offers, giving buyers the chance to do their homework, ask questions and make confident choices. Also, negotiating is back. Remember only a few years ago when sellers wouldn’t budge on price, and buyers had to waive inspections just to compete with other buyers? Well, that is shifting. In a slower market, there’s more room for negotiation on price, closing costs, and repairs — a win for both sides when handled strategically.
I know, most of what I mentioned sounds more like positive things for buyers and not sellers. Well, that is not necessarily true. Sellers do have to be a little more patient than they were in the past. It may take a little longer to find the right buyer, but those buyers are often more serious and pre-approved. With the right pricing, marketing and preparation, your home can still shine and sell.
As someone who just recently got into real estate, this market is teaching me a lot about patience, and honestly, it has given me even more time to get educated on real estate tips and techniques that will only help me when the real estate market heats back up. In my 20+ years of sales experience, I have always practiced persistence and the value of thoughtful guidance. I plan to only continue that as I get deeper and deeper into the real estate word. I’m not here to rush anyone. I’m here to help people navigate this moment wisely and with a long-term view.
If you’re thinking about making a move — whether now or six months from now — I’d love to meet with you and help you map out a smart plan.
My Favorite Summer Adventure Near Chattanooga
Most people in the Chattanooga area are familiar with the popularity of rafting down the Ocoee River this time of year. You probably know someone who’s been a raft guide there, or maybe you’ve even planned a trip down the Ocoee with friends or family. But I want to highlight my personal favorite local outdoor activity—something close in distance to the Ocoee, but much more my speed: floating down the Hiwassee River in Reliance, TN.
Now, I’m not claiming this is some secret spot—plenty of people know about it—but I’m always surprised by how many friends I meet who have never experienced what I truly believe is one of the best outdoor activities in the Chattanooga area during the summer. I know that’s a bold statement, considering how many incredible outdoor options we have here, but to me, there’s just something special about floating the Hiwassee that never gets old.
There are a few different ways to enjoy the river—solo tubing, solo kayaking—but my favorite is the two-person inflatable kayak, also known as a funyak. You do have paddles to help guide you in a few spots, but for the most part, you just float, relax, and soak in the peaceful beauty around you. Unlike the Ocoee, which demands constant attention and energy as you navigate rapids, the Hiwassee is gentle and calm. Sure, you may have to push off a rock here or there, or steer to stay on the left side of the river (as advised), but it’s easygoing and requires very minimal effort.
You don’t need to be in shape, have experience, or worry much about safety. You simply float for about three hours through stunning, mostly untouched scenery. The river winds through a landscape of mountains, trees, and clear water that looks like it came straight out of a magazine.
If you’ve never floated the Hiwassee, I can’t recommend it enough. I’ve taken lots of people over the years, and I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone who didn’t love it.
Here are a few places to reach out to so you can book your Hiwassee River experience:
Webb Brothers Rafting & General Store
Support Local Music All Summer Long
This time of year, many artists hit the festival circuit. Yes, we’re fortunate to have incredible outdoor concert series like Nightfall and Riverfront Nights, along with various events each month that highlight the arts, sporting events or historical moments. But as we soak up the summer vibes, let’s not forget the local businesses that host live music year-round.
While it’s tempting to focus solely on outdoor events, if you’re like me and love live music, I encourage you to also support our local indoor venues. These establishments continue to feature talented artists night after night, even as the crowds shift outside. They find creative ways to keep music alive in our city—and they need our support this time of year more than ever.
To keep the music going through all seasons, these venues need consistent attendance, even during the busy summer months. In order for them to stay afloat and provide us with the entertainment we long for during the colder months, they need support throughout the summer to keep the lights on. So yes, let’s enjoy the outdoor events this June—but let’s also make a point to catch a few shows indoors. Supporting local music helps our entire community thrive.
If we want our city to continue growing as a hub for music and events, it starts with us. Let’s show up, stay engaged, and keep the music alive—indoors and out.
June 2025:
Sunday 6/1 – The Walnut Street Bridge Festival
Friday 6/6 – Robert Lester Folsom w/ Sun Child @ Cherry Street Tavern
Friday 6/6 – Fox Royale w/ Telemonster @ Nightfall Concert Series
Friday 6/6 – Lil John, Timbaland & Paul Wall @ Sand Mountain Amphitheater
Friday 6/6 – Angel Snow @ Songbirds
Saturday 6/7 – Twilight Firefly Market @ Chattanooga Choo Choo
Saturday 6/7 – Shadowgrass w/ Randy Steele & High Cold Wind @ Riverfront Nights
Monday 6/9 – The Allman Betts Band @ The Walker Theatre
Friday 6/13 – Bon Bon Vivant w/ Dollars Family @ Nightfall Concert Series
Friday 6/13 – Braves Country Road Trip @ Miller Park
Saturday 6/14 – The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys w/ Johnny Mullenax @ Cherry Street Tavern
Saturday 6/14 – Vince Gill @ Memorial Auditorium
Saturday 6/14 – Canon Tyler @ Hi-Fi Clyde’s
Saturday 6/14 – Paul Thorn Band w/ Call Me Spinster @ Riverfront Nights
Thursday 6/19 – Randall King @ Barrelhouse Ballroom
Thursday 6/19 & Friday 6/20 – Josh Blue @ The Comedy Catch
Friday 6/20 – Hollyy w/ Kimmie J. Soul @ Nightfall Concert Series
Friday 6/20 – Stop Light Observations w/ The Band Solstice @ Barrelhouse Ballroom
Saturday 6/21 – Et Cetera @ Songbirds
Saturday 6/21 – Will Hoge @ The Dunlap Yard
Saturday 6/21 – Redd & The Paper Flowers @ Puckett’s Restaurant
Saturday 6/21 & Sunday 6/22 – Bessie Smith’s Big 9 Music Fest
Sunday 6/22 – Thank You, Richard Winham – WUTC Benefit Concert @ Barrelhouse Ballroom
Sunday 6/22 – Fred Armisen @ The Walker Theatre
Wednesday 6/25 – Scott Miller @ Songbirds
Friday 6/27 – Sinkane w/ Flashdrive @ Nightfall Concert Series
Saturday 6/28 – Henry Cho @ The Walker Theatre
Saturday 6/28 – Sons of Habit @ Songbirds
And in case you may not be familiar with any of these artists I’ve highlighted above, I created a Spotify playlist of some of my favorite songs from most of them for you to enjoy:
