“Work With Local Pros Who Care”
If you’ve recently lost a loved one and are now responsible for their estate, you might be wondering: Can I sell the house if it’s still in probate?
The short answer is: Yes — in many cases, you can. But it depends on how the estate was set up and whether the probate court has given you the authority to do so.
If you’re dealing with this in Spokane, WA, you’re not alone — and you’re not stuck. Let’s break down your options and how REI Branded Home Buyer can help make this process as smooth as possible.
What Is Probate in Washington State?
Probate is the legal process of transferring a deceased person’s assets — including real estate — to their heirs. It involves:
- Validating the will (if there is one)
- Appointing a personal representative (or executor)
- Paying off debts and taxes
- Distributing remaining assets to the rightful heirs
In Washington, probate is required in most cases unless the estate is held in a trust or qualifies as a small estate.
Can You Sell a House While It’s in Probate?
Yes — but it depends on your authority.
🔹 If You’re the Personal Representative
You may be able to sell the house before probate is complete if the will grants you that authority or if the court provides it. This is known as “non-intervention powers” under Washington law.
🔹 If There Are Multiple Heirs
You’ll need written consent from all heirs or a court order approving the sale.
🔹 If the House Has Liens or Debt
You can still sell it — those items are typically paid off at closing.
Real Spokane Story: Probate House in North Spokane
We helped a family recently with a home in North Spokane that had been in probate for over a year. The heirs lived out of town, and the house had sat vacant with code violations and overgrown landscaping.
They didn’t want to fix it up or wait for listing. We made a cash offer, worked with their probate attorney, and handled the closing once the court approved the sale. It gave the family peace of mind and helped them close the chapter with less stress.
Selling a Probate House As-Is: Your Fastest Option
Inherited homes often have deferred maintenance, outdated features, or even junk left behind. That’s why many Spokane heirs sell directly to a local cash buyer instead of going through a traditional sale.
Here’s what makes REI Branded Home Buyer different:
✅ We buy houses in probate
✅ No cleaning or repairs needed
✅ We coordinate with your attorney or the court
✅ We pay cash and close on your schedule
✅ No agent fees or commissions
What About Taxes and Court Approval?
Great questions.
- Capital gains taxes may apply if the home is sold for more than its value at the date of death (called the stepped-up basis).
- Court approval is typically required unless you’ve been granted full authority.
- Liens, mortgages, or back taxes are paid off during closing from sale proceeds — you don’t have to come out of pocket.
Spokane Probate Resources
If you’re looking to understand more about Spokane County probate, visit the Spokane County Superior Court Probate Forms page for official information.
Work With Local Pros Who Care
At REI Branded Home Buyer, we’ve helped dozens of Spokane families through the probate process. We’re not just investors — we’re your local guides through a tough season.
Whether the property is in South Hill, Garland District, or Downtown Spokane, we’ve got your back.
📞 Call us at 509-769-3439
📧 Email us at info@reibrandedhomebuyer.com
💬 Or contact us here
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Please consult a probate attorney or financial advisor for guidance specific to your situation.
Sell Your Spokane House Fast Today
About REI Branded Home Buyer
Real People. Real Stories. Real Solutions. We’re George and TJ — two regular guys who teamed up to create REI Branded Home Buyer, a local company with one simple mission: to help people sell their homes without stress, games, or pressure. We actually met at a local real estate meetup. A mutual friend randomly shouted, “Hey George, do you want to be this guy’s mentor?” George laughed and said, “Just give him my cell!” A coffee meeting later, and the rest is history. We've been working together ever since. Our passion for helping homeowners comes from personal experience. George was once homeless, so he deeply understands what it’s like to face housing uncertainty. TJ’s family went through a crisis and had to sell their home fast — with the help of a cash homebuyer. Those experiences shaped who we are and inspired us to create a company that treats people the way we wish we’d been treated. Let’s be real: the real estate world is full of shady companies, pushy salespeople, and sleazy homebuyers who care more about profit than people. We started REI Branded Home Buyer because we believe it should be the other way around — people first, profit second. We’re proud to call Spokane home. Our wives, Jenny and Michelle, love the slower pace of life here and all the outdoor beauty Washington has to offer. George and Jenny have two amazing daughters and two dogs — they love to travel and recently visited Japan to see their daughter abroad. TJ and Michelle are outdoor lovers through and through — backpacking, hiking, hunting, fishing, even rock climbing. Michelle’s become quite the mountaineer! If you’re thinking about selling a house — no matter the reason — we’d love to hear your story and see how we can help.