Rhee Epperson in Chattanooga: A Residential Agent Focused on First-Time Buyers and Investors

Rhee Epperson, operating through RE/MAX Real Estate Professionals in Chattanooga, is a residential real estate agent who specializes in working with first-time homebuyers and investment property clients across Hamilton County and surrounding areas. Her approach centers on client education and transparent deal structure rather than high-volume transaction churn, making her a fit for buyers and sellers who want detailed guidance through the process rather than minimal contact.

How real estate agents are paid in Chattanooga

In Chattanooga, as across Tennessee, real estate agents work on commission. When a property sells, the listing agent (who represents the seller) and the buyer's agent (who represents the buyer) typically split a commission that averages 5 to 6 percent of the final sale price, with each taking 2.5 to 3 percent. The seller pays the total commission at closing; the buyer pays nothing directly. This structure means a buyer's agent has the same financial incentive to close a deal whether the final price is higher or lower, a detail worth understanding before signing a buyer representation agreement.

Epperson's commission follows this market standard. Some agents in Chattanooga negotiate lower rates, particularly on higher-priced properties or investor portfolios. Before committing to representation, ask whether commission is negotiable and in what scenarios (for example, if you are buying and selling simultaneously, or purchasing an investment property worth more than $300,000).

Buyer's agent versus listing agent: When to choose Epperson

A buyer's agent like Epperson works for you as the purchaser. She attends showings, reviews contracts, identifies contingencies you should include, and negotiates on your behalf. The listing agent works for the seller and wants a higher sale price; your agent's job is the opposite.

Epperson's specialization in first-time buyers means she walks clients through what a competitive Chattanooga offer looks like, which neighborhoods appreciate fastest, and what inspection and appraisal contingencies protect you in a soft market. For investors, her experience with multi-unit properties and cash-flow analysis helps distinguish genuine income properties from overpriced speculations.

If you are selling, you would work with a listing agent, who markets the property, schedules showings, and negotiates with buyer's agents. Epperson may also provide this service; confirm her current focus before approaching her, and ask whether she represents both sides or primarily works buyers.

How to evaluate an agent in the Chattanooga market

Three practical criteria matter more than affiliation or years in business. First, ask for references from recent transactions and call two or three to verify responsiveness and follow-through. Second, request a list of comparable sales (comps) from the last 90 days in your target neighborhood; an agent who knows local pricing can justify their recommendations. Third, confirm whether they use a transaction coordinator (who manages paperwork and timeline) or handle everything themselves; coordinators reduce delays on Chattanooga's faster transactions.

Epperson operates as an individual agent, not a team, which means she personally manages most communication but is not covering multiple listings simultaneously. This model suits clients who prefer consistent contact with the same person. It may slow response time during her high-volume seasons (March through September in Chattanooga).

What Epperson suits and who might want a different agent

Epperson's buyer specialization and investor background make her strongest for first-time homebuyers in Chattanooga's established neighborhoods (Southside, North Shore, St. Elmo, Hixson) where recent comparable sales exist and financing is standard. She also works well for small investors evaluating duplex or triplex conversions on Chattanooga's north side.

Her model is less suited to luxury home sellers (above $800,000) who benefit from high-volume marketing teams and broker resources, or to commercial tenants seeking office or retail space, which requires different licensing and networks. If you are selling a unique or historic property, ask whether she has sold similar homes; if not, a listing agent with that track record will likely achieve a better price.

First contact and next steps

Schedule an initial consultation by calling or messaging through RE/MAX's Chattanooga office. Epperson typically asks about your timeline, budget, and target neighborhoods, then provides comps and a market overview. If buying, she will discuss whether you are preapproved for a mortgage and whether you want to write offers on new listings immediately or view a sample of homes first. Expect this first meeting to last 45 minutes to an hour.

Bring a list of non-negotiables (commute, school district, square footage, lot size) and a list of nice-to-haves to focus the search. If you have been preapproved, bring the approval letter; if not, ask Epperson for lender recommendations in Chattanooga who can move quickly.

Hours, contact, and practical details

Epperson operates through RE/MAX Real Estate Professionals, which maintains office hours Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., though as an individual agent, she schedules viewings by appointment outside standard hours. Confirm her availability in advance if you need evening or weekend showings. Parking at the office is free; most initial consultations happen at the brokerage or by phone.

Rhee Epperson fills a clear gap in Chattanooga's real estate market: an agent who prioritizes education and long-term client relationships over transaction speed, making her dependable for buyers entering the market without existing local knowledge or investors testing a new market.