Memphis Real Estate Blog

House prices continue to rise, and inventory is still low in many U.S. cities. Mortgage interest rates continue to fluctuate; but even at the higher rates, most buyers can complete a purchase. But, unlike the ‘unreality’ TV shows, whether you are buying or selling, you will benefit greatly by having an experienced, knowledgeable, successful agent representing you. There are dozens of agents to choose from and it has been said that everyone knows at least six agents, if not a doze... Read More

During winter months, there are a surprising number of opportunities to improve our homes. Whether or not you plan to sell your house in the near future, there are projects and maintenance items which will increase your home’s market value. Doing them now puts you in a better position to sell when the time comes. And, you have the added benefit of enjoying the improvements too! Memphis winters often consist of mild, temperate weather punctuated by a few ice or snow storms. So, let&rs... Read More

What are inspections? Because a home is a significant expense and buyers may not be fully trained to research and identify a comprehensive list of potential problem areas, we may need the assistance of licensed specialists. A general home inspection is a legally defined service that most homebuyers employ regardless of the age, size, or cost of the property.   A licensed home inspector will evaluate your home with a trained eye from top to bottom.  That means everything visibl... Read More

How do I pick a mortgage lender? It’s a crazy, mixed-up world out there when it comes to selecting a lender to provide your home loan. How do you know which one is right for you? Working with a qualified real estate agent is a good place to start. Because experienced agents have worked with many clients who have financed homes, they know which financial institutions and loan originators in those institutions have served their buyers well in the past.  So, our first recommendati... Read More

How do I start the homebuying process? Deciding to buy a home, or at least considering it, is a huge step. Buying a home is not like buying a pair of shoes; it is far more complicated and will involve the expertise of several qualified specialists. The first two specialists you will need are a REALTOR and a loan officer. You may ask friends, family, and work associates for recommendations.  But first, make sure your finances are in order. Check your credit score; and if you need to impr... Read More

When you’re in the market for a newly built home, you may hear many things as a buyer that can make you believe that you may not need to work with a real estate agent, such as:  “You don’t need your own agent because we have on-site agents.” “You didn’t have your agent with you when you visited the first time, and it’s too late now.” “If you let us represent you instead of your agent, we will give you some upgrades and extras f... Read More

If you’re moving to Fayette County, you may be looking to live a little farther from the hustle and bustle of city life while investing in a developing area. There are so many benefits to living in the more rural areas surrounding a major city, not the least of which are: Lower cost of living A relaxed lifestyle Easy access to outdoor activities Great opportunities to customize homes and have more land Lower Cost of Living Overall, Fayette County offers a lower cost of living ... Read More

by Thomas Murphree, Broker Marx-Bensdorf, REALTORS®  The real estate market has experienced record sales, historic soaring prices, unprecedented lack of inventory and increasing demand over the past two years. What is the next step? That depends on your needs, position, and preferences. If there are factors in your life that indicate you may need to consider selling your home or investments anytime soon, then selling sooner rather than later is the best decision you can make today.... Read More

The real estate market in Memphis has been trending upward for the last couple of years and shows no signs of slowing down. In 2021, there were over 22,000 residential properties sold in the Memphis market, a 13% increase from 2020. The median home price has also increased, currently sitting at $205,000, an almost 16% jump from 2020’s median price of $177,000. We’ve broken down the market for 2021 to review the changes, how they compared to 2020, and what this may mean for the re... Read More

Searching for homes for sale has never been easier. One click of a button online or in an app, and you can see all of the homes currently available and waiting to be sold on sites like Zillow, Realtor.com, and Redfin. While real estate websites are convenient, the information may or may NOT be accurate. And while they provide DATA, they do not provide INSIGHT. Home buying and selling aren't like buying a loaf of bread, a TV, or even an automobile. Due to the complex factors, buyers and sell... Read More

House prices are soaring, and inventory is low. It’s important to find a good REALTOR® who will have your best interests in mind. Many agents can help you buy a home, but picking the best REALTOR® for your specific situation can be a challenge if you don’t know what to look for. We want you to choose the best real estate agent for you. That means understanding their strong suits and choosing one whose experience, market knowledge and communication style makes you feel com... Read More

  by Sheldon Rosengarten with Marx-Bensdorf, REALTORS® Broker; REALTOR® Emeritus (Recognizing 40 years of service); Life Member, MAAR Multi-Million Dollar Club Real estate has evolved and changed over the years to a point where, today, it’s almost like a race.  For many buyers, this can include reviewing listings as soon as your agent sends them to you or constantly refreshing online sites to search for new listings. When&nb... Read More

Buying or Selling A House ‘As-Is’ As a seller, you may not have the resources to completely renovate your home, or even make minor repairs, before listing. As a buyer, you may be looking for a property to flip or you may be willing to purchase a property with flaws at a lower price. For listings that need work, the agent typically characterizes them as ‘fixer-uppers’. On the buying side, a buyer may agree to accept the home in ‘as-is’ condition as a m... Read More

When Is the Best Time to Sell My House? If you are thinking about selling your house, a key consideration should be WHEN you list your home. The timing of your home hitting the market can impact the duration of time your home is on the market, how much you can get for it, and more. Historically, the best time to sell your house has been in the spring when the weather is nice and buyers are out in droves. (To a degree, the spring/summer sales volume has been driven in part by school schedules... Read More

This year has been almost as unusual as 2020. As people venture back out into the world, we’ve seen an increase in individuals returning to their office spaces while some companies have opted to continue to allow their employees to work from home. With that being the case, people have continued to invest in real estate. The market is aggressive, making it all the more important for buyers and sellers to seek the expertise of a licensed and experienced REALTOR®. It’s A Seller&... Read More

Selling an existing home and buying a new home are exciting experiences. In the current real estate market, some homeowners are doing both in a short period of time. But doing so can be especially tricky due to the low inventory of homes for sale. So, for those contemplating a move, there are several important considerations. Should you buy first, and then try to sell your current home? Or, rather, should you first make sure your home is sold before you make an offer on a new home? What if o... Read More

There are many reasons why more and more people are now calling downtown Memphis home. Over the past two decades, Memphis has experienced a major revitalization. The residential population of downtown Memphis is now over 30,000 with a steadily growing household income level. According to USA Today, Beale Street is Tennessee’s most visited tourist attraction and America’s most iconic street. Many new businesses have chosen downtown for their office space, and established busines... Read More

How to Prepare for Last-Minute Showings Picture this: You’re watching TV with your family, and suddenly you receive a showing request from the agent of a potential buyer. Is your living space ready to be shown, or do you have to scramble to make the house presentable? Living in your house while it is being shown to potential buyers can be challenging. Keeping your home “showing-ready” while continuing your normal routines is a balancing act we’ve helped many of our... Read More

Things We Learned About Real Estate During the COVID-19 Pandemic The last year has been one of the most unusual, extraordinary, and unforgettable in our history. COVID-19 took the entire world by storm and, in the beginning, it seemed like the whole planet might come to a terrifying halt. We couldn’t see our loved ones, travel, or go to restaurants - and many of us spent a good deal of time cooped up inside. As REALTORS®, we pondered how this would affect the housing market. Fortun... Read More

5 Red Flags To Look Out For When Buying A Home For many people, buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions they will make in their lifetime. It’s understandable that you want to get the most for your dollar and avoid costly problems. An experienced REALTOR® can help you identify potential problems on the front end, and here are a few major items to keep an eye on throughout your home buying journey. Location, Location, Location! (and Price) If you find your dream home,... Read More

2021 Memphis Real Estate Guide 2020 was an interesting year, to say the least. Perhaps even more perplexing is while the pandemic hit last spring during what is typically the beginning of the busiest time of the year for home sales, it rebounded quickly. 2020 ended with a surge in activity, making up for the slow start in the spring.  While we do not know what 2021 has in store for us, we know now is a great time to buy or sell a house. Whether you are buying or selling a home in 2021, h... Read More

Top 5 Reasons to Live in Piperton, TN Community Great Location Small Town Appeal Charming Homes Scenic Amenities Located in the southwest corner of Fayette County, the suburban town of Piperton, Tennessee offers the best of both worlds — all of the benefits of small-town living in close proximity to a major metropolitan market. Piperton is a growing community, both commercially and residentially, praised for its welcoming atmosphere. It’s even recognized as one of Tennessee&rsq... Read More

This year has brought us many unexpected twists and turns. The housing market has been signified by both pleasant and challenging surprises. The combination of historically low interest rates, also historically low inventory of homes for sale, and the COVID-19 pandemic, prompted an exceptionally high level of market activity. Without question, Memphis has been and continues to be in a seller’s market. And buyers are motivated to ‘buy up’ while the interest rates are so favo... Read More

Do I Really Need a Home Inspection? After you find the perfect home and “have it under contract”, it is time for the inspections. Because inspections are done for your benefit, they are at your expense. And because inspectors are independent business people, they expect to be paid when the inspection is done. . As the buyer, you will also pay for the appraisal and closing costs. Depending on the lender, when you pay for the appraisal, credit reports, and other closing costs will ... Read More

6 Tips to Sell Your Home Quickly  Selling your home can be a nerve-wracking experience. You want potential buyers clamoring to give you an offer.  Putting your best foot forward is critical when selling a home - and even more so if you intend to sell it quickly. Being in a sellers’ market does not guarantee a quick sale. To sell quickly, your home must make a perfect first impression. Selling quickly often means selling at or above list price. Lingering on the market may mean... Read More

Buying and Selling a Home During COVID-19 Buying or selling a home can be a lengthy process at any time. Doing so during a global pandemic presents some unique challenges. The local real estate market is booming; so it is important to find a REALTOR® who can effectively help navigate the process during COVID-19. If you want to buy or sell a home now, it helps to be aware of new real estate practices so you will know what to expect. Partnering with a Marx-Bensdorf agent can help you deter... Read More

How to Price Your Home in a Seller’s Market The decision to sell your home involves a variety of factors, but perhaps the most important is timing. One of the best times to receive a rewarding offer is during a seller’s market. With the help of an expert REALTOR®, you can assess your current situation, consider the benefits of selling your home in a promising market, and position your listing to maximize its value. What is a seller’s market? A seller’s market occ... Read More

If you’re buying a foreclosed house, you may be wondering whether or not you need a REALTORⓇ. The answer is yes! Buying foreclosures is different and more complex than traditional purchases. Without the right resources and information, buying a foreclosure can become an overwhelming process. A REALTORⓇ can guide you through the transaction and protect your interests.  3 Reasons Using a REALTORⓇ When Buying a Foreclosure is a Must When purchasing a foreclosed home, you are actually... Read More

House hunting is an exciting time and the more you know about the process the easier it is.  Familiarity with key real estate terms is helpful. Read below to learn the difference between contingent vs pending real estate.  Contingent Properties When a listing is contingent, a buyer has made an offer and has been accepted by the seller subject to certain conditions. The conditions may include an appraisal, loan approval, inspections, and perhaps the sale of the bu... Read More

  The Benefits of Professional Home Photography We’ve all heard the saying, “A picture is worth a thousand words.”  This is particularly true when selling houses in today’s market.  In the past, homebuyers may have relied heavily on agents to pick out homes to show them, many times sight unseen.  These days, 92% of people shopping for a new home use the internet, and 98% of those buyers decide if they want to see a house based on photos.  Every... Read More

The Dos and Don’ts of Home Buying Buying a home is easy, right? Just pick a house and buy it! Ideally, buying a home would be as simple as buying groceries. But at Marx-Bensdorf, after more than 150 years in real estate, we can tell you that it’s not as simple as 1-2-3. However, there are a couple of things you can do to help keep yourself on track, as well as some we recommend avoiding. The Dos Work With A Licensed, Experienced REALTOR A good REALTOR who is seasoned in both the ... Read More

  Finding the right home loan can be a complex process, even for an experienced home buyer. The process can be even more daunting if it is a buyer’s first time seeking a home loan. Below are descriptions that detail different types of loans offering a variety of features and benefits. Conventional Loans Conventional loans are the most common type of home loan. They’re available through private lenders such as banks, credit unions, or mortgage lenders. They’re... Read More

Buying a home is one of the biggest decisions you’ll ever make.  It’s an investment and a huge responsibility.  But with the right tools and knowledge going into the process, you can set yourself up for success and eventually land the home of your dreams!  Everyone’s journey is different, but most follow a similar roadmap. Step 1:  Check Your Credit Checking your credit is an important first step when buying a home.  Your credit score determines... Read More

Should You Buy a Home Near a School? So, you found your dream home… but it is right near a school. Is that a good thing or a bad thing? It all depends on who you ask. There are positives and negatives to everything, including house location. We will cover the pros and cons of living near a school so that you can make an educated decision. Pros of Living Near a School Increased Home Value Buying a house near a school may actually increase your property value, leading to a higher ... Read More

How to Get Your Home Ready to Sell Fast If you’re considering selling your home, now may be just the right time to do so. It’s a seller’s market, and so you’re likely to get an offer within days or weeks of listing and may make a greater profit on the transaction than you would in a down market.  How Do You Make the Most Profit When Selling a House? Having your home in great condition can increase your chances of making the most profit on the sale. If potenti... Read More

2020 Memphis Real Estate Trends If you are looking to sell your home in Memphis, this could be the perfect year to do so. Real estate in Memphis is booming with buyers looking to purchase their next home. We’re two months into the new year, so ponder this question as we enter 2020’s peak moving season - why is it a great year to buy or sell in Memphis? Read on to find out.  Is the market a buyer’s or seller’s market? You have possibly heard the terms “buyer... Read More

Preparing for a Long-Distance Move Preparing for a long-distance move to Memphis is serious business and should not be taken lightly. However, working with a relocation specialist can make all the difference in the world. Although moving long distance is a lot of work, it doesn’t have to be filled with anxiety and stress. We’re here to give you our top 5 ways to prepare for your long-distance move.  1. Utilize Moving Services Hiring a Memphis moving company is ideal... Read More

Congratulations! You have decided to make an important investment in your future and our city. As a first-time home buyer in the Memphis area, you are likely experiencing a lot of feelings: excitement, anxiety, confusion, frustration, and maybe a little impatience. All of these emotions are completely valid – this is one of the biggest decisions you will ever make! At Marx-Bensdorf, REALTORS, it is our privilege and passion to help you find the home of your dreams. Especially when y... Read More

Things to Do in Downtown Memphis Downtown Memphis is one of the most popular places for locals and tourists to spend their time. Memphis is a city full of history, unique cuisine, famous musicians, and more. Even for those born and reared in Memphis, there’s an endless amount of activities to experience. While some of our favorite downtown activities may be very familiar, you may not be aware of others.. You and your friends will never find yourself without something to see and do in d... Read More

Reasons to Live In East Memphis The community of East Memphis is a rapidly expanding neighborhood with a lot to offer. With easy access to shopping and dining, central location to Germantown and Midtown, high quality of life, and more, families are flocking to East Memphis. Access to Shopping & Dining With multiple shopping centers and a multitude of local restaurants, East Memphis offers a variety of shopping and dining options for anyone. No matter where you choose to settle down in E... Read More

Why Live in Germantown, TN? Located just minutes away from East Memphis, Downtown Memphis, and other Mid-South suburbs lies the thriving community of Germantown. From award-winning schools to a community that values health and wellness, there’s plenty to love about Germantown. Here are our top 5 reasons to consider Germantown your next home. READ MORE: Moving to the MidSouth - A Neighborhood Guide 1. Germantown has a wealth of amenities. Germantown is known for its high-end shoppin... Read More

Best Places to Live in Memphis: Arlington, TN Founded by the nephew of President Andrew Jackson, Haysville was just a small-town railroad industry. However, in 1883 the city was renamed to what is now Arlington, TN. Although this rural community right outside of Memphis has always had a small-town feel, it has quickly become one of the most welcoming cities in the Memphis Metro area. When we’re asked which neighborhoods and communities in Memphis we love most, it’s impossible... Read More

Moving to Memphis Are you planning a move to the Bluff City? Jobs in Memphis are leading thousands to our city each and every year. We’ve helped hundreds of individuals working with Fortune 500 companies and small businesses in Memphis make their move to the Bluff City. For more than 30 years, Marx-Bensdorf has helped relocate workers for jobs in Memphis for healthcare organizations, financial institutions, and more. READ MORE: Moving to the Mid-South: A Neighborhood Guide Why Move to ... Read More

Things to Do in Midtown Memphis Article Highlights Easy Access To Cooper-Young District & Overton Square Great Dining Lively Bar Scene Thriving Art Community Boutique Shopping Easy Acces To Cultural Attractions Crosstown Concourse Midtown Memphis is known for its proximity to the University of Memphis campus, its abundance of local restaurants and hangouts, and its unique charm. Nestled between bustling downtown Memphis and the areas of East Memphis where many residents work... Read More

What is the best city in America for single adults? With more and more Americans choosing to wait until their late 20s and early 30s for marriage, it’s no wonder there are an estimated 109 million single adults in America. That’s nearly half the population! With so many singles on the market, you’d think it would be relatively easy to meet new people, but for many adults, it’s not that simple. In addition to a large portion of time spent at work, many may experience ... Read More

The Collierville Highlights Affordable Homes Great Schools Excellent Shopping Abundant Outdoor Spaces Casual and Fine Dining Beautiful Library Many Options For Recreation Award-Winning City Why Collierville, TN is a Great Small Town in America From great school districts to a picturesque main street, the Memphis suburb of Collierville has plenty to entice future residents to consider making a move. The growing town currently has a population of approximately 50,000 with a... Read More

2019 Memphis Real Estate Trends The Memphis real estate market  has been in a sustained recovery mode for a couple of years but there is still a shortage of homes for sale. So, now is a great time to sell your home. What might make 2019 a great year for residential real estate in our area? Read on to learn more. Is it a buyer’s market or a seller’s market? You may have heard the terms “buyer’s market” and “seller’s market” mentioned,... Read More

Marx-Bensdorf Owners David Tester and Jimmy Reed | Photo Courtesy of Memphis News   Marx-Bensdorf, REALTORS has a long history in the Memphis metro area. As one of the first businesses to operate in downtown Memphis, we are the oldest real estate firm in the area. This year, we celebrate our 150th anniversary. READ MORE: What Did Memphis Look Like 150 Years Ago?   “Our long history has survived the depression and recessions. We've endured periods during which buyers paid ext... Read More