Christy Dodson and Judy DiGennaro in Chattanooga: Keller Williams Agents for Buyer and Seller Representation
Christy Dodson and Judy DiGennaro are real estate agents at Keller Williams in Chattanooga who work with buyers and sellers across the city's residential market, operating under a commission structure standard to the profession but with access to the company's technology platform and training network that shapes how they operate.
What a Keller Williams agent does
Agents at Keller Williams represent either buyers or sellers (or both in a given transaction). Dodson and DiGennaro operate within a brokerage model where they earn commission only when a transaction closes: typically 5 to 6 percent of the sale price, split between listing and buyer's agents, then split again between the agent and the brokerage. For a buyer, this means you work with an agent at no upfront cost; the seller's agent and listing agent split the commission from the buyer's funds. For a seller, commission is negotiable but falls in that same range.
Keller Williams franchises in Chattanooga operate from multiple offices and emphasize agent training and lead-generation tools, including their proprietary KW Command platform, which integrates transaction management, CRM, and lead tracking. This differs meaningfully from independent agents or smaller brokerages that may use third-party software or manual processes.
How agents are evaluated and compared
Evaluating Dodson and DiGennaro specifically requires looking beyond brand affiliation. The relevant metrics are transaction volume, client reviews, local market knowledge (especially in the neighborhood where you're buying or selling), and responsiveness. Keller Williams' size in Chattanooga means a broader agent pool, which can increase competition for attention but also means access to multiple agents within the same office if you're unsatisfied.
Chattanooga's real estate market includes agents working for RE/MAX, Century 21, Coldwell Banker, and numerous independent agents. RE/MAX emphasizes agent independence and higher commission splits to agents; Coldwell Banker and Century 21 operate more traditional regional networks. An agent's local listing inventory, not the brokerage name, often matters more. Ask whether an agent has sold in your specific neighborhood in the past two years; if they haven't, their market knowledge there is secondhand.
What a buyer's agent does versus a listing agent
A buyer's agent represents your interests in finding and negotiating for a home. They access the MLS, schedule showings, advise on comparable sales, help you understand contingencies (inspections, appraisals, financing), and negotiate your offer. You owe them nothing if you don't buy; they're paid only when a sale closes.
A listing agent represents the seller, prices the home, coordinates showings, markets the property, and negotiates offers. If you're selling, your listing agent's job is to sell your home quickly and at the highest possible price. The listing agent's commission is paid from the sale price and is split with the buyer's agent; if you're buying, the seller technically pays both commissions, but this is factored into the price.
In Chattanooga, where single-family home prices range from around $250,000 to $500,000 in many desirable neighborhoods (with higher prices in areas like North Shore and lower in outlying zones), a listing agent's 2.5 to 3 percent of sale price can translate to $6,250 to $15,000 depending on the home. This is why negotiating commission before listing is standard practice.
First meeting and process
When you contact Dodson, DiGennaro, or any agent, the first interaction typically involves a phone call or in-person meeting to discuss your timeline, budget, and needs. For buyers, they'll ask whether you're pre-approved for financing (essential before making offers); for sellers, they'll conduct a comparative market analysis (CMA) of recent sales in your neighborhood to suggest a listing price.
If you're buying, the agent will send you listings matching your criteria and schedule showings. You'll tour homes, make offers on properties you're interested in, and the agent will guide you through inspections, appraisals, and closing. The entire process from first conversation to closing typically takes 30 to 60 days for an uncontested transaction.
If you're selling, the agent will recommend staging, discuss marketing strategy (photos, virtual tours, open houses), and list the property on the MLS. Showings begin immediately. The agent handles inquiries, coordinates inspections, and negotiates with buyers' agents.
Hours, contact, and logistics
Keller Williams offices in Chattanooga keep standard business hours, but agents work evenings and weekends to show homes and meet clients. Contact Dodson and DiGennaro through the Keller Williams Chattanooga office or directly if you have their phone numbers; response time varies by agent workload, though larger brokerages like Keller Williams train agents on rapid client communication.
Parking and office logistics depend on which Keller Williams location you visit; the company operates multiple Chattanooga offices. Verify which office serves your area before visiting.
Who this approach suits and who it doesn't
This agent model suits buyers and sellers who want representation from someone working the Chattanooga market daily and who value the commission structure (you pay nothing upfront as a buyer). It doesn't suit sellers hoping to avoid paying commission; a for-sale-by-owner (FSBO) approach eliminates the agent commission but requires you to handle showings, marketing, and negotiations yourself and to price the home without professional guidance. It also doesn't suit buyers unwilling to work with a single agent for an extended period or those uncomfortable with the commission structure.
Dodson and DiGennaro's specific strength lies in their experience within the Keller Williams network and their individual transaction histories; ask for references and recent closing details in your target neighborhood before committing.
