The Ultimate Checklist for Selling A House in Memphis TN (Steps to Sell Your Home in Memphis)

Selling your Memphis home or any property is never easy. Those walls have witnessed your life unfold… children’s birthday parties, late-night conversations on the porch, and quiet Sunday mornings with coffee. Now it’s time for someone else to fill your home with their own memories.

What’s Up with the Memphis Real Estate Market

Good news! Memphis real estate is thriving right now! Home prices have increased by 2.6% over the past year, with an average home value of $146,449. 16.1% of these sales are actually over the listing price.

What does this mean for you? Your property could sell faster and for more money than expected. 

Generally, spring and summer show the most buyer activity in Memphis. Families prefer to move before the school year begins, and warmer weather makes house hunting more enjoyable. 

Don’t worry about selling in fall or winter, though. Memphis has mild seasons, so you can successfully sell your home any time of year.

Note, though, that location affects both price and selling speed. East Memphis and Germantown typically command higher prices, while areas like Frayser or Raleigh might sell for less but move quickly due to affordability. Your neighborhood’s specific features will also play a role in attracting the right buyers.

Complete Steps in Selling Your House in Memphis

Step 1: Prepare Your Memphis Home for Sale

As with any sales, first impressions matter when selling your Memphis home. Memphis buyers often make decisions within minutes of seeing a property. Your home’s exterior creates the first impression, so you need to make it count!

Enhance Your Property’s Curb Appeal

The National Association of Realtors reports that 93% of NAR realtors ask their clients to enhance the curb appeal of their home before selling. This is to ensure that the sale price of the property increases! You can start with these simple improvements:

• Touch up exterior paint, especially the front door
• Trim overgrown shrubs and add fresh mulch to garden beds
• Mow your lawn and edge around walkways
• Clear gutters and repair any visible exterior damage
• Replace outdated light fixtures
• Power wash siding, walkways, and driveways
• Add colorful potted plants near the entrance

Outdoor living is popular during our beautiful spring and fall months. Thus, a well-maintained yard is everything!

Make Your Home’s Interior Appealing to Memphis Buyers

Your home’s interior needs to feel spacious, neutral, and move-in ready. Memphis buyers want to envision themselves living in your space, not feel like they’re touring your personal museum. You may follow these tried-and-true steps:

• Remove personal photos and mementos
• Declutter every room, aim to remove about 30% of your belongings
• Deep clean everything, including baseboards and ceiling fans
• Fix squeaky doors, leaky faucets, and burned-out light bulbs
• Consider a fresh coat of neutral paint in dated rooms
• Clean or replace worn carpeting
• Ensure all mechanical systems work properly
• Stage rooms to showcase their purpose

Pro Tip: Pay special attention to kitchens and bathrooms. These spaces sell homes in Memphis! Even small updates like new cabinet hardware or modern light fixtures can make these spaces more appealing without breaking your budget, especially if you’re planning to sell your home for cash in Munford or nearby cities.

Step 2: Price Your Memphis Property Competitively

Setting the right price is also very crucial when selling your property. If you price too high, your home will sit unloved on the market. Meanwhile, if you price too low, you’ll shortchange yourself on years of investment. The right price brings buyers running to your door.

Recent data shows that over 30% of Memphis sellers had to reduce their asking price in January 2025. Don’t join that statistic! 

You need to accurately price from day one for faster sales. Memphis buyers are knowledgeable. They know when a home is overpriced.

Memphis is currently a seller’s market. This means you can be a bit bold with pricing. Homes are moving quickly, with median days on market barely budging from 55 to 56 days. This competitive environment might allow you to price your home up to 10% above market value while still attracting serious buyers.

Pro Tip: Get a professional appraisal. For about $475 in Tennessee, you’ll get an expert’s unbiased opinion of your home’s value. That documentation is useful during negotiations. It will give you confidence in your asking price.

Step 3: Gather All Necessary Documentation

The paperwork side of selling can feel about as fun as unpacking after a move. However, getting organized now saves headaches later. Tennessee has specific requirements that you’ll need to handle before listing your home.

• Title deed, which is your proof of ownership that gives you the right to sell
• Current property tax records show you’re up to date on payments
• Tennessee property disclosure form, where you’ll share known issues (be very honest here!)
• Documentation of those bathroom renovations, roof replacements, and other improvements
• HOA documents if you belong to an association (bylaws, financials, etc.)
• Recent utility bills showing typical monthly costs (buyers love seeing actual numbers)
• Home warranty information for appliances or major systems
• Survey documents that show exactly where your property lines run
• Building permits for any additions or major work you’ve completed
• Mortgage payoff information from your lender showing your current balance

Create a single folder (physical and/or digital) for all these documents. When you receive an offer, you won’t waste precious time hunting down paperwork.

Step 4: Decide How to Sell Your Home in Memphis

Choosing the perfect selling option for you needs lots of contemplation. Some fit your style better than others. There are various factors that would play into this, including your timeline, comfort with real estate processes, and financial situation.

Working with a Real Estate Professional

Most Memphis homeowners partner with a realtor. These professionals handle everything. Yep, including pricing strategy, marketing, negotiating, and more.
They bring insider market knowledge and experience spotting potential problems before they derail your sale.
Commission rates in Memphis typically range from 5-6% of the final sale price. This is split between your agent and the buyer’s agent. On a $185,500 home (the Memphis average), that’s around $9,275-$11,130.
That might sound steep, but many agents will negotiate their rates, especially for homes in higher price brackets.

Selling Your House By Owner in TN

The FSBO (For Sale By Owner) route can keep thousands in your pocket, but it would drain your time and knowledge. You’ll personally handle everything, including photography, showings, and contract negotiations. This works best if you are knowledgeable about real estate or you have a flexible timeline.

You’ll typically still offer a commission to the buyer’s agent (usually 2.5-3%) to ensure their clients see your home. But you’ll save the seller’s agent commission. You can keep thousands of dollars that would otherwise go to commissions

Step 5: Market Your Memphis Property Effectively

Marketing your home is the next crucial step. You need to get the right people excited and in the door. Even in a hot market, correct marketing will ensure you reach the most potential buyers.

Professional Photography and Virtual Tours

Professional photos are now essential in real estate. Memphis buyers often decide which homes to tour based solely on online images. In fact, professional shots increase interest by up to 70%.
You may want to budget $150-$300 for photography. For larger properties or out-of-town buyers, you may also want to pay for virtual tours ($250-$500). Schedule this on a sunny day after staging is complete.

Compelling Listings for Your Home

Your listing should tell your home’s story. Highlight proximity to Memphis landmarks like Shelby Farms Park, major employers, and school districts. Don’t forget to use vivid language that connects emotionally like “sun-drenched kitchen” or “peaceful backyard retreat.”
Distribute your listing widely through the MLS, social media, neighborhood groups, and traditional yard signs to attract serious buyers.

Step 6: Prepare for Showings and Open Houses

The showing is your home’s audition for its next owner. Memphis buyers know within minutes if a house feels right, so make every second count.
Clean your home thoroughly before each showing. This means sparkling bathrooms, spotless kitchen, and fresh linens. Create a welcoming atmosphere with natural light, comfortable temperature (72°F is ideal), and subtle background music. You may also want to add fresh flowers or a bowl of fruit in the kitchen.
Always leave during showings so buyers can explore freely. Take pets with you and secure any valuables beforehand.

Step 7: Review and Negotiate Offers

You need to look beyond just the highest price when evaluating offers.
Always consider financing type (cash offers typically close faster), contingencies (fewer means less chance of deals falling through), and earnest money deposits (1-2% shows buyer seriousness).
Memphis homes sell for around 98% of the asking price. Be prepared to negotiate not just price but also closing dates, included appliances, and repair requests. Sometimes, accepting a repair rather than reducing the price can save money overall.

Step 8: Home Inspection

The home inspection often causes the most anxiety for Memphis sellers. You can prepare for this by addressing obvious issues before listing your home. 

Replace burned-out light bulbs, fix leaky faucets, and ensure all doors and windows open properly. These small fixes prevent red flags that might make buyers wonder what bigger problems lurk beneath.

Most Memphis buyers will hire a professional inspector who’ll examine everything. The process takes two to three hours, and you should plan to be away during this time. Inspectors will find issues, even in well-maintained homes. Don’t take it personally.

The most common inspection issues in Memphis include foundation problems (our clay soil expands and contracts), electrical concerns in older homes, and water damage from our heavy rainfall. 

If the inspection reveals issues, you have several options: fix the problems, offer repair credits, reduce the price, or decline to make changes (though this might prompt the traditional buyer to walk away).

Step 9: Complete the Closing Process

In Memphis, closings typically happen at a title company or a real estate attorney’s office. The process may take one to two hours, though you might not need to attend in person if you sign documents in advance.
Before closing, you’ll complete a final walkthrough with the buyers to verify the property’s condition hasn’t changed since the offer was accepted.
On closing day, you need to bring your photo ID, house keys, garage door openers, and any documents requested by your closing agent.
Memphis sellers need to pay several closing costs, including:

• Title insurance (averages $1,000 in Tennessee)
• Transfer taxes (approximately 0.37% the sale price)
• Attorney fees ($500-$1,000)
• Outstanding property taxes and HOA dues
• Agreed-upon repair credits

Once documents are signed and funds transferred, you’ll hand over the keys. Congratulations! Your Memphis home has officially sold!

Important Note: Make sure to cancel utilities, homeowner’s insurance, and any recurring services after the closing is complete, especially if you choose to sell your home for cash in Memphis or nearby cities for a faster, smoother transition.

Timeline for Selling Your Memphis Property

Most Memphis homes take two to three months from listing to closing (with spring and summer bringing the most activity). Homes in popular neighborhoods like Midtown or East Memphis often sell faster.
Plan for each phase: preparation (2-3 weeks), active listing (30-60 days), and under contract (30-45 days until closing).
Build flexibility into your moving plans, as closing dates sometimes shift. To reduce stress, have temporary housing options if your new home isn’t ready when your current home sells.

Common Challenges When Selling Homes in Memphis, TN

Neighborhood Market Variations

Memphis isn’t one market but dozens! While East Memphis homes might start off bidding wars, properties in some areas need more strategic marketing.
The price that works in Harbor Town could leave your Binghampton home sitting for months. Always do your homework in your specific neighborhood. Citywide averages won’t tell your story.
Weather and Seasonal Impacts
Our famous Memphis weather can derail your selling plans. Summer thunderstorms flood crawl spaces, winter ice storms delay inspections, and spring pollen coats everything in yellow dust.
Schedule exterior repairs during dry spells and keep the HVAC humming during summer showings. Memphis buyers won’t tolerate a stuffy house tour in August!

Selling to Cash Buyers: A Fast Alternative for Memphis Homeowners

Even though you carefully laid out all your plans, life will still surprise you. Yes, we’re talking about those divorce papers, job transfers, inherited properties, or looming foreclosure. 

During these times, the weeks of repairs, months of showings, and endless negotiations for your Memphis house suddenly become unbearable burdens. Good thing, cash buyers offer a simple sale when you need it most.

The relief of closing a chapter quickly can be worth more than squeezing every last dollar from your property. Think about the peace of mind knowing exactly when your home will sell and exactly how much money will land in your account.

Cash sales mean trading some equity for the freedom to move forward with your life right now, especially when working with a trusted buyer like buyerhouse, who can close quickly and hassle-free.

Key Takeaways: The Ultimate Checklist for Selling A House in Memphis, TN (Steps to Sell Your Home in Memphis)

Your home isn’t just four walls and a roof. It’s years of memories being passed to the next family. That is why you need to prepare your property thoughtfully and price it strategically to attract buyers who’ll value what makes your home special.
Whatever path you choose, approaching your sale with clear expectations and the right support team makes this major life transition empowering.

Want to skip the hassle of traditional home selling? buyerhouse specializes in stress-free solutions for Memphis homeowners. Get a fair cash offer within 24 hours and close on your timeline. Contact us (901) 979-9929 today and learn why thousands of Memphis sellers have moved forward through us.

AMOSITE	COMPARATIVE MARKET ANALYSIS	REALTORS	REAL ESTATE BROKERAGE	BROKER	CASH
APPRAISAL	REMODELING	ASBESTOS REMEDIATION	TILE	FLOOR TILES	MORTGAGE
MORTGAGE LENDER	NASHVILLE, TN	NASHVILLE	INVESTMENT	HOME INSPECTORS	HOME INSPECTION
GUARANTEES	CANCERS	MALIGNANT TUMORS	BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU	BBB	BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU (BBB)
MONEY	LUNGS	LUNG FUNCTION	LENDING	MINERALS	HOME IMPROVEMENT
HOME RENOVATIONS	COMPANY	BUILDING CODES	TERMS OF SERVICE	REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT	PRIVACY
PRICING	THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS	MESSAGE	FREQUENCY	EMAIL	DATA
YOU SELL A HOUSE