August has a way of making you realize how quickly the year is moving.
Summer is winding down, school is starting back up, and families are getting back into their normal routines. For some Memphis homeowners, that also means finally dealing with something they’ve been putting off:
“What are we going to do with this house?”
Maybe you’re getting ready to move. Maybe you’ve inherited a property you don’t want to keep. Maybe you’re tired of dealing with a rental. Or maybe the house needs more work than you’re willing or able to put into it.
Whatever the reason, one of the first questions is usually the same:
How long does it take to sell a house in Memphis?
The honest answer is: it depends.
How quickly a house sells can depend on its condition, price, location, how you choose to sell it, and what is happening in the local market.
Let’s break down what you can realistically expect.
How Long Does It Take to Sell a House the Traditional Way?
If you decide to list your Memphis home with a real estate agent, there are several steps between deciding to sell and actually getting your money.
And not all of them happen overnight.
1. Getting the House Ready
Before putting a home on the market, many homeowners spend time getting it ready.
That might mean:
- Cleaning and decluttering
- Making repairs
- Painting
- Updating the kitchen or bathrooms
- Taking care of the yard
- Improving curb appeal
- Moving furniture or personal belongings
For a house that’s already in great shape, this may not take long.
But if the property needs a lot of work, getting it market-ready can take weeks or longer.
And that’s before you’ve even had your first showing.
2. Listing the House and Waiting for a Buyer
Once the house is listed, the next step is finding the right buyer.
Your agent may arrange professional photos, online marketing, showings, open houses, and other activities to get the property in front of potential buyers.
Some homes get an offer quickly.
Others don’t.
That’s especially true when a home needs repairs, is priced higher than buyers are willing to pay, or is competing with a lot of other homes for sale.
Recent Memphis market data shows just how much the timeline can vary depending on the source and area being measured. In June 2026, the Memphis Area Association of REALTORS® reported an average of 49 days on market for the Memphis-area market, while Realtor.com reported a median of 64 days for Memphis.
In other words, there’s no magic number that applies to every Memphis house.
Your house could sell faster.
Or it could sit for a while.
3. Getting From Contract to Closing
Finding a buyer isn’t necessarily the finish line.
Once you accept an offer, there can still be several steps before the sale actually closes.
Depending on the transaction, you may be dealing with:
- Inspections
- Appraisals
- Buyer financing
- Title work
- Repair negotiations
- Insurance requirements
- Final walkthroughs
- Closing paperwork
If the buyer is getting a mortgage, the lender has its own process to complete.
And sometimes things don’t go according to plan.
That’s where a sale that seemed simple can suddenly take longer than expected.
What Can Delay the Sale of a Memphis House?
There are plenty of reasons a home sale can slow down.
Here are a few of the big ones we see homeowners think about.
The House Needs Too Many Repairs
A buyer looking for a traditional move-in-ready home may not want to take on a roof, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, flooring, or other major projects.
That doesn’t mean the house can’t be sold.
It just means your pool of potential buyers may be smaller.
And if you decide to make the repairs yourself, you’re adding more time before the house is even ready to sell.
The Buyer Has Financing Problems
A buyer can be pre-approved for a mortgage and still run into problems before closing.
Their financial situation can change. The lender can request additional documentation. The loan can take longer than expected.
And if the financing ultimately falls through, you may find yourself looking for another buyer.
The Appraisal Comes in Low
When a buyer is using a mortgage, the lender may require an appraisal.
If the appraisal comes in below the agreed purchase price, the parties may have to renegotiate.
That can mean more time, another decision, or sometimes a canceled contract.
There Are Title Problems
Sometimes the biggest issue isn’t the house itself.
It’s the paperwork behind it.
Things such as:
- Unpaid property taxes
- Liens
- Probate
- Ownership questions
- Missing documents
- Other title issues
can slow down a sale.
That’s why title work is an important part of the process, whether you’re selling traditionally or directly to a buyer.
How Long Does a Cash Home Sale Take in Memphis?
This is where the timeline can look very different.
When you sell directly to a cash buyer, you’re not waiting for a mortgage lender to approve the buyer’s loan.
There may also be no need to prepare the house for traditional showings, make repairs before selling, or wait for an appraisal required by a lender.
Depending on the property and the title work, some cash sales can close in as little as 7-14 days.
But here’s the important part:
That’s not a guarantee.
Every property is different.
Sometimes the seller needs more time. Sometimes title work takes longer. Sometimes there are family or estate matters that need to be handled first.
A good buyer should be willing to talk through your timeline instead of simply telling you that you have to close tomorrow.
Do You Have to Move Out Immediately If You Sell for Cash?
No.
This is something homeowners ask us pretty often.
Selling for cash doesn’t automatically mean you have to be out of the house in a few days.
Maybe you’re moving to another state.
Maybe the kids are just getting back into school.
Maybe you’re helping a family member.
Maybe you’re cleaning out an inherited house.
Maybe you simply need a little more time.
Depending on the agreement, your closing date can often be scheduled around your situation.
The important thing is to communicate what you need upfront.
What Kind of Memphis Houses Can Take Longer to Sell?
Every property is different, but some homes can be more difficult to sell through the traditional market.
That can include:
- Houses that need major repairs
- Older homes with outdated interiors
- Vacant properties
- Inherited houses
- Rental properties with tenants
- Homes with structural problems
- Properties that have been sitting vacant
- Houses that need extensive cleanup
These properties aren’t necessarily impossible to sell.
They may simply require a different buyer.
That’s one reason some homeowners choose to talk with a cash buyer instead of spending months getting the property ready for the traditional market.
Is Selling Fast Always Better?
Not necessarily.
And this is something we think homeowners should hear.
The fastest offer isn’t automatically the best offer.
But the highest offer isn’t necessarily the best option either.
A higher offer may come with repairs, inspections, financing, contingencies, commissions, or a longer timeline.
A lower cash offer may come with more certainty and less work.
It really comes down to what matters most to you.
Ask yourself:
- How quickly do I actually need to sell?
- How much work does the house need?
- Do I have the money to make the repairs?
- Am I willing to deal with showings?
- Do I want to wait for a traditional buyer?
- How important is certainty?
- Do I need flexibility with my closing date?
- Am I trying to get the absolute highest price, or am I looking for a simpler sale?
There isn’t one right answer.
There’s the answer that’s right for your situation.
What’s the Fastest Way to Sell a House in Memphis?
If your biggest priority is speed and convenience, selling directly to a cash buyer can be one option to consider.
You may be able to avoid some of the steps involved in a traditional sale, including:
- Making repairs before selling
- Preparing the house for showings
- Waiting for a buyer’s mortgage approval
- Waiting on a lender-required appraisal
- Negotiating repairs after an inspection
- Paying traditional real estate agent commissions
Instead, you can talk directly with a buyer, learn what they’re willing to offer, and decide whether the offer makes sense for you.
And if it doesn’t?
You don’t have to accept it.
So, How Long Does It Really Take to Sell a House in Memphis?
For a traditional sale, it can take several weeks or even a few months from preparing the property to getting to the closing table.
Current Memphis market data shows that homes are spending weeks on the market on average, although the exact number varies depending on the source, property, and area.
A cash sale can sometimes move much faster, with some properties closing in a week or two when everything is ready.
But speed isn’t the only thing to consider.
Your house.
Your situation.
Your timeline.
Those matter too.
Selling a House in Memphis Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated
At Memfixerupper, we buy houses as-is throughout Memphis and the surrounding areas.
That means you don’t have to spend months fixing up a house just to get it ready for the market.
You don’t have to worry about keeping the house show-ready.
And you don’t have to wait around hoping a buyer’s financing comes through.
We’ll look at the property, learn about your situation, and make you an offer.
Then you decide what makes sense for you.
No pressure. No obligation.
Because sometimes selling a house isn’t really about getting through a complicated process.
Sometimes it’s just about finding a simple way forward.
Thinking about selling your Memphis house? We’re happy to talk.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to sell a house in Memphis?
A traditional home sale can take several weeks to several months depending on the property, price, condition, buyer, and current market. A cash sale can sometimes close much faster.
Can I sell my Memphis house without making repairs?
Yes. Selling as-is is an option. A cash buyer may purchase a property in its current condition, which means you don’t necessarily have to make repairs before selling.
How fast can I sell my house for cash in Memphis?
Some cash sales can close in as little as 7–14 days, but the actual timeline depends on the property, title work, and the needs of everyone involved.
Do I have to move out immediately after accepting a cash offer?
Not necessarily. Your closing date can often be discussed based on your circumstances. If you need additional time, let the buyer know.
Is selling to a cash buyer better than using a realtor?
It depends on what you want. A traditional listing may make sense if maximizing the potential sale price is your priority and you’re willing to handle repairs, showings, negotiations, and a longer process. A cash sale may make more sense if convenience, speed, and selling as-is are more important to you.
Do I have to accept a cash offer?
No. A cash offer is simply an offer. You should have the opportunity to review it and decide whether it’s right for you.
Memfixerupper— We Buy Houses As-Is in Memphis
Fast. Simple. On your timeline.