REI Branded Home Buyer Spokane edition

Vacant Washington home with boarded windows and a warning notice on the front door

Understanding Squatter Rights and Laws in Washington State

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What Are Squatter Rights in Washington State? In Washington, squatters can sometimes gain rights to a property if they occupy it long enough and meet certain legal conditions. This is known as adverse possession — a controversial but very real legal pathway. Washington homeowners are often shocked to learn that squatters can claim legal residency … Continued
Vacant Washington home with broken windows and no trespassing signs posted

Understanding Squatter Rights and Property Risks in Washington State

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What Are Squatter Rights in Washington State? In Washington, squatters may gain legal rights to a property under certain conditions through adverse possession — a legal process where long-term unauthorized occupants can claim ownership. Read the full law here:👉 Washington Squatters Rights👉 RCW 7.28 – Adverse Possession To establish a legal claim, squatters must typically: … Continued
Washington property paperwork showing lien notice, tax documents, and a red warning stamp

Understanding Liens in Washington State Real Estate

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What Is a Lien in Washington Real Estate? A lien is a legal claim against a property for unpaid debt. In Washington State, liens must be satisfied before you can sell your home with a clear title. If you’re selling with an outstanding lien, expect delays — or even a blocked closing. Learn more about … Continued
Washington property deed with a stamped “clouded title” warning across it

Understanding Property Titles and Clouds on Title in Washington

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What Is a Property Title in Washington? A property title is your legal proof of ownership in Washington. It allows you to transfer or sell a property. Titles in Washington are governed by the principles of real property law, and a clean, or “clear,” title is essential for closing a sale. If your title has … Continued
Legal documents and a Washington State property title form on a wooden desk

Washington Real Estate Laws Every Home Seller Should Know

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Know the Law Before You Sell in Washington State Whether you’re in Spokane, Everett, or Walla Walla, understanding Washington real estate law can make or break your home sale. Selling a property isn’t just about listing it — you’re legally responsible for certain disclosures, liens, and transfer steps under Washington RCW. 1. Seller Disclosure Laws … Continued
Washington house with warning signs and building code violation notices posted on the front door

Code Violations in Washington? Here’s How to Sell Without Fixing

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What Are Code Violations in Real Estate? A code violation occurs when a property does not meet local safety, construction, or health standards. In Washington, cities like Spokane and Tacoma enforce these rules to ensure homes are safe and habitable. Common violations include: Can You Sell a House with Code Violations in Washington? Yes — … Continued
Abandoned Washington house with boarded windows and signs of squatter occupation

Squatter Laws in Washington State: What Homeowners Should Know

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Squatter Rights in Washington State In Washington, squatters can establish legal rights to a property under certain conditions. According to Washington squatter laws, individuals who occupy a home without the owner’s permission may claim adverse possession after a specific time period — typically 10 years of continuous occupation. Learn more about squatters and how property … Continued
Distressed Washington house with peeling paint, broken windows, and overgrown landscaping

Selling a Distressed House in Washington State: What You Need to Know

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What Is a Distressed Property? A distressed property is any home facing legal, financial, or physical challenges. This can include: How to Sell a Distressed House in Washington Trying to list a distressed home on Zillow or Redfin can be nearly impossible — most buyers want move-in ready homes. Instead, many homeowners in Spokane, Everett, … Continued
Washington home with foreclosure notice on the door and overgrown front yard

Avoid Foreclosure in Washington: What Homeowners Need to Know Now

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Washington State Foreclosure Help for Homeowners Foreclosure is one of the most overwhelming challenges a homeowner can face — but it’s not the end. Whether you live in Spokane, Vancouver, or Yakima, Washington State offers options to help you stop foreclosure and move forward. What Is Foreclosure? Foreclosure is the legal process where your mortgage … Continued
Washington house with a warning notice on the door and a city lien document taped to the window

Selling a House With a Lien in Washington – What You Can Do Now

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Selling a House in Washington with a Lien on Title Selling a home is hard enough — but if there’s a lien attached, it can feel impossible. Whether you’re in Spokane, Everett, or Tacoma, many Washington homeowners face this issue. A lien is a legal claim against a property, often from unpaid debts, taxes, or … Continued
A well-kept home in Washington with a For Sale sign in the front yard, surrounded by blooming flowers

What to Do If You Inherited a House in Washington State

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Inheriting Property in Washington: What Happens Next? Inheriting a home can feel overwhelming, especially when dealing with grief and paperwork. Whether the property is in Spokane, Everett, or Walla Walla, the steps are similar. You’ll need to: Do All Inherited Homes Go Through Probate in Washington? Not necessarily. Do You Have to Pay Taxes on … Continued
Washington house with past-due tax notices and legal paperwork taped to the door

How to Sell a House with a Lien in Washington State

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What Is a Lien and Why Does It Matter in a Washington Home Sale? A lien is a legal claim against a property — usually due to unpaid debt. Before you can transfer the title, liens must be satisfied, released, or dealt with in escrow. Learn more about liens and the different types below. Types … Continued
Washington home with a red "condemned" sign and overgrown yard

Understanding Code Violations When Selling a Home in Washington State

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What Are Code Violations in Washington — and Can You Still Sell Your Home? Many Washington homeowners find themselves dealing with code violations when trying to sell an older, inherited, or neglected property. Whether it’s safety issues, unpermitted work, or abandoned structures — violations can create legal and financial hurdles. But don’t worry — you … Continued