“Work With Pros Who Care”
Losing a loved one is hard enough. But when that person co-owned your home, the legal side of things can get confusing fast. Can you sell the house? Do you need probate? What if they didn’t leave a will?
If you’re dealing with this situation in Washington, you’re not alone — and yes, you can sell the property in most cases. At REI Branded Home Buyer, we’ve helped many homeowners sell after a co-owner passed away — and we can help walk you through the steps.
First: Check How the Title Was Held
How the home was titled determines what happens next. In Washington, common forms of co-ownership include:
- Joint Tenancy with Right of Survivorship – The surviving owner automatically inherits the deceased’s share. You can usually sell right away.
- Tenancy in Common – The deceased’s share passes to their heirs. You may need probate to proceed with a sale.
- Community Property (married couples) – Similar to tenancy in common, but spouse often retains rights.
Not sure which applies? A title search will show the ownership structure. We can help coordinate this for you.
Do You Need Probate?
If the deceased owner’s share doesn’t automatically transfer to you (or other co-owners), the property may need to go through probate — the legal process for handling estates. Probate can take 4–6 months in Washington, but sometimes less if a will exists and heirs are in agreement.
We regularly buy homes during or immediately after probate, and we can connect you with experienced probate attorneys if needed.
What If There Are Heirs Who Disagree?
If the deceased person’s share is inherited by multiple heirs, all of them must agree to sell — or the estate must reach a resolution (through agreement or court). We’ve helped resolve situations with five or more heirs involved — even when some lived out of state or overseas.
Real Story: Deceased Co-Owner in Island County
One seller in Island County co-owned a home with her father. After he passed away, the house was still in both names — and probate hadn’t been filed. We helped her connect with a probate attorney, worked with the court once the estate was opened, and closed the sale just 45 days later.
Fast Facts: Selling After a Co-Owner’s Death in WA
- If you held joint tenancy, you may not need probate
- Tenancy in common usually requires probate
- All heirs must agree to sell
- Cash buyers like us can close during probate
Let’s Help You Navigate This
At REI Branded Home Buyer, we:
- Help clarify title and ownership
- Coordinate with probate attorneys
- Buy homes as-is, no clean-out needed
- Close fast — even with legal hurdles
📞 Call or text 509-769-3439
📧 Email info@reibrandedhomebuyer.com
💻 Or contact us here
We’ve helped homeowners across Pend Oreille County, Vancouver, Ellensburg, and more move on after a co-owner passed away.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult with a probate attorney regarding your specific title situation.
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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.