When Is the Best Time to Sell a House in Tennessee?

What’s the worst time to list a house in Tennessee?

Kee notes there isn’t really a bad time to sell a house in Tennessee, though the holiday season can pose challenges. “Most buyers don’t want to move during the holiday season or the coldest part of winter. But outside of that window, if your house is ready and you have everything in order, it’s a great time to sell.”

She also notes that sellers shouldn’t shy away from listing outside the peak months. “When buyers see fewer move-in-ready options, it’s actually a great time for your home to stand out. We still have buyers year-round who need to purchase homes, and that keeps our market moving.”

What seller concessions help close a sale in Tennessee?

In Tennessee, sellers often offer concessions or extend credits to buyers as a way to finalize sales. “A couple of years ago, most buyers didn’t ask for closing costs because there were multiple offers on almost every house, and interest rates were so low. But now, we’re seeing sellers a lot more open to covering some of the buyer’s closing costs. It’s definitely become more of the norm than it used to be.”

Here are some common seller concessions and credits you can offer to make your Tennessee home more appealing to buyers:

• Assist with a portion of the buyer’s closing expenses
• Help fund a short-term mortgage interest rate buydown
• Provide a credit for repairs needed after the inspection
• Cover fees related to the buyer’s home inspection or appraisal
• Pay several months’ worth of HOA dues, if relevant
• Offer to handle the commission for the buyer’s agent
• Prepay property taxes or homeowner’s insurance for the initial year

Insider tips to help sell your house in Tennessee

As a leading agent in Tennessee, Kee has extensive experience guiding sellers toward success, regardless of seasonal challenges.

“I always tell sellers to think about it from a buyer’s perspective: if you were out there looking for a home, what would you want to see when you walk in the door — and what would you not want to see? That’s usually how I encourage them to approach getting their house ready,” she explains.

Here are some of Kee’s top recommendations for selling your home:

1. Set the right price from the start

Setting your price too high can stagnate your listing and lead to price cuts. Implementing a pricing approach grounded in recent sales data (comparable sales) attracts early interest and encourages competitive bids.

2. Partner with a skilled agent

Choose an experienced local professional who’s familiar with your market and can provide guidance on pricing, marketing, and negotiations. The right agent will have the insight to position your Tennessee property for a successful sale. Data from HomeLight shows that the top 5% of agents typically sell homes for 10% more than the average agent.

3. Address the necessary repairs

Fix obvious defects such as dripping faucets, damaged tiles, or chipped paint — small issues often raise concerns for buyers about bigger problems. Prioritize repairs that offer a high return on investment and build buyer trust. A knowledgeable Tennessee agent can also advise you on what repairs to skip.

4. Enhance curb appeal physically and digitally

Maintaining tidy landscaping, a spotless exterior, and a well-lit entryway improves curb appeal and leaves a great first impression in person. Online, professional photos and virtual tours help your Tennessee home capture attention as buyers browse.

5. Clear out and neutralize your space

Eliminate clutter by removing unnecessary furniture, personal photographs, and decorations to make rooms feel more spacious and inviting. Neutral interiors help buyers envision themselves in the home.

“Declutter, make repairs, focus on curb appeal, and make sure it’s clean. You’d be surprised how many houses I go into that just aren’t clean, or where there are a lot of animals, and you can smell it right away. Smell is a big deal for buyers,” Kee advises.

6. Provide a home warranty

Offering a home warranty can reassure buyers about potential repair costs, particularly for older houses in Tennessee. This can also make your listing more attractive in a competitive market.

7. Be accommodating with showing times

The easier you make your home available for viewings, the faster it’s likely to sell. Providing openings on weekends and evenings for showings can be especially helpful for buyers who are working or coming from out of town.

8. Think about staging

Staged properties often sell more quickly and receive higher offers because they help buyers better imagine the layout. Even partial or virtual staging can enhance your home’s appeal.

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Answers to other Tennessee home-selling questions

What if I need a fast sale and closing in Tennessee?

While some homes in Tennessee may sell quickly, a speedy sale is never guaranteed. If you need to close fast or lack the time and funds to complete necessary repairs, you might want to consider an all-cash offer via HomeLight’s Simple Sale platform.

In just a few minutes, you can fill out a brief survey and receive a cash offer with no commitment within 24 hours. With Simple Sale, you can get a cash offer for your Tennessee house, no matter its condition. This allows you to bypass home prep, open houses, and repairs and close in as little as 7 days.

What is the biggest mistake Tennessee home sellers make?

Kee points out that the most common mistake Tennessee sellers make is trying to price their home too high. Setting the right price from the start is essential — it helps your listing attract serious interest and prevents your home from sitting on the market longer than necessary.

She also cautions against skipping professional support. “I’ve noticed a lot of people try to sell their homes as For Sale By Owner. Please, please talk to a real estate agent before you decide to do that. Their expertise is so valuable — from pricing your property correctly to helping you negotiate along the way. Just make sure you talk to a licensed real estate professional before making that decision.”

Find a top Tennessee agent for a successful sale

Determining the best time to sell a house in Tennessee depends on your goals. However, selling your property quickly and for a good price doesn’t have to be complicated. Having the right knowledge will help you make smart choices and steer clear of common mistakes.

Partnering with a leading agent in your area ensures you have a reliable guide to help you complete a successful sale. Connect with a top agent today.

If you’re buying and selling a home at the same time, check out HomeLight’s innovative Buy Before You Sell program. This modern solution unlocks your equity to streamline the process. Make a non-contingent offer on your new home and only move once. Watch this short video to learn more. 

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