Kelly Mulcahy with RE/MAX Experience in Chattanooga: Buyer and Seller Representation Across the Market

Kelly Mulcahy operates as a residential real estate agent with RE/MAX Experience, one of the larger independent RE/MAX franchises in Chattanooga, handling both buyer representation and home sales across the greater metro area and surrounding counties.

How buyer and listing agents work

Real estate agents in Tennessee earn commission only when a sale closes. A buyer's agent typically receives 2.5 to 3 percent of the sale price from the seller's proceeds; a listing agent (who markets the home and manages showings) receives the same. If one agent represents both sides, that agent keeps the full 5 to 6 percent. Agents are licensed by the Tennessee Real Estate Commission and are legally bound to disclose conflicts of interest; you can ask whether your agent represents the seller or another buyer in the same deal.

Buyer representation means the agent works for you, not the seller. They help you search properties, guide you through offers and inspections, and negotiate on your behalf. Listing representation means the agent sells your home, sets price strategy, markets it (online, signage, open houses, broker networks), and shows it to agents and their buyers. Both roles require knowledge of local market conditions: price per square foot, days on market, inventory levels, and neighborhood trends.

What evaluating a Chattanooga agent involves

Chattanooga's real estate market has distinct geographic sectors. North Shore and East Brainerd draw young professionals and families; South Shore and Hixson appeal to buyers seeking space and schools; downtown and St. Elmo target urban renters and investors. Average sale prices in 2023 ranged from $280,000 to $420,000 depending on location, according to data from the Chattanooga Area Association of Realtors. An agent familiar with these zones can explain why a Sequoia Hills home may sell faster than an equivalent property in Red Bank, or why investor interest has concentrated in specific neighborhoods.

Verify an agent's license through the Tennessee Real Estate Commission website. Ask how many homes they listed and sold in the past year (a single-agent firm often reports 5 to 15 transactions annually; a high-volume agent may exceed 30). Request references from recent clients, particularly a buyer and a seller. Request a comparative market analysis (CMA) before agreeing to list; a strong one shows recent sales, pending listings, and expired listings in your price range and neighborhood.

RE/MAX Experience versus other Chattanooga brokers

RE/MAX Experience is a franchise of the national RE/MAX network, which operates on a different model than traditional brokerages. RE/MAX agents are independent contractors who typically own their own businesses; they pay the franchise higher desk fees (often $500 to $1,500 monthly) in exchange for brand access, training, and lead-sharing systems. Traditional brokerages employ agents as employees or splits commissions more heavily in the brokerage's favor but often provide more oversight.

In Chattanooga, competitors include locally rooted firms like Benchmark Realty (known for investment property focus) and national chains like Keller Williams and Century 21. An independent agent at a traditional brokerage may charge lower desk fees but may have fewer marketing resources; a RE/MAX agent pays more overhead but gains access to RE/MAX's national referral network and technology platform. For a buyer, this distinction rarely matters; you receive similar service. For a seller, it affects how aggressively the agent can market your home: a RE/MAX franchise may invest more in photography, virtual tours, and syndication to national portals.

Who should work with Kelly Mulcahy and who should look elsewhere

If you are a buyer new to Chattanooga or uncertain about neighborhoods, an agent with strong local knowledge saves time and prevents overpaying for location risks (flood zones, school-district boundaries, commute variability). If you are selling and need fast exposure, a RE/MAX agent's network advantage is real; your listing reaches more buyers through multiple channels. If you are an investor looking for off-market deals or distressed properties, ask whether your agent has access to wholesale networks or pocket listings.

Do not assume a high-volume agent serves you better. A solo agent may close fewer deals but offer deeper attention to your specific needs. Conversely, if you are selling in a slow season (November through February in Chattanooga), a higher-volume agent has more buyers in their pipeline.

Your first interaction

Call or email to request a consultation. For buyers, expect a discussion of your budget, timeline, and neighborhood preferences; the agent should ask whether you are preapproved for a mortgage. For sellers, the agent should schedule a walk-through, ask about recent updates and condition, and provide a CMA within a few days. Do not sign a buyer representation agreement or listing agreement at the first meeting; review it with a real estate attorney if you have questions.

Hours and logistics

Real estate agents in Chattanooga operate on flexible schedules; most are available evenings and weekends. Showings are arranged through the MLS (Multiple Listing Service) and coordinated with the listing agent. Contact RE/MAX Experience directly via phone or email to confirm Kelly Mulcahy's availability and specific service area.

A knowledgeable local agent cuts months of uncertainty from a major purchase or sale. Kelly Mulcahy's placement within RE/MAX Experience's structure offers both the independence of a solo practitioner and the institutional support of a larger network.