Can I sell a house with title problems?

Often, yes, but it depends on the problem. Some issues, like an old mortgage that was paid off but never released, can sometimes be cleared as part of the closing, while others take more time or legal work. Send us what you know and we'll tell you what we see.

What is a cloud on title?

A cloud on title is anything in the public records that raises a question about who owns the property or what's owed against it, such as an unreleased lien, a missing heir or a deed error. It can keep a title company from insuring the sale until it's resolved. We evaluate these situations and, when needed, coordinate with title companies and real estate attorneys.

How do you sell a house when the owner died and the deed is still in their name?

Someone usually has to get legal authority first, often through probate, before the house can be sold with clean title. Every family's situation is different. We can evaluate the house and coordinate with your attorney or a title company on what it would take to close.

Can you sell a house with missing or uncooperative heirs?

Sometimes. When an heir can't be found or won't sign, there may be legal steps that let a sale move forward, but they take time and an attorney's help. We can look at the situation, coordinate with the title company and attorneys involved, and tell you honestly whether it's something we can take on.

Do you provide legal help with title problems?

No. MarKey Home Buyers isn't a law firm and doesn't give legal advice or representation, and not every title problem can be resolved. What we can do is evaluate the situation, coordinate with title companies and real estate attorneys when needed, and tell you plainly whether we can make an offer.

We Buy Houses Knoxville, TN | Sell Fast for Cash

Knoxville owners come to us for all kinds of reasons. A house in Fountain City that's been in the family for decades and now needs a full update. A rental in East Knoxville that's lost money two years running. A place in South Knoxville you inherited and can't manage from out of state. If listing and repairing isn't realistic, we buy houses in Knoxville for cash, just as they are.

MarKey Home Buyers is based in Atlanta and buys houses across Tennessee, Knoxville and the rest of Knox County included. We'll work with you by phone, text and email, set up a walkthrough, and close with a title company or closing attorney.

Why Knoxville owners pick a cash sale

No repairs. Roof, foundation, outdated systems or a house full of belongings, we buy it as-is.
No commissions. No fees either, and we pay typical closing costs.
A written number. Usually within 24 hours, with an explanation of how we got there.
A date you control. As soon as two weeks with clear title, or later.

Situations we buy in Knoxville

Homeowners behind on payments or looking at their options before a foreclosure sale
Families with an inherited house or an estate in probate
Houses with unpaid taxes or liens or title trouble
Properties with codes complaints or major repairs pending
Landlords ready to cash out, sellers in a divorce, and houses that won't sell

Knoxville specifics

Foreclosure. Tennessee home foreclosures mostly happen without a lawsuit. Current state law requires at least two newspaper notices, the first at least 20 days ahead of the sale, plus at least 20 continuous days of online posting. Some deeds of trust still call for three newspaper ads, so read yours.
Probate. In Knox County, estates go through the Probate Division of the Knox County Chancery Court, led by the Clerk and Master. It admits wills to probate, appoints and supervises personal representatives, and issues letters testamentary or letters of administration.
Property taxes. The Knox County Trustee (trustee.knoxcounty.org) collects property taxes and posts tax sale information on its site.
Codes enforcement. The City of Knoxville's Neighborhood Codes Enforcement office takes complaints through the 311 Center at 865-215-4311, and a code enforcement officer follows up with an inspection.

If a notice of sale has arrived, call your lender about reinstatement or a payment plan and consider a HUD-approved housing counselor. If selling looks like your best path, send us the sale date and we'll be straight with you about the timing.

Areas we buy in

We buy houses throughout Knoxville and Knox County, including South Knoxville, Old North Knoxville, Fourth and Gill, Happy Holler, Fountain City, East Knoxville, Bearden, Sequoyah Hills, Rocky Hill, West Hills, Cedar Bluff, Halls, Powell and Farragut. For other Tennessee cities, visit our we buy houses Tennessee page.

No pressure, ever. Our offer is free and comes with zero obligation. Even if we’re not the right fit, we’ll point you in the right direction.

Ready to sell your Knoxville house without the hassle?

Share the address and your situation. We’ll review it and send a written cash offer, free and with no obligation.

Get My Knoxville Cash Offer →Confidential · No obligation · Or call/text (678) 926-9776

How it works

Tell us about your Knoxville house online or call or text (678) 926-9776. After a quick conversation and walkthrough, we'll send a written cash offer. If you take it, a title company or closing attorney closes on your date, and there are no fees or commissions.

Questions sellers ask

Who buys houses for cash in Knoxville, TN?

Several companies do, and it’s worth comparing how they work. MarKey is an Atlanta-based cash buyer that purchases Knoxville and Knox County houses as-is, with no fees or commissions. We put every offer in writing.

Which court handles probate in Knox County?

In Knox County, probate is handled by the Probate Division of the Knox County Chancery Court, under the Clerk and Master. Once the estate has a personal representative with authority to sell, we can make an offer and work with the estate’s attorney on closing.

How fast can I sell my house in Knoxville?

With cash and no lender, we can close in as little as two weeks when the title is clear. If you need time to move or sort out an estate, we’ll set a later date.

Can I sell a house in Knoxville that needs major repairs?

Yes. We buy houses with roof, foundation, plumbing or electrical problems, and our offer already accounts for that work. You don’t fix anything before closing.

What if my Knoxville house has a codes complaint?

We can still buy it. Open codes cases and any related fines are factored into our offer and typically resolved as part of closing. Send us what you’ve received from the city and we’ll review it.

We Buy Houses in Knoxville, TN