Autumn Horton at RE/MAX Renaissance in Chattanooga: Selling Homes in the North Shore and Growing Neighborhoods

Autumn Horton is a real estate agent with RE/MAX Renaissance, operating in Chattanooga's residential market with a focus on North Shore properties and expanding neighborhoods across the city. Like all agents in Tennessee, she earns commission on closed sales, typically split between buyer and listing sides, and her role differs fundamentally depending on whether she represents the buyer or the seller in a transaction.

How real estate agents work and what Horton's role is

In Tennessee, real estate agents must hold an active license through the Tennessee Real Estate Commission and work under a brokerage. Horton operates under RE/MAX Renaissance, which means she has access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) and must follow state and federal fair housing laws. When representing a seller, an agent lists the property, markets it, shows it to buyer's agents, and negotiates offers; the seller typically pays the commission, split between the listing agent and the buyer's agent, usually totaling 5-6 percent of the sale price. When representing a buyer, an agent shows properties, helps interpret offers, and negotiates on the buyer's behalf; the buyer's agent is paid from the seller's commission, so the buyer typically pays nothing directly to the agent. The key distinction matters: a seller-side agent prioritizes marketing and closing the sale at the highest price; a buyer-side agent prioritizes finding the right property at the best terms for their client.

Services and pricing structure

Horton's services as a listing agent include home valuation, marketing strategy, professional photography or staging recommendations, listing placement on the MLS, showing coordination, and offer negotiation. She also assists buyers in finding properties, navigating inspections, appraisals, and financing contingencies. Commission rates in the Chattanooga market typically range from 4.5 to 6 percent of the final sale price, split evenly between listing and buyer's agents; the specific rate is negotiable and documented in the listing agreement. For a home selling at $300,000 in Chattanooga, a 5.5 percent total commission would be $16,500, divided $8,250 to the listing agent and $8,250 to the buyer's agent. Rates vary by market conditions and agent experience; verify the exact percentage when signing any listing agreement.

How Horton compares to other Chattanooga agents and brokerages

RE/MAX is a national franchise with significant presence in Chattanooga; the brand provides agents access to a large referral network and national marketing tools but takes a split of each agent's commission. Independent brokers like those operating single offices may negotiate different splits and offer more localized attention. Local agents specializing in specific neighborhoods, such as those focused exclusively on North Shore or the newer developments in East Brainerd, may have deeper knowledge of comps and buyer traffic in those areas. Large brokerages like Keller Williams or Coldwell Banker operate with team structures, which can mean more consistent availability but less individual attention. Horton's affiliation with RE/MAX Renaissance places her in a mid-sized brokerage with franchise support; this works well for sellers wanting broad exposure and for buyers seeking experienced negotiators, but does not necessarily mean lower commission or more neighborhood specialization than a smaller, local-only agent.

Who should work with Horton and who might consider alternatives

Horton's profile suits sellers in North Shore or growing neighborhoods who want agent experience backed by a recognizable national brand, and buyers who value access to a brokerage with solid MLS connections and transaction support. She is a logical choice for first-time sellers uncertain about the listing process or buyers relocating to Chattanooga from out of state. Sellers with unique or luxury properties might benefit more from an agent who specializes exclusively in high-end homes; buyers shopping for investment properties or short-term rentals should verify whether an agent is experienced in those transaction types. Sellers in niche markets (historic homes, rural land, commercial-adjacent properties) should ask whether any candidate agent has closed similar deals in the past two years.

What the first meeting involves

An initial consultation with a listing agent like Horton typically covers a comparative market analysis (CMA) of recent sales and active listings in your neighborhood, a walk-through of your home to assess condition and identify staging or repair priorities, and a discussion of your timeline and price expectations. For buyers, the first meeting includes reviewing pre-approval status, discussing must-haves and trade-offs, and identifying neighborhoods and price ranges that fit. Expect to provide identification and basic information; listing agents will ask for details about property history, any known issues, and utility costs.

Hours, location, and contact logistics

RE/MAX Renaissance operates multiple office locations across Chattanooga; confirm current hours and the specific office location serving your area before visiting. Most real estate transactions are scheduled around client availability rather than office hours, so initial consultations can often occur by phone, video, or at your home. Verify contact details and office location on RE/MAX Renaissance's current website.

Horton's role in Chattanooga's market reflects the broader function of residential agents: facilitating transactions, managing information asymmetry between buyers and sellers, and handling the complexity of financing and inspection timelines. For Chattanooga sellers deciding between agents, comparing commission rates, neighborhood expertise, and transaction volume in your specific area yields more insight than brand loyalty alone.