If your Memphis home has code violations, you might assume selling it is impossible — or at least incredibly complicated. The truth is, you have more options than you think, and thousands of homeowners in this exact situation have successfully sold their properties. Here’s what you need to know.
What Are Code Violations?
Code violations occur when a property doesn’t meet local building, safety, or health standards set by the City of Memphis or Shelby County. They can range from minor issues to serious structural problems that make the home uninhabitable.
Common code violations in Memphis homes include:
- Faulty or outdated electrical wiring
- Plumbing leaks or unpermitted plumbing work
- Roof damage or deterioration
- Foundation cracks or structural instability
- Missing or broken smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
- Overgrown lots or exterior property neglect
- Unpermitted additions or renovations
Can You Sell a House With Code Violations in Memphis?
Yes — you absolutely can. While code violations can complicate a traditional sale, they don’t prevent you from selling your home altogether. The key is understanding your options and choosing the path that makes the most financial sense for your situation.
Traditional buyers using mortgage financing may have trouble purchasing a home with significant code violations, since lenders often require properties to meet minimum habitability standards. However, cash buyers and real estate investors buy homes as-is, violations and all.
Your Options When Selling a Home With Code Violations
Option 1: Fix the violations before listing. If the violations are minor and you have the time and money, addressing them before listing can increase your sale price and open your buyer pool. However, repairs can be expensive and time-consuming — especially if the city has placed a lien or issued a notice of non-compliance.
Option 2: Disclose and sell at a discount. You can list your home on the MLS and disclose the violations upfront. Many buyers will negotiate a lower price or ask you to pay for repairs at closing. This approach takes longer and results in a lower net if repair credits are factored in.
Option 3: Sell as-is to a cash buyer. This is often the fastest and least stressful option. Cash buyers like Fair Cash Deal purchase Memphis homes in any condition — with open permits, city citations, or unresolved code issues. No repairs, no inspections, no financing contingencies.
What Happens to Code Violations at Closing?
In most cash sales, the buyer assumes responsibility for resolving any outstanding code violations after closing. This is standard practice when selling to an investor or cash home buyer. However, if there are city-issued fines or liens tied to the violations, those typically must be addressed at or before closing — either by you or negotiated into the deal.
It’s important to pull a title search early in the process to identify any liens associated with code enforcement actions in Memphis. Our team at Fair Cash Deal helps you navigate this so there are no surprises at the closing table.
Why Memphis Homeowners Choose Fair Cash Deal
We’ve worked with homeowners all across Shelby County — from Whitehaven to Frayser, Raleigh to Hickory Hill — who needed to sell homes with code violations fast. Our process is simple: we assess your property as-is, make a fair cash offer, and close on your timeline. There’s no need to hire a contractor, negotiate with inspectors, or wait on bank approvals.
Selling with code violations doesn’t have to mean losing everything. We make competitive offers based on your home’s value and condition, and we handle the paperwork from start to finish.
Get a Cash Offer on Your Memphis Home Today
Don’t let code violations keep you stuck in a property you’re ready to move on from. Whether your home has minor citation issues or major structural problems, Fair Cash Deal can help. We buy houses in any condition throughout Memphis and Shelby County with no commissions, no repairs, and no hassle.
Call or text us at (901) 531-9917 to get your free, no-obligation cash offer today. Or visit our page at We Buy Houses Memphis to get started. We can typically close in as little as 7 days.