You have a house that needs to be sold yesterday. Maybe it’s an inheritance that’s costing you money in taxes, maybe you’re facing a job transfer, or perhaps the repairs have just piled up higher than your bank account can handle. You stare at that “For Sale” sign in the yard, and it just stares back. If you are trying to move fast, the traditional real estate roller coaster—staging, open houses, waiting on bank loans—is agonizing. The good news is that Memphis is one of the country’s busiest markets for investors. You just have to know where to find them.
Here is the complete guide to finding a Memphis home buyer:
Is Memphis a buyer’s or seller’s market| Memphis House Buyers?
It’s funny, if you ask three different realtors this question, you might get three different answers. But if you look at what’s actually happening on the streets right now, we are shifting toward a balanced market.
A couple of years ago, you could put a tent in a backyard, and someone would offer you $20k over asking price. Those days are gone. Inventory has crept up. Buyers are being pickier. They are asking for repairs, and they aren’t afraid to walk away if the deal isn’t right.
However, the demand for affordable homes is still massive. Because Memphis is such a huge rental city, there are always people looking for properties. But if you are trying to sell the traditional way, you have to realize you aren’t the only option on the block anymore. You have to be realistic on price, or you have to find a buyer who doesn’t care about market trends.
What is the hardest month to sell a house?
You can’t just stick a sign in the yard and hope the phone rings—not in this economy. You have to go out and find the buyers. And if you’re trying to sell in winter? It’s tough.
January is hands-down the worst time to list a home here.
Think about it. Everyone’s bank account is hurting from the holidays, the weather is usually miserable, and honestly, who wants to drag a mattress through the mud in 30-degree weather? It’s just not happening. Plus, your yard looks dead. When the grass is brown and the trees are bare, it’s really hard to get a buyer to fall in love with the “curb appeal.”
If you list with an agent in January, be prepared to wait. This is usually why people searching for Memphis we buy houses spike in the winter—investors are the only ones buying when the weather is bad because they look at the potential, not the ugly weather.
Why are houses so cheap in Memphis?
We get this question all the time from folks moving here from places like California or Nashville. They see the price tags and assume something is wrong.
It’s not that something is wrong; it’s just how our city is built.
- Old Inventory: We have a lot of older homes. A house built in 1955 that hasn’t been updated in twenty years isn’t going to command top dollar. It needs work, and the price reflects that.
- The Investor Gap: A huge chunk of Memphis real estate is owned by landlords. Investors want cash flow, so they won’t overpay for a house. This keeps prices grounded in reality, unlike some other cities where prices are purely based on hype.
This affordability is actually great for you if you need a quick sale. It means there is a massive pool of cash buyers locally and nationally who are constantly looking for deals in the 901.
Cash Buyers vs. Agents: What’s the Real Difference?
If you have time on your hands and your house is in perfect condition, call an agent. You’ll likely get a higher sale price, even after you pay the 6% commission and closing costs.
But if you value speed over squeezing every last penny out of the deal, a direct buyer is the way to go.
- The Agent: Takes 60-90 days. You have to fix the roof, paint the walls, and leave your house every time someone wants to see it.
- The Cash Buyer: Takes 7-14 days. You sell “as-is.” You don’t even have to sweep the floors.
When you see signs that say we buy houses in Memphis, those are usually local investors looking for a win-win. They get a house they can fix up; you get cash in hand without the headache of inspections or banks denying a loan at the last minute.
How to spot the good guys
There are plenty of “sharks” out there. To find a legitimate buyer:
- Keep it local. National companies use algorithms that don’t understand Memphis neighborhoods. A local buyer knows that a house in Midtown is worth more than a similar one five miles away.
- Check the reviews. Real people leave real reviews.
- Ask for proof. A real buyer can show you they have the funds to close.
Ready to move on?
Selling a house doesn’t have to be a nightmare. If you want to skip the winter slump, avoid the repairs, and just get it done, we are here to help.
Don’t wait for the market to change. Click here to get a fair cash offer from a local Memphis home buyer today.
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.