Selling an inherited house can feel like trying to solve a puzzle where half the pieces are missing. If you’re standing in a living room in Midtown or Whitehaven, surrounded by decades of your parents’ memories while staring at a stack of probate paperwork from the Shelby County court, “overwhelmed” doesn’t even begin to cover it. At Spencer Buys Houses, we see this every day. You don’t just have a house to sell; you have a lifetime of belongings to sort through, family members to coordinate with, and a legal clock that never seems to stop ticking. Whether you need to sell an inherited house in Memphis or you’re looking to sell your house for cash in Byhalia, here is the straight talk on how to get through it without losing your mind.
The Shelby County “Paperwork Headache”
In Memphis, the probate process is famous for moving at its own pace. Even in 2026, you’re looking at 6 to 12 months of legal back-and-forth before a house can officially change hands through traditional channels. Between the attorney fees and the “small estate” rules, it’s a lot of red tape to cut.
But the biggest drain isn’t the court, it’s the house itself. Every month, it’s empty, you’re paying for:
- MLGW bills that keep climbing.
- Property taxes on a house you aren’t living in.
- The constant worry about a pipe bursting or someone breaking in.
Why the “Emotional Heavy Lifting” is Harder Than the Repairs
It’s not just the paperwork. It’s the “stuff.” Deciding what to do with decades of memories—and the actual physical furniture, clothes, and “junk”—is exhausting. Most families spend months cleaning out a home before they even think about listing it with a realtor.
How Spencer Buys Houses Simplifies the “Inheritance Trap”
We do things differently. Our goal isn’t just to buy a property; it’s to provide a “reset button” for families in transition.
1. We Handle the Heavy Lifting (Literally)
One of the biggest hurdles to selling an inherited house in Memphis is the clean-out. You don’t have to hire a dumpster or spend your weekends hauling old sofas to the curb. Take the items that matter to you—the photos, the heirlooms—and leave the rest. We handle all junk removal at no cost to you.
2. We Buy “As-Is”
Inherited homes often come with deferred maintenance. Leaky roofs in Midtown or foundation issues in North Memphis can prevent a traditional buyer from getting a bank loan. Since we pay cash, we don’t need a bank’s approval. We buy the house exactly as it sits, cracks and all.
3. We Navigate the Legal Maze
While we aren’t lawyers, we work with local Memphis title companies and probate experts every day. We can often help coordinate the necessary paperwork to ensure a smooth closing, even if the probate process is still ongoing.
Crossing the State Line: Selling Home for Cash in Byhalia
We’ve seen a lot of folks lately inheriting property just south of the border in Marshall County. If you’re trying to sell your house for cash in Byhalia, you know the market there moves a bit differently.
Byhalia homes often sit on more land, which is great, but they can stay on the market for 150+ days. If you’ve inherited a farmhouse or a property that needs work, waiting five months for a buyer to find a mortgage isn’t always an option—especially if you live out of state. We close in days, not months, so you can settle the estate and move forward.
Frequently Asked Questions (Memphis & Byhalia)
Q: Do I have to wait for probate to end before I sell?
A: Not necessarily. In Tennessee and Mississippi, we can often work with the executor to sell the house while probate is still open. This keeps the estate from bleeding money on utilities and taxes.
Q: What if the house has a mortgage or back taxes?
A: Don’t worry. When you sell to us, those debts are paid off directly at the closing table from the proceeds of the sale. You walk away with a clean slate and a check for the difference.
Q: Do you buy houses in Byhalia even if they are in bad shape?
A: Absolutely. Just like our Memphis properties, we buy in Byhalia regardless of condition. Whether it’s an old farmhouse that needs a total gut-job or a newer home that just needs a quick exit, we’re interested.
Is the “Inheritance Headache” keeping you up at night? You don’t have to navigate this alone. Whether you are ready to sell an inherited house in Memphis or want a quick way to sell your house for cash in Byhalia, we are here to help.
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.