When it comes to selling a home in Memphis, location is everything. Some neighborhoods see houses fly off the market in days, while others take weeks or even months. The difference often comes down to factors like school ratings, price per square foot, and crime statistics.
For buyers, these details influence where they want to live. For sellers, they directly affect how quickly a property will sell and how close the sale price comes to asking. If you’re a homeowner searching for ways to sell your house fast Memphis, or if you’re evaluating whether to target retail buyers or cash home buyers in Memphis, understanding neighborhood patterns is essential.
This in-depth guide uses local MLS data, pricing trends, and community insights to reveal where homes sell the fastest in Memphis—and what that means for you as a seller.
Memphis Real Estate Market Snapshot
Before breaking down neighborhoods, let’s look at the overall Memphis housing market.
Average Days on Market (DOM)
- Citywide Average: 35–50 days.
- Move-in-Ready Homes: In high-demand areas, under 30 days.
- Fixer-Uppers: Often 60+ days, unless purchased by investors or companies that buy houses Memphis.
Price Per Square Foot
- Memphis Average: $125–$145 per sq. ft.
- Germantown & Collierville: $170–$190 per sq. ft.
- South Memphis & Frayser: Below $100 per sq. ft.
School Districts Matter
- Homes in Collierville, Germantown, and East Memphis (with strong school ratings) sell more quickly and command higher prices.
- Lower-rated districts struggle with slower DOM, but attract we buy houses Memphis TN investors who see rental opportunities.
Crime Statistics and Sale Speed
- Lower-crime neighborhoods = faster sales and stronger closing prices.
- Higher-crime areas (like parts of South Memphis and Frayser) typically see longer DOM, but remain popular with cash house buyers Memphis.
Why Some Memphis Homes Sell Faster Than Others
The Memphis market isn’t uniform. Sales speed depends on four major factors:
- MLS Data and DOM Trends
- Germantown, Collierville, and East Memphis: consistently lower DOM.
- South Memphis and Frayser: longer timelines without cash home buyers in Memphis.
- School Ratings
- Families drive demand in high-rated districts like Collierville and Germantown.
- Homes in weaker districts attract mostly investors.
- Price Per Square Foot
- Affordable homes below $145 per sq. ft. move quickly.
- Luxury properties above $170 per sq. ft. take longer, even in desirable areas.
- Crime and Safety Perceptions
- Safer neighborhoods sell faster.
- Areas with higher crime indexes rely more on we buy houses fast in Memphis companies and landlords.
Neighborhood Breakdown: Where Homes Sell Fastest
East Memphis
- DOM: 25–35 days.
- Price/Sq. Ft.: $140–$160.
- Schools: Well-regarded.
- Buyers: Traditional Memphis home buyers.
- Summary: Strong demand from families and professionals makes East Memphis one of the city’s most stable markets.
Midtown Memphis
- DOM: 30–45 days.
- Price/Sq. Ft.: $130–$150.
- Schools: Mixed.
- Buyers: Young professionals, historic home enthusiasts, and investors.
- Summary: Renovated homes sell quickly, but fixer-uppers take longer unless marketed to cash home buyers Memphis TN.
Germantown & Collierville
- DOM: 15–25 days (fastest in the metro).
- Price/Sq. Ft.: $170–$190.
- Schools: Among the best in Tennessee.
- Buyers: Families and professionals seeking long-term stability.
- Summary: High demand keeps inventory moving quickly, even at premium prices.
Downtown Memphis
- DOM: 30–50 days.
- Price/Sq. Ft.: $150–$180.
- Schools: Less important to buyers.
- Buyers: Professionals, young couples, and investors targeting short-term rentals.
- Summary: Condos sell faster, while historic homes can linger.
South Memphis & Frayser
- DOM: 45–60+ days.
- Price/Sq. Ft.: $80–$100.
- Schools: Generally lower-rated.
- Buyers: Primarily cash home buyers in Memphis, landlords, and flippers.
- Summary: These neighborhoods sell slower to retail buyers, but investors keep the market active.
Data Comparison Tables
Table 1: Neighborhood Statistics
| Neighborhood | Avg. DOM | Price/Sq. Ft. | School Rating | Crime Index | Buyer Profile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Germantown | 15–20 | $180–$190 | A+ | Low | Families, retail buyers |
| Collierville | 20–25 | $170–$185 | A | Low | Families, professionals |
| East Memphis | 25–35 | $140–$160 | B+ | Moderate | Traditional Memphis home buyers |
| Midtown | 30–45 | $130–$150 | B | Moderate | Young buyers, investors |
| Downtown | 30–50 | $150–$180 | B- | Moderate/High | Professionals, Airbnb investors |
| South Memphis/Frayser | 45–60+ | $80–$100 | C | High | Investors, we buy houses Memphis TN |
Table 2: Fastest vs. Slowest Selling
| Rank | Fastest Neighborhoods | DOM |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Germantown | 15–20 |
| 2 | Collierville | 20–25 |
| 3 | East Memphis | 25–35 |
| Rank | Slowest Neighborhoods | DOM |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | South Memphis | 45–60+ |
| 2 | Frayser | 50–65 |
| 3 | Downtown (historic) | 45–60 |
How to Sell Faster in Your Neighborhood
Fast-Selling Neighborhoods (Germantown, Collierville, East Memphis)
- Price just below market value to spark multiple offers.
- Emphasize school zones in listings.
- Stage homes for maximum appeal.
Average-Selling Neighborhoods (Midtown, Downtown)
- Highlight lifestyle factors like walkability and cultural amenities.
- Showcase security updates or modern renovations.
- Market to professionals and investors.
Slower-Selling Neighborhoods (South Memphis, Frayser)
- Sell as-is to cash home buyers Memphis or we buy houses Memphis TN companies.
- Avoid expensive repairs that won’t pay off.
- Offer flexible closing timelines to attract investor offers.
Expanded FAQs – Repair or Sell As-Is in Memphis
- How fast can I sell my house in Memphis?
On the open market, most homes in Memphis take around 35–50 days to close once listed with an agent. This can be faster if your home is move-in ready, well-staged, and priced competitively. In hot neighborhoods, some homes sell in under 30 days.
If you sell to cash home buyers in Memphis, you can often close in just 7–14 days. That speed makes a huge difference for homeowners facing foreclosure, relocation, divorce, or financial stress. With no inspections, appraisals, or lender approvals, cash buyers can move directly to closing. - Do I need to make repairs before selling?
It depends on how you plan to sell. If you work with a Realtor and target traditional buyers, you may need to fix major issues like a roof, HVAC, plumbing, or electrical system. Buyers relying on financing often can’t close unless these repairs are made. Even cosmetic updates like flooring or painting can make a difference.
But if you sell to we buy houses Memphis TN companies or investors, you can skip the repairs. They purchase homes as-is and calculate repair costs into their offers. This saves you the upfront expense and hassle of finding contractors, waiting weeks for work to be completed, and risking unexpected delays. - Will I make more money listing with an agent?
In most cases, yes. Homes in good condition marketed by a Realtor typically sell for higher prices since they appeal to a larger pool of traditional buyers. Professional marketing, MLS exposure, and negotiations can drive multiple offers.
However, the trade-off is time and cost. You may need to spend thousands on repairs, staging, and photography, then wait 1–2 months for the right buyer. For sellers who are searching “sell my house fast Memphis,” this isn’t always realistic. A cash offer may be lower, but the speed, certainty, and avoided repair costs can make it the more practical choice. - Which neighborhoods sell the fastest in Memphis?
Areas like Germantown, Collierville, and East Memphis typically see the quickest sales and the lowest days on market (DOM). Homes in these neighborhoods are in high demand because of strong schools, established communities, and desirable amenities. Move-in-ready homes here can generate multiple offers in under 30 days.
By contrast, properties in slower-moving neighborhoods may sit longer unless they’re priced aggressively or sold as-is to investors and cash buyers who understand the local market. - How do I sell in a slow neighborhood?
If your home is in an area with longer DOM, don’t panic—there are still options. You can:
Market to investors, especially if your property is suited for rental income. Investors often buy homes in slower neighborhoods where rental demand is still strong.
Selling in a slower area may take longer on the MLS, but with the right approach—or by working with a legitimate Memphis cash buyer—you can still achieve a quick, hassle-free sale.
Work with cash house buyers Memphis who buy homes in all neighborhoods, regardless of condition. They don’t rely on location alone to make decisions.
Price strategically if you’re listing with an agent—slightly below market to create urgency and attract offers.