“We Buy Houses in Spokane and Across Washington”
If you’re a homeowner in Spokane dealing with a lien on your property, you’re not alone — and yes, you can still sell your house. Whether it’s due to unpaid taxes, contractor work, or a court judgment, a lien can feel like a massive roadblock. But with the right help, it’s a hurdle you can overcome.
At REI Branded Home Buyer, we’ve helped Spokane homeowners sell properties tied up in legal red tape — including those with multiple liens. In this guide, we’ll break down your options, explain what liens are, and show you how to move forward confidently.
What Is a Lien?
A lien is a legal claim against your property for an unpaid debt. It means someone (a person, company, or government agency) is asserting a right to your home’s value as collateral.
There are several types of liens commonly found in Spokane real estate:
- Mortgage liens
- Tax liens (from unpaid property or federal taxes)
- Mechanic’s liens (contractors or laborers who weren’t paid)
- HOA liens
- Judgment liens (from court cases)
- Medical or child support liens
Each lien type has its own rules, but the common theme is this: it needs to be addressed before you can transfer clean title.
Can You Sell a House With a Lien in Spokane?
Yes — but the lien needs to be cleared, settled, or accounted for in the sale process. Here are your options:
1. Pay the Lien Off Before Closing
If you have the funds, the cleanest way to sell is to pay off the lien and provide the title company with proof. Once it’s paid, they’ll release the lien and clear the title.
2. Negotiate a Payoff With the Creditor
In many cases, lienholders are open to accepting a reduced amount if you’re selling the house. We’ve seen tax liens and contractor liens reduced significantly during negotiations.
3. Use Sale Proceeds to Pay the Lien
If you have equity in the property, you can agree to use proceeds from the sale to pay the lien at closing. The title company will handle the distribution automatically.
4. Sell to a Cash Buyer Who Understands Liens
Some homebuyers, like REI Branded Home Buyer, are experienced in buying homes with liens. We’ll work directly with the lienholders, negotiate on your behalf, and take care of the title work — even if you’re overwhelmed or unsure where to start.
Real Spokane Story: Fire Damage and a Lien
We recently helped a Spokane homeowner whose property had suffered a basement fire. On top of that, the home had a $12,000 contractor lien from a past roofing job that was never paid in full. The seller didn’t know how to resolve it.
We stepped in, negotiated the lien down to $6,000, and handled the paperwork with the title company. They sold the property as-is, with no repairs or extra fees, and walked away with cash — and peace of mind.
How Long Does It Take to Sell a House With a Lien?
It depends on:
- The type and number of liens
- Whether lienholders are responsive
- How quickly you can gather documentation
But if you’re selling to a cash buyer like us, we can typically close in 7–14 days, even with title issues.
Should You Work With a Real Estate Agent?
Traditional agents may shy away from houses with liens — especially if there are unresolved legal or repair issues. You’ll likely need to:
- Make the house “market ready” (costly)
- Pay for a lien release yourself
- Wait for a retail buyer who’s comfortable taking it on
That’s why many homeowners choose a direct buyer instead.
Why Spokane Homeowners Choose REI Branded Home Buyer
- ✅ We pay cash and close fast — no inspections or contingencies
- ✅ We handle all the lien/title headaches for you
- ✅ We buy homes as-is — even fire-damaged or vacant
- ✅ No agent commissions, repair costs, or clean-out needed
We’re local, transparent, and experienced with Spokane real estate — including all its quirks and legal hurdles.
We Buy Houses in Spokane and Across Washington
Whether you’re in Downtown Spokane, Hillyard, Garland District, or even Spokane Valley, we’ve got you covered.
Other areas we serve include:
Need Help Selling a House With a Lien in Spokane?
You don’t have to figure it out alone. Contact us today or call 509-769-3439 and we’ll walk you through your options.
Or email us anytime at info@reibrandedhomebuyer.com — we’re happy to help.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Please consult an attorney or financial advisor before making decisions related to liens or title issues.
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.