“Can You Sell a House Before an HOA Foreclosure in Washington?”
Homeowners associations (HOAs) are meant to maintain property values and community standards. But when homeowners fall behind on dues or violate HOA rules, these associations can take aggressive action—sometimes even foreclosing on the home.
If you own a property in Washington State and are facing or fearing HOA foreclosure, it’s essential to understand your rights, the risks, and how you can sell your house quickly before losing it to the HOA.
This guide will walk you through how HOA foreclosure works in Washington, what your legal options are, and how you can sell your home fast—even with liens or pending legal action.
What Is HOA Foreclosure?
An HOA foreclosure occurs when a homeowners association forces the sale of a property to recover unpaid assessments, fines, or fees. These charges can include:
- Monthly or quarterly dues
- Special assessments for repairs or upgrades
- Fines for rule violations (e.g., paint color, unapproved construction)
- Late fees and interest
If these amounts go unpaid for too long, the HOA can file a lien against your property—and in Washington, they can foreclose on that lien through a court process.
HOA Foreclosure Laws in Washington State
In Washington, RCW 64.34 (for condos) and RCW 64.38 (for homeowners associations) govern how HOAs operate. Key points include:
- Notice is required: The HOA must send written notice of the lien and intent to foreclose.
- Judicial foreclosure is the typical method: This means the HOA must go through the court system.
- HOA lien priority is limited: In many cases, the mortgage still takes priority, which can affect how much the HOA actually recovers.
- You can stop foreclosure by paying what’s owed, negotiating a repayment plan, or selling before the sale date.
If you’re behind on payments, you may be accumulating not just back dues but also legal fees and court costs—which can make catching up harder the longer you wait.
How HOA Foreclosure Affects Selling Your Home
Once an HOA lien is filed, it becomes a cloud on the title—which means you’ll need to deal with it before the property can change hands.
Here’s how it impacts your ability to sell:
- Traditional buyers may walk away once they see the lien or foreclosure notice.
- Lenders may refuse to fund a loan until the lien is cleared.
- Closing can be delayed or fall through if the title company can’t issue a clean title.
If you’re already behind and facing legal action, time is critical. In many cases, selling your home quickly for cash is the best way to avoid foreclosure and settle what’s owed.
Can You Sell a House Before an HOA Foreclosure in Washington?
Yes. If you act before the foreclosure sale date, you can still sell your property. You’ll need to:
- Determine how much you owe the HOA
- Get a payoff statement from the association
- Calculate total closing costs
- Choose a buyer who can move quickly
When you work with a cash home buyer, the transaction is fast, and the purchase can include paying off the HOA dues at closing—so you walk away free and clear.
Why Cash Buyers Are Ideal for HOA Foreclosure Situations
At REI Branded Home Buyer, we regularly work with Washington homeowners facing HOA pressure. Here’s why cash offers work so well in these cases:
- No waiting for financing
- No need for inspections or repairs
- We handle title issues, including HOA liens
- We can close in as little as 7–10 days
- We work directly with your HOA to get accurate payoff information
If you’re overwhelmed by escalating fees or pending court action, this can provide a fast, clean exit before things spiral out of control.
Common Situations That Lead to HOA Foreclosure
Homeowners fall behind on HOA dues for many reasons, including:
- Job loss or reduced income
- Medical expenses or family emergencies
- Disputes with the HOA over rule enforcement
- Absentee owners or inherited properties
- Homeowners unaware of rising assessments
In Washington neighborhoods with strict HOA enforcement—like those in Spokane Valley, Liberty Lake, or certain subdivisions in Kennewick or Vancouver—even small infractions can quickly snowball into big problems.
What Happens If the HOA Has Already Filed for Foreclosure?
If your HOA has already begun foreclosure proceedings, it’s still possible to sell—but the timeline is urgent. Here’s what to expect:
- You’ll receive legal documents outlining the complaint and amount owed.
- A foreclosure sale date will be scheduled (usually through the court).
- You must act before the sale date to preserve your right to sell.
If the foreclosure goes through, you may lose all equity and still be responsible for other debts or taxes. Selling the house before that point is the best way to avoid financial damage.
How We Help Sellers in HOA Trouble
At REI Branded Home Buyer, we help Washington property owners escape HOA foreclosure through a simple process:
- Free property evaluation (no obligation)
- Fair cash offer within 24 hours
- Clear title and lien checks
- Pay off the HOA balance at closing
- Close on your timeline—fast or flexible
You don’t have to face your HOA alone. We’re experienced in resolving liens, dealing with aggressive associations, and making sure you get a fair outcome.
Benefits of Selling to REI Branded Home Buyer
| Benefit | Traditional Sale | Selling to Us |
|---|---|---|
| Fast closing | 30–90 days | 7–14 days |
| Repairs needed | Yes | No |
| Commission fees | 5–6% | $0 |
| HOA liens handled | Maybe | Yes |
| Risk of deal falling through | High | Low |
Steps To Take If You’re Facing HOA Foreclosure
If you’re worried about losing your home to your HOA in Washington, follow these steps immediately:
- Contact your HOA and request a detailed ledger or payoff amount.
- Avoid ignoring notices—they will not go away.
- Gather documents like your mortgage statement, HOA correspondence, and court filings (if any).
- Call a local cash buyer who can step in and make a fair offer quickly.
Every day you wait increases the amount owed and narrows your options. But with the right help, you can still walk away on your terms.
Sell Your Washington Home Before the HOA Takes It
HOA foreclosure doesn’t mean the end. You have options—and the sooner you act, the more control you have. Whether you’re in Spokane, Vancouver, Yakima, Tri-Cities, or anywhere in Washington State, REI Branded Home Buyer is ready to help.
We provide a no-hassle, no-pressure solution for people facing difficult situations. If you’re feeling stuck, we’ll walk you through the process and give you the support you need to sell quickly and move on.
📞 Call 509-769-3439
📧 Email info@reibrandedhomebuyer.com
🌐 Visit reibrandedhomebuyer.com
Don’t let your HOA take your home—get a cash offer today and take back control.
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.