“Can You Sell a House With Code Violations in Washington?”
Selling a house in Washington can already be a complex process—but when that property has open code violations, things can quickly become overwhelming. Whether it’s a safety hazard, an expired permit, or fines issued by the city, code violations can prevent a sale, lower your home’s value, and expose you to further legal or financial risks.
At REI Branded Home Buyer, we regularly work with homeowners throughout Spokane, Yakima, Kennewick, and surrounding areas who are trying to sell homes that have been flagged by local authorities. If you’re wondering whether you can still sell a house with open violations—and how to do it legally and quickly—this guide is for you.
What Are Code Violations?
Code violations occur when a property fails to meet local safety, health, building, or zoning codes. These regulations are enforced by city or county inspectors and are designed to protect residents and maintain neighborhood standards.
Common violations in Washington include:
- Unsafe wiring or unpermitted electrical work
- Structural issues or damage to foundations, roofs, or load-bearing walls
- Overgrown yards or junk accumulation
- Mold, mildew, or pest infestations
- Broken windows or unsecured doors
- Illegal additions or renovations without permits
- Inadequate plumbing or septic systems
- Fire hazards such as exposed insulation or overloaded circuits
A violation may be issued after an inspection, neighbor complaint, or city code sweep. And once it’s recorded, it becomes a public record—often visible during title searches and property transfers.
How Do Code Violations Affect a Home Sale?
If you try to sell a home with unresolved violations in Washington, here’s what you might face:
❌ Lower Appraisal Values
Lenders and appraisers often reduce a home’s value due to unresolved violations, even if the buyer is interested.
❌ Buyer Hesitation
Most traditional buyers walk away from properties with open code violations due to concerns over safety, cost, or financing.
❌ Title Company Delays
Title companies may delay or deny closing if the violation results in liens, fines, or permit issues.
❌ Risk of City Enforcement
In some cases, cities like Spokane or Kennewick may escalate unresolved violations into legal action, fines, or even condemnation.
If you’re trying to avoid these complications, understanding your options is critical.
Can You Sell a House With Code Violations in Washington?
Yes, you can. Washington State does not prohibit the sale of properties with code violations. However, you must disclose the condition to potential buyers, and the violations must either be resolved before closing—or the buyer must accept them knowingly.
There are generally two main routes:
Option 1: Fix the Violations Before Selling (Traditional Route)
If you have time, money, and motivation, you can work with contractors and your local building department to bring the property up to code.
This process often includes:
- Hiring licensed professionals to repair electrical, plumbing, or structural issues
- Pulling proper permits and having work inspected
- Cleaning up exterior issues (junk, overgrowth, etc.)
- Paying city fines or administrative fees
Once the violations are resolved, you’ll be in a stronger position to sell through a real estate agent or even qualify for a buyer using traditional financing.
Drawbacks:
- Costly upfront expenses
- Permitting and inspection delays
- Risk of further violations discovered during work
- Stressful coordination with city officials
Option 2: Sell As-Is to a Cash Home Buyer
If fixing the home isn’t an option—or if time is working against you—selling the house as-is to a reputable cash buyer is the fastest, most practical solution.
At REI Branded Home Buyer, we purchase homes with all types of code violations throughout Washington. That includes homes that are:
- In disrepair
- Facing city pressure or condemnation
- Buried in fines or legal notices
- Uninhabitable due to fire, mold, or health concerns
- Burdened by liens or title problems
You don’t have to repair anything. We evaluate the property, make a fair cash offer, and handle all paperwork—including code disclosures and title coordination.
Why Cash Buyers Can Purchase Homes with Code Violations
Cash buyers like us aren’t relying on bank financing or strict lender inspections. We’re able to look past superficial or legal issues because:
- We have the capital to make necessary repairs
- We understand how to work with city code enforcement
- We’re familiar with local laws in Spokane, Tri-Cities, and other Washington markets
- We assume the risk and responsibility after the sale
This allows sellers to walk away from problem properties quickly—without spending months dealing with government bureaucracy.
What to Expect When Selling to REI Branded Home Buyer
Our process is designed for simplicity and speed:
- You Contact Us
Tell us about your property—location, condition, and any known violations. - We Do Our Homework
We check property records, local code enforcement data, and run a fair analysis based on your area. - You Receive a Cash Offer
Usually within 24 hours. No pressure, no obligation. - We Handle the Details
If you accept our offer, we handle title, coordinate with city officials if needed, and ensure all disclosures are handled legally. - You Get Paid Fast
We close in as little as 7–10 days. No commissions, hidden fees, or repairs required.
Common Code Violation Scenarios We Handle in Washington
We’ve worked with sellers facing situations like:
- A condemned home in Spokane due to hoarding or mold
- A fire-damaged property in Yakima with open electrical violations
- A vacant rental in Kennewick with squatters and city fines
- A home in Walla Walla where the garage was converted without a permit
- A property in Colville with 10+ years of deferred maintenance and junk accumulation
No matter how bad the situation seems, we’ve likely seen worse—and we’re ready to help.
The Cost of Waiting Too Long
Code violations don’t go away on their own. In fact, the longer you wait, the worse it gets:
- Daily fines accumulate
- City inspectors may issue stop-work orders
- You could face liens or lawsuits
- The city can declare the home uninhabitable or order demolition
If the property is in your name, you are responsible—even if you’re not living there. Selling quickly may be your best chance to avoid deeper financial and legal consequences.
Final Thoughts: Take Control of the Situation Now
If you’re dealing with a house that has code violations in Washington, know this: you’re not stuck. There is a path forward, and it doesn’t have to involve endless repairs or red tape.
At REI Branded Home Buyer, we provide home buying solutions for sellers in tough situations. Whether your home has been flagged by the city or you just want to avoid spending money on a property you no longer want, we’re ready to help.
📞 Call us today at 509-769-3439
📧 Email info@reibrandedhomebuyer.com
🌐 Visit reibrandedhomebuyer.com
Let us take the stress off your plate and give you a way out—fast, simple, and on your terms.
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.