Katherine Stevens in Chattanooga: A Single-Agent RE/MAX Practice Focused on Residential Sales

Katherine Stevens operates as an independent agent within the RE/MAX EXPERIENCE franchise, handling residential buying and selling for clients throughout the Chattanooga area. She works on standard real estate commission (typically 5–6% of the sale price, split between listing and buyer's agent), which means her fee depends on the final sale price and is paid only at closing. This structure differs from flat-fee or discount brokerages, where you pay a set amount regardless of sale price, and from for-sale-by-owner (FSBO) platforms, where you handle the transaction yourself and retain the full equity.

What she actually does

Stevens represents either buyers or sellers in residential transactions. As a listing agent, she prices the home, stages recommendations, lists it on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), markets it, and negotiates offers. As a buyer's agent, she helps you search, schedule showings, research neighborhoods, understand inspections and financing, and make an offer. She does not broker commercial deals, manage rental properties, or handle appraisals or lending. Her role is to guide you through the transaction, explain contracts, and advocate for your financial position.

How she compares to other Chattanooga agents

Stevens operates within RE/MAX, a national franchise model where agents pay a monthly desk fee (typically $100–300 for an independent operator like her) rather than splitting commission with a brokerage. This structure lets her keep a higher percentage of commission but means she covers her own support costs. By contrast, agents at traditional brokerages like Keller Williams or Redfin split commission with the company in exchange for team support, marketing resources, and administrative backup. For a buyer, this distinction rarely matters; buyer's agent commissions are paid by the seller and are usually the same across markets (around 2.5–3% in Chattanooga). For a seller, the difference is more tangible: working with an independent RE/MAX agent like Stevens may result in higher net proceeds if she negotiates aggressively on terms, but you lose access to a large support team and branded national marketing. Larger brokerages offer more agents to hand off to if your agent is unavailable and may provide standardized pricing or staging expertise. Discount brokers like Redfin take lower commissions (as low as 1% on the sell side) but provide limited personal service or scheduling flexibility.

Who this approach suits

Stevens's model works best for experienced home sellers who trust their agent's judgment and want to keep more equity at closing. It also suits buyers who prefer one consistent point of contact over a team and who are patient enough to schedule showings directly with her rather than rely on automated systems. She is less suitable for first-time sellers who need extensive hand-holding or for buyers on a tight timeline who need rapid showing coordination across multiple properties. If you are selling in a competitive market (like Chattanooga's neighborhoods near the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga or downtown), a brokerage with larger marketing reach might move your home faster.

What the first conversation involves

You will typically start with a consultation to discuss your situation, timeline, and price range (if buying) or estimated home value (if selling). If you are selling, she will likely schedule a home visit to assess condition, recent renovations, and neighborhood comparables. She will then pull public tax records and recent sales data to estimate a listing price. If you are buying, she will ask about your financing status, must-haves, and neighborhoods of interest, then begin scheduling showings. A pre-approval letter from a lender (or proof of funds if paying cash) is required before she will present offers on your behalf.

Hours and contact

Stevens operates as an independent agent and sets her own availability; contact RE/MAX EXPERIENCE directly through their local office or ask for her by name to confirm current hours and response times. Most agents in the Chattanooga market are available evenings and weekends for showings.

Why she fits the Chattanooga market

Chattanooga's residential market has seen steady appreciation, especially in revitalized neighborhoods like North Shore and Southside, where homes appreciate faster than in outer suburbs. Working with a single agent who knows these micro-markets well can save you thousands in negotiation or avoid overpaying for a location with slower appreciation. Stevens's independent model is straightforward for sellers ready to be hands-on; for others, a larger brokerage may be the safer choice.