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Pratt Home Stories: The Morgan Family

In 2018, Taylor and Marcus Morgan bundled up and selected their home site and landed on their home plan, The Wellesley, as some of the earliest buyers in Magnolia Farms in Apison, Tennessee. One of our all-time favorite photos here at Pratt is of their son, Atlas, overseeing our earth moving crews from his own bulldozer shortly after they moved in February 2019.

Little did they know the changes in store for their family in the coming years. In March of 2020, The Morgans launched Theba Handmade. They make a wide variety of personalized products from cutting boards, to tea towels, totes and more. Since they began, their business exploded. To date they’ve sold over 15,000 units on Etsy, with both Taylor and Marcus being able to work on their business full time.

The Morgans have made their home truly theirs – creating a unique space that allows their kids to be kids with a playground and home garden in the back yard, maximizing the storage space in their garage, as well transforming their bonus room into a dedicated play area for the boys.

Taylor says The Wellesley has been a perfect home plan for their family of five. “Our home’s open concept living area has been a wonderful asset to our family. It not only allows us to keep an eye on our three energetic boys as they play and explore, but it also encourages a sense of togetherness and connection.”

With a full schedule keeping up with all of life’s responsibilities and adventures, she says “this is especially important for us as we juggle homeschooling and running our own business, where the lines between work and family life often blur. Being able to oversee the activities while also tending to our business needs has been great!”

Magnolia Farms is a truly unique community that is perfect for the growing family; featuring 5k-wide sidewalks throughout, a community baseball and soccer field, as well as a resort-style pool and cabana. Starting a new chapter has never been easier at Magnolia Farms.

Pratt Home Stories: The Morgan Familygmwebservices2023-10-01T01:39:52+00:00

North Georgia: Nature’s Playground and Beyond

Many of our home buyers are often from out-of-state and come across Chattanooga when looking for a fresh start for their family, and we don’t blame them! But what most people don’t know until they talk to a local is that North GA also has a LOT to offer when it comes to lifestyle! We wanted to highlight some of these hidden-gem benefits to living in North Georgia that most people don’t know about – so be sure to look out for our second blog post next week that will also highlight the financial benefits to moving to Georgia but staying close to Chattanooga in this two-part series.

(Lookout Mountain, GA – Taken by Sydnee Cearlock)

One of the natural advantages of living in North Georgia is being surrounded by so many of nature’s playgrounds.

Some of our favorite trails are located on Lookout Mountain, just a stone’s throw away from our Huntley Meadows community. The mountain’s Cloudland Canyon Park and Lula Lake Land Trust offer an array of outdoor activities. Here, you can embark on scenic hiking, biking, and walking trails, or indulge your love for water with fishing and kayaking adventures. For family-oriented fun, explore renowned attractions such as Rock City, Ruby Falls, or even try your hand at Lookout Hang gliding if you’re looking for a thrill above the ridge lines.

(Tennessee River from Coolidge Park, Chattanooga, TN – via Cassidy Dickens)

But life in North Georgia isn’t just about embracing the outdoors.

The region is also home to a thriving shopping and dining scene that is ever-growing. Fort Oglethorpe, located along Battlefield Parkway, houses everything from convenient stores like Publix and Walmart, to local culinary delights like Farm to Fork and the Big Biscuit Barn. Fun-filled family outings are never far away with Bass Pro Shops and Top Golf just off of I-75.

(Downtown Ringgold, GA – Taken by Sydnee Cearlock)

Amidst this lively atmosphere, North Georgia still retains a charming small-town feel.

Just 15 minutes south from Huntley Meadows, you’ll discover the quaint town of Ringgold. A further 10-mile journey will lead you to Dalton, GA, a hub of more shops and outdoor activities. Or, if you’re looking for a night in the city, a short 15-minute drive will get you to everything that downtown Chattanooga offers too.

North Georgia offers a harmonious blend of natural beauty, recreational activities, and a warm, welcoming community. It promises an enriching lifestyle without the hefty price tag, making it the perfect place to call home.

North Georgia: Nature’s Playground and Beyondgmwebservices2023-08-24T20:08:58+00:00

Summer Road Trips Within A Day’s Drive From Chattanooga

Your Chattanooga Summer Travel Guide

Looking for summer travel ideas that are within a day’s drive from Chattanooga? Look no further! We’ve compiled a guide of amazing beach towns and hidden-gem small towns that are perfect for your southern summer road trips from Chattanooga. So pack your bags and hit the road for a memorable summer adventure! Chattanooga’s central location is definitely a huge benefit in the summertime when you’re getting the itch for a getaway but don’t want to go far.

Beach Towns

1. Hilton Head, SC

Hilton Head: Southern Charm & Luxury All-In-One

Are you searching for more of a luxurious destination that offers activities for the whole family? Look no further than Hilton Head, South Carolina! This beautiful location is just ~7 hours away and boasts a tight-knit community with exciting annual events such as the Shelter Cove Harbour Fest and Hilton Head Shrimp Festival. Families will love the unique experiences available, such as taking a dolphin tour or exploring the historic Haig Point Lighthouse. With many beach options to choose from, we recommend Forest Beach or Palmetto Dunes to check out. While you’re here, don’t overlook the many local restaurants and shopping opportunities – and remember to leave room in your car for souvenirs!

2. Alys Beach, FL

Alys Beach: A Luxurious & Flourishing Coastal Community Summer

Looking for a private, luxurious beach retreat to add to your summer road trips for Chattanoogans? Alys Beach, located just minutes away from Rosemary Beach, is an exclusive destination reserved only for owners and visitors. With breathtaking architecture, scenic parks and plenty of well-known local restaurants and shopping, Alys Beach offers an unforgettable experience. Don’t miss the chance to catch a show at the Alys Beach Amphitheater or take a bike ride on the Alys Beach Nature Trail during your stay. Plus, Alys Beach is located just 6.5 hours from Chattanooga, making it a convenient summer road trip destination.

3. Jekyll Island, GA

Jekyll Island: The small town beach paradise of the South

Jekyll Island is a hidden-gem town for the laid-back travelers and families. Spend your days exploring over 10 miles of pristine beaches, including popular spots like Driftwood Beach and Great Dunes. For a taste of local culture, check out the Georgia Sea Turtle Center or Mosaic: Jekyll Island Museum. If you need to beat the summer heat, spend a day at the Summer Waves Water Park before renting a bike & heading to one of the many nearby dining options. Jekyll Island is a town steeped in history and natural beauty – well worth the day’s drive from Chattanooga this summer!

4. Orange Beach & Gulf Shores, AL

Orange Beach & Gulf Shores: The ultimate beach duo that you don’t want to pass up this summer

For the ultimate beach getaway with the closeness of the city, Orange Beach & Gulf Shores offer some of the most beautiful beaches in the region. These beaches are known for their white sands and bright blue water that will take your breath away. Families traveling from Chattanooga can count on Orange Beach & Gulf Shores to provide everything they need for a great visit. This summer destination offers exciting beach activities such as parasailing, dolphin cruises, diving, and even Sand Castle University! After soaking up the sun, check out the vibrant arts & music scene by visiting one of the many museums or attend the annual Hangout Music Festival. The area also hosts numerous exciting events year-round, like Orange Beach Freedom Fest and the Shrimp Festival.

Hidden-Gem Small Towns

5. Asheville, NC

Asheville: A Must-Visit Southern Fixture On A Summer Road Trip

Asheville is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking a picturesque mountain retreat brimming with endless activities. Outdoor enthusiasts can spend the day kayaking, tubing, or paddle boarding on the French Broad River or head to the thrilling Sliding Rock Natural Water Slide. For history and arts lovers, don’t miss an opportunity to indulge in the local arts scene or visit the infamous Biltmore mansion or the Grove Park Inn. You can also catch a show at Rabbit Rabbit or Shindig on the Green for local music. On top of that, Asheville boasts an impressive food and brewery scene to fuel your adventures along the way. Conveniently situated just a short 3.5 hour drive from Chattanooga, Asheville is perfect for a quick summer getaway!

6. Fairhope, AL

Fairhope: A Swoon-Worthy Southern Town for A Summer Road Trip

Dare we say, most charming town in the south? Okay, maybe we won’t go that far since there are so many to choose from! This history-rich city has preserved its appeal over the years, making it a must-visit destination for your summer travel plans. Stay at the well-known Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa and then explore the plethora of antique stores on nearly every street. Spend a day on the water at the Fairhope Municipal Pier and catch the stunning sunset at the Henry George Park on the Bluff. Fairhope might be small, but it is still vibrant with a blooming arts & culture scene for you to explore. Conveniently situated less than a day’s drive from Chattanooga, Fairhope is a perfect city for your summer road trip.

7. Charlottesville, VA

Charlottesville: Family-Friendly Town Full of History

Charlottesville, Virginia, a hidden-gem town to the T, is the perfect summer destination for a family-friendly vacation. Located in the northeastern region of Virginia, just a day’s drive from Chattanooga, Charlottesville is known for its slower pace and breathtaking beauty. Take a stroll through the beautiful University of Virginia campus or head down to Sugar’s Hollow Blue Hole or Walnut Creek to cool off. For the kids, don’t miss the hot air balloons in the summer or the Carter Mountain Orchards for some delicious apple cider. And for the history-buffs, Charlottesville is just a short drive from Monticello, Thomas Jefferson’s estate, which you can tour!

8. Aiken, SC

Aiken: One of the South’s Best-Kept-Secrets

This small town in South Carolina is another name you might not know of, but we’ll give you a few reasons to! Aiken, SC is just a 5-ish hour drive from Chattanooga and is guaranteed to make you swoon. Aiken is a charming southern town that is known for being the hometown of the U.S. Polo Matches! If you love to explore nature’s playground, Aiken offers expansive trails at Hitchcock Woods, Hopelands Gardens and the blooming Aiken Arboretum Trail. If you’re more into soaking in the city life, you’ll definitely want to check out Whiskey Alley for some sips and some live music at Amp the Alley! Aiken is also very family-friendly and has a great local planetarium, train & history museums, as well as Aiken Center for The Arts!

9. New Orleans, LA

New Orleans: Full of History, Music, & Art for the Whole Family

If you’ve never visited NOLA, you definitely need to experience it at least once! New Orleans is only a day’s drive from Chattanooga and such a unique, culture-filled city that has so much to offer. While Mardi Gras is a must-see event, NOLA also hosts the Creole Tomato Fest and Essence Fest in June and celebrates its history with the Running of the Bulls event and Bastille Day in July. If the humidity becomes too much, explore the art museums or relax with jazz music on Frenchmen Street. This city should be a staple on your list of summer road trips from Chattanooga.

10. Lexington, KY

Lexington: Rolling Hills of Beauty & Equestrian Culture

Lexington might not really come to mind when drawing up your summer travel ideas, but let us change that! Lexington is only 5 hours from Chattanooga and is known for its rolling hills, rich equestrian history, and southern culture. Throughout the summer, Lexington is always busy with different events and activities. If you happen to visit at the beginning of July, make sure to attend the weekend-long 4th of July Festival! Whether you check out the Kentucky Horse Park in the country or embark on a mural tour downtown, there’s something for everyone. On the hot summer days, cool off with a canoe or kayaking trip down Elkhorn Creek or enjoy some tunes and food at Thursday Night Live downtown.

What Summer Road Trips Will You Embark On This Year?

We hope that you appreciated this guide to summer road trips from Chattanooga. If you’re looking for a home around Chattanooga, North Georgia, or Cleveland, make sure to reach out to us to learn more about our designer communities. Call us today at (423) 757-7687 or visit our Communities page here.

Summer Road Trips Within A Day’s Drive From Chattanoogagmwebservices2023-06-09T13:25:16+00:00

Locally-Sourced Restaurants in Chattanooga

The Rise of Locally-Sourced Restaurants in Chattanooga

One thing that Chattanooga isn’t short of is amazing food, that’s for sure! But another perk of living in the valley is the privilege of being surrounded by home-grown resources from our farmers. We wanted to highlight some of the farm to table restaurants around Chattanooga that pride themselves on using locally-sourced ingredients in their delectable dishes. There are so many more than what’s on this short list, but these are some we’ve tried ourselves and know they are worth sharing!

Chattanooga

1. Main Street Meats

Main Street Meats: A Staple in Chattanooga’s Farm-to-Table Scene

Located next door to the famous Niedlove’s Bakery, Main Street Meats has quickly become a staple in the Chattanooga food scene since its opening in 2014. Main Street Meats is most known for its fresh charcuterie boards, burgers, and butcher counter at the front of the restaurant. That’s right, you can actually pick up your own meats to cook at home if you’d like!

2. 1885 Grill

1885 Grill: Locally-Sourced Dining in St. Elmo and Ooltewah

A gem of St. Elmo, 1885 Grill is a prime date-night restaurant that is highly rated for their burgers, steaks, and seafood. Enjoy their patio on a summer night while a local musician plays! They also have a location in Ooltewah for all of our Bainbridge Park, Magnolia Farms, and Farms at Creekside folks! They make sure to keep their calendar packed full of live music as well as weekly specials for food & drinks!

3. The Feed Table & Tavern

The Feed Table & Tavern: Downtown Chattanooga’s Farm-to-Table Experience

If you haven’t heard of The Feed Table & Tavern yet, we’d be surprised! Located in the heart of downtown Chattanooga in the Southside district, The Feed offers an elevated farm-to-table experience that is greatly due to their partnerships with local farms and grocers. This is no surprise though, because The Feed was a joint-idea by the owners of 1885 Grill and Tremont Tavern which are another pair of amazing Chattanooga staples. Their restaurant space is also very versatile – whether you’re just wanting to enjoy a beer at the bar top or have a quieter space for date night or a dinner party. When you visit, make sure to try the catfish, burgers, or fried green tomatoes!

North Georgia

4. Farm to Fork

Farm to Fork: North Georgia’s Hidden Gem

A local favorite that not many north of the border know about, Farm to Fork opened their 2nd location on Battlefield Parkway in Ringgold, GA in 2017. Their mission is to serve the freshest ingredients they can, with only the “ice and shrimp” being the only frozen items. Farm to Fork grows some of their own vegetables but mostly sources their ingredients from farmers in Chickamauga. Offering a traditional American-style menu, Farm to Fork is a great place to go with family or even a date night. They also often have music, trivia, and other events going on which is a perfect pairing with their delicious meals! This restaurant is not far from our community The Fields at Huntley Meadows!

Cleveland

5. Aubrey’s

Aubrey’s: Community Stewardship and Local Ingredients in Cleveland

Priding themselves in ‘Community Stewardship’, Aubrey’s first started in Knoxville, TN and offers an elevated version of the southern comfort food you love while giving back to the community. Aubrey’s sources most of their ingredients locally – from vegetables, fruits, meats, to seafood. When you go, make sure to try their Grilled Salmon Tacos or Rattlesnake Pasta. Their portions are large – just how we like it in the south! They also often host events and fundraisers for local schools, teachers, and athletes. For our folks at The Trails at Freewill, make sure to check this restaurant out – you won’t be disappointed!

Why Choose Locally-Sourced Restaurants in Chattanooga?

If you’re looking for a home around Chattanooga, North Georgia, or Cleveland, make sure to reach out to us to learn more about our designer communities that are local to many of these amazing restaurants you read about above. Call us today at (423) 757-7687 or visit our Communities page here.

Locally-Sourced Restaurants in Chattanoogagmwebservices2023-05-23T16:19:39+00:00

Featured Home Plan: The Blue Ridge

Welcome Home to The Blue Ridge

This month, we wanted to give you an in-depth look at one of our townhome home plans to show you what townhome living is all about! With sound-deadening walls, your own covered patio and over 2,000 sqft, you don’t need to compromise on the joys of homeownership here at Nestledown in Hixson, TN.

The Blue Ridge offers the most-requested home features this side of the pandemic. With a dedicated home office, open kitchen and living room, 2 extra large bedrooms upstairs along with a third bedroom, as well as an additional flex space upstairs perfect for a second office, a playroom, fitness room, or hobby room, The Blue Ridge is the perfect backdrop for the modern lifestyle with no wasted space.

Tour this luxury townhome virtually here.

Room(s) for all of your goals

This spacious and versatile home plan has plenty of space for all of your hobbies. Whether it’s sunrise yoga or entertaining friends, this plan is full of possibilities.

Thoughtfully-planned spaces

Work from the comfort of home in this dedicated office space just off the kitchen and living room. With a convenient half bath on the main level, a covered patio just a few strides away for break time, and easy access to the kitchen Keurig, you’ll love going to work!

Luxury finishes for stylish, low-maintenance living

High quality finishes offer beauty and peace of mind. Enjoy cozy hardwoods throughout the common areas, sleek granite countertops in the kitchen and bath, and attractive tile in the baths and laundry. This plan is definitely not short of special details throughout.

Browse the Blue Ridge Plans available among our Quick Move-In Homes here.

Everything you need is nearby!

With a variety of shopping and dining just down the road, the location of Nestledown couldn’t get any better…oh wait, yes it can! If you love the outdoors, this community is also near to awesome hiking, biking, and kayaking locations like Chester Frost Park and Greenway Farms!

Ready to schedule a tour of this home?

Currently, The Blue Ridge is offered in Nestledown, in Hixson, TN. Nestledown is an “everything’s included” community where the yard and landscape maintenance is covered in the HOA, so homeowners have more free time to enjoy the area’s beautiful lakes, trails, and parks.

Call 423-757-7687 to learn more or schedule an appointment.

Featured Home Plan: The Blue Ridgegmwebservices2023-05-23T13:16:31+00:00

Best Hiking Trails in East Chattanooga

Chattanooga’s landscape is unique by every definition – hills, mountains, fields, farmland; what more could you need? You never get bored of the view here, that’s for sure! This is why Chattanooga is known as a huge outdoors activities hotspot in the region. Whether you’re an avid hiker, mountain biker, runner, kayaker, or even rock climber, Chattanooga has something for everyone.

Though a lot of the hiking trails are on the western half of the city around Lookout Mountain and Signal Mountain, folks in East Chattanooga shouldn’t fret – there are some great mountain biking, hiking, and even paddling spots for y’all too! We put together a short list of the best hiking trails in East Chattanooga- some of which we love to hike ourselves!

image source: https://parks.hamiltontn.gov/148/Enterprise-South-Nature-Park

1. Enterprise South Nature Park

If you haven’t already heard about this gem, we’d be surprised! Enterprise is only 10 minutes northwest from East Brainerd and downtown Ooltewah, and offers multiple trails across the park. Enterprise has a variety of paved and unpaved trails for mountain biking, road cycling. And it also has spaces perfect for picnics and small events. Birdwatching is an easy hobby to pick up here too with a wide variety of bird species that call Enterprise home!

image source: http://www.catoosarec.com/elsie-a-holmes-nature-park.html

2. Elsie Holmes Nature Park

If you enjoy learning about history and taking in some beautiful nature, then definitely give this spot a visit. Just over the Georgia border in Ringgold, Elsie Holmes features over 2 miles of trail way that is great for hikers, walkers, and runners. Families can come out to enjoy this park at the playground or spend the afternoon fishing along South Chickamauga Creek. Just 10 minutes from East Brainerd and about 20 minutes from Apison, Elsie Holmes has a little something for everyone in the family.

image source: https://www.mtbproject.com/photo/7013584

3. White Oak Mountain Trail System

This trail system features over 12 different trails ranging all difficulty levels for the avid mountain bikers and hikers. Located in beautiful Ooltewah which is just 10 minutes from East Brainerd, White Oak Mountain is a natural gem nestled right behind Southern Adventist University. Be sure to check out popular trails like the Dogwood and White Oak Ridge Loop when you go!

image source: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/tennessee/wolftever-creek-greenway/photos

4. Wolftever Creek Greenway

Wolftever Creek is located outside of Ooltewah in a small suburb called Collegedale and is known as one of the ‘hidden gems’ of the eastern hiking scene. The greenway runs for over 2.5 miles and along the way you can enjoy a variety of activities. Maybe fishing at the pond or take in the sounds of nature while you hike and birdwatch. And if you like art, be sure to stop by Veterans Memorial Park for a look at the flags and sculptures to learn a bit of history.

image source: https://www.chattanoogaaudubon.org/audubon-acres.html

5. Audubon Acres

One of our favorites for those who love to be immersed in nature and enjoy the wildlife. Audubon Acres is home to over 130 acres of land to explore. It offers many walking & hiking trails and paddling in South Chickamauga Creek. They also host summer camps and monthly events for all ages. It does cost $6 a person to explore, however, this site is full of rich history and ‘diversity of animal and plant life’, making it worth your while. Audubon is only minutes from Gunbarrel Rd in East Brainerd, basically in your backyard!

Chattanooga offers an abundance of outdoor activities, many of which are nearby to our communities. All of our communities are thirty minutes or less from Downtown Chattanooga, making them favorable to home buyers who want to explore the city. Check out our quick move-in page to see what homes are available now, and begin your own Chattanooga adventure today!

Best Hiking Trails in East Chattanoogagmwebservices2023-05-01T15:28:31+00:00

Exploring Cleveland, Tennessee with Pratt’s Trails at Freewill Preferred Lender

The Trails at Freewill in Cleveland, Tennessee officially opened this week with new construction single-level and two-level home plans! This community is just minutes from the interestate, off the corner of Candies Lane and Freewill Road. This community will be the first of its kind in Cleveland with a resort-style pool and pool house, as well as sidewalks and lighting throughout. We kicked off with nearly half of our first phase having site reservations, but there are plenty of opportunities to call this picturesque community home.

Just a short drive from both Chattanooga and Knoxville, Cleveland offers the big city conveniences with a small town feel. We caught up with our preferred lender, Bruce Seigel with Movement Mortgage, who also has a home in Cleveland, to learn more about getting qualified for this exciting new community and to hear more about what local adventures he recommends to customers interested in calling this location “home”.

Chatting with Preferred Lender Bruce Seigel of Movement Mortgage

What are you looking forward to most about The Trails at Freewill in Cleveland? I’m excited to be a part of helping homebuyers finance a new home in a unique Cleveland subdivision that was specifically designed to facilitate Community

Why should prospective customers contact you sooner rather than later when considering a new construction home purchase? The more lead time we have the more we are able to optimize their financing package and lock in the best rate available prior to close (extended lock and lock and shop)

What are some great ways first-time home buyers can poise themselves to move forward on a new construction home at this community? Get your preapproval now!

What are some ways customers who are looking to downsize can prepare to move down to a lower maintenance, new construction home? Have a yard sale to declutter yourself from items that no longer bring you “bliss”

What are your favorite restaurants in the Cleveland area? Longhorn, Aubrey’s, Cheddars and Five Guys

What are your favorite outdoor adventures in the Cleveland area? The Greenway, Benton Falls/Chilhowee and Chesnut Mtn.

What do you love about the Cleveland location’s small town feel? There are plenty of big box stores for conveniences, but is small enough to be friendly

What do you like about Cleveland’s proximity to Chattanooga and Knoxville? Conveniently almost smack dab in the middle of two great cities

What else should prospective customers know about building or purchasing a new construction home with Pratt Home Builders? Simply put, Pratt is the #1 local builder for a reason and we are excited to show you why!

Exploring Cleveland, Tennessee with Pratt’s Trails at Freewill Preferred Lendergmwebservices2023-04-06T14:22:22+00:00

FirstBank: Offering the “Whole Package” in Chattanooga

From opening a savings account to buying a new home, banking is personal.

Whether you’re a long-time resident of the Chattanooga area or you have recently relocated and have a new home on your list of goals for the new year, you deserve a banking experience that’s easy and personalized. Mortgage banker Gabe Whitmer and his team deliver the right type of support for your financial and lifestyle goals.

Highlights:

Chattanooga Mortgage Banker of the Year
#1 Top Producer for FirstBank Mortgage in 2022
Served 583 families & individuals in 2022, including 181 first-time home buyers

What can you expect from FirstBank?

Getting a mortgage is simple in theory — complete a home loan application, submit supporting documentation, and then wait for an approval. Sounds easy enough, right? However, mortgage loans aren’t created equal, so a program that works for one borrower might not work for another.

Whether you’re a first-time home buyer, a repeat buyer, or you’re refinancing an existing loan, our Chattanooga team will work closely with you to find the mortgage that best suits your situation. Common loan options include:

FHA loans
VA loans
Conventional loans
Jumbo loans
USDA loans

Are you thinking about a custom new home?

FirstBank also has new construction loans and land loans to cover costs associated with building a home from start to finish. You can also take advantage of non-traditional loans, as well as a seller concession that temporarily lowers your mortgage rate.

For example, you might qualify for a purchase home equity line of credit (HELOC). A HELOC is a revolving line of credit (secured by your home) that you borrow from on an as-needed basis. These are typically second liens or second mortgages. But in the case of a purchase-HELOC, the line of credit is in first position. This can occur when a borrower uses a HELOC to pay off their first mortgage.

A purchase-HELOC offers spending flexibility and may be a great option if you plan to purchase a home with a significant down payment. If the HELOC has a lower rate than your first mortgage, you may also save money on interest in the long-term.

In addition, ask our loan experts about seller-paid buydowns. Higher mortgage rates make it more expensive to purchase a home. Buydowns, however, reduce a borrower’s mortgage rate for the first couple of years, resulting in smaller initial payments.

But while FirstBank is eager to be your mortgage lender of choice, we offer other services too:

Personal checking
Personal savings
Personal lending
24/7 telephone banking
Mobile banking
Business banking

FirstBank’s private banking and relationship managers, Sherry Babin and Debbie Scott, provide concierge-like banking services to customers. These skilled professionals can design a strategy to meet your short and long-term needs — whether you’re seeking basic financial planning, wealth management, estate planning, tax planning, etc.

Every customer is different, so the products and services they need often depend on their goals and financial stage. Whatever season you’re at in life, the FirstBank team in Chattanooga can offer the “whole package” and serve all your banking needs.

Contact First Bank today to discuss your needs and goals.

FirstBank: Offering the “Whole Package” in Chattanoogagmwebservices2025-10-22T11:57:57+00:00

Healthy Holiday Recipes

Chattanooga Chef and Blogger @TheFriendlyFeast contributed these recipes to our blog. They feature seasonal veggies that are filling and hearty to use all winter long.

Roasted Delicata Squash with Balsamic Glaze by Kate Veltkamp (@friendlyfeasting)

1 delicata squash, cut into rings with seeds removed using a spoon

2 T olive oil

1 ½ cups balsamic vinegar

½ cup brown sugar

1 T nondairy butter (I like Country Crock brand best)

1 clove garlic, minced

2 large handfuls of fresh baby spinach

¼ cup vegan feta cheese crumbles (I like Follow Your Heart brand best)

¼ cup pecans, roughly chopped

Salt and pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F while you prepare your ingredients.
Coat the delicata squash rings in olive oil using a pastry brush. Top with a few pinches of salt and pepper. Place the rings onto a cookie sheet and pop them into the oven for 18 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Both sides should be brown and the edges should be a little crisp.
While the squash is baking, begin your glaze by whisking the vinegar and sugar together in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring this to a boil and then reduce the heat, allowing it to simmer for the remainder of the time. (this step can be done ahead of time to achieve an even thicker glaze if it is cooled after cooking)
Melt butter in a medium-sized pan over medium-low heat and then add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, making sure it doesn’t brown. Toss spinach into the pan and allow it to wilt, stirring to ensure the garlic butter coats all of it. This process should only take a max of 3 minutes. Sprinkle a pinch of salt on the sauteed spinach and stir, then taste to see if more salt is needed.
Plate the dish by arranging the squash rings slightly on top of one another and then topping them with sauteed spinach, vegan feta, and chopped pecans. Finish by drizzling the balsamic glaze over the whole dish. I like to give it one more sprinkle of salt and pepper at the end. This recipe is easily doubled but you won’t need to double the glaze portion; it makes a lot!

Butternut Squash and Apple Bisque by Kate Veltkamp (@friendlyfeasting)
INGREDIENTS
3 cups butternut squash, cubed (alternatively, use 1 can of precooked squash)
3 T butter
1 large onion chopped
1/2 cup Honeycrisp or other sweet apple cubed
3 cloves garlic minced
1 T Bragg’s liquid aminos or Soy Sauce
3 cups vegetable stock/no-chicken broth
2 T nutritional yeast
1/2 cup cashew creme
1 T parsley chopped
ground nutmeg

Cook the butternut squash in a pressure cooker //or on a regular stove top. For a pressure cooker, add 1 cup of water and squash and cook on high pressure for 3 minutes, quick release the pressure valve. //For regular stovetop, add squash to large saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil and then simmer for 10 minutes. Drain.

In a large soup pot, melt butter over medium heat and add onions and apple pieces. Cook until onions are translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and let cook 1 minute. Splash with the bragg’s aminos/soy sauce. Simmer 1 minute more, then add broth/stock and stir. Add in the pre-cooked butternut squash and nutritional yeast and cook 2 minutes on high heat.

Using an immersion blender, blend thoroughly until smooth or if you prefer the chunkiness of a bisque, pulse the blender a few times to combine. (Alternatively, blend in batches in a traditional blender) Add in the cashew creme, reserving a few spoonfuls for adding to the top of each bowl. Simmer 1 more minute in the pot and then divvy out the portions into soup bowls. Top with creme, parsley and a dash of nutmeg, if desired.

Happy Holidays!
Kate Velcamp
The Friendly Feast

Healthy Holiday Recipesgmwebservices2022-11-24T18:14:14+00:00

Fall Activities in Chattanooga!

As the summer season comes to a close, it’s the perfect time to partake in all the Fall activities Chattanooga offers. From Fall inspired beverages to beautiful hikes seeing the changing leaves to haunted houses, there’s something for everyone. Read along to learn more about these Fall inspired activities!

Fall Treats!

Head up Signal Mountain to pick apples at Fairmount Orchard. The farm is open daily with an array of jams, jellies, butter, honey, and so much more to try. They are also known for their famous apple cider, so don’t forget to enjoy a cup while shopping.

Fairmount Orchard’s Apple Cider is a must-try!

Back down the mountain, there are several local coffee shops whose Fall-inspired drink menus are a must-try, especially (Be) Caffeinated, located in Northshore Chattanooga. Right now, they’re serving an Oatmeal Cream Pie Latte, an ode to the popular Little Debbie snack. This latte is made up of white chocolate, toasted marshmallow, Irish Cream, cinnamon, and nutmeg. They are also serving a Pecan Pie Latte, Green Apple Matcha, and of course, the classic Pumpkin Spice Latte.

Swing by (Be) Caffeinated to sample their Fall-inspired menu.

See the Leaves!

Venture over to Greenway Farms in Hixson for a fun day of hiking and exploring as the leaves are changing. Greenway Farms has several hiking and biking trails to check out that run throughout the large stretch of land, where you are sure to see beautiful fall scenery. Along some of the trails, you might pass by the quarry, originally excavated by the Tennesse Valley Authority (TVA) when the Chickamauga Dam was under construction, using it as a source of limestone. With its high walls and vast pool of water, the quarry is a sight you don’t want to miss! Additionally, Greenway Farms happens to be very close to one of our newest communities, Nestledown. This townhome, low-maintenance community is just five minutes away, making it a convenient spot for dog walking, hiking, or picnics.

Get Spooked!

For a spookier fall activity, gather a group of friends and spend an evening at Dread Hollow Haunted House. Located on Browns Ferry Road, this haunted house is not recommended for anyone under the age of 12 and is sure to leave you feeling a bit on edge. Tickets are sold online, and they include entry to all three houses at Dread Hollow, so get your ticket now!

Chattanooga offers an abundance of fall activities to try, many of which are nearby to our communities. All of our communities are twenty minutes or less from Downtown Chattanooga, making them favorable to home buyers who want to explore the city. Check out our quick move-in page to see what homes are available now, and begin your own Chattanooga adventure today!

Fall Activities in Chattanooga!gmwebservices2022-09-27T03:55:09+00:00

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