chattanooga Archives - Page 2 of 5

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

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

5 Indoor Herbs to Spruce Up Your Home and Recipes this Fall and Winter

Temperatures are dropping in the Greater Chattanooga area and the colder part of Fall is just around the corner. As leaves change colors, sweaters come out of the closet, and there are fewer hours of sunlight, it’s a great time to plan new pastimes for winter months. Indoor gardening has become a favorite activity of many residents. Luckily, herbs are an easy way to begin and serve multiple purposes within the home. Indoor plants improve air quality and emotional health. Herbs also add an aromatic element to your space that can boost emotional health, and have many health benefits to boost immunity all winter long. The ones below are also versatile and perfect for a variety of cozy winter recipes that will invigorate the senses.

Oregano

Perhaps the ultimate cold-weather herb for your ideal-health arsenal, Oregano is known for its anti-bacterial and anti-viral qualities. Some studies indicate it can fight diabetes and cancer. The plant will grow to approximately 10 inches tall and is easy to use in sauces and soups.

Mint

An herb that many may either love or hate, that is exactly the effect it has in nature. Mint can actually attract good bugs and repel bad ones, so it can be great to use inside as well as outside. It is versatile in that it can be used for sweet and savory dishes. During cold winter months, it is helpful to have on hand as mint has been shown to boost energy and focus.

Rosemary

Common to see as the holidays approach as a small Christmas tree, Rosemary is a wonderfully fragrant shrub that’s been used years for a number of therapeutic applications including boosting mood, energy and focus. It certainly adds beauty and a pleasant scent to indoor spaces, and if transferred outdoors can thrive locally in Zone 7. It’s perfect to keep on hand all winter long as it adds a savory dimension to chicken, potatoes and bread.

Thyme

A perennial herb with a robust scent and flavor, Thyme is also rich in Vitamin C and anti-oxidants. It is perfectly paired with other ingredients that share its Mediterranean origins: olive oil, tomatoes, and garlic. Thyme can also be used to flavor nearly anything including but certainly not limited to poultry, pork and fish.

Do you plan to start an indoor herb garden? We would love to see photos of your progress! Please consider tagging us on social media @prattliving

5 Indoor Herbs to Spruce Up Your Home and Recipes this Fall and Wintergmwebservices2021-11-01T02:44:02+00:00

These 3 Favorite Chattanooga Cocktail Spots are a Vibe

That perfect late-summer weather is here. Fall is just around the corner and there’s nothing prettier than seeing nature’s paintbrush sweep over the Scenic City. Whether you’re local to beautiful Chattanooga, Tennessee, visiting for a long weekend, or an aspiring or future resident looking to celebrate your new home adventure with a cocktail, here are some of our favorite spots that boast a unique atmosphere worthy of memory-making, excellent customer service, and a unique menu to commemorate your new home – or any day that ends in Y! After all, life is a special occasion and these spaces will provide a great backdrop to enjoy it with your favorite people.

Whiskey Thief

With one of the best views in all of the Scenic City, Whiskey Thief is the rooftop bar at The Edwin Hotel. Immerse yourself in sweeping views of Chattanooga’s famous Riverfront and iconic landmarks like The Hunter Museum and world-famous Walnut Street (one of the world’s longest pedestrian bridges!). Enjoy an old-fashioned from the outdoor patio or indoors with the soaring windows and abundant natural light. We love the industrial mood and cozy wood tones accented by gorgeous green glass pendants over the bar.

State of Confusion

This Main Street hot spot is a favorite among our team for sure! Bring your whole entourage and sit at a long family table, or cozy up inside among the sunny wood tones with a view of the big patio’s shenanigans. State of Confusion offers an atmosphere that’s enjoyable in every season. With Southern favorites as well as Cuban-inspired dishes and our favorite Ceviche in town, the real crowd pleaser is their mojitos, made fresh with real cane sugar. Cheers to this great Southside Chattanooga experience!

Company at The Kinley

The secret is out! Last but certainly not least, Company, the speakeasy at The Kinley Chattanooga, is “hidden” away at this trendy boutique hotel with an indiscreet entrance. The Kinley’s austere exterior adjacent from the famous Chattanooga Choo Choo offers striking lines and a modern aesthetic, but just inside past the lounge is a space for only the best cocktail sleuths: Company bar. With stunning navy and brass tones, this atmosphere feels fabulously art-deco and warm. If you’re looking for a Instagram-worthy background for your cocktail pics, this is it. You’ll enjoy the jazzy ambience while savoring each unique note of whichever bourbon and bitters concoction Ross behind the bar recommends. Reservations recommended.

Out and about trying one of our #ChattLiving recommendations? Be sure to tag us @prattliving

These 3 Favorite Chattanooga Cocktail Spots are a Vibegmwebservices2021-09-03T18:37:47+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 Denhamgmwebservices2021-05-10T21:46:41+00:00

Pratt + HabiChatt: Women Build Team Kicks Off Fundraising

Pratt Home Builders is looking forward to partnering with HabiChatt again on Women Build. This year’s future homeowner is Tanieshia Looney. This is an event the ladies (and men) of Pratt Home Builders look forward to participating in every year. “We love having the opportunity to put in some good old fashioned elbow grease to help real people in our community. It’s one thing to donate to a cause, but another to really get on eye level with people and hear their stories and be part of them. That’s what is so special about our team. They are truly passionate about helping people right here at home,” said Brittany Shaw, Director of Digital Media.

The bio excerpt below is courtesy of Habitat for Humanity Chattanooga:

“Tanieshia Looney, mother of two and Chattanooga native, has consistently worked on making her dreams of becoming a homeowner a reality. Growing up in public housing, she had a happy childhood with her mom, dad, and brother. She was close with her family and played softball all through grade school and college. The one thing that was missing was a home that they could call their own. She was first introduced to Habitat through friends who had become homeowners themselves. After applying and ultimately dropping out of the program due to illness 13 years ago, Tanieshia is back and more determined than ever to step up to the plate of becoming a Habitat homeowner herself. Tanieshia was drawn to apply due to the partnership that Habitat provides. Instead of throwing her to the wolves of homeownership, she was happy to have Habitat walk the journey with her and become a shoulder to lean on. One of her favorite parts of being in the program is the ability to experience it with her children, Anthony and A’Nieshia. They have been given the opportunity to build their home as a family and create memories that will
last a lifetime. Tanieshia has learned many new valuable skills throughout the program, but the lessons on money management have meant the most to her. She has learned how to make smarter choices financially, so much that her mother continuously tells her how proud she is of the changes she has made. Tanieshia views her
mother as the strongest person she knows, she inspires her everyday to “finish everything that
she starts” which has given her the motivation to complete the program. When envisioning her new home, Tanieshia is looking forward to creating a peaceful environment with a stable foundation for her children. Being a mom
with a full time job, a baseball and basketball coach, and a successful hair business, things can occasionally get hectic. She strives to create a positive environment for her children to grow and thrive in.”

The Habitat for Humanity Women Build is about building housing by women for women. The program has been a success for over two decades. Each team is responsible for raising $2,500 toward the goal. The Pratt Home Builders team plans to host two fundraiser nights. Please check @PrattLiving Facebook and Instagram for updates on the build and fundraisers. The team would love your support at these events. #WeBuildCommunity

MAY 13^TH – THURSDAY AT PIE SLINGERS IN ROCK SPRING,GA – THE PRATT TEAM WILL GET 10% OF THE WHOLE DAY (TAKEOUT, DELIVERY, DINE IN)

JUNE 8^TH – TUESDAY AT McAlister’s IN FORT OLGETHORPE, GA – THE PRATT TEAM WILL GET 10% OF SALES BETWEEN 5-9 PM

JUNE 14TH, 15TH, 16TH – MARCOS PIZZA at 2009 DAYTON BLVD., RED BANK, TN – 25% GOES TO HABITAT FOR HUMANITY WOMEN BUILD

Pratt + HabiChatt: Women Build Team Kicks Off Fundraisinggmwebservices2021-04-30T20:57:33+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 Whitegmwebservices2021-03-25T20:10:16+00:00

What’s New in New Construction in 2021?

A new year is here in the Scenic City and we’re looking forward to opening more phases in some of our most beloved communities as well as unveling brand new communities in Greater Chattanooga in 2021. As Chattanooga’a leading home builder, Pratt offers walkable communities in convenient areas for the modern lifestyle. Just a quick commute from downtown Chattanooga’s best-loved spots, our Winter/Spring 2021 releases offer a balance of the city’s nearby adventures and serene rural views.

Amber Valley – Now Open

Located just off Cassandra Smith Road in Hixson, Amber Valley is a level, walkable community just minutes from Publix and Greenway Farms. With home prices starting in the low 300s, it’s a great time to select your home site, home plan and select finishes with our in-house interior design team in our beautiful 3,000 square foot design center.

Magnolia Farms Phase 3 – Open in February

Nestled in beautiful Apison, Tennessee, Magnolia Farms is a gently rolling community just 7 minutes from Gunbarrel Road near Hamilton Place Mall. There are several convenient ways to access this tree-lined community that feels rural even though it’s easily accessible to the interstate.

Seven Lakes FINAL Phase – Coming soon

One of our all-time-favorite communities, the panoramic views from the latest phase of Seven Lakes are nothing short of iconic. With sweeping Tennessee ridges as far as the eye can see, Seven Lakes is our only gated community currently. Just minutes from Publix, the Interstate, and the ever-popular Cambridge Square shops and eateries, this Ooltewah community is a perfect balance of having a small-town feel but that mid-sized city convenience.

To schedule a visit to any of these communities, or to learn more about which of our communities and home plans is ideal for you, visit prattliving.com or call 423-757-7687.

What’s New in New Construction in 2021?gmwebservices2021-01-11T21:35:45+00:00

Editorial: Dare to Dance to Benefit Emergency Housing

By Brittany Shaw, Pratt Home Builders New Home Matchmaker and Dare to Dance 2020 Castmember

It’s hard to believe Dare to Dance month has already come and gone! I’ve had a few weeks to reflect on this incredible event in this most unique of years. I can’t say enough about the Kidney Foundation of Greater Chattanooga as well as all the generous sponsors and donors who helped us fund Emergency Housing for the Kidney Foundation, despite whatever financial challenges they may have faced in 2020.

Editorial: Dare to Dance to Benefit Emergency Housinggmwebservices2020-10-31T23:12:48+00:00

Featured Community Video: Engel Park

Our newest East Brainerd community is well underway in the first phase. As you can see in the video, it’s easy to go wherever you need to be! Minutes from the Interstate, whether you need to get to Nashville, Knoxville or Altanta, or simply go downtown or to Hixson from this new construction community.

Featured Community Video: Engel Parkgmwebservices2020-07-25T14:13:52+00:00

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