Sell My House Fast , Cash For Houses , We Buy Houses
If you’re a homeowner in Washington dealing with title issues, you’re not alone. Many people discover problems with their property title only when they’re ready to sell—and it can bring your plans to a halt.
At REI Branded Home Buyer, we work with sellers in Spokane, Tacoma, and throughout Washington who are facing title-related complications. Whether you’re dealing with an old lien, a missing signature, or a probate delay, there are real solutions that can help you move forward.
This blog will guide you through:
- Common title issues in Washington real estate
- How these problems affect your ability to sell
- Solutions to fix title problems fast
- How cash buyers can help you avoid delays and close quickly
Sell Your Washington House Fast Today
What Is a Title Issue?
A “title” is the legal record of ownership of a property. Title issues occur when something disrupts the clear transfer of ownership from the seller to the buyer.
Without clear title, you cannot legally sell your property through traditional means.
Common Title Problems in Washington State
- Unpaid Liens or Judgments
Liens may be attached to your home from:
- Past due taxes (federal, state, or property)
- Unpaid contractor or mechanic’s bills
- Unresolved HOA dues
- Legal judgments
- Probate or Inheritance Complications
If a home was inherited and not properly transferred through probate, the current resident may not have legal ownership—even if they’ve lived there for years. - Divorce and Shared Ownership
When both parties aren’t cooperating, or a divorce wasn’t finalized correctly, the title may reflect joint ownership or outdated information. - Clerical Errors or Missing Documents
A simple mistake in public records—like a misspelled name or missing deed—can cloud your title and delay a sale. - Boundary Disputes or Unreleased Easements
Disagreements with neighbors, utility easements, or incorrect surveys can complicate property boundaries. - Unknown Heirs or Previous Ownership Claims
In some cases, long-lost relatives or previous owners could surface and dispute your ownership.
How Do Title Issues Affect Your Home Sale?
Most traditional buyers—especially those using mortgage financing—require a clear title before closing. That means your sale will likely be:
- Delayed while title research is conducted
- Conditionally approved depending on issue resolution
- At risk of falling through if the buyer’s lender gets spooked
Even small issues can trigger big red flags during escrow. That’s why resolving them upfront is key.
Steps to Resolve Title Problems in Washington
✅ 1. Hire a Real Estate Attorney or Title Company
A professional can:
- Conduct a full title search
- Identify the source of the problem
- Prepare corrective documents
- Work with involved parties (lien holders, courts, heirs)
In Washington, local title companies like First American or Chicago Title can assist in uncovering and resolving issues, but attorneys may be needed for complex cases like probate or divorce.
✅ 2. Pay Off or Negotiate Liens
You may be able to:
- Settle for less than the lien amount
- Negotiate payment terms
- Use sale proceeds to clear the balance at closing
Some lien holders are willing to compromise in order to get paid something rather than nothing.
✅ 3. File a Quiet Title Action
If ownership is in dispute or you’re dealing with missing heirs or old claims, a “quiet title” lawsuit may be necessary. This legal action asks a court to declare you the rightful owner and “quiet” any other claims.
This process takes time—usually 60–120 days—but provides long-term resolution.
✅ 4. Record Missing Documents
Sometimes it’s as simple as recording an unfiled deed or correcting an old transfer. This is common in family transfers, owner-financed sales, or inherited property.
Selling a House With Title Issues: Your Options
There are two main paths to selling a home with title problems in Washington:
🏦 Traditional Sale (with Resolution First)
You:
- Hire an attorney or title company
- Resolve the issue
- List the home with an agent
- Wait for buyer approval and financing
This process can take weeks or even months depending on the title problem and buyer interest.
💰 Sell to a Cash Buyer Willing to Work Through the Issue
Companies like REI Branded Home Buyer are experienced in buying homes with unresolved title issues.
We:
- Review the problem with our title team
- Work directly with lien holders, attorneys, and heirs
- Cover many of the legal costs or delays
- Close quickly once a path is clear
This means you don’t have to solve everything before you sell. We’ll work with you to navigate the mess.
Benefits of Selling to a Cash Buyer When You Have Title Issues
- No real estate commissions
- No waiting for financing or inspections
- No need to repair or clean the home
- No showings or open houses
- We help resolve title issues with our legal team
- Fast closings—even if the title is complicated
It’s one of the fastest ways to move on from a problem property, especially if time is a concern.
What If the Title Problem Is Unfixable?
Some title issues are so complex or old that resolving them fully may take months or years. In those cases, your best bet is working with a buyer willing to:
- Take a partial interest
- Buy out other parties
- Assume legal risk and untangle the problem post-sale
At REI Branded Home Buyer, we’ve helped owners walk away from nearly impossible title issues by buying directly with full transparency and speed.
FAQ: Selling Homes With Title Problems in Washington
Q: Can I sell my house in Washington if I have a lien?
A: Yes, but the lien must be paid off or negotiated. Some cash buyers like us can help resolve or settle liens before closing.
Q: What happens if I inherited a house but never went through probate?
A: You may not legally own the property yet. Probate must be initiated or completed before most sales, but cash buyers can help navigate this process.
Q: How long does it take to resolve a title issue?
A: It depends on the problem. Minor issues (like a clerical error) may be resolved in days. Legal disputes or missing heirs could take months.
Q: Will a real estate agent list a home with title problems?
A: Most agents will not list a property until the title is clear. They may refer you to an attorney or recommend selling off-market.
Q: Can REI Branded Home Buyer buy my home even with title issues?
A: Yes. We buy houses with liens, probate complications, ownership disputes, and more. We’ll work through the issue with you and close when ready.
Let’s Solve Your Title Problem Together
You don’t have to figure it out alone. If you’re stuck with a property that has legal or ownership issues, REI Branded Home Buyer can help.
Call us today at 509-769-3439 or visit www.reibrandedhomebuyer.com to get a no-obligation cash offer and let our team of experts take it from there.
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.