Low-Maintenance Living for Busy Professionals and Growing Families: Discover the Pratt Townhome Advantage

In today’s fast-paced world, low-maintenance living isn’t just a perk—it’s a priority. Whether you’re a busy professional juggling work and travel, or a growing family seeking simplicity and safety, a Pratt Home Builders townhome may be the smart, stylish, and surprisingly affordable answer you’ve been looking for.

Why More Buyers Are Choosing Townhomes Over Traditional Homes

For many, the idea of owning a home without the hassle of constant upkeep is a dream come true. At Pratt Home Builders, our townhomes offer the freedom of homeownership—without all of the chores that come with it. No more mowing the lawn on weekends. That’s right: our communities are designed with maintenance-free or low-maintenance exteriors, so you can enjoy your time how you want—not behind a weed trimmer.

If you’re tired of renting but feel overwhelmed by the responsibilities of a larger home, our townhomes offer the best of both worlds: affordability, flexibility, and freedom.

new affordable, move-in ready townhome Ooltewah, TN for sale

Features Designed for the Way You Live

Whether you’re a young buyer looking to build equity or a small family planning your next chapter, our thoughtfully designed townhomes combine stunning finishes, comfort, efficiency, and long-term peace of mind.

safe community with outdoor space

Low Maintenance, High Style

Say goodbye to yard work and exterior upkeep. With professional landscaping, durable finishes, and HOA-managed exteriors, you get a pristine, beautiful neighborhood with zero stress.

Safe, Quiet, and Built to Last

Every Pratt townhome features sound-resistant walls and fire-resistant construction—so you can relax and enjoy peace and quiet, even in a bustling community. It’s the kind of security and serenity that renters rarely experience.

Functional, Flexible Layouts

Our designs maximize space without waste. Think wide 36” doors for easy moving, spacious laundry rooms, and step-free showers that offer beauty and function—perfect for families and future-minded professionals alike.

Bright Kitchens, Thoughtful Finishes

Modern cabinetry, under-cabinet lighting, and open-concept layouts create the kind of space that’s perfect for meal prep, morning coffee, or entertaining friends after work.

Budget-Friendly Without Compromise

Townhomes from Pratt Home Builders are priced to be approachable—ideal for first-time buyers, young couples, or professionals who want to own, not rent.

Buying your first home? Our townhomes are often more affordable than rent—and with incentives like 3 years of HOA fees included or fixed-rate financing, the value is unbeatable.

Thinking long-term? Skip the endless rent checks and start building equity in a safe, stable, beautifully crafted community.

Real Freedom for Real Life

You’ve got meetings to run, kids to raise, vacations to plan, and dreams to chase. Shouldn’t your home support that? According to KeyRenter.com, “buying a home can be a significant step towards building equity and can potentially offer stability and freedom to customize your living space.” With a Pratt Home Builders townhome, you’re choosing a life of flexibility, financial wisdom, and freedom from weekend chores. You’re choosing a place where your lifestyle is celebrated and your investment grows.

Townhome Communities You’ll Love

We build in some of the Greater Chattanooga area’s most desirable neighborhoods, with easy access to downtown, top rated schools, parks, shopping, and commuting routes—because convenience matters as much as comfort.

Want to see what low-maintenance living really looks like?

Check out our latest listings:
Browse Available Townhomes 

Schedule a Tour Today

Explore Floor Plans and Pricing

office space in single family home available now, two car garage, great schools

Helpful Resources

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Don’t settle for renting. Don’t overextend on a big house you don’t need. Let us help you find your perfect townhome match—a place that meets your needs now and grows with you into the future.

Call us today at 423-757-7687 or
 Schedule your tour online now!

Low-Maintenance Living for Busy Professionals and Growing Families: Discover the Pratt Townhome Advantage2025-07-23T19:26:52+00:00

Top 5 Family-Friendly Chattanooga Neighborhoods to Build or Buy a New Home

When finding the best neighborhoods in Chattanooga for families, Pratt Home Builders offers several standout options designed with comfort, convenience, and community. Whether you’re looking to move in quickly or build new, these five communities are some of the most sought-after, family-friendly communities in Chattanooga.

If you’re beginning your home search, take a moment to explore our available communities to see which one feels like home. Chattanooga was recently ranked as one of the Top 100 Best Places to Live in the U.S., and for good reason. With its balance of scenic beauty, modern amenities, and strong sense of community, it’s the perfect place to raise a family. Families also love that our neighborhoods include climate-conscious infrastructure, like biofiltration systems and low-impact designs, which help protect the environment while enhancing long-term livability.

Magnolia Farms – New Phase 4

Nestled in the heart of Ooltewah, Magnolia Farms has become a flagship community for families looking to embrace the best of Southern living. The newly released Phase 4 offers even more spacious homesites and exciting new home designs, but its family-focused amenities make this neighborhood shine. Wide sidewalks connect the community, encouraging evening strolls and bike rides. Kids can enjoy the resort-style pool, sports fields, and open green spaces, while parents gather under the cabana or relax on front porches with neighbors. It’s a place where kids play freely in the yard, ride scooters after school, and build lifelong friendships. Magnolia Farms captures what it means to grow up in a true community.

Magnolia Farms Chattanooga

The Trails at Freewill

For families who love to stay active, The Trails at Freewill in Cleveland is the perfect fit. This scenic community features winding walking trails, peaceful views, and homes designed with everyday family life in mind. The trails are a favorite feature for residents, from morning jogs to stroller walks. And with nearby schools, retail, and quick highway access, the location is as practical as it is peaceful.

The Farms at Creekside

This serene and charming community delivers a rural feel without sacrificing convenience. Located in North Georgia, The Farms at Creekside is ideal for families seeking privacy and extra space. Farmhouse-inspired architecture, front porches, and large yards make it feel like your private retreat. It’s a favorite for parents who want quiet evenings on the porch and for kids who love to roam and explore safely.

Bainbridge

Bainbridge offers a sophisticated take on family living. With its elevated architectural style, community green spaces, and proximity to top-tier schools, it’s a neighborhood that combines timeless design with everyday functionality. These homes were crafted with families in mind—think open layouts, smart storage, and kitchens designed by expert interior designers to help you greet the kids with breakfast at the island or bake cookies on a rainy afternoon. Memory-making moments start here.

Bainbridge Chattanooga drone image

Engel Park

Engel Park in Hixson is one of our most welcoming and accessible communities. It’s beloved for its affordability, generous home sizes, and strong sense of community. Engel Park is perfect for families who want connection, comfort, and convenience. With parks, schools, and shopping just minutes away, it’s the ideal launching pad for busy family life and a quiet retreat to come home to.

Explore Family-Friendly Living with Pratt Home Builders

Living in a Pratt community means more than owning a home. It’s a lifestyle. From resort-style pools and walkable sidewalks to climate-conscious design and expertly styled interiors, our homes are crafted for how real families live. Curious about how we’re building more sustainable, energy-efficient homes? Check out our recent article on eco-friendly home building in Chattanooga and how we’re helping families plan for the future.

Ready to start building your future with us? Call us at 423-757-7687 or browse our communities to find the neighborhood that feels like home.

Written by: Lexie Bradshaw

Top 5 Family-Friendly Chattanooga Neighborhoods to Build or Buy a New Home2025-05-12T20:38:54+00:00

Building Equity in the Chattanooga Real Estate Market: Why Buying Now Makes Sense

The Chattanooga real estate market is constantly changing, and with uncertainty in the economy, many potential buyers wonder whether now is the right time to invest in a home. The reality is that homeownership remains an effective way to build long-term wealth, even during unpredictable times. Instead of waiting for the “perfect” time, savvy buyers recognize that purchasing now means securing equity and economic stability for the future.

Equity: The Key to Long-Term Wealth

Home equity is the difference between what your home is worth and what you owe on your mortgage. As you make monthly payments and the value of your home increases, your equity grows, allowing you to build wealth over time. Unlike rent, where every payment goes to a landlord with no return on investment, homeownership gives you a financial asset that appreciates. According to a recent Reuters poll, home prices are expected to rise moderately, reflecting expectations from previous surveys, making real estate one of the safest investments.

Home equity benefits

Interest Rates and the Cost of Waiting

Mortgage rates fluctuate, but they remain historically favorable compared to past decades. While some buyers may wait for lower rates, timing the market is nearly impossible. Delaying a purchase could mean missing out on the opportunity to lock in a rate before prices and demand increase. A recent report from the Associated Press suggests that while interest rates are stabilizing, home prices continue to rise due to low inventory. Buying now allows you to start building equity immediately instead of waiting for an uncertain future.

Cost of Rent is Rising

Rent prices have increased significantly in recent years, with no signs of slowing down anytime soon. According to Investopedia, rental costs are rising faster than wages, making it much harder for renters to save for a home. Homeownership, on the other hand, provides stability. A fixed mortgage payment ensures your housing costs remain predictable while rising home values contribute to growing equity. Instead of spending money on rent with no return on investment, owning a home allows you to put your money into your future and enjoy the benefits of stability and financial security.

Why Chattanooga Homebuyers Are Taking Advantage of the Market

So many people are choosing to raise their families in Chattanooga right now. Gig City is known for its perfect mix of affordability, substantial growing property value, and a thriving local economy. Chattanooga’s magnetic pull for families is sending property values soaring, creating a golden opportunity for current buyers to build long-term wealth, and securing a wise investment for the future.

For over 25 years, Pratt Home Builders has been helping families create their dream homes in this beautiful city we call home. Our communities are designed to create lasting value, blending quality craftsmanship with thoughtful layouts that feel like home. If you’ve considered buying, now is the time to move. Check out our available homes and see why thousands of homebuyers choose Pratt Homes to build their future.

Why Buying New Homes in the Chattanooga Real Estate Market Builds Equity Faster

A brand-new home isn’t just about fresh paint and modern finishes; it’s about making a wise financial investment. Choosing an older home for your investment can come with unexpected repairs; a newly built home from Pratt Home Builders gives you a head start on building equity. New construction homes are designed for energy efficiency, keeping your utility costs low while increasing the long-term value of your property.

Beyond just financial benefits, building a new home also means you can personalize it to your needs. You get to design a space that fits your lifestyle from day one, with no costly renovations or compromises down the road. At Pratt Home Builders, we offer floor plans in the Chattanooga real estate market tailored to how you live, ensuring your home grows with you and your family. Every dollar you put into your new home adds value. You can move into a house without fear of hidden, outdated features or the stress of repairs.

Now Is the Time to Build Your Future

If you’re waiting for the “perfect time” to buy a home, you might be waiting too long. Home prices are rising, and rent isn’t getting any cheaper. The best way to secure your financial future is by investing in a home in the Chattanooga real estate market that builds wealth and not your landlord’s.

The good news? You don’t have to figure it out alone. Brittany and her team at Pratt Home Builder are here to help you find the right home, understand your financing options, and make the process as simple as possible. Whether you’re ready to buy now or want to explore your options, she is here to guide you through every step.

Don’t wait—your dream home is within reach! Call Brittany at (423) 757-7687 to make an appointment today or connect with us here to get early access to the best location and home for you!

Written by: Lexie Bradshaw

Building Equity in the Chattanooga Real Estate Market: Why Buying Now Makes Sense2025-09-15T13:28:54+00:00

New Home Favorite Features: Dedicated Home Office

Here at Pratt Home Builders, we have a plethora of options in floor plans that meet your needs! Within the past few years, many jobs have been moved from office positions to work from home or you may work from home a certain number of days during the week. Did you know Pratt Home Builders offers home plans with a dedicated office?

Some of our plans that include a dedicated office include the Riverbirch, Shenandoah, Waterford, New Haven, Peyton, Quail Run, Emory, Meridian and many more to choose from!

When working from home, it is very important to create a space that keeps productivity a priority! There are many things that affect a dedicated office to ensure a high productivity rate. In the majority of our plans that have a dedicated office, you may see the offices being shown at the front of the house – this allows natural daylight to come into the space, security measures of the front of your house and being tucked away from the noisier parts of your home as well! Even though some plans allow for a dedicated office, you do not necessarily have to use it as an office! Dedicated spaces can be used as a game room, gym/ exercise room, playroom, craft room, home office, storage and so many more purposes that meet your family’s needs. Having that dedicated space within your home allows flexibility for you and your family to use it the way you want!

A dedicated office space allows individuals with the following:

  1. Freedom to create and furnish your own workspace.
  2. Ready for future emergencies.
  3. Shorter commutes decrease air pollution for a healthier environment.
  4. Flexibility.
  5. Increase the value of your home.

At times, when working from home, it can be difficult to keep the work life balance a priority. Having a dedicated office that is enclosed by doors can allow you to mentally and physically shut the door to start and end your workday.

The main goal of having a home office is to ensure productivity is a priority. Color selections that you put into an office can help determine the level of productivity and what impact it can have on the individual utilizing the space. Some individuals prefer to have a room that is dark and moody while others like to have a bright and airy work zone. Pratt Home Builders offers multiple options to add such as wainscoting, Sherwin Williams paint deck to choose from, flooring options and ceiling details to make the room more personable to your aesthetic.

While in Design, the designers will work with you to create your perfect office space that meets your needs. Whether you need a dedicated office or a separate space within your home, Pratt Home Builders has exactly what you need to take priority in your life!

New Home Favorite Features: Dedicated Home Office2024-07-08T15:45:37+00:00

Pratt Design Team Visits Shaw

Pratt pre-sale customers typically travel to Pratt Home Builders for design sessions, but our design team also travels on behalf of our customers! One of the
most fun and exciting aspects of designing a home is being able to choose among the new stylish and high-quality inventory coming into the Design Center Showroom.

Travelling for Trends

A few weeks ago, the Pratt Home Builders interior design team traveled from our design center in Chattanooga, Tennessee to Atlanta, Georgia to Shaw Contract. We were on a mission to find new and current inventory for all of our clients here at Pratt Home Builders. During the
designers’ time at Shaw, we met with our Sales Representative for the Chattanooga area to learn more about all of the new products that are coming to the market. We went over so many different types of flooring examples included engineered
hardwood, luxury vinyl plank, carpet, subway tile, and penny round tile – small applications and large – we covered it for you!

Flooring Options for Every Style

As interior designers, it is our responsibility to keep our showroom updated for clients and stay in touch with our vendors to see what is going in & out of the market. We are so excited
for these new items to come to the showroom and be able to show clients going through design as well as prospective clients! One of the greatest aspects of the construction and design field is being able to create
reliable connections through the vendors we work with. Although many would think of the design showroom here at Pratt being a “one stop shop” for clients, we have several vendors that we partner with to be able to create an unlimited design palette to walk you through.

Shaw is one of the main vendors that Pratt showcases various products from in the design showroom – examples include engineered hardwood, luxury vinyl plank, backsplash, carpet, floor tile & wall tile. These are not only options for pre-sale customers to choose from, but go-to options that our design team will curate for design market homes.

Sustainability Matters

Our team loves that Shaw has a focus on sustainability, which is shown through the materials health, circular economy to reuse and recycle product back within itself, creating a priority of cradle to cradle standards vs cradle to grave, recognizing the importance of carbon impact of their products as well as keeping diversity, equity and inclusion a priority. Shaw holds themselves to a high standard and we think highly of them for that.

We had so much fun being able to pick out new products for future clients while in Atlanta and we hope you will have the same amount of fun in the showroom designing your future new Pratt home!

Pratt Design Team Visits Shaw2024-03-18T17:18:21+00:00

Financial Matchmaking: Find the Right Loan for Your New Home Goals

by Rusty Wienk, FirstBank Mortgage

The journey of a first time home buyer can be a harrowing one.  It is a complex process and experiencing a variety of emotions along the way is completely normal.  Thank the internet for that; allowing us to spend hours looking at homes and floorplans – escaping to the dream of homeownership before we approach the reality of home buying.  While it isn’t universally true, there is no doubt the process has some nuances, and an unprepared buyer will feel overwhelmed. Luckily, some information, strategy and finding the right lending partner can go a long way in laying the foundation for making those dreams a reality. All of these contribute to confidence in your finances and therefore, other choices along the way. Consider this your guide to financial matchmaking and finding the right home for your new home goals.

Knowledge is power

Let’s start by addressing the acronyms, which find endless use in mortgage. Take a complex term and condense it to three or four letters and it makes it all simpler, right?  Wrong!!!  In this post, the following five acronyms will be used.

THB  = First-Time Home Buyer, someone who has not owned a home in the past three-years

DPA = Down Payment Assistance, funds to help cover the downpayment and/or closing costs

AMI = Area Median Income, statistical middle income for a geographic area (not the same as average)

DTI = Debt-to-Income, how much debt a person has compared to their income

LTV = Loan to Value, the percentage of a loan compared to the value of the home

Planning ahead

One challenge FTHBs face in today’s market is saving up enough for a downpayment and closing costs. The minimum down payment for a FTHB is 3% on a conventional loan.  This can be especially challenging, even with moderate income, given our recent inflation rates and home appreciation.  A FTHB does not have the advantage of rolling equity from a previous home into their next purchase, so quickly accumulating $20,000 to purchase a home is not an easy task.  Let’s face it, it is hard to save fast enough!

A second pain point for that FTHB with limited funds is finding a program.  Many DPA programs have income limits that are set by AMI. Furthermore, many programs require your income to be 80% of AMI and since it varies by location, some less densely populated counties, can be prohibitively low.  Examples include Whitfield or Murray County at $57,200!  Fortunately, the closer to a metro area you get, the more reasonable they become with 80% AMI of Catoosa, Walker, or Hamilton being $72,560.

The good news is, that if you are in that 80% AMI range, there are some excellent programs available.  Two offered by first bank are FirstStart, a conventional FTHB loan up to 105% LTV or BetterAffordable, a FTHB conventional loan up to 100% LTV.  Both of these loan programs feature Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac programs that provide lower interest rates than standard mortgages.

But what happens when you work hard, climb the “ladder,” establish good credit, pay down debt, only to find out you make too much money? Thankfully, FirstBank was still thinking of you!  We offer BetterFuture, one of the few, true no-income limit conventional FTHB loans!  We spent over half a year working with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, those two big quasi-governmental agencies that setup the guidelines on conventional loans, to create a product that works for all incomes. The program requires a minimum investment of $1,000, but AMI is irrelevant.

Finding the right lending partner

The bottom line is this: A good loan officer will ask the right questions, collect the right documents, and identify the right program.  But, it is helpful to be aware of the process and through the process.  Ready to get started?  Let’s talk!

Example: On a $300,000, 30-year loan with 0% down payment, the total monthly mortgage payment with a rate of 6.99%, 7.066% APR would be $1,976, taxes and insurance not included. The FirstStart Loan requires a borrower investment of $500. The BetterAffordable and BetterFuture Loan requires a borrower investment of $1,000.  The borrower investment can be used towards any closing costs, including appraisal. Application is required and subject to underwriting. Not all applicants are approved. Full documentation and property insurance required. Loan secured by a lien against your property. Fees and charges apply and may vary by product and state. Terms, conditions and restrictions apply, so call for details. FirstBank Mortgage provides a variety of loan products with different rates, payments and fees. All loans are subject to credit approval. Products and services offered by FirstBank. FirstBank Mortgage is a division of FirstBank. FirstBank Institution NMLS ID 472433.

Get Started

Ultimately, the Pratt Home Builders team is the first start place. Once you have had a Discovery Call to get ideas on the best community for you, a Pratt New Home Consultant, who are all licensed Realtors, can offer more information on the various options whether a personalized build or a designer market home is right for you, and which of their vetted lending partners is the best fit for that goal.

Financial Matchmaking: Find the Right Loan for Your New Home Goals2024-01-25T21:59:47+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”.

 

The Trails at Freewill Community Logo

 

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 Lender2023-04-06T14:22:22+00:00

How to Make a House Feel Like Home

Whether you’ve been in your home for several years or live in temporary housing, it’s essential to create a house that feels like your own. The wonderful thing about designing a house to compliment your personality is that you can begin making those changes at any point. It might be discouraging to have been in a space for a long time and have it not feel like home. That feeling is a great motivator to take the first step towards curating the best environment for you and your family.

family decorating their house

Wondering where to start?

There are numerous ways to take an unfamiliar home and turn it into something exciting. When first beginning to make changes around your home, ask yourself, “What environment do I feel the most comfortable in?” As you ponder this question, lean into your senses and envision sights, sounds, and scents that make you feel at peace. Incorporating this into your thought process will allow you to see decorating your home from a new perspective.

An important aspect to remember in this process is patience. There is no rush; your home won’t be exactly right from the beginning. Things come together in time, and you have to be willing to trust the process. Start with a specific room, one you spend most of your time in, and go from there. There is more creative freedom in decorating if your priorities are focused on one space at a time. Slowly, you will be able to complete rooms one by one instead of several unfinished spaces and a handful of unnecessary stress. Your style may ebb and flow as time goes on, so it’s always okay to make changes once you have completed a project.

 desktop of color swatches

Personalization

Everyone has a unique style that may be specific to one aesthetic or multiple. In your home, you can use art, lighting, color, patterns, or a plethora of things to enhance your environment. Art is one of the best ways to express your style, and it’s said to be a mood booster in your home. If your home has empty walls or feels dark, try adding a few pieces of art that fit your style and see what a difference it can make. Not only will you be able to admire it often, but your friends and family will have a chance to understand your interests and style. Maybe you prefer photography, posters, or small mementos displayed around your home. A gallery wall would be great for this and can bring out a unique personality in your space.

Lighting & Color

When lighting and color work together, it helps create a cohesive style throughout your home. If your home has harsh lighting, investing in table lamps, string lights or warm-toned bulbs could help provide a sense of peace and calmness. Whether you prefer cool or warm tones, adding pops of color into each room will always contribute to a room’s design. When choosing your colors, make sure to use a specific color palette. This will help ease the transition from one room to another.

gallery wall

There is no better feeling than ending each day in a home that reflects your personality and caters to your needs. Suppose you’re curious about your style or want to figure out more about what you like; take this quiz that will offer great information and tips on decor that could work best for you and your home. You may also want to head over to our photo gallery, where you can see a library of design features we offer in our homes.

Inspiration can come from anywhere; when it’s time to create your home, all you have to do is take that first step!

How to Make a House Feel Like Home2022-05-01T09:00:06+00:00

Team Spotlight: Meet our Preferred Lender, Wayne Denham

While he is not technically part of the Pratt Home Builders Team, the Pratt Process would not be complete without him. Wayne Denham is the representative for our Preferred Lender, Platinum Financial. He is always just a call away with incredibly prompt service and an incredible customer-service based attitude with a heart for making everyone with a desire to call themselves a homeowner achieve that goal.

Pratt Home Builders (PHB): Wayne, tell us about yourself.

Wayne Denham (WD): I’m Wayne and I have lived in Chattanooga my entire life, been a mortgage loan officer since 1994

 

PHB: How long have you been working with the Pratt Home Builders brand?

WD: Since 2011 when I choose Pratt to build my personal home

 

 

PHB: We love how much you’ve enjoyed your beautiful Pratt home. As a customer, what was your favorite part of the Pratt Process?

WD: I liked the process of picking out everything from the brick to the tile, we felt like you were ordering a brand new car from top to bottom

 

 

PHB: What home plan do you live in and what is your favorite thing about it?

WD: I chose to build the Azaela Hall Plan and love the high ceilings in the living room and the open feel. It’s been the perfect home plan for our family over the years and we still love both our home plan and our community.

 

 

PHB: What are your favorite things to do and places to go in the Greater Chattanooga area?

WD: The lake is my favorite getaway, best golf courses, best restaurants, walking trails, downtown

 

 

PHB: Why do you feel now is such an opportune time to buy or build new construction in the Greater Chattanooga area?

WD: If you want to get everything you want in a floor plan to fit your furniture now is the time with incredibly low interest rates and being at such a pivotal time in our market.

 

PHB: Why is getting pre-approved prior to starting your home search so important, and how can prospective homeowners get in touch with you?

WD: Getting pre-approved is good to know what the payment will be for the 30 years

 

PHB: What is your favorite part living in the Scenic City?

WD: I can be Atlanta, Nashville, Knoxville, Birmingham, in two hours, so it’s convenient for an on-the-go lifestyle, and I never get tired of the beautiful mountains you can see all over the area.

Team Spotlight: Meet our Preferred Lender, Wayne Denham2021-05-10T21:46:41+00:00

PHB Home Stories: Meet First-time homebuyer Allison White

We spoke with first-time home buyer Allison White about her what it’s like to be building and making selections for her first new construction home in the (booming) Chattanooga market.

Pratt Home Builders: Why did you feel now is the right time to buy a new construction home?

Allison: A lot of it has to do with the timing of being ready to move in.  For me, I was living alone in an apartment when the pandemic hit.  I moved in with my parents “temporarily” since I’m a pretty social person.  Living in isolation was not good for me.  Then the tornado over Easter hit my apartment as well, so I fully moved in.  With Covid still a threat, I don’t want to move back out too soon and find myself isolated like I was at the start of the pandemic, just in a bigger space!  The timeline of building fits when I am hopeful to be able to get back out in the world more comfortably.

 

PHB: Did you look at both new homes and resales? Why did you land decide on new construction instead of a resale?

Allison: I did look at what I’ve been jokingly calling “used” homes before opting on new construction.  Because of the timeline issue I mentioned before and the record low inventory in resales, I was having trouble finding what I was looking for.  Every house I saw that came close was missing at least one item on my “must have” list.  With new construction, I am able to get all my “must haves” within my budget, so it just makes the most sense for what I’m looking for and my timeline.

 

PHB: With the low inventory and competition among resales, would you expect to see new construction homes become the “new normal” in real estate”

Allison: Based on what I saw on the market, it wouldn’t surprise me.  If new construction can guarantee what you want in a home, and the price is right, I would think that would be the better option.  Unless you need a home quickly, why not build what you want?

 

PHB: Does the long warranty make you feel additional ease as a first-time buyer?

Allison: Absolutely!  It’s nice to know that I won’t have to worry about things breaking for a long time.  I’m not the most handy with home repairs, so not having to think about hiring someone to fix things is great for my piece of mind and my budget!

 

PHB: I know you mentioned you are having some special features added to your home – can you talk about those?

Allison: The features I’ve upgraded are just the things that I really want in my home such as a screened porch, a tub in the master bath, and a wall oven in the kitchen to name a few.

 

PHB: What are you most excited about when it comes to your home plan and finishes?

Allison: I’m super excited to put my touch on everything and truly make it mine.  I’m looking forward to going through the process of designing the finishes and getting to pick everything out.  As for the home plan, I love the layout and the way the home flows.  I think it will be everything I’ve been looking for in a home.  I can already imagine living in the space and using each area throughout the day.

 

PHB: Why did you choose the community/location that you landed on and what are you most looking forward to about being in the area?

Allison: I grew up just outside of Red Bank, so I was hoping to move back to the north side of town.  I was looking at homes in the Red Bank, Northshore, and Hixson areas of Chattanooga.  The location of this neighborhood is fantastic as it is close to all the places I spend regular time during the week (church, work, recreation).  I also love how close it is to the Greenway Farms area so it will be easy to go to the park frequently.  The community feels like it is in the middle of the country, but I can get to city amenities within 5 minutes.

 

PHB: What are you most looking forward to about your design process?

Allison: This is a hard question because the answer is “all of it!”.  I’ve never built a home before, but I think it will be an interesting and fun process to go through, especially since I’m not doing it on my own.  I think the design meetings will be enjoyable as I look at all the different options.  I intend to drive by the lot at least weekly to watch the progress of my home being built.

 

PHB: How do you feel about being able to have you own place to call “home” given the current unprecedented situation we are living in?

Allison: I’ve lived alone before, but always in a rented apartment.  I’m thrilled to finally be on the path to owning my home.  I love the idea that I can do anything with the space since it’s mine, even as simply as changing a wall color.  I’m also looking forward to not hearing my neighbors through the walls or ceiling!  I grew up in a neighborhood with great neighbors who cared about the community we lived in.  I’m looking forward to building that with my future neighbors as well.  I think people just care more when there is ownership.

 

PHB: How would you describe your process so far?

Allison: So far, the whole process has been pleasant and pretty easy.  A lot of that has to do with the people I’ve been working with who really know their stuff and are able to guide me through.  I’m not very far in yet, but I feel confident that it will continue to be a lovely experience based on what I’ve seen.  I have always heard horror stories about people building houses, but that has not been my experience at all!

 

PHB: Is there anything else you’d like to add?

Allison: I can’t wait to take each next step and watch the whole process take place!

 

Ready to build your new home? We can help! Visit https://prattliving.com/find-your-home/ to get started.

PHB Home Stories: Meet First-time homebuyer Allison White2021-03-25T20:10:16+00:00
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