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How to Sell a Problem Property in Tacoma, WA (Complete Guide)
If you’re stuck with a home that feels “unsellable” — you’re not alone.
Whether you’re dealing with code violations, fire damage, squatters, legal title issues, or a house left in ruins by a tenant — this guide will walk you through how to sell a problem property in Tacoma without stress or expensive repairs.
At REI Branded Home Buyer, we specialize in helping Tacoma homeowners sell as-is, no matter the condition or situation.
💥 What Is Considered a “Problem Property”?
In Tacoma, a “problem property” is any house that:
- Has active code violations
- Is vacant and vandalized
- Is damaged by fire or water
- Has unresolved liens or legal issues
- Was inherited with complications (probate, family disputes)
- Has been trashed by tenants
- Is occupied by squatters or unauthorized residents
- Needs major repairs that you can’t afford
🧠 What Are Your Options?
You could:
- Try listing it traditionally (but good luck finding a buyer)
- Spend tens of thousands to bring it up to market-ready condition
- Do nothing and watch fines or property taxes pile up
Or…
You can sell it as-is to a cash buyer who specializes in exactly these situations.
🛠️ Most Common Problem Property Types in Tacoma
🔹 Code Violations
City inspectors may issue notices for structural problems, abandoned vehicles, pests, mold, or overgrown yards.
▶️ Tacoma Municipal Code
▶️ Code Enforcement – Wikipedia
🔹 Fire-Damaged Homes
Severely damaged homes may need full reconstruction — or can be sold as-is.
▶️ FEMA
▶️ Retrofitting – Wikipedia
🔹 Squatter-Occupied Properties
Unlawful occupancy is more common in vacant homes. Removing squatters is a legal process.
▶️ Squatters Rights in WA
🔹 Houses With Liens
Tax liens, judgment liens, or HOA liens can block a sale — but they’re solvable.
▶️ RCW Title 60 – Lien Law
🔹 Rental Homes With Damage
Post-eviction chaos or abandoned properties can rack up fines fast.
▶️ WA Pests & Infestations
🔹 Inherited or Probate Properties
No will? Multiple heirs? Probate sales are often long and confusing — unless sold directly.
▶️ Probate – Wikipedia
🚫 Why Agents Struggle With Problem Properties
Traditional agents often won’t list homes that have:
- Safety issues
- Open city violations
- No power or plumbing
- Unclear title or ownership disputes
- Hoarder conditions or structural instability
If they do, they often require:
- Expensive repairs
- Property cleanouts
- Price cuts and long timelines
✅ Why REI Branded Home Buyer Is the Better Option
We buy problem properties in all Tacoma neighborhoods, including:
- McKinley Hill
- South End
- North End
- Eastside
- Fern Hill
- Downtown
Our process:
- Free consultation — tell us what’s going on
- Cash offer within 24 hours — no obligation
- No repairs or cleanouts
- We handle liens, title issues, probate, code compliance
- Close in as little as 7 days
🧾 Real Tacoma Seller Situations We’ve Helped With
- 🔧 Inherited home full of junk and mold
- 🔥 Fire-damaged duplex in Hilltop with red-tagged violations
- 🧱 Property stuck in probate with 3 siblings involved
- 🏚️ Rental with broken windows and roof leaks post-eviction
- 🧍 Squatter-occupied house on Eastside after abandonment
🗂️ Helpful Tacoma and Washington Resources
- Pierce County Property Portal
- RCW 64.06 – Seller Disclosures
- WA Dept. of Health – Mold Info
- Post-Permitting Rules
- Quitclaim Deeds
- Lien Types & Laws in WA
🏁 Your Problem Property Isn’t a Dead End
Whatever your situation — from liens to fire damage to legal messes — we’re the solution.
📍 Learn more on our Tacoma Buying Page
📧 Email us directly
👉 Request your cash offer now — and finally move forward.
Disclaimer:
This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or real estate advice. Always consult with appropriate professionals before making any decisions regarding the sale of your property.
Sell Your Tacoma 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.