THE BRUCE BEAT – JUL 2025

Thank you for checking out THE BRUCE BEAT, my monthly real estate newsletter. This is the July 2025 edition. And even though we are now halfway through the year, our real estate market is still a little slow. We keep hearing encouraging words and professional predictions of how things will be turning more positive soon, but until we experience that happen, we have a little more time to educate people on decisions they can make in times like these.

For example, let’s compare renting to purchasing a home right now.

 

Homeownership vs. Renting: Even in a High-Rate Market

With interest rates higher than we’ve seen in recent years, it’s totally normal to question whether buying a home makes sense right now—especially if you don’t plan to stay put for long. But here’s the truth: buying often beats renting, even when rates aren’t ideal.

When you rent, you’re essentially paying someone else’s mortgage, with zero return on your investment. There’s no equity, no long-term gain, and no control over rising rent costs. In contrast, owning a home builds your wealth over time, even if you’re only there for a few years. You’re investing in yourself, not your landlord.

Worried about the interest rate? That’s understandable—but remember, you marry the house, not the rate. You can always refinance down the road when rates improve. And in the meantime, you’re still gaining equity, potential tax benefits, and stability.

Plus, life happens fast. That “short-term” home could turn into a long-term asset, or even a future rental property that brings in income. Whether you’re in the home two years or ten, you’re building something that works for you, not against you.

If you’ve been on the fence, I’d love to talk through your options. There’s no pressure—just solid info to help you make the best decision for your future. Even if you still decide to only rent at this time, it can’t hurt to reach out to me and discuss things. Being educated about situations like we are in right now can only empower you to make more informed decisions, whether you pull the trigger now or wait a little longer. Either way, I am here for you!

 

 

Discover the Tennessee River: A Natural Treasure Flowing Through Chattanooga

As we celebrate July and all things summer, let’s take a moment to appreciate one of our region’s most iconic natural features — the Tennessee River. Whether you’ve enjoyed a sunset from the Walnut Street Bridge, kayaked downtown, or watched fireworks light up the waterfront, you’ve already experienced some of the magic this river brings to our community.

But how much do you really know about the Tennessee River? Let’s dive into some fascinating facts that connect us more deeply to the waterway that runs through the heart of Chattanooga.

Tennessee River: The Big Picture

• The Tennessee River is approximately 652 miles long.
• It flows through seven states — Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, Kentucky, Georgia, North Carolina, and Virginia.
• It begins at the confluence of the Holston and French Broad Rivers in Knoxville, TN.
• The Tennessee River is one of the few major rivers in the United States that flows north for a portion of its journey. This northward path is due to the geography of the Appalachian Mountains and the Cumberland Plateau. Near Decatur and Florence, AL, it makes a big curve and turns north, flowing up through northern Alabama and back into Tennessee near Pickwick Lake. Finally, it continues northwest into Kentucky, where it empties into the Ohio River in Paducah, KY.

There are nine major dams and reservoirs along the Tennessee River, creating a beautiful chain of lakes. Some of the most notable include:

• Kentucky Lake
• Pickwick Lake
• Wilson Lake
• Wheeler Lake
• Guntersville Lake
• Nickajack Lake
• Chickamauga Lake
• Watts Bar Lake
• Fort Loudoun Lake

These lakes are crucial for flood control, hydroelectric power, recreation, and even commercial navigation — barge traffic still uses the river for transporting goods!

Here’s where things get a little more local:

• Tennessee River mileage in Tennessee: About 335 miles of the river (over half!) are located within Tennessee’s borders.
• Chattanooga’s stretch: The river winds through downtown Chattanooga, shaping much of the city’s layout and culture.
• Key local lakes: We enjoy Nickajack Lake to the west and Chickamauga Lake to the north — both popular for boating, fishing and waterfront living.
• The Tennessee Aquarium is built right on the riverfront and focuses heavily on freshwater species from the Tennessee River system.
• The Riverwalk is a 16-mile trail along the river, connecting downtown Chattanooga with parks, public art, and neighborhoods.
• Many festivals, events and concerts often take place near the water, reinforcing how central the river is to the city’s lifestyle.

 

 

It’s July—and yes, it’s hot out there! This time of year, many big-name artists are busy on the festival circuit, which means fewer major acts are stopping by our indoor venues (odd, considering the sweet relief of air conditioning—but hey, I don’t make the rules!). That said, there are still some great shows and events happening around Chattanooga this month. Here are a few worth checking out below!

 

July 2025: 

Wednesday 7/2 – Steve Earle @ Songbirds

Thursday 7/3 – Band of Horses @ The Caverns

Thursday 7/3 – Pops on the River @ Coolidge Park

Thursday 7/3 – Kelso, Amber Fults & Entangled Dreams @ Cherry Street Tavern

Friday 7/4 – East Nash Grass @ Nightfall Concert Series

Friday 7/4 & Saturday 7/5 – Murder by Death @ The Caverns

Friday 7/11 – Josh Turner @ The Caverns

Friday 2/11 – Cowboy Mouth @ Barrelhouse Ballroom

Sunday 7/13 – Shenandoah @ The Caverns

Sunday 7/20 – Old Crow Medicine Show @ The Caverns

Thursday 7/24 – Daniel Villarreal w/ Joel Forlines @ The Woodshop

Friday 7/25 – John R. Miller, Dalton Mills & Cat Campbell @ Cherry Street Tavern

Friday 7/25 – Drake White @ The Signal

Friday 7/25 & Saturday 7/26 – Kevin Nealon @ The Comedy Catch

Saturday 7/26 – Mitch Rossell @ Songbirds

Saturday 7/26 – The Explorers Club @ The Woodshop

Sunday 7/27 – Augustana @ Barrelhouse Ballroom

 

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:

July 2025 Playlist