Need to sell your house fast in Memphis?
Competitive cash offers: There’s no need to sort through dozens of We Buy Houses Memphis websites. Our team of experts understands the local market, and we work with one of the largest cash buyer networks in the nation to ensure you get the best offer possible through HomeLight’s Simple Sale Memphis platform.
No repairs or roadblocks: We specialize in helping Memphis sellers move quickly, even if a house needs repairs or you’re going through a difficult situation such as divorce, death in the family, or financial troubles.
Simple and fast: Get the cash you need to move on to your next chapter without the stress of showings, negotiations, or waiting months to close.
Sell My House Fast in Memphis
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How to Sell Your House Fast in Memphis: Helpful Tips and Strategies
- Published on
- 15 min read
- Kelsey Morrison Former HomeLight EditorCloseKelsey Morrison Former HomeLight Editor
Kelsey Morrison worked as an editor for HomeLight's Resource Centers. She has seven years of editorial experience in the real estate and lifestyle spaces. She previously worked as a commerce editor for World of Good Brands (eHow.com and Cuteness.com) and as an associate editor for Livabl.com. Kelsey holds a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Concordia University in Montreal, Quebec, and lives in a small mountain town in Southern California.
For homeowners in Memphis, the decision to sell your house fast can be triggered by various life circumstances, from urgent financial needs to unexpected family changes. The Memphis real estate market currently favors sellers but the pressure of selling your home quickly can still be stressful.
This article aims to guide you through your options for a fast home sale in Memphis, Tennessee. We’ll introduce you to the convenience of cash offers through HomeLight’s Simple Sale platform and the advantages of working with a top Memphis real estate agent. Plus, we’ll share selling tips from a top-performing local real estate agent.
Now let’s explore how you can sell your Memphis home quickly and efficiently.
Why you might need to sell your Memphis house fast
If you’re grappling with the need to sell your Memphis home quickly, you’re not alone. Many homeowners find themselves in situations like these where time is of the essence:
- Job relocation: When a new job opportunity calls you to another city or state, selling your house fast can make the transition smoother.
- Divorce: Going through a divorce is challenging enough; selling your home quickly can simplify the process for everyone involved.
- Inherited property: Inheriting a home in Memphis can come with unexpected responsibilities; a fast sale can alleviate these burdens.
- Financial distress: Whether it’s due to loss of income, mounting debt, or looming foreclosure, selling quickly might be a strategic move to regain stability.
- Downsizing: Moving to a smaller home or a retirement community can be a breath of fresh air, especially if your current home no longer suits your lifestyle.
- Repairs and renovations: Facing significant home repairs without the funds to cover them can make a quick sale an appealing option.
- Life changes: Whether it’s the arrival of a new family member or the need for a fresh start, life’s unexpected turns often call for quick decisions.
Facing any of these challenges may lead you to consider selling your Memphis home quickly. A no-obligation, all-cash offer for your home could be the solution you need, offering a fast, stress-free sale to help you move forward.
Option 1: Request a cash offer for your Memphis home
Navigating the Memphis real estate market doesn’t have to be a hassle, especially when you opt for a cash offer. HomeLight’s Simple Sale platform offers a streamlined alternative, connecting Memphis homeowners directly with cash buyers. This method not only simplifies the selling process but also accelerates it, allowing you to bypass the traditional hurdles of home selling.
With Simple Sale, you can select your move-out date and close in as few as 10 days. After answering a few questions about your Memphis home and preferred selling timeline, you’ll receive a no-obligation all-cash offer within 24 hours. This service provides a straightforward solution for selling your home, offering peace of mind to those looking to move on with the next chapter of their lives.
The process of a cash offer in Memphis
In Memphis, opting for a house for cash sale connects you with a buyer who has the funds ready to purchase your property immediately, bypassing the need for mortgage approvals. This straightforward approach begins with an accurate evaluation of your home’s condition and its value in the Memphis market. After you receive and accept an offer, the sale can move forward quickly, avoiding the usual delays caused by inspections and appraisals found in traditional sales processes.
Here are the three easy steps in the Simple Sale process:
Who else buys houses for cash in Memphis?
In Memphis, alongside HomeLight’s Simple Sale platform, a variety of established house-buying companies and investor groups are ready to offer cash for homes. These companies provide an alternative route for homeowners looking to sell quickly, catering to various needs and circumstances in the Memphis market:
- Fair Cash Deal (Memphis, Bartlett, Cordova, Germantown, Southaven)
- We Buy Houses Memphis (Memphis, Bartlett, Wolfchase, Woodstock, Oakville, Germantown)
- 1-800-Best Offer (statewide)
- Memphis Offer (Memphis)
- Volunteer Buyers (Memphis and surrounding areas)
For homeowners considering a cash offer, the internet can be a valuable resource for discovering additional companies that buy homes for cash. It’s important to thoroughly research and vet these options to ensure you’re making an informed decision. Alternatively, HomeLight’s Simple Sale platform offers a streamlined solution by connecting sellers with the largest network of trusted cash buyers across the US, simplifying the process of finding a reliable buyer for your home.
Pros and cons of selling to a Memphis house-buying company
Still not sure if you’re a good candidate for working with a Memphis house-buying company? Here’s a quick breakdown of the pros and cons of this arrangement.
Pros
- Quick offer: Receive an offer quickly, often within days, minimizing the wait time to start the selling process.
- Skip repairs: Sell your home as-is, avoiding the cost and time involved in making repairs.
- Easy process: The sale process is straightforward, with less paperwork and fewer steps than traditional home sales.
- No staging or showings: Eliminate the hassle and expense of staging your home and scheduling showings.
- Flexible move-out dates: Enjoy the flexibility of choosing a move-out date that works best for you and avoid moving twice.
- No financing delays: Cash purchases eliminate the delays associated with buyer financing approvals.
- Reduced or no closing fees: Some companies may cover all or part of the closing costs, reducing your expenses.
- Sale is guaranteed: Avoid the uncertainty of a traditional sale falling through.
- Can be a foreclosure solution: Selling for cash can be a viable option to avoid foreclosure.
- Less work than a FSBO sale: Selling to a cash buyer is typically less work than managing a sale by owner.
- Peace of mind: Know exactly when your house will sell and for how much
Cons
- Lower offers: Cash offers are often below market value, reflecting the convenience and speed of the sale.
- Less competition for your home: With a direct sale, you might miss out on potential bidding wars that could drive up the price.
- You give up control: The buyer often dictates the terms, which can leave you with less control over the sale.
- No negotiations: Cash offers are typically take-it-or-leave-it, leaving little room for negotiation.
- Can face hidden fees: Some companies may include hidden fees that reduce your net proceeds.
- Not all companies are reputable: It’s crucial to research and vet companies to avoid working with those that are not reputable.
- A potential risk for scams: The cash-for-homes sector can attract scams, so proceed with caution.
This comparison should help Memphis homeowners understand the benefits and challenges of selling to a house-buying company, and help them make a decision that aligns with their needs and circumstances.
Option 2: Hire a top Memphis real estate agent
When the goal is to sell your Memphis home quickly, enlisting a top real estate agent can be a game-changer. A skilled agent brings deep knowledge of the Memphis market to the table, ensuring your home is positioned for a quick and profitable sale. They manage everything from staging to closing, leveraging their expertise to maximize your home’s appeal and value.
“I would caution every seller not to take a cash offer that’s offered to them before meeting with a Realtor,” says Jennifer Carstensen, a top-performing Memphis real estate agent who sells properties nearly 60% faster than the average agent in her market.
“Often, the final offer is not what was originally presented to them, and it’s always a good idea to get a second opinion before making a final decision.”
Next, we’ll explore the current state of the Memphis real estate market, highlighting how a top agent can make all the difference in achieving a fast sale at the best possible price. Understanding the current market trends is crucial, and a top Memphis agent will have the insights and strategies to navigate these conditions effectively.
How fast are homes selling in Memphis?
“The inventory is really low right now in Memphis, so it’s still a seller’s market in a lot of areas,” says Carstensen.
The median days on market, or how long it takes for a listing to go from active to under contract, totaled 63 days in December 2023, according to the latest available data from the St. Louis Fed. Carstensen is “still seeing homes selling within the first couple weeks of hitting the market,” although she says it depends on the area.
Closed home sales surged 21.3% year-over-year in January 2024, according to a report by the Memphis Area Association of Realtors®. Even on a month-to-month basis, sales increased by 11.4%. This is a promising sign for homeowners looking to sell quickly as demand appears to be returning to the Memphis housing market despite elevated mortgage rates.
The typical home sold for $167,000, or 6.7% less than the same period last year. Inventory improved, climbing 3.1% between December and January, with 3,319 units listed for sale. Compared to the same month last year, inventory has grown by nearly 21%.
The months’ supply, or how long it would take for all the homes on the market to sell at the current rate of sales, amounted to 2.7 months, which suggests a seller’s market. For context, a balanced market has 5 to 7 months of supply.
Here’s a snapshot of current housing market indicators in Memphis:
Days on market (average time from list to contract) | 63 days* |
Days to close conventional home loan | 47 days |
Median home sale price | $167,000 |
Supply of inventory | 2.7 months |
Number of closed home sales year over year | +21.3% |
*Does not include time for buyer to close the loan; Dec. 2023 data point
Data source(s): Memphis Area Association of Realtors, FRED, Ice Mortgage Technology
Benefits of selling with a top Memphis agent
Working with a top real estate agent in Memphis not only increases your chances of a successful sale but can also result in a higher profit. “Most of the time, when I’m able to meet with sellers who have a cash offer on the table from an off-market investor, it’s always 5%, 10%, or 15% lower than what they could get on the market,” says Carstensen.
“Once I explain to them what going on the market means, they’re not as apprehensive, and they usually will net more money by going on the open market.”
Here are just some of the advantages of working with a top real estate agent familiar with the Memphis market:
- Ability to sell for more: A skilled agent can strategically price your home to attract buyers, often resulting in a higher sale price.
- Can generate a speedy sale: With their finger on the pulse of the Memphis market, agents know how to move quickly to capitalize on buyer interest.
- Accurate, effective pricing: Setting the right price from the start avoids the pitfalls of overpricing, helping to sell your home faster.
- Professional negotiation skills: Expert negotiations can make the difference in closing a deal quickly and on favorable terms.
- Expert partner by your side: An experienced agent guides you through every step, ensuring a smooth and expedited sale process.
- Will know what to fix and not fix: Their knowledge helps prioritize repairs that increase home value and appeal, avoiding unnecessary expenses that don’t add value.
- Elevated marketing: Advanced marketing techniques and broad exposure attract more potential buyers quickly.
- Contract savviness: Understanding the nuances of sale contracts can expedite the closing process and prevent delays.
- Can manage documents and disclosures: Navigating the legal requirements and paperwork efficiently ensures compliance and reduces the risk of issues that could slow down the sale.
- Network of skilled professionals: Access to a trusted network of professionals, from home inspectors to repair experts, streamlines the preparation for sale.
Choosing to sell your Memphis home with the help of a top real estate agent not only aims to achieve a faster sale but ensures the process is handled professionally and efficiently, maximizing your home’s value and appeal in the Memphis market.
How to find a top Memphis real estate agent
Finding a top-notch real estate agent in Memphis is key to a successful home sale. HomeLight’s Agent Match platform is here to assist. Leveraging data from over 27 million transactions and countless reviews, we’re equipped to connect you with two or three highly-rated agents in the Memphis market. Whether selling or buying, allow HomeLight to guide you to the perfect agent for your specific needs.
Expert agent tips to help sell your Durham house fast
To secure a quick sale in Memphis, tapping into local trends and buyer preferences can make all the difference. Here are some agent-approved tips to help your home stand out and sells fast:
- Price it right from the start: Setting a competitive price from day one avoids the pitfalls of overpricing and attracts serious buyers quickly. “A Realtor is the only person that can really sit down and analyze your home compared to the other homes on the market and make sure that you’re getting the right value,” explains Carstensen.
- Capitalize on local charm: Memphis is rich in history and culture; highlight any historic elements of your home or neighborhood to attract buyers looking for that unique Memphis vibe. Think exposed brick, stained glass windows, hardwood floors, original fireplaces, and intricate woodwork.
- Highlight outdoor living: With Memphis’s mild climate, well-maintained outdoor spaces like gardens, patios, or decks are a big draw for buyers. Larger or improved outdoor spaces are the third most enticing selling feature among buyers, according to HomeLight’s Top Agent Insights Survey for End of Year 2023.
- Declutter and depersonalize: “If there are a lot of knickknacks or pictures everywhere, removing them can make the space look bigger,” says Carstensen. According to a recent Top Agent Insights Report by HomeLight, decluttering can add $8,000 to the resale value of your house.
- Focus on curb appeal: A clean and inviting exterior creates a strong first impression for buyers. “Making improvements to the landscaping can have a really big impact on the sale,” notes Carstensen. Lay down some fresh mulch, remove any dead plants, and add some colorful perennials to spruce up your front yard. Painting your front door an eye-catching color is another way to attract buyers as they browse online listings or drive by your property.
- Invest in staging: Agents survey by HomeLight report that a professionally staged home can sell for up to 13% more than an unstaged home. “Even if you have a vacant home, we can virtually stage [it],” adds Carstensen.
- Get a pre-listing home inspection: Identifying and fixing issues early on with a pre-sale inspection can streamline the selling process and build trust with buyers. You can expect to pay around $300–$400 for a pre-listing home inspection, but it’s well worth it.
- Offer a home warranty: Providing buyers with a home warranty can ease their concerns about future repairs, making your home more appealing. “A trend we’re seeing is multi-year home warranties as opposed to what had been very traditional in the past, which was one year,” says Carstensen. “If a buyer is interested in a home with an older HVAC system, the seller offering a multi-year home warranty might give the buyer some more peace of mind about moving forward.”
- Use professional photography: In a competitive market, high-quality photos can make your listing stand out and attract more potential buyers. Professional photographers know how to capture the best features of your home, creating a compelling visual story that can increase interest and drive more viewings.
- Consider timing: The Memphis housing market has its peaks and valleys. Use HomeLight’s Time to Sell Calculator to determine the best listing period, whether you’re looking to sell as quickly as possible or maximize profits.
Putting these strategies into practice can enhance your home’s marketability in Memphis, leading to a faster and more profitable home sale.
Ready to sell your Memphis house fast?
The path to a fast home sale in Memphis comes down to two main options: securing a cash offer or partnering with a leading real estate agent. While these options cater to different needs, both are designed to make selling easier for you.
- If you need to sell immediately, a cash offer through HomeLight’s Simple Sale platform can provide a straightforward exit from your property without the hassle of prepping and staging, or conducting showings.
- On the other hand, if maximizing your home’s selling price is your goal, an experienced real estate agent can effectively market and price your home. HomeLight can connect you with a top-performing agent in Memphis, ensuring your property gets the attention it deserves in the local market.
Considering both options? Comparing a Simple Sale cash offer with a top agent’s market plan gives you a comprehensive view, helping you make the best choice for your situation. With these tools and insights, you’re ready to take on the Memphis real estate market and secure a quick sale.
Header Image Source: (Emily Finch / Unsplash)