Diana Kelley at Keller Williams Chattanooga: Residential Real Estate Sales in the Local Market
Diana Kelley operates as a residential real estate agent through the Keller Williams Chattanooga franchise, representing buyers and sellers in the greater Chattanooga area with a focus on the local residential market.
How agents are paid and what Diana Kelley handles
Real estate agents in Chattanooga, including Diana Kelley, earn commission on completed sales rather than hourly wages or salaries. The standard commission splits between buyer's agent and listing agent, with the seller typically paying both through the sale proceeds. Commission rates are negotiable but commonly range from 5 to 6 percent of the final sale price in the Chattanooga market, divided between both sides. For a $300,000 home sale, this means total commission of $15,000 to $18,000, split between the two agents' brokerages.
As a listing agent, Kelley markets a property, coordinates showings, and negotiates on behalf of the seller. As a buyer's agent, she identifies properties matching a buyer's criteria, arranges viewings, and represents the buyer's interests in offers and negotiations. Many agents do both, though some specialize. Keller Williams agents operate under the brokerage's MLS access, transaction support, and back-office infrastructure in exchange for a portion of their commission.
How to evaluate Diana Kelley against other Chattanooga agents
Chattanooga's residential real estate market includes independent agents, agents at national franchises (Keller Williams, RE/MAX, Century 21), and local boutique brokerages. Evaluating any agent should center on four factors: recent sales volume and price range in your target neighborhoods, experience with your specific transaction type (first-time buyer, investment property, luxury home), responsiveness and communication style, and willingness to discuss commission structure upfront.
Diana Kelley's years of experience, past client feedback, and local knowledge of specific neighborhoods (such as North Shore, St. Elmo, or Hixson) matter more than franchise affiliation alone. Keller Williams as a brand emphasizes agent training and technology tools, but individual agent quality varies. Ask for references from recent buyers or sellers in your price range and neighborhood. Verify any agent's license through the Tennessee Real Estate Commission website. Compare the marketing approach: does the agent use professional photography, virtual tours, targeted online advertising, and open houses, or does she rely primarily on MLS listing? Agents who invest in visual marketing and targeted buyer outreach often sell homes faster and sometimes at higher prices.
Buyer agent versus listing agent: when each makes sense
If you are buying, working with a buyer's agent like Kelley costs you nothing directly; the listing agent's commission covers both sides. This alignment means an agent has incentive to show you homes and close deals, though it does not guarantee she prioritizes your interests over speed. If you are selling, the listing agent you hire actively markets your home; you pay her commission from your proceeds. The listing agent's job is to price competitively, stage and photograph effectively, and negotiate the strongest offer. If you are planning to buy and sell simultaneously, ask whether your agent will represent you on both sides or if that presents a conflict; most agents will handle it, but clarity upfront prevents confusion.
What the first conversation involves
Initial consultations with Kelley or any agent typically cover your timeline (buying or selling soon, or in six months), your budget or asking price range, your must-have features or target neighborhoods, and your questions about the market. If you are selling, she may request a home walkthrough to assess condition and estimate listing price. If you are buying, she will ask about financing status (pre-approved, cash, still shopping for a lender) and neighborhoods of interest. She should share information about comparable sales (comps) in your price range and recent market trends: whether inventory is tight or plentiful, whether homes are selling at list price or above, and typical days on market. This conversation sets expectations for communication frequency, showing availability, and how offers and negotiations will proceed.
Hours and contact
Real estate agents do not operate on fixed office hours; availability is typically by appointment. Reach Diana Kelley through the Keller Williams Chattanooga office or her direct contact information to schedule a consultation. Most agents are available evenings and weekends for showings and open houses. Confirm response time expectations and preferred communication method (phone, text, email) upfront.
Diana Kelley's place in the Chattanooga market depends on her track record in your specific neighborhood and transaction type. Request recent sales data and client references before committing to listing or buyer representation.
