Carrie Wells in Chattanooga: RE/MAX Agent Specializing in East Brainerd and North Shore

Carrie Wells is a RE/MAX Properties agent in Chattanooga who works primarily in residential resale across East Brainerd, North Shore, and surrounding areas. She operates as an independent contractor within the RE/MAX franchise system, which means her commissions and specific service terms may differ from other local agents, and buyers or sellers should confirm those details directly.

How real estate agents are compensated in Chattanooga

RE/MAX agents like Wells typically earn commission based on the final sale price, paid by the seller's proceeds and split between listing and buyer's agents. The standard range in Chattanooga hovers around 5 to 6 percent total, though this is negotiable. Unlike some brokerages that take a cut from each transaction, RE/MAX agents often pay a monthly desk fee to the franchise and keep a larger share of commission. This structure can create different incentives: an agent might pursue volume or focus on higher-value properties to offset desk costs. Buyers don't pay agents directly; the cost flows through the purchase price. Sellers should treat commission as one negotiating point when listing.

Buyer agent versus listing agent: what each does

If you are buying, a buyer's agent like Wells represents your interests, shows you properties, negotiates terms, and coordinates inspections and appraisals. If you are selling, a listing agent markets your home, sets the price, schedules showings, and accepts offers. Some agents do both; some specialize. Wells's primary geography suggests she may have deeper inventory knowledge in East Brainerd and North Shore, which helps when evaluating comparable sales and pricing. A buyer working with her would benefit from that local specificity. A seller considering her should ask how many homes she has listed recently in your neighborhood and what the average days on market were.

How to evaluate an agent in the Chattanooga market

Beyond franchise affiliation, look at transaction volume, average sale price, and customer reviews on third-party sites. Ask how an agent prices homes: do they pull comparable sales from the past 90 days, or rely on gut feeling? Request references from recent clients. In Chattanooga, where neighborhoods can vary sharply in appreciation and buyer demand, an agent who knows her patch well will outperform a generalist. Ask Wells specifically about East Brainerd and North Shore trends: are homes appreciating, sitting longer, or shifting in price? Real estate agents in Tennessee do not require a license to manage property, but selling someone else's home or collecting rent on behalf of an owner requires one; confirm Wells holds an active Tennessee real estate license.

Comparing RE/MAX to other Chattanooga brokerages

RE/MAX is a nationally franchised system where agents are independent contractors; local RE/MAX offices operate semi-autonomously. Keller Williams, another major franchise in Chattanooga, uses a team-based model and often pushes agents toward systems and training. Coldwell Banker and Century 21 operate traditional agent-brokerage splits. Local independent brokers (smaller, non-franchised firms) may offer more personalized service but less brand recognition and marketing muscle. RE/MAX's strength is that agents retain most commission, which can mean competitive pricing for sellers; its weakness is uneven quality because the franchise does not employ agents directly. Ask any agent you consider, regardless of brokerage, whether they pay for their own marketing, what technology they use, and how they handle client communication.

Who should work with Carrie Wells and who should look elsewhere

If you are buying or selling in East Brainerd or North Shore and want an agent with ground-level familiarity with those neighborhoods, Wells may be a strong fit. If you are outside those zones, ask if she handles your target area regularly or if she would refer you to a colleague. If you prefer a larger team or brokerage backing, or if you value in-person office support, RE/MAX's independent contractor model may feel less connected. If you are selling and want aggressive dual-agent recruitment (where the listing agent also recruits the buyer's agent to bring clients), a team-oriented brokerage may push harder on that front.

First conversation with an agent

Prepare a list of three to five comparable homes that have sold in your neighborhood in the last 90 days, with sale price and days on market. Bring any recent appraisals or inspections. Ask the agent how she would price or value your home and why. Listen for specific data, not broad claims. Request a written estimate of any upfront costs (for sellers, this might include photography, signage, or marketing fees; some agents absorb these). Confirm her commission rate, contract terms, and whether she uses a local MLS multiple listing service effectively.

Carrie Wells's presence in Chattanooga's RE/MAX franchise gives her access to a broad listing network and national marketing reach; her focus on East Brainerd and North Shore makes local knowledge her competitive edge.