Selling inherited homes in Memphis sounds like a blessing, but it usually comes with a long to-do list. There are legal papers to sort, bills to pay, and sometimes managing family disagreements. At the top of it, you still have to find out what to do with the property.
If you have recently inherited a house in Memphis and want to sell it, then here is a simple step-by-step guide to help you move forward without getting stuck.
Step 1: Make sure you are the legal owner
- Before you can take any action, confirm that you are the rightful owner of the property.
- If there is a will, the executor handles the property.
- Will not be done? The court will choose someone to take charge.
- If the house was jointly owned, it could already be related to the living owner.
This part can be misleading. This is why many families appoint a probate or estate attorney to handle paperwork and clean the title. It saves time and later avoids headaches.
Step 2: Pass through probate if necessary
Most of the inherited houses in Memphis pass through the probate court in Shelby County. this process:
- Proves that the will is valid (if anyone is present).
- Ensures that debt, absorbed, and taxes are handled.
- The property allows it to be legally moved or sold.
- The probate may look intimidating, but it is actually a legal green light to move forward with the house.
Step 3: Handle any loan or lien
Buyers are not like surprises. Before you list the house, make sure that there are no unpaid mortgages, overdue taxes, or liens associated with it. Cleaning these issues now makes sales very smooth.
Step 4: Check the price and position of the house
- You have to know what the house is.
- A professional assessment will give you a reasonable price limit for selling inherited Homes in Memphis.
- Walk through the house and pay attention to repairs.
Here’s the big question: Should you fix it or sell as-is? If you want the highest price and time, some repairs may be worth it. But if you avoid additional costs, selling AS-IS, and you can still get a proper proposal, especially from cash buyers.
Step 5: How do you want to sell?
Now here comes the big question:
- List with a real estate agent – better exposure and possibly a high price, but you will wait longer and pay commission.
- Sell to a cash home buyer or investor – no repair, no demonstration, quick closing. This is often the best route if you want simple, faster sales.
The right choice depends on your goals and how fast you need to move.
Step 6: Get the Home Ready
- Even small things can make a difference:
- Clean the chaos.
- Clean a deep.
- If they do not spend much, then make simple improvements.
- Take good pictures.
Remember, Tennessee law requires sellers to disclose any major issues, so honesty is always the best policy.
Step 7: Price is correct
Pricing is the place where many vendors get stuck.
- Use a comparative market analysis to see what a similar home has been sold for.
- If you are working with an agent, bend to their local knowledge.
- If you are talking to investors, do not be afraid to compare the proposals before saying yes.
Step 8: Close the Deal
- This is the finish line.
- Sign the paperwork.
- Pay the remaining taxes or loans.
- Transfer the title to the new owner.
Once everything is final, you can proceed without the weight of selling inherited homes in Memphis.
Mistakes to avoid
- Waiting very long to start the probate.
- Forgetting to deal with liens or taxes.
- Spending too much on unnecessary repairs.
- Let the feelings cloud financial decisions.
- Leave professional advice when you really need it.
Frequently Asked Questions (Selling inherited homes in Memphis)
How long does it take to sell an inherited home in Memphis?
It depends. Probate can take several months. After that, selling with an agent may take weeks or more, while a cash buyer can often close in days.
Do I have to pay inheritance tax in Tennessee?
No, Tennessee doesn’t charge an inheritance tax. Only very large estates may face federal estate taxes.
Can I rent a house I inherited instead of selling?
Yes, but being a landlord means dealing with tenants, repairs, and property taxes.
What if heirs don’t agree on selling?
One heir may buy out the others, or the issue may need mediation. In some cases, the court may order the sale.
Final Thoughts
Selling an inherited house in Memphis may feel heavy, but breaking it into steps makes it manageable. Start with ownership and probate, clean the loan, decide how you want to sell, and proceed through a step at a time. Whether you choose to list the house or sell directly to the cash buyer, the key is living and making a practical choice.
Spencer Shadrach is the founder of Spencer Buys Houses, a trusted home-buying company based in Memphis, TN. With over a decade of experience in real estate, Spencer is passionate about helping local homeowners sell their properties quickly and stress-free—no agents, no fees, and no repairs needed. Known for his honest approach and fair cash offers, Spencer has earned a reputation as one of the most reliable house buyers in Memphis. When he’s not guiding sellers through smooth closings, you’ll find him giving back to the Memphis community or spending time with his family.