Linda Hampton Higdon is a residential real estate agent with Crye-Leike Realtors, one of the largest independent brokerages in the Southeast, operating from the company's Chattanooga office and serving buyers and sellers across the metro area and surrounding counties.
Crye-Leike is a full-service residential brokerage founded in 1972 and headquartered in Memphis, with more than 60 offices across Tennessee, Georgia, Mississippi, Arkansas, and Alabama. As a listing and buyer's agent within that network, Higdon represents clients in home sales and purchases, handling marketing, showings, negotiations, and transaction coordination. She operates on commission, paid by the seller's proceeds at closing (typically split between listing and buyer's agent, usually 5 to 6 percent total, though rates vary). For buyers, her services are free; the commission comes from the seller's side of the deal. This structure applies across Chattanooga's real estate market and is standard nationally.
Higdon's practice centers on residential resale in the Chattanooga metro, including the North Shore, East Brainerd, and Hixson corridors. Like other listing agents in Chattanooga, she handles market analysis, listing photography and description, showing management, and offer negotiation. Crye-Leike's technology platform includes MLS access, digital marketing tools, and transaction management software standard to mid-to-large brokerages.
Chattanooga's real estate market includes national franchises (Keller Williams, RE/MAX, Century 21) and independent agents. Larger franchises typically offer more agents per office and heavier advertising budgets; independent agents often claim more personalized service. Crye-Leike sits between these poles: it's independent but sizable enough to provide back-office support and marketing resources. Higdon's advantage relative to a solo independent agent is access to that infrastructure; relative to a high-volume franchise team, her draw may be selective client focus. Commission rates do not differ significantly between brokerages; the negotiation occurs between seller and agent and is not fixed.
Higdon is appropriate for sellers who want a mid-market agent backed by established systems and for buyers seeking representation without paying out of pocket. She is less suitable for sellers seeking ultra-luxury positioning (Chattanooga has luxury-focused independents with specialized networks) or for buyers who prefer a larger franchise team with multiple agents covering showings and follow-up. First-time buyers and sellers benefit from an agent who will explain contingencies, inspection timelines, and closing logistics; Higdon's years in the market mean those conversations are standard for her, not a special service.
A typical initial consultation involves a home walk-through, comparable market analysis (CMA) showing recent sales of similar homes in the same area, and discussion of list price, staging, and marketing timeline. The Chattanooga market has seen median home prices fluctuate; confirm current market conditions with the agent before scheduling. From listing to closing typically takes 30 to 45 days for a cash or financed sale in good condition, longer if inspections reveal issues. For buyers, the process includes pre-approval letter, showings, offer submission, inspection contingency period (usually 10 to 15 days), appraisal, and underwriting before closing.
Crye-Leike's Chattanooga office operates standard business hours; confirm current hours and Higdon's availability directly with the brokerage, as agent schedules and office hours change seasonally. Showings are arranged by appointment, not walk-in. Her contact information is available through the Crye-Leike website and local MLS listings.
With Chattanooga's residential market drawing relocating families and investors, agent quality affects both speed of sale and final price. Crye-Leike's longevity and regional footprint give Higdon credibility and tools; her individual track record determines whether she uses them effectively for your specific home or search.
