Katie Ashley and Jill McIntyre at RE/MAX Renaissance in Chattanooga: Agents Focused on Local Market Knowledge and Buyer Representation

Katie Ashley and Jill McIntyre operate as buyer's agents under the RE/MAX Renaissance office in Chattanooga, specializing in residential transactions where they represent purchasers navigating the local market rather than listing properties for sale.

How buyer's agents differ from listing agents

Chattanooga's real estate transaction typically involves two agents: a listing agent (paid by the seller to market and sell the property) and a buyer's agent (paid by the seller through commission split, though contractually representing the buyer's interests). Ashley and McIntyre work on the buyer side, meaning their legal obligation is to you as the purchaser, not the homeowner trying to sell. This matters because a buyer's agent negotiates on your behalf, advises you on fair offers, and helps you understand contingencies (inspection periods, appraisal gaps, financing conditions) before you commit. The alternative is buying without representation, which is possible but leaves you without professional guidance during the strongest financial commitment most people make.

Services and how buyer's agent compensation works

Ashley and McIntyre's services typically include property search and showing (they schedule viewings, provide MLS data, and identify homes matching your criteria), market analysis (comparative pricing for neighborhoods and property types), offer preparation and negotiation, inspection coordination, and appraisal and financing support through closing. Their compensation comes from the seller's agent commission split, a percentage negotiated at listing (usually 5 to 6 percent total, divided between listing and buyer's agents). You do not pay them directly out of pocket, but you are responsible for paying your own costs: mortgage origination fees, appraisal fees, title insurance, and inspection fees typically run $2,000 to $5,000 combined depending on purchase price and lender requirements. Verify current commission structures and fee details with Ashley and McIntyre directly, as these can shift.

Chattanooga buyer's agent landscape and when to choose representation

Chattanooga has dozens of individual agents and larger brokerages (RE/MAX, Keller Williams, locally independent firms). Choosing an agent involves comparing local market familiarity, responsiveness, and whether they focus on buyers, sellers, or both equally. Ashley and McIntyre's focus on buyer representation suggests they do not also list homes, reducing potential conflicts of interest (a listing agent might show your agent's own properties first or steer you away from competing listings). If you are relocating to Chattanooga from outside Tennessee or buying your first home, a dedicated buyer's agent often justifies the relationship because you lack local knowledge of neighborhoods, school zones, and price trends. If you are a cash buyer or highly experienced, you may move faster solo, but most buyers benefit from professional guidance, particularly in Chattanooga's competitive pockets (North Shore, St. Elmo, Southside neighborhoods) where homes move quickly and bidding wars occur.

What a first conversation involves

Initial contact with Ashley and McIntyre typically begins with a phone or in-person consultation to discuss your budget (pre-approval letter required if financing), must-have features (bedrooms, location, lot size), timeline, and any contingencies (selling a current home first). They will walk you through the Chattanooga market, showing you comparable sales in neighborhoods you are considering and explaining how property taxes, HOA fees, and neighborhood trends affect value. They will explain the offer process, including inspection contingencies (standard 10 days in Chattanooga), appraisal contingencies (lender protects itself if the home appraises below offer price), and financing contingencies (your ability to secure the loan). The relationship is non-exclusive unless you sign a buyer's agent agreement, which typically lasts 90 days and can be terminated by either party.

Hours, contact, and logistics

RE/MAX Renaissance operates during standard business hours Monday through Friday; verification of exact hours and weekend availability is advisable. Chattanooga's market geography spans the city and growing suburbs (Hamilton County and adjacent areas), so agent availability for showings often extends evenings and weekends. Contact Ashley and McIntyre through RE/MAX Renaissance's main office or their direct contact information; most agents in Chattanooga conduct initial consultations via phone or video before scheduling property tours.

Katie Ashley and Jill McIntyre's buyer-focused practice fits Chattanooga's active residential market, particularly for first-time buyers and relocating professionals who benefit from professional representation during the strongest purchase commitment they will make.