Michele Burdett in Chattanooga: A Crye-Leike Agent Specializing in Residential Sales
Michele Burdett is a residential real estate agent based in Chattanooga who works through Crye-Leike Realtors, one of the largest independent brokerages in Tennessee with a presence across the Southeast. As a listing and buyer's agent, she represents clients in transactions across Hamilton County and the greater Chattanooga area, where residential market activity centers on neighborhoods ranging from downtown lofts to suburban subdivisions in areas like East Brainerd and Hixson.
How agents are paid and what Burdett's role involves
Real estate agents in Tennessee work on commission, typically 5 to 6 percent of the sale price split between the listing agent and the buyer's agent. When you work with Burdett as a buyer's agent, you pay nothing out of pocket; the seller's proceeds cover her commission. When you list a property through her, the commission structure is negotiable with Crye-Leike but typically falls in that 5 to 6 percent range, with the listing agent and broker sharing that fee.
Burdett's job as a listing agent is to market the property, manage showings, negotiate offers, and shepherd the transaction to closing. As a buyer's agent, she identifies properties that match your criteria, arranges showings, helps you understand market value, and negotiates on your behalf. Chattanooga's residential market has seen median home prices fluctuate; as of 2024, homes in established neighborhoods like North Shore and St. Elmo command higher per-square-foot prices than homes in more distant suburbs, a gap that shapes strategy depending on your budget and priorities.
How to evaluate Burdett against other Chattanooga agents
Crye-Leike has roughly 1,000 agents across its footprint and maintains a strong market share in Chattanooga, though agents also operate independently or through national franchises like Keller Williams and RE/MAX. The practical difference lies in brokerage support and local reputation rather than licensing; all agents in Tennessee must hold an active Tennessee Real Estate Commission license.
When comparing agents, ask for references from recent clients, request a comparative market analysis (CMA) to see how they price listings, and inquire about their transaction volume in the specific neighborhood where you are buying or selling. An agent who has closed 20 sales in North Chattanooga over the past two years will have sharper insight into that market than one with 20 sales spread across five counties. Burdett's affiliation with Crye-Leike gives access to the brokerage's market data and marketing resources, which can be an advantage for sellers; buyer's agents typically operate with similar tools regardless of brokerage.
Who benefits from working with a listing or buyer's agent
If you are selling a Chattanooga home, hiring an agent (rather than selling it yourself, or FSBO) usually saves time and often results in a higher sale price, though you pay commission. Agents handle pricing strategy, professional photography, scheduling, and negotiations that many sellers find overwhelming. If you are buying, a buyer's agent costs you nothing but provides knowledge of the local market, access to listings before they appear on public sites, and representation during negotiation. This is especially valuable in Chattanooga's current landscape, where inventory varies significantly by neighborhood and price range.
A FSBO (for-sale-by-owner) approach makes sense only if you are selling a very straightforward property in a competitive market and have time to handle marketing and legal details yourself. Tennessee real estate contracts are complex; missteps can delay closing or create liability, so most sellers benefit from professional guidance.
What the first conversation with Burdett typically involves
An initial consultation, whether you are buying or selling, usually covers your timeline, budget or price range, location preferences, and any special needs (school district, walkability, acreage). For sellers, the agent will tour the property, review comparable sales, and present a CMA that recommends a listing price. For buyers, the agent will ask about your financing status, whether you are pre-approved for a mortgage, and any contingencies (such as the sale of another home) that affect your offer strategy.
Hours and contact information
Contact Crye-Leike's Chattanooga office or Michele Burdett directly to confirm current availability and schedule a consultation. Real estate transactions operate largely by appointment, not walk-in basis, so do not expect standard office hours.
Burdett operates within Chattanooga's residential market where neighborhood expertise and transaction efficiency directly affect outcomes. Her role is to translate local market knowledge into a concrete buying or selling strategy tailored to your specific situation and timeline.
