Susan Worley with RE/MAX Renaissance in Chattanooga: Buyer and Seller Agent in East Brainerd
Susan Worley operates as a buyer's and seller's agent through RE/MAX Renaissance, a regional brokerage based in Chattanooga's East Brainerd office. She represents clients in residential transactions across the metro area, working on commission and handling the full transaction cycle from listing or buyer representation through closing.
How agents are paid and what Worley's role entails
Real estate agents in Tennessee earn commission, typically split between the listing agent's brokerage and the buyer's agent's brokerage. The total commission is negotiated in the listing agreement but commonly runs 5 to 6 percent of the sale price, split roughly equally. Worley's commission comes from this pool and is shared with RE/MAX Renaissance; the exact split depends on her broker agreement and production level at the office.
A buyer's agent like Worley helps clients search for properties, arrange showings, write offers, negotiate terms, coordinate inspections, and manage contingencies until closing. A seller's agent lists the property, prices it based on comparable sales, stages or advises on presentation, markets the listing, shows the property, negotiates offers, and manages the seller's side of closing logistics. Worley handles both roles depending on the engagement. She is paid only if a transaction closes; if you fire her or find another agent, you owe her nothing.
Evaluating a Chattanooga agent: what to ask Worley
Before hiring Worley or any agent, ask how many homes she has sold in your target neighborhood in the past two years. This reveals whether she has actual market knowledge of local pricing, buyer pools, and sale timing, not just general real estate technique. Request a current comparable market analysis (CMA) for your property if you are selling; her methodology and price range tell you whether she has done the research or is guessing. Ask how she handles multiple offers and whether she has represented clients in your price range recently.
Worley's affiliation with RE/MAX Renaissance ties her to the brokerage's MLS access, marketing resources, and broker support. RE/MAX is a national franchise model, so Renaissance's size and local presence matter. A larger office typically offers more buyer traffic and co-op relationships but less personalized oversight than a small, independent brokerage. Ask whether Worley uses print advertising, digital ads, social media, or primarily relies on the MLS and broker channels.
Buyer's agent vs. listing agent: when to use each approach
A buyer's agent like Worley costs you nothing out of pocket if the seller's side has agreed to offer buyer-agent commission in the listing. If a seller has not offered commission or lists the property for sale by owner (FSBO), you may choose to hire a buyer's agent under a separate buyer broker agreement, in which case you pay her fee directly. This is uncommon in Chattanooga's residential market, where most listings include buyer-agent commission.
A listing agent markets your home to the buyer pool and typically has access to more immediate feedback on pricing and interest. A buyer's agent knows what is actively selling and can alert you to new listings minutes after they post. If you are buying and selling simultaneously in Chattanooga, hiring one agent for both roles is simpler logistically but creates a conflict of interest; that agent benefits from high-pressure tactics on either side. Hiring Worley for one role and a separate agent for the other removes that tension.
Comparing Chattanooga agents and brokerages
RE/MAX Renaissance competes with larger regional players like Benchmark Realty, HomeCity Real Estate, and Crye-Leike, as well as independent boutique brokers and national franchises like Keller Williams. Benchmark and HomeCity typically field larger agent pools and heavier advertising presence. Crye-Leike operates statewide and is known for training and stability. Keller Williams uses a different commission structure where agents pay monthly desk fees rather than traditional splits, which can change incentive alignment. Independent brokers offer personalized service and often lower overhead costs but may have less brand visibility and fewer resources.
Worley's local tenure and office affiliation matter more than the franchise name. Ask whether she sells more to owner-occupants or investors, whether she manages her own showings or coordinates through a team, and whether she has closing experience in the neighborhoods you are targeting. A one-person operation has more availability but less backup if she is sick or overbooked. A team-based agent like Worley may have support staff, which accelerates communication but dilutes personal attention.
Logistics and contact
RE/MAX Renaissance operates from an East Brainerd address in the Chattanooga metro. Verify Worley's current phone number and email on RE/MAX Renaissance's website or through the Tennessee Real Estate Commission. Most communication happens by phone, email, and text; showings are scheduled in advance and take place at the property. Commission structures, buyer broker fees, and conflict-of-interest policies should be documented in writing before you begin.
Worley is one option among dozens of active agents in Chattanooga. Her value depends on her depth in your target neighborhood, communication style, and willingness to represent your interests clearly, not on her brokerage affiliation alone.
