“How REI Branded Home Buyer Can Help”
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 of Common Liens in Washington
- Tax Liens – Owed to the IRS or WA DOR
- Mortgage Liens – First or second mortgages
- HOA Liens – Due to unpaid dues or fees
- Mechanic’s Liens – From contractors for unpaid renovation work
- Judgment Liens – After lawsuits
- Medical or Hospital Liens
- Child Support Liens
A lien puts what’s known as a cloud on title — which can delay or stop a sale.
Can You Sell a House with a Lien in Washington?
Yes — but you’ll need to resolve the lien or sell to someone willing to take the property as-is.
If listing on the MLS, the title company will likely flag the lien. You may be forced to:
- Pay it off in full
- Negotiate a settlement
- Delay closing
- Lose buyers who can’t get financing
Selling As-Is to a Cash Buyer Is Often the Easiest Option
At REI Branded Home Buyer, we help sellers across Spokane, Everett, and Tacoma deal with liens and close without stress.
We buy homes with:
- Open tax liens
- Construction liens
- Judgment liens
- Title problems
We handle the paperwork and work with escrow/title attorneys to close properly.
What If There Are Multiple Liens?
Multiple liens can complicate a transaction, but don’t panic.
We’ll work to:
- Order a title search (What is Title Search?)
- Communicate with lienholders
- Coordinate payoff or negotiations
- Pay off valid liens directly from proceeds
Need to Sell Fast? We Can Help
No matter where you are — Walla Walla, Richland, Pasco — we make fast, fair cash offers on homes with liens.
📩 Request a cash offer or email info@reibrandedhomebuyer.com today.
Helpful Resources:
- IRS – Understanding Tax Liens
- Mechanics Liens – RCW 60.04
- HOA Lien Law – RCW 64.38.100
- Release a Lien – RCW 60.04.071
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only. Consult a real estate attorney or title professional to address lien issues specific to your situation.
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.