8 Tips to Help You Sell a Vacant or Abandoned Home in Spokane, Washington

Do you own a vacant or abandoned home in Spokane, Washington? You’re not alone. Thousands of Washington property owners find themselves stuck with empty houses every year—whether due to inheritance, relocation, financial stress, or deferred maintenance. The longer a home sits empty, the more it costs. Carrying costs like mortgage payments, taxes, insurance, and utilities add up quickly, not to mention the risks of vandalism, squatters, or system deterioration.

Fortunately, there are practical steps you can take to prepare and sell your vacant home. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll share 8 proven tips for selling an abandoned or vacant house in Spokane. From maintenance and marketing to legal considerations and quick-sale options, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know. And if you’re ready to skip the hassle, REI Branded Home Buyer offers an easy cash solution to sell your home as-is.

Tip 1: Secure and Maintain the Property

First impressions matter, even for vacant homes. A house that looks neglected from the street will scare away buyers and attract the wrong kind of attention. To increase marketability, keep the property maintained:

• Mow the lawn regularly and trim overgrown shrubs.
• Board or lock windows and doors to prevent break-ins.
• Ensure gutters and downspouts are clear to avoid water damage.
• Check for pests or rodents that may enter through unused spaces.

Washington Example: In Spokane and Tacoma, vacant homes often face code enforcement citations if yards become overgrown. By keeping the property tidy, you avoid city fines and maintain buyer interest.

Tip 2: Keep Utilities On

Turning off electricity, water, and heat may seem like a way to save money, but it can actually hurt your home. A cold Washington winter can cause frozen pipes, while stale air can promote mold and mildew. Keeping utilities on allows showings to take place in a comfortable environment and prevents costly damage.

Utility costs may feel like wasted money, but compared to the thousands of dollars in potential repair bills, it’s a worthwhile investment.

Tip 3: Address Safety and Liability Concerns

Vacant homes are more vulnerable to trespassers and accidents. As the owner, you could be held liable if someone is injured on your property even without your permission. Consider:

• Posting “No Trespassing” signs.
• Installing temporary lighting or motion sensors.
• Checking your homeowner’s insurance to confirm coverage for vacant properties.

Washington Note: Many insurers reduce or deny coverage if a property is vacant more than 30 days. Always review your policy.

Tip 4: Take Care of Deferred Repairs

One of the biggest obstacles in selling an abandoned home is deferred maintenance. Buyers may be intimidated by damaged roofs, failing HVAC systems, or outdated plumbing. While you don’t need to fully renovate, addressing critical repairs can make the home more appealing.

Common costly repairs for Washington homes include:

• Roof replacements (often $12,000–$20,000).
• Foundation repairs due to settling in wetter climates.
• Furnace or HVAC replacement for cold winters.

If you don’t want to spend money on repairs, selling to REI Branded Home Buyer is an option. We buy homes as-is, no matter the condition.

Tip 5: Stage or Virtually Stage the Home

Empty homes feel lifeless. Staging either with real furniture or digital photos—helps buyers imagine living there. If staging costs are too high, consider virtual staging for online listings.

Professional staging in Spokane can cost $2,500–$10,000 depending on the property size, but it often pays off by shortening time on market. Virtual staging is far cheaper and just as effective for generating online interest.

Tip 6: Price the Property Competitively

Many owners overprice vacant homes, assuming buyers will overlook flaws. In reality, buyers expect discounts for vacant or distressed properties. A good rule of thumb: price 10–15% below market value if the home requires obvious repairs or has been vacant long-term.

Example: A $350,000 home in Everett may need $50,000 in updates. Pricing at $300,000–$315,000 attracts buyers willing to take on repairs.

Tip 7: Market Aggressively

Marketing is critical. Use professional photography, detailed descriptions, and highlight potential. Showcase the lot size, location, or investment potential for buyers. Post on multiple platforms: MLS, Zillow, Redfin, Facebook Marketplace, and Craigslist. For maximum reach, hire a real estate agent with experience in distressed or vacant homes.

Remember presentation matters. Don’t post blurry phone pictures or dimly lit rooms. A clean marketing package gives buyers confidence even for vacant houses.

Tip 8: Sell Your Spokane House Fast to REI Branded Home Buyer

Sometimes the best solution is also the simplest. If maintaining, repairing, or marketing your vacant property is overwhelming, REI Branded Home Buyer can help. We purchase homes directly from owners across Washington, including Spokane.

• We buy houses in any condition.
• No commissions or closing costs (only excise tax).
• No repairs, staging, or marketing required.
• Close in as little as 7 days or on your schedule.

Our team understands the stress of owning a vacant home. We’ve helped hundreds of Washington homeowners exit difficult situations and move forward. Call us at 509-769-3439 today for a no-obligation cash offer.

Where We Buy Vacant and Abandoned Homes in Washington

REI Branded Home Buyer serves sellers statewide. Here are some of the areas where we actively 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
• We Buy Houses in Washington

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to fix my vacant home before selling?

No. REI Branded Home Buyer buys homes as-is. You don’t need to make repairs, clean, or stage the house.

How fast can I sell?

You can sell in as little as 7 days or choose a flexible closing date that works for you.

What if my home has code violations?

We buy homes with liens, violations, and even properties at risk of foreclosure.

Do I need a real estate agent?

No. Selling to REI Branded Home Buyer is direct. No commissions or agent fees apply.

What if I inherited a vacant home?

Inherited homes often sit vacant while families decide what to do. We buy inherited homes quickly, allowing you to settle estates and avoid long delays.

Final Thoughts

Owning a vacant or abandoned property in Spokane comes with challenges: maintenance, costs, and risks. But you’re not stuck. You can maintain, repair, market, or stage the home to attract buyers or you can sell quickly for cash to REI Branded Home Buyer. Either way, you have options.

If you’re ready for a stress-free sale, call 509-769-3439 today and let’s discuss how we can help.

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.

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.