“Why Code Violations Make Selling Difficult”
Owning a home in Spokane or any part of Washington State can be rewarding, but when code violations start stacking up, it can quickly turn into a nightmare. Whether you’re dealing with structural problems, unpermitted renovations, neglected maintenance, or safety concerns, city violations can make your house unsellable on the open market.
At REI Branded Home Buyer, we specialize in purchasing homes with code violations and legal issues. We buy houses in Spokane and across the state in any condition—including those that need significant repairs or fail to meet local regulations. Our process is quick, fair, and removes the headache of dealing with inspectors or expensive fixes.
If you’ve received a letter from the city, had a property red-tagged, or can’t sell through a traditional real estate agent due to compliance issues, we’re here to help.
What Are Code Violations?
Code violations occur when a property does not meet local, state, or federal building or safety regulations. Spokane, Seattle, Tri-Cities, and other Washington municipalities each have their own building departments that enforce housing codes to ensure safety, sanitation, and zoning laws are followed.
Common types of violations include:
- Unsafe electrical wiring
- Plumbing not up to code
- Roof damage or leaks
- Mold or pest infestations
- Foundation problems
- Unpermitted additions or renovations
- Fire hazards
- Broken windows or doors
- Overgrown yards or debris
- Abandoned vehicles or trash accumulation
Depending on the severity, violations can result in fines, legal action, or even property condemnation.
Why Code Violations Make Selling Difficult
Trying to list a home with code violations can be almost impossible, especially in cities like Spokane where enforcement is strict. Realtors are required to disclose issues, which reduces buyer interest. Even if you find a buyer, most banks won’t approve a mortgage for a non-compliant home, which severely limits your pool of potential buyers.
This leads to several challenges:
- Delays due to inspections and failed appraisals
- High repair costs to bring the property up to code
- Buyer cancellations during due diligence periods
- Ongoing fines from the city for unresolved issues
Rather than dealing with these headaches, many sellers choose to work with a local cash home buyer like REI Branded Home Buyer to sell the property as-is.
How REI Branded Home Buyer Helps You Sell Fast
We buy homes in Spokane, Seattle, and cities across Washington State regardless of code violations. You don’t need to clean, fix anything, or deal with city inspectors—we handle all of that for you after the sale.
Here’s what sets us apart:
- We Buy As-Is – No need to make repairs or clean up the property.
- We Handle the Paperwork – We work with title companies and handle any required disclosures.
- We Pay in Cash – No waiting on bank approvals or appraisals.
- We Pay All Closing Costs – There are no fees, commissions, or surprise charges.
- We Offer Easy Home Buyer Solutions – Designed for sellers dealing with legal or financial stress.
Our goal is to help you avoid liens, stop accumulating fines, and move on from a problem property without the usual red tape.
Examples of Code Violations We Commonly See
We’ve helped homeowners across Washington State sell properties with a wide range of code violations, including:
Spokane:
- Rental properties flagged for multiple health violations
- Vacant homes with overgrown lots and city fines
- Older homes with outdated wiring and unsafe heating systems
Seattle:
- Unpermitted basement units triggering zoning disputes
- Mold issues in unventilated bathrooms
- Deteriorating decks, porches, or exterior stairs
Tri-Cities and Beyond:
- Mobile homes with improper foundations
- Houses built decades ago with no permit records
- Properties cited for hoarding conditions or trash accumulation
Whatever the violation, we’ve likely seen it—and we can make you a fair cash offer based on your home’s current condition.
What Happens If You Ignore Code Violations?
Failing to address code violations can lead to escalating problems:
- Mounting fines – Daily or weekly penalties can quickly add up.
- Liens placed on your property – These can prevent you from refinancing or selling.
- Condemnation – The city may deem your home unsafe and force you to vacate.
- Legal action – You could be taken to court and face further penalties.
If your home is already under city enforcement or you’ve received warnings, the sooner you take action, the better. Selling to a cash buyer is often the most stress-free solution.
What If You Owe the City Money?
If your house has liens from unpaid fines or repair orders, that doesn’t mean you can’t sell. We work with homeowners who have:
- Fines from the Spokane Code Enforcement Division
- Utility liens
- Cleanup liens from city contractors
- Special assessment taxes or legal judgments
We’ll help settle outstanding liens or deduct them from your cash payout. Many homeowners find this easier than paying thousands out-of-pocket to resolve violations.
Selling a Rental Property with Code Violations
Many landlords find themselves stuck with code violations after tenant damage or years of deferred maintenance. If your rental property is no longer profitable or has been flagged by city inspectors, we can help.
We’ll buy your rental house with:
- Tenants still in place
- Past eviction issues
- Code violations cited in inspection reports
- Failed rental license renewals
- Mold, plumbing, or electrical hazards
You don’t need to clean it out or deal with property management headaches. Just tell us your timeline and we’ll make a cash offer.
Our 4-Step Process to Sell Your House with Violations
Step 1: Reach Out to Us
Call 509-769-3439, email reibrandedhb@gmail.com, or visit reibrandedhomebuyer.com. Let us know about the violations and what you’re facing.
Step 2: Get a Fast Cash Offer
We’ll evaluate your property and give you a no-obligation cash offer based on its current condition.
Step 3: Choose Your Closing Date
We work around your schedule—sell in a week or in a month depending on your needs.
Step 4: Close and Move Forward
We handle all paperwork, closing costs, and logistics. You receive cash at closing and walk away from the property for good.
Why Spokane Homeowners Trust REI Branded Home Buyer
We’re a local company with deep roots in Washington State. We know the ins and outs of local code enforcement and how to work with city officials to resolve issues quickly. Our sellers trust us because we’re honest, fast, and never pressure anyone into selling.
Homeowners working with us enjoy:
- Friendly, local support
- Simple contracts with no hidden terms
- Reliable closings without delays
- Real help with difficult property issues
If you’re feeling stuck or overwhelmed by a home you can’t sell, we’re here to offer a real solution.
Get Help Today and Move On from Code Violations
Owning a home with code violations doesn’t have to mean endless fines or costly repairs. If you’re ready to move on, REI Branded Home Buyer is here to buy your property as-is—for cash—with no stress.
📞 Call: 509-769-3439
📧 Email: reibrandedhb@gmail.com
🌐 Visit: reibrandedhomebuyer.com
We make selling a problem property fast, easy, and fair—so you can focus on what’s next.
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.