“How REI Branded Home Buyer Can Help”
If you’ve recently lost a loved one and discovered they didn’t leave a will, you’re not alone. At REI Branded Home Buyer, we’ve helped several Spokane families navigate the stress of probate—especially when a house is involved and no clear instructions were left behind.
Here’s what actually happens to a house in Spokane when someone dies intestate (without a will), and how you can move forward if you need to sell it.
Who Gets the House When There’s No Will?
In Washington State, when someone passes away without a will, their estate (including any real estate) goes through intestate probate. That means the state decides who inherits based on a legal formula.
Here’s the general order:
- Spouse or registered domestic partner
- Children
- Parents
- Siblings
- Nieces, nephews, etc.
If there are multiple heirs (like three children), they all become co-owners of the house unless otherwise agreed.
Real Story From Spokane
One family we helped in Hillyard inherited a home after their father passed away suddenly with no will. The siblings were unsure of their rights, and the house was sitting vacant, attracting squatters. We walked them through the probate steps, gave them a fair offer, and closed as soon as the court appointed a personal representative.
The Court Will Appoint a Personal Representative
When there’s no will naming an executor, the court appoints a personal representative (PR) to handle the estate. That person will have the legal authority to:
- Secure and manage the home
- Pay off debts or liens
- Decide when and how to sell the property (with court approval)
We work directly with personal reps and their attorneys to keep things moving forward.
Can You Sell the House Before Probate Is Complete?
Usually, you can’t sell the house right away—but you can line up a buyer, get court approval, and be ready to close when allowed. Many families accept a cash offer from us early in the probate process so there are no delays when the time comes.
Why Sell the House to a Cash Buyer Like Us?
Probate can drag on for months. A traditional sale often creates extra headaches. We keep it simple:
- ✅ No need to fix anything
- ✅ No agent fees
- ✅ Fast, clean closing when probate allows
- ✅ We help with court and title paperwork
- ✅ Local, family-run company based right here in Spokane
We’ve helped people sell inherited homes in Whitman, South Hill, and even rural Spokane County.
What If There Are Disagreements Among Heirs?
It’s common. We’ve worked with families where some heirs wanted to keep the house, and others needed the money. In some cases, the probate court will make the final decision. In others, we help mediate a buyout or split. Either way, we’re a neutral third party focused on solutions.
We Can Help—No Matter the Probate Stage
If you’re facing probate without a will, we’ll guide you step-by-step, even before the court gets involved. Whether you just found out about the house or you’re deep into the legal process, we’ve got your back.
📞 Call us today at 509-769-3439
📧 info@reibrandedhomebuyer.com
🔗 Contact us here
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult a probate attorney for guidance on your specific situation.
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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.