“How REI Branded Home Buyer Can Help”
Liens are one of the most common reasons a home sale gets delayed—or killed altogether. If you’re a homeowner in Spokane wondering whether you can still sell your house with a lien on it, the good news is: yes, you can. But it comes with some complications.
In this post, we’ll walk you through what a lien is, how it impacts your ability to sell, and how you can still move forward—even if you’re dealing with back taxes, unpaid contractors, or court judgments.
What Is a Lien?
A lien is a legal claim against your property, usually because of an unpaid debt. In Spokane, Washington, common types of liens include:
- Mortgage liens (if you still owe on your home loan)
- Tax liens (from unpaid property taxes or IRS debts)
- Mechanic’s liens (from unpaid contractors or repair crews)
- Judgment liens (from lawsuits or court judgments)
- HOA liens (if you live in a neighborhood with dues)
Until the lien is resolved, it clouds the title and prevents a clean transfer of ownership.
Can You Sell a House With a Lien in Spokane?
Yes, but the lien must either be:
- Paid off at closing, or
- Negotiated and released prior to closing
The lien follows the property, not the person—so buyers will insist it be cleared before taking title. Title companies in Spokane will catch liens during their title search and require a solution before funding the sale.
What Are Your Options?
If you’re facing a lien but still want (or need) to sell fast, here are some options:
💰 1. Pay the Lien at Closing
If you have equity in the house, the lien can usually be paid off directly from your proceeds at closing. This is the most straightforward path.
⚖️ 2. Negotiate the Lien Amount
You or your attorney can contact the lienholder to negotiate a lower payoff. Many will accept less than the full amount, especially if you’re offering cash and closing fast.
🏚️ 3. Sell As-Is to a Cash Buyer Like Us
Some buyers, including REI Branded Home Buyer, will buy houses with liens and handle the process for you. We’ve helped sellers in Garland District, Whitman, and South Hill move on from properties that felt stuck.
We work with experienced Spokane title companies to:
- Order payoff statements
- Handle negotiations if needed
- Close fast—even if there are multiple liens
- Buy the house as-is (no repairs needed)
Spokane Story: Liens & a Stalled Sale
One homeowner in Hillyard tried to list his house but had a $19,000 IRS lien. Buyers backed out. He called us, and we worked directly with the title company and lienholder. We were able to reduce the lien to $14,000, pay it at closing, and get the house sold in 12 days. He walked away with cash—and peace of mind.
What Happens If I Can’t Pay the Lien?
If you owe more than the house is worth, it becomes a short sale situation. You’ll need lender approval, and it may take longer, but it’s still possible—especially with an experienced buyer who knows the ropes.
We Can Help You Sell a House With Liens in Spokane
Liens don’t have to stop you from moving forward. Whether you’re dealing with unpaid taxes, old debts, or contractor disputes, we’ve seen it all—and helped homeowners navigate it successfully.
📞 Call us at 509-769-3439
📧 Email us at info@reibrandedhomebuyer.com
🔗 Contact us today
Let’s get your Spokane house sold—even with a lien on it.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Please consult an attorney or financial advisor for specific guidance related to liens or real estate transactions.
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.