“How REI Branded Home Buyer Can Help”
Squatters in Washington State: What Are Your Options as a Homeowner?
Dealing with squatters is one of the most stressful issues for homeowners — especially if you live out of state or inherited a vacant home. The good news? You can still sell your house, even if squatters are living inside.
We buy houses with squatters in Spokane, Everett, Tacoma, Yakima, and throughout Washington State.
1. What Are Squatter’s Rights in Washington?
Washington law gives squatters legal rights after a certain period of occupancy. This is based on the legal principle of adverse possession. If they’ve lived on the property continuously and openly, they may try to claim the home as theirs.
Some key points:
- Washington requires 10 years of occupancy (or 7 years with a color of title and payment of property taxes)
- Squatters may try to claim tenancy rights if not removed quickly
- Owners must follow legal notice to vacate procedures
Learn more at Squatters Rights in Washington.
2. Can You Just Call the Police?
Not always. If the squatter claims they’re a tenant — even falsely — it becomes a civil issue, not criminal. You’ll likely need a court-ordered eviction or unlawful detainer action.
3. Can You Sell a House with Squatters Inside?
Yes — many traditional buyers will back away, but experienced investors will still buy your house as-is. At REI Branded Home Buyer, we’ve helped dozens of Washington homeowners offload squatter-occupied properties in cities like Vancouver, Walla Walla, and Pasco.
4. What If the Squatters Caused Damage?
Many do — from graffiti and stolen wiring to broken pipes and pests. Your insurance might not even cover the damage if the home was vacant or if squatters were considered trespassers. See the Washington state page on homeowner insurance.
Whether the property has:
- Code violations (Code Enforcement)
- Mold or pest infestations
- Fire damage or missing utilities
We’ll take it off your hands — no cleanup required.
5. How the Selling Process Works
Selling your house with squatters to REI Branded is simple:
- Contact us at info@reibrandedhomebuyer.com or submit a request
- We evaluate the home’s condition and location
- You get a no-obligation cash offer
- We handle the squatters and the legal process
- You close on your timeline — no agents, fees, or stress
We Handle the Headache — You Walk Away with Cash
From Spokane Valley, Ellensburg, to Kennewick, we help sellers just like you get rid of unwanted properties — no matter the condition or situation.
Helpful Resources:
- Squatters Rights in WA – WRents
- Notice to Vacate in WA
- WA Home Insurance – Office of Insurance Commissioner
- Code Enforcement – Wikipedia
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult with a licensed attorney for eviction or squatter-related matters.
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.