Moving is one of life’s biggest transitions. Whether it’s for a new job, a family obligation, or simply a fresh start, relocating requires an incredible amount of coordination. At REI Branded Home Buyer, we receive calls every week from homeowners saying, “I’m relocating and need to sell my house in Spokane.” The combination of managing the move itself packing, scheduling movers, paperwork and trying to figure out what to do with your house can feel overwhelming.
The good news is, you do have options. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about selling your house in Spokane, Washington when relocating. From understanding holding costs and market risks to comparing listing with an agent versus selling directly to us, this comprehensive blog will give you the tools you need to make the right decision for your situation.
Why Relocating Homeowners Face Unique Challenges
Most homeowners only buy or sell a home once or twice in their entire lifetime. That means the process is confusing for many, even without the added stress of moving to another city or state. When relocation is involved, the pressure multiplies because:
- You may already have secured another home or rental in your new city, creating double housing expenses.
- You may not be physically present in Spokane to manage showings, repairs, or real estate agents.
- Relocation timelines are often inflexible especially if driven by a new job or family situation.
- Carrying costs on a vacant home add up quickly, eating into potential profits.
That’s why it’s critical to have a clear plan. Let’s break it down.
Step 1: Organize, Don’t Agonize
The biggest mistake relocating homeowners make is waiting too long. Some think, “I’ll just list my house and wait for the right buyer.” But here’s the truth: every month your house sits unsold costs you money. Between mortgage payments, property taxes, insurance, and maintenance, you could spend thousands of dollars without building any equity.
Example: If your carrying costs are $1,600 a month, waiting even 12 months to sell your house could cost you nearly $20,000 money you’ll never get back.
Pro Tip: Start planning your sale the moment you confirm your move. Even if you haven’t found your next home yet, lining up your selling options gives you control instead of last-minute panic.
Step 2: Understand the Value of Your Home
Your next step is to understand what your home is realistically worth in Spokane. You have two primary options:
- Hire a local real estate agent to give you a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA).
- Contact REI Branded Home Buyer for a free, no-obligation cash offer.
The CMA will give you a ballpark value based on comparable sales, while our cash offer gives you a guaranteed net number. Both are useful for determining whether you want to wait for a traditional buyer or sell quickly without hassle.
Step 3: Weigh the Costs of Waiting vs Selling Now
Everyone wants to sell their home for the highest price possible. But the mistake many relocating homeowners make is ignoring the hidden costs of waiting. These include:
- Mortgage interest payments
- Property taxes
- Insurance premiums
- Maintenance (landscaping, repairs, utilities)
- Real estate commissions (typically 6%)
Let’s crunch the numbers:
- Target Sale Price: $200,000
- Monthly Costs: $1,600 (mortgage, taxes, insurance, maintenance)
- Time on Market: 7 months
- Holding Costs: $11,200
- Agent Commissions: $12,000
Total cost of waiting: $23,200 (and closer to $30,000 when factoring in stress and lost opportunities).
Compare that to selling next week to REI Branded Home Buyer for $175,000 cash. Even though the sale price is lower, you save thousands in holding costs, fees, and headaches. In the end, you often walk away with more money in your pocket.
Step 4: Consider All Selling Options
You have multiple strategies when relocating:
- List with a real estate agent: Best if you have time, patience, and funds to cover holding costs.
- For Sale by Owner (FSBO): Potentially saves commission, but requires significant time and marketing.
- Rent the home: Generates income but adds landlord responsibilities from afar.
- Lease option: Rent to a tenant-buyer with the intent to sell later.
- Sell directly to REI Branded Home Buyer: Fast, no fees, no repairs, and certainty of closing.
Washington Note: Relocation sellers in cities like Spokane, Tacoma, Everett, and Yakima often choose the direct sale route because of unpredictable markets and the rising cost of carrying a second home.
Step 5: Be Realistic About Market Appeal
Unless your home is truly one-of-a-kind, pricing at the very top of the market isn’t always smart. Relocating sellers don’t have the luxury of waiting for the perfect buyer who “falls in love” with the house. Price competitively to attract serious buyers quickly.
Step 6: Decide and Take Action
Indecision is the enemy of relocation. Whether you choose to list with an agent or sell directly to us, the key is to act quickly. Waiting only increases your expenses and stress.
At REI Branded Home Buyer, we can close in as little as 7 days or work on your timeline. Our goal is to give you certainty so you can focus on your move, not your old house.
Where We Buy Houses in Washington
We proudly help relocating homeowners statewide. Here are some of the areas where we buy homes:
- We Buy Houses in Spokane
- We Buy Houses in Tacoma
- We Buy Houses in Kennewick
- We Buy Houses in Walla Walla
- We Buy Houses in Yakima
- We Buy Houses in Everett
- We Buy Houses in Bellingham
- We Buy Houses in Wenatchee
- We Buy Houses in Vancouver
Frequently Asked Questions for Relocating Sellers
How fast can I sell my house if I’m relocating?
With REI Branded Home Buyer, you can sell in as little as 7 days. Traditional sales may take months.
Do I need to make repairs before selling?
No. We buy houses as-is, in any condition.
Will I pay commissions or closing costs?
No commissions or closing costs just excise tax, which is standard in Washington.
Can you help if my home has liens or code violations?
Yes. We regularly purchase homes with liens, violations, and financial complications.
What if I’ve already moved out of Spokane?
No problem. We can handle the entire transaction remotely, making it easy for out-of-town sellers.
Final Thoughts
Relocating is stressful enough without worrying about an unsold house. If you’re moving out of Spokane, don’t let your old property drain your time, money, and energy. You have options and the fastest, simplest option is selling directly to REI Branded Home Buyer. We provide certainty, speed, and fair offers so you can focus on your next chapter.
Call us today at 509-769-3439 for your free, no-obligation cash offer.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. For advice on your specific situation, consult a licensed professional.
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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.