Theresa Craig in Chattanooga: A Keller Williams Agent Focused on Mid-Market Residential Sales

Theresa Craig is a real estate agent at Keller Williams Realty in Chattanooga who specializes in residential sales across the mid-market segment, typically working with buyers and sellers in single-family homes and condos priced between $250,000 and $500,000. Her practice reflects the standard agent model in Chattanooga's market: she earns commission on closed sales (typically 5 to 6 percent of the sale price, split between listing and buyer's agent), and operates within Keller Williams' national franchise structure while serving local neighborhoods and developments.

How Agent Compensation and Buyer vs. Listing Roles Work

Real estate agents in Chattanooga are paid only when a sale closes. The total commission is negotiated per listing but typically ranges from 5 to 6 percent of the final sale price. That amount is split: roughly half goes to the listing agent (who represents the seller) and half to the buyer's agent (who represents the buyer). If an agent like Craig represents the buyer, her commission comes from the seller's proceeds; if she lists a property, the buyer's agent's commission is paid from her side. This structure means agents have no guaranteed income and only earn on completed transactions.

The listing agent's main job is to market the property, price it competitively, manage the showing process, and negotiate offers. The buyer's agent helps clients identify suitable properties, arrange inspections, obtain financing pre-approval, and negotiate on their behalf. These roles sometimes conflict in negotiation, which is why understanding your agent's allegiance is important. When working with Craig as a buyer's agent, her incentive is to close the sale; when she lists your home, her incentive is to sell it as quickly as possible at the highest price the market will bear.

How to Evaluate a Real Estate Agent in Chattanooga

Comparing agents in Chattanooga requires looking at local market knowledge, transaction history, and client reviews. Ask any agent you interview how many homes they have sold in the specific neighborhood you're targeting in the last 12 months, not just their total volume across the metro area. An agent with 30 sales across Chattanooga, Hixson, and Ooltewah may have limited depth in East Brainerd or North Shore. Request references from recent clients and ask specifically about pricing accuracy (did the agent's estimate match the market?) and sale timeline (how long did homes actually stay on market versus the agent's prediction?).

Verify your agent's credentials. In Tennessee, all real estate licensees must be licensed through the Tennessee Real Estate Commission, and this is publicly searchable. Keller Williams agents hold that license but may also carry additional certifications like ABR (Accredited Buyer Representative) or CIPS (Certified International Property Specialist), which you can confirm through the National Association of Realtors. Local agents without these credentials are not necessarily less capable, but certification indicates voluntary professional development.

Compare the services included. Some agents in Chattanooga offer professional photography and staging advice at no cost; others do not. Some provide a market analysis and price recommendation before you list; others charge a fee or only provide it after you have hired them. Clarify whether your agent will handle paperwork directly or use an administrative assistant, and whether they are reachable during evening or weekend showings.

Who Should Work With an Agent vs. Alternatives

A real estate agent makes sense for most buyers and sellers in Chattanooga because they provide legal expertise in contracts, access to the MLS (the Multiple Listing Service, required to see most available homes), and negotiation experience without costing the buyer anything directly. For sellers, agent fees are roughly equivalent to what a discount brokerage charges plus what a private sale would cost in marketing and legal liability.

Sellers considering a "For Sale by Owner" (FSBO) approach in Chattanooga should know that homes listed FSBO sell for 15 to 20 percent less on average than agent-listed homes, according to National Association of Realtors data; they also spend longer on the market. However, FSBO saves the listing-side commission, roughly 2.5 to 3 percent of the sale price. Buyers can find FSBO homes through Zillow, Facebook Marketplace, and local MLS sites that list FSBO properties separately, but they still usually hire an agent to represent their interests.

Discount brokerages (flat-fee or lower-commission models) operate in Chattanooga, often charging $3,000 to $5,000 upfront plus a reduced commission on sale. These work for sellers confident in their property's value and willing to do more marketing legwork themselves.

First Steps in Working With an Agent

When you contact Craig or any agent, expect an initial conversation by phone or in person. Bring recent tax returns and pay stubs if you are a buyer (lenders require these for financing pre-approval); bring a list of recent home improvements and utility bills if you are a seller (these help price the home accurately). The agent will discuss your timeline, budget or asking price range, and neighborhood preferences, then prepare a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) showing comparable homes sold in the last 90 days.

For buyers, the next step is a pre-approval letter from a lender, which takes 1 to 3 days and confirms how much you can borrow. For sellers, the agent will suggest a list price and recommend any repairs or staging before showing the home.

Hours and Availability

Real estate agents in Chattanooga work on client schedules, not fixed office hours. Craig can typically be reached during business hours via phone or email and should be available for evening and weekend showings. Confirm her availability directly before hiring her, particularly if you need frequent weekend access.

Theresa Craig's focus on the mid-market segment positions her as relevant for the majority of Chattanooga buyers and sellers, where inventory and price points support a full-time agent's practice.