Chattanooga, September 14, 2025
News Summary
Several real estate professionals in Chattanooga have been penalized for ethical violations, according to a report by the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance. The Tennessee Real Estate Commission imposed fines and mandated training to reinforce accountability and ethical conduct in the industry. Notable cases include fines for unprofessional social media use, negligence in transaction handling, and engaging in unlicensed activities. These actions highlight the importance of upholding professional ethics to maintain consumer trust and integrity in real estate transactions.
Chattanooga real estate professionals are facing disciplinary actions due to ethical violations, as revealed in a recent report by the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance. The report indicates that several local real estate agents and firms have been penalized for failing to maintain the professional standards required in the industry.
The Tennessee Real Estate Commission, which regulates all real estate brokers, affiliate brokers, rental location agents, and related professionals, emphasized the necessity of accountability and ethical conduct. The most recent actions include fines and enforced training courses, signaling a commitment to uphold integrity within the profession.
Recent Disciplinary Actions in Chattanooga
The following individuals were noted for their violations along with the corresponding disciplinary actions taken:
- Erika Cooke – On February 20, 2025, Cooke was fined $1,000 and mandated to complete a four-hour communications or social media course. She violated ethical guidelines by failing to provide services honestly and in good faith, expressing dissatisfaction with an offer on social media which involved sharing confidential information and making negative comments about other parties involved.
- Brandy Coleman – Coleman was fined $1,000 on March 6, 2025, for failing to exercise reasonable skill and care. She directed a buyer to leave an earnest money check with a home inspector, but did not retrieve it, leading to the check’s destruction.
- Sabrina Janow – Another professional facing consequences is Janow, who received a $1,000 fine on March 24, 2025, for similar negligence. She submitted documents without the necessary consent and waived a resolution period without the buyers’ approval, ultimately resulting in the loss of earnest money.
- Paul Teruya – Teruya was found guilty of engaging in unlicensed activity on March 25, 2025, which earned him a $1,000 fine. He was conducting transactions with an expired license, having been unaware that he needed a separate application for renewal.
- Holly Sharp – Sharp received a $1,000 fine for failing to provide services with due care. On April 7, 2025, she assured sellers that a buyer had financing when in fact it had been declined, leading to sellers losing their earnest money.
- Cindi Richardson – Richardson misrepresented herself as the buyer’s agent to gain confidential information, resulting in a $1,000 fine on April 10, 2025, for lacking honesty and good faith in her professional dealings.
Significance of Professional Ethics
The actions taken against these real estate professionals underscore the importance of ethical conduct in the field. The Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance encourages consumers who suspect unlicensed activity or violations to report them through official channels. Such disciplinary measures are vital to protecting consumers and maintaining trust in the real estate industry.
The Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance also oversees other regulated professions, including architects, engineers, and home inspectors, indicating a broader commitment across multiple fields to enforce professional accountability.
Conclusion
These recent disciplinary actions serve as a reminder of the critical role that ethical standards play in real estate transactions. As Chattanooga continues to develop, upholding these standards will be crucial for preserving the integrity of the local real estate market.
FAQ Section
What types of ethical violations are occurring among real estate professionals in Chattanooga?
Recent violations include unprofessional conduct on social media, lack of care in handling transactions, and engaging in unlicensed activity. These have resulted in fines and mandatory training for the involved professionals.
What penalties are imposed on real estate professionals for ethical violations?
Penalties typically include fines ranging around $1,000 and mandated training courses aimed at improving professional ethics and practices.
How can consumers report unethical behavior in the real estate industry?
Consumers suspecting unlicensed activity or other violations can file complaints through the official channels provided by the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance.
Chart: Key Features of Disciplinary Actions
| Professional Name | Date of Violation | Disciplinary Action | Violation Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Erika Cooke | February 20, 2025 | $1,000 fine, 4-hour course | Unprofessional conduct on social media |
| Brandy Coleman | March 6, 2025 | $1,000 fine | Negligence in transaction handling |
| Sabrina Janow | March 24, 2025 | $1,000 fine | Lack of consent in document submission |
| Paul Teruya | March 25, 2025 | $1,000 fine | Unlicensed activity |
| Holly Sharp | April 7, 2025 | $1,000 fine | Misleading sellers about financing |
| Cindi Richardson | April 10, 2025 | $1,000 fine | Misrepresentation for obtaining confidential info |
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Additional Resources
- Times Free Press: Six Chattanooga Area Real Estate Agents Fined
- Wikipedia: Real Estate
- Chattanoogan: Latest Hamilton County Arrest Report
- Google Search: Chattanooga real estate news
- Times Free Press: Chattanooga Hamilton County Regional Planning
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Real Estate
- KPLC: Complaints Mount Against Dr. Horton House
- Google Scholar: Chattanooga real estate ethics
- Times Free Press: Downtown Chattanooga Parking
- Google News: Chattanooga real estate agents
Author: STAFF HERE CHATTANOOGA WRITER
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