“How REI Branded Home Buyer Can Help”
Maybe it was a sunroom your uncle built. Maybe someone added a basement apartment — but never pulled permits. Now you want to sell, and you’re wondering: Am I stuck?
Not at all.
You can sell a home with an unpermitted addition in Washington — but it’s important to understand the risks, requirements, and how to do it right. At REI Branded Home Buyer, we specialize in buying properties just like this — no permits, no stress.
What Counts as an Unpermitted Addition?
An unpermitted addition is any construction done without required building permits or inspections from your local jurisdiction.
Common examples in Washington:
- Garage conversions
- Basement apartments or ADUs
- Decks, sunrooms, or additions
- Plumbing or electrical upgrades
- Sheds or outbuildings with power/water
- Structural changes without approval
Even if the work was done years ago, the city or county can still issue violations — especially when the home is sold.
The Risks of Selling With Unpermitted Work
Here’s what can go wrong with unpermitted additions:
- The county may flag it during inspection
- Appraisers may not count the square footage
- Buyers may demand retrofitting or discounts
- Title issues may delay closing
- You may face fines or enforcement
Many traditional buyers walk away the moment they hear “unpermitted.” But we lean in.
How We Handle It
At REI Branded Home Buyer, we’ve purchased dozens of Washington properties with unpermitted construction. We don’t require you to:
- Fix or demo the work
- Get retroactive permits
- Deal with city inspectors
- Make any repairs
We’ll buy the property as-is, with the addition and all. You just walk away with cash.
Real Story: Unpermitted ADU in Yakima
A seller in Yakima had a basement unit added in the 1990s — no permits, no inspections. A traditional buyer backed out after the appraisal flagged it. We made a cash offer, accepted the home as-is, and closed in under 10 days. Problem solved.
Fast Facts: Unpermitted Additions in WA
- Most cities (like Spokane County) require permits for electrical, plumbing, and structural work
- Buyers are legally required to receive Form 17 disclosures
- You don’t have to remove or correct unpermitted work to sell
- A cash buyer can close without needing retroactive approval
Don’t Let Paperwork Stop You
Unpermitted additions don’t have to ruin your sale.
📞 Call or text 509-769-3439
📧 Email info@reibrandedhomebuyer.com
💻 Or contact us here
We help sellers all over Washington — from Ellensburg to Grays Harbor County — move on from homes with tricky issues.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or permitting advice. Please consult your local permitting department for city-specific requirements.
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.