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Homeowners associations (HOAs) are common in Washington communities, especially in newer neighborhoods, condos, and gated developments. They help maintain shared spaces, enforce neighborhood standards, and manage long-term property values.
But what happens if you fall behind on HOA dues or violate the rules?
In Washington State, your HOA can file a lien — and even foreclose on your property — if dues remain unpaid. That means you could lose your house, even if your mortgage is current.
This guide explains how HOA foreclosures work in Washington, your legal rights, and what options you have if you’re facing HOA-related financial stress.
What Triggers an HOA Foreclosure in Washington?
Most HOAs are funded by monthly, quarterly, or annual dues from homeowners. These fees support maintenance, insurance, landscaping, and community operations.
If you stop paying those fees — or rack up excessive fines — the HOA can:
- File a lien on your home
- Send notices and demand letters
- Initiate foreclosure proceedings
In Washington, a lien for unpaid HOA dues can legally take priority over certain other debts, including your mortgage in some rare cases.
Common triggers for foreclosure include:
- Unpaid dues (usually 3+ months past due)
- Excessive fines for rule violations
- Legal fees associated with collections
- Special assessments that remain unpaid
How the HOA Foreclosure Process Works in Washington State
The steps are usually as follows:
- Notice of Delinquency
The HOA must notify you in writing of missed payments. - Lien Filing
If payment isn’t made, the HOA records a lien with the county. - Notice of Intent to Foreclose
After sufficient time has passed (usually 90+ days), the HOA may issue notice of intent to foreclose. - Judicial or Nonjudicial Foreclosure
Washington allows nonjudicial foreclosure, meaning the HOA may not need to take you to court before selling the home. - Auction and Sale
If unresolved, your home can be sold at auction — even if your mortgage is up-to-date.
How Much Can You Owe Before They Foreclose?
There is no fixed minimum, but most HOAs wait until:
- Dues exceed $1,000–$2,500, or
- 3–6 months of nonpayment have passed
However, when legal fees and interest are added, the debt can grow rapidly. Some Washington homeowners are shocked to learn that a $500 fine turned into a $5,000 foreclosure threat within a year.
Can the HOA Really Take Your House If You’re Current on Your Mortgage?
Yes — and it’s happened across Washington.
Mortgage lenders usually have “first lien” status, but some HOA liens can supersede them in limited scenarios, especially if:
- You’re in a super-priority lien state
- You have no mortgage, or the lender chooses not to intervene
Even if the lender still has a lien, a foreclosure auction can leave you evicted and potentially still owing money.
Your Rights as a Homeowner in Washington
If your HOA is threatening foreclosure, you have legal rights:
- Right to notice: HOAs must give written warnings and opportunities to cure the debt.
- Right to a hearing: You may be entitled to an internal dispute hearing or mediation.
- Right to redeem: After foreclosure, you might have a redemption period to reclaim the property.
- Right to consult an attorney: Legal help can delay or stop the foreclosure.
What Are Your Options If You’re Behind on HOA Dues in Washington?
1. Negotiate a Payment Plan
Most HOAs don’t want to foreclose — it’s expensive and time-consuming. Try to:
- Set up monthly repayment terms
- Ask for fee waivers or settlement options
- Avoid accruing additional late fees
2. Apply for Financial Hardship Assistance
Some HOAs offer temporary relief programs if you’re experiencing:
- Job loss
- Medical emergencies
- Divorce or family changes
3. Refinance or Use Equity
If your home has equity, you might be able to refinance and catch up on dues — but this isn’t always feasible with poor credit or existing mortgage challenges.
4. Sell the Property Before Foreclosure
One of the best ways to avoid losing your home to an HOA lien is to sell before the auction date.
Selling allows you to:
- Pay off the lien and avoid credit damage
- Stop legal fees from stacking up
- Move forward on your own terms
Can You Sell a Home With an HOA Lien?
Yes — but it’s not always easy through a traditional listing.
- Buyers using mortgages often can’t proceed until the title is clear
- Delays in lien release can stall closings for weeks
- You may owe more than the home’s market value
If this sounds overwhelming, a cash sale to REI Branded Home Buyer might be your best option.
Sell Your House With an HOA Lien — Fast and Stress-Free
At REI Branded Home Buyer, we work with homeowners across Washington — including Spokane, Tacoma, Kennewick, and Everett — who need to sell fast under pressure.
We help people in situations involving:
- HOA liens and legal threats
- Behind on dues or assessments
- Mortgage and HOA foreclosure overlap
- Poor property condition or inherited homes with liens
Our process is simple:
- Call us or fill out our short form
- We assess your property, HOA debt, and title
- We make a cash offer — no repairs or inspections
- You pick the closing date
We provide easy home buyer solutions that help you walk away with dignity, even in tough HOA situations.
FAQ: HOA Foreclosures in Washington
Q: Can my HOA foreclose even if I’m paying my mortgage?
A: Yes. HOA foreclosures are independent of your mortgage status.
Q: How fast can an HOA foreclose in Washington?
A: It varies, but many begin after 90+ days of nonpayment. Some move to foreclosure within 6 months.
Q: Can I sell my house with an HOA lien?
A: Yes — especially to a cash buyer who can pay off or resolve the lien at closing.
Q: What happens at a foreclosure auction?
A: Your home is sold to the highest bidder, and you may be evicted if the issue isn’t resolved beforehand.
Q: Can I stop HOA foreclosure once it starts?
A: Possibly. Paying the full amount owed, negotiating a deal, or selling fast can all stop the process.
Facing HOA Foreclosure? We Can Help
If you’re stressed, overwhelmed, or unsure how to move forward, you’re not alone. REI Branded Home Buyer helps Washington homeowners escape difficult situations with dignity and speed.
📞 Call 509-769-3439 today or visit our website to request a fair, fast cash offer — before it’s too late.
Sell Your Washington 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.