T
he Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance publishes a monthly disciplinary report that records license revocations, civil penalties, and other sanctions imposed by its regulatory boards on individuals and firms that violate professional statutes. The following excerpts summarize 2025 actions taken by the Tennessee Real Estate Commission against real‑estate professionals in the Chattanooga area. Only statements admitted in a signed consent order are included.

    **Erika Cooke** – Feb 20

    Fine: $1,000 + a four‑hour communications or social‑media course (in addition to annual CE)

    Violation: Failure to act honestly and in good faith toward all parties

    Summary: As seller’s agent, Cooke posted on social media her displeasure with a buyer’s offer, including a screenshot of the offer’s special terms. She labeled the buyer’s agent, the buyers, and the offer as “offensive,” “disgusting,” “money hungry,” and “cheap people.” The post disclosed confidential information and threatened the transaction. Cooke apologized, admitting the post was a poor decision.

    **Brandy Coleman** – Mar 6

    Fine: $1,000

    Violation: Negligence in providing services to all parties

    Summary: Coleman, acting as buyer’s agent, instructed the buyer to leave the earnest money with a home inspector for later pickup. The inspector shredded the check, and the lender required an amendment removing the earnest money to close. The buyer’s contract was voided.

    **Sabrina Janow** – Mar 24

    Fine: $1,000

    Violation: Negligence in providing services to all parties

    Summary: After a first offer was rejected, Janow submitted a second offer using documents signed for the first offer without the buyer’s consent. She claimed she followed the buyer’s spouse’s instructions because she could not reach the other buyer. The buyers also alleged Janow waived the five‑day resolution period without permission, causing them to lose their earnest money when they withdrew.

    **Paul Teruya** – Mar 25

    Fine: $1,000

    Violation: Unlicensed activity

    Summary: Teruya’s license expired in January 2023. He claimed he renewed his firms’ licenses but was unaware he needed to renew his personal broker license separately. After the complaint, he completed the renewal.

    **Holly Sharp** – Apr 7

    Fine: $1,000

    Violation: Negligence in providing services to all parties

    Summary: Sharp, representing a potential buyer, assured the sellers of an approved loan after learning the buyer’s financing had been denied. The sellers entered a purchase agreement for another property based on Sharp’s assurances. The buyer failed to close, and the sellers forfeited their earnest money.

    **Cindi Richardson** – Apr 10

    Fine: $1,000

    Violation: Failure to act honestly and in good faith

    Summary: Richardson, acting as seller’s agent, misrepresented herself as the buyer’s Tennessee agent to the buyer’s North Carolina agent in order to obtain the buyer’s purchase‑sale agreement for the North Carolina property. She accessed confidential information she was not authorized to view.

    The Department encourages consumers who suspect unfair or deceptive practices, unlicensed activity, or regulatory violations to file a complaint. In addition to real estate, the department oversees burial services, architecture and engineering, collections, contractors, home improvement, cosmetology, barbers, funeral directors, embalmers, and home inspectors. Complaints can be filed and managed online or license verifications can be performed at core.tn.gov.