How to Sell a House for Cash in Knoxville
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Cheyenne Wiseman Associate EditorClose
Cheyenne Wiseman Associate EditorCheyenne Wiseman is an Associate Editor at HomeLight.com. Previously, she worked as a writer for Static Media (Mashed.com and Chowhound.com) and as an editor for CBR.com. Cheyenne holds a bachelor’s degree in English from UC Davis, where she also founded and led a literary magazine called Open Ceilings. She has four years of experience writing and editing on topics including real estate, financial advising, and pharmaceuticals.
If you’re planning to sell a house for cash in Knoxville, Tennessee, chances are you’re looking for a quick, straightforward transaction. With this approach, you can skip the prep work, avoid repairs and showings, and close on a schedule that works for you.
The three main questions you might be asking are:
- How do I sell a house for cash in Knoxville?
- What does this convenience cost?
- How much more can I get for my Knoxville house if I make repairs?
In this post, we’ll walk through the two most common ways to secure an all-cash offer in Knoxville and break down what your offer might look like depending on who you sell to and whether you list your home “as is” or after making improvements.
Compare Options: Investor Cash Offer vs. Top Knoxville Agent
Get an all-cash, no-obligation offer on your Knoxville home through HomeLight’s Simple Sale platform. Close in as few as 10 days with no repairs or showings. You can also see an estimate of what your home might sell for using a top Knoxville agent.
Options to sell a house for cash in Knoxville
Generally, Knoxville homeowners have two main paths to sell for cash: working directly with a home-buying company or investor, or partnering with a real estate agent who can help bring in a cash offer from a traditional buyer. The amount you walk away with can vary between these options.
Before we get into the specifics, try the calculator below to see a quick comparison of how a cash offer in Knoxville might look depending on which selling route you choose.
If your Knoxville home is in great condition, you’ll likely receive a much higher cash offer. However, not every seller has the time, funds, or interest to make significant repairs. For those facing a sudden move for work, a pressing financial need, or the sale of an inherited property from out of state, the ease of an all-cash offer can be a major advantage.
Here’s what you can expect from each option to sell a house for cash in Knoxville.
Option 1: Sell to a cash buyer company in Knoxville
Local and national home-buying companies — often called We Buy Houses companies — focus on purchasing properties with cash. Many will buy “as is,” meaning there’s no need to clean, stage, or make repairs.
Some companies operating in Knoxville, known as iBuyers, only purchase homes in move-in-ready condition (“turnkey properties).” The best-known examples are Opendoor and Offerpad, which tend to make higher offers than traditional investors but typically charge about a 5% service fee.
Here’s the general process most Knoxville We Buy Houses companies follow:
- You submit information about your Knoxville home online or by phone.
- They assess the home’s value using local market data and an in-person visit.
- You receive a no-obligation cash offer, often within 24 to 48 hours.
- If you decide to move forward, closing can happen in as few as 7 to 14 days.
Some buyers in Knoxville focus on flipping homes, while others prefer to rent them or hold them long term as investments. Their offers usually come in below market value to leave room for profit.
Many investors use the “70% rule” in house flipping, meaning they seek to pay no more than 70% of the home’s after-repair value (ARV), minus the cost of repairs. Some rental property investors instead follow an 80% guideline. Our calculator above gives you a range based on both approaches.
Of course, these are broad rules of thumb, and offers can vary depending on a property’s neighborhood, condition, and current demand in Knoxville.
»Learn more: 5 Top We Buy Houses for Cash Companies in Knoxville
Pros and cons of selling to a Knoxville cash buyer company
| Pros | Cons |
| Quick closing: Payment can be in your hands within days instead of months | Lower offers: Sales prices are usually below market value |
| Sell as-is: Skip the hassle of cleaning, staging, or making repairs | Little negotiation room: Many offers are presented on a take-it-or-leave-it basis |
| Convenience: No showings, open houses, or lengthy negotiations | Limited exposure: Without listing, you won’t reach multiple potential buyers |
| No fees or commissions: Most companies cover closing costs | Better suited for some sellers: Those with time to list traditionally may see higher returns |
| Low risk of fallout: Cash deals are less likely to collapse due to financing issues | Potential for bad actors: Some companies lack a track record or use high-pressure tactics |
While Knoxville does have many reputable cash buyers, it’s wise to be cautious. For example, avoid companies that pressure you into quick decisions, lack verified reviews, or don’t have strong local market knowledge. Look for transparent communication and a history of successful transactions.
»Learn more: We Buy Houses Pros and Cons: Make an Informed Decision
A better way to find trusted cash buyers in Knoxville
HomeLight’s Simple Sale platform can connect you with the largest network of pre-vetted cash buyers in Knoxville and throughout the nation, helping you review offers without having to navigate the investor landscape on your own.
Here’s what the Simple Sale process looks like:
Basically, you’ll enter a few details about your Knoxville home and receive a no-obligation offer within 24 hours. If you accept and move forward, you can close in as few as 7 days or choose your closing date. You’ll also receive an expert estimate of what your home might sell for using a top Knoxville real estate agent, so you can compare your options.
Option 2: Attract a cash buyer with a top Knoxville agent
Not all cash offers come from investors or companies. In Knoxville’s competitive housing market, many individuals pay with cash, whether they’re downsizing, relocating after selling a home in Georgia, or looking for a second home to enjoy the Great Smoky Mountains and the city’s vibrant downtown scene.
A top Knoxville real estate agent can help position your home to attract these buyers.
»Learn more: Why Hire a Real Estate Agent When You’re Selling or Buying
Pros and cons of selling with a top Knoxville agent
| Pros | Cons |
| A higher sale price: Agents can boost exposure to attract multiple offers | Longer to close: A traditional listing can take weeks or months to close |
| Professional expertise: Pricing, marketing, and negotiations are handled for you | Prep work required: You may have to clean, stage, or complete repairs before listing |
| Broad market access: Reach more cash buyers through the MLS and agent networks | Disruptive showings: This type of sale typically involves showings and open houses |
| Less stress: Agents handle complex tasks, reducing your stress | Commission fees: You’ll need to budget for agent fees (a percentage of the sale price) |
| Legal guidance: Help with disclosures and federal fair housing laws | Uncertainty of sale: There’s no guarantee of a fast sale, and offers can fall through |
»Learn more: Should I Sell to a Home Investor or List With an Agent?
The easy way to find top-rated Knoxville agents
Considering an agent-assisted sale? HomeLight’s free Agent Match platform can connect you with Knoxville’s best-performing agents based on real transaction data. We analyze over 27 million transactions and thousands of reviews to pair you with the right agent for your needs.
Whether you’re trying to attract a cash offer or explore all your options, a skilled Knoxville agent can help you make the most of your sale. For a no-obligation consultation with a trusted agent, tell us a little about your goals and timeline.
Which cash sale option is right for you?
If speed, convenience, and a low-stress process are your priorities, selling to a vetted Knoxville cash buyer through HomeLight’s Simple Sale platform could be the best fit. This option lets you skip prepping your home, avoid showings, and close on your schedule.
However, if you’re willing to invest more time for the chance at a higher sale price — and don’t mind getting your home ready for the market — working with a top Knoxville real estate agent might be the better choice.
When you request a Simple Sale offer, you’ll also get an expert estimate of what your Knoxville home could sell for with a top agent, so you can compare both options with confidence.
Still unsure whether you should sell a house for cash in Knoxville? Use our Home Cash Offer Comparison Calculator above to see how your potential sale price could vary depending on your approach. Then, request a no-obligation offer or connect with a trusted Knoxville agent who knows the local market inside and out — from historic Old North Knoxville to the waterfront homes along the Tennessee River.
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but with the right tools and expert guidance, you can make a well-informed decision that fits your goals.
Header Image Source: (isaaclee1112 / Deposit Photos)
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