How to Sell My House Fast in Tennessee: Cash Offer Options

Pros and cons of selling to a Tennessee house-buying company

If you’re contemplating selling your Tennessee home to a house-buying company, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons. To help you make an informed decision, we’ve compiled a comparison of notable benefits and potential drawbacks of this arrangement.

Sarah Brogdon, a top-performing real estate agent in Tennessee who sells homes 55% faster than the average Chattanooga agent, cautions sellers to carefully vet the cash buyer. “People get those ‘we buy houses’ postcards, and they even maybe sometimes see ads on local media, and those folks are often real estate wholesalers.”

A wholesaler is a middleman who will convince you to sign a contract and then try to pass the sale off to a real investor for a fee.

“Usually, [a wholesaler’s] contract will say something like ‘Bob Smith’ is assigned or named as the purchaser, so they’re not actually the end buyer,” Brogdon explains. “The wholesaler makes money on the spread at closing. They’re trying to secure that property at a price way below market value.” They’re seeking a price low enough for both the wholesaler and the investor buyer to profit.

Researching the buyer and keeping the pros and cons in mind will help you decide whether selling to a house-buying company is the right choice for you.

Option 2: Hire a top Tennessee real estate agent

For Tennessee homeowners looking to secure a swift sale without sacrificing value, hiring a top real estate agent could be the winning strategy. These experts are deeply versed in the Tennessee housing market, providing you with the guidance you need to sell your house swiftly and profitably.

“The role of an agent is to really be a trusted advisor,” Brogdon says. “It is our job to work with sellers to understand the value of their home in today’s market and to ensure that they are getting the strongest price for that property that the market can bear.”

Let’s explore some of the current market conditions in Tennessee.

How fast are homes selling in Tennessee?

In Tennessee, home-selling speed and pricing trends can vary, but an overview of the market can provide a snapshot of the state’s current real estate landscape. Median days on market (DOM), which refers to the period from when a property is listed to when the seller and buyer sign a contract, is one valuable measure. We’ll review the DOM data below.

Additionally, it’s important for sellers to take into account the typical additional 43 days it can take to fully complete the sale — the time a buyer needs to close on a purchase loan in Tennessee.

Over the past year, we’ve observed some interesting shifts in the DOM for Tennessee homes. In 2023 and 2024, homes in Tennessee have been spending more time on the market as compared to the previous two years. Additionally, the number of closed home sales in June 2024 was down 20.9% from a year prior. This is likely due to a slower sales pace brought on by higher interest rates, or buyers unwilling to adjust their price expectations to match the shifting market.

“The average days on market is kind of a tricky metric because in any market, you have some properties that, for any variety of reasons, are sitting on the market for a long time,” Brogdon says. “So they’re either overpriced, or there is too much deferred maintenance. Or, there’s a very limited pool of prospective buyers because of the type of property it is.”

Additionally, the median sale price in Tennessee has experienced fluctuations throughout the year, showcasing the dynamics of the market. The following data table can help paint a picture of DOM and sale price trends in Tennessee.

Tennessee real estate conditions and trends

Here is a snapshot of current real estate conditions in Tennessee:

*Does not include the additional 43 days a buyer needs to close on a purchase loan. 

Source(s): Tennessee Realtors, Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis (FRED).

“In Chattanooga, if your home is in good condition or if it’s even just priced appropriately for the condition that it’s in, it should be selling within a couple of weeks,” Brogdon says. “I would say 14-15 days is pretty standard right now [to get a signed contract]. If you start to get beyond about three weeks, you’re probably overpriced, or there’s something else going on in terms of the show-ability, access, or how it’s being marketed.”

Benefits of selling with a top Tennessee agent

Selling your Tennessee home quickly can be a complex task, but partnering with a top real estate agent can significantly streamline the process and lead to a swift sale.

Here are the benefits that a top Tennessee real estate agent can provide, particularly in terms of accelerating your home sale:

“One big benefit of working with an experienced, seasoned agent in the Chattanooga market is that they are going to understand how to navigate current market conditions, which are frankly unusual and a little different than anything we’ve seen recently,” Brogdon says. “The market has shifted, and you need somebody who has been around for a while to help navigate what we’re currently experiencing.”

How to find a top Tennessee real estate agent

Finding the right real estate agent in Tennessee is key to a successful and swift home sale. With HomeLight’s Agent Match platform, you can access a database of top-rated agents in the Tennessee market. Our platform analyzes over 27 million transactions and thousands of reviews to connect you with the best agent for your specific needs. Whether you’re selling or buying in the Volunteer State, let HomeLight guide you to the perfect real estate professional.

Expert agent tips to help sell your Tennessee house fast

As a homeowner in Tennessee looking to sell quickly, taking some expert advice from top real estate agents can give you an upper hand. The following are some insider tips that are tailored specifically to the Volunteer State’s unique real estate market:

• Offer a seller-paid rate buydown: This is when a seller pays down points to lower the mortgage rate for the buyer. “A rate buydown is the kind of thing that can get a buyer off the fence and make the house more affordable to them in the long-term,” Brogdon says. “Buyers are paying attention to that, so if I was in a big hurry to sell, I’d offer an interest rate buydown.”
• Highlight environmentally friendly, energy-efficient features: Brogdon notes, “We see buyers increasingly asking about sustainability as part of their home search.” In Tennessee, where energy costs can fluctuate with the seasons, homes with environmentally-friendly, energy-efficient features, and lower utility costs can be a significant selling point.
• Stage a home office: With the rise of remote working, especially among the young professionals flocking to Tennessee, Brogdon suggests, “Work-from-home is definitely a huge trend… This makes home office space increasingly important.” Stage a dedicated workspace to appeal to this demographic.
• Capitalize on local charm: Tennessee is known for its historical charm and scenic landscapes. If your home has any unique features or a captivating view, highlight those in your listing.
• Promote your accessory dwelling unit (ADU): Extra dwelling units, like a mother-in-law unit, can help your Tennessee house sell fast. As Brogdon explains, “Having an ADU is a big deal and could potentially be a great selling feature that also — as our property values come up — can help owners offset the cost of their mortgage [by renting out the ADU].”
• Make your home weather-ready: Tennessee experiences varied weather, from hot summers to occasional heavy rain. Features like energy-efficient windows can make buyers more comfortable.
• Leverage professional photography: In Tennessee’s competitive market, high-quality photos can make your listing stand out. Showcase all the special features of your home in the best light.
• Use social media reach: Share walkthrough videos or photos on popular social platforms to increase visibility. An engaging post could attract multiple offers in a short time.
• Consult on timing: The housing market in Tennessee can be seasonal. Consult with your agent to pick the optimal time to list. You can also check out HomeLight’s Best Time to Sell Calculator for data-backed insights.

Brogdon adds, “Make sure you’ve got an agent who really understands the hyper-local real estate market. Make sure you’ve got someone who knows your neighborhood well. We’re in an environment with rising interest rates, which have put the brakes on a lot of buyers.”

Remember, these are general tips to help speed up your home sale. Working with a top Tennessee real estate agent will provide you with personalized strategies based on your specific home and circumstances.

Ready to sell your Tennessee house fast?

Navigating the shifting real estate market in Tennessee can feel daunting, but remember, you have proven options at your disposal.

Whether your situation calls for the urgency of a cash offer through a platform like HomeLight’s Simple Sale, or you choose the seasoned expertise of a top real estate agent to ensure your home is marketed and priced to sell quickly, you’re covered.

If you choose the agent option, HomeLight can connect with a top-rated agent who understands the unique intricacies of your Tennessee market.

If you’re torn between a cash offer or using an agent, consider exploring both. Comparing a cash offer from Simple Sale with an agent’s perspective offers you a well-rounded view of your options.

With the right knowledge, resources, and tools, you’re well-equipped to navigate your speedy home sale in Tennessee. Happy selling!