Can You Sell a House With Back Taxes Owed in Washington?

Selling a House With Back Taxes in Washington

“Your Trusted Home Buyer REI Branded Home Buyer”

If you’ve fallen behind on your property taxes, you might be worried the county’s going to take your house. And if you’re wondering whether you can still sell it — the answer is yes.

At REI Branded Home Buyer, we’ve helped Washington homeowners sell their houses even with thousands owed in back taxes. Whether the county has already filed a lien or just sent warning letters, time is on your side if you act quickly.


What Happens When You Owe Property Taxes?

Each county in Washington has its own tax foreclosure timeline, but the basics are the same:

  • If you don’t pay your property taxes for 3 years, the county can foreclose and auction your home
  • A tax lien is attached to your property, growing with penalties and interest
  • You’ll receive multiple notices — but after year three, they can legally take your house

Counties like Spokane, King, and Yakima hold annual tax auctions, and once your property is on the list, it’s at serious risk of being sold.


Selling Before Foreclosure Is the Best Move

The good news? You can sell your house before the county takes it.

If you sell, the back taxes are simply paid off from the proceeds — just like a mortgage payoff. The title company handles it, and the rest goes to you.

REI Branded Home Buyer specializes in buying homes with tax issues. We’ll:

  • Handle the back-and-forth with the county
  • Pay off the tax lien at closing
  • Close fast — before auction deadlines
  • Buy the home as-is (no repairs or cleanup)

Real Story: Tax Lien in Spokane County

We helped a seller in Hillyard whose property was two years behind on taxes. He didn’t realize the third year would trigger foreclosure. We contacted the county, paid off the lien at closing, and put cash in his hand before the house ever hit the auction list.


Fast Facts: Back Taxes in Washington

  • Washington counties can foreclose after 3 years of non-payment
  • Tax interest and penalties stack up quickly
  • You can sell with a lien on the property
  • We pay off liens at closing, not out of your pocket

Don’t Let the County Take Your Equity

If you owe taxes, don’t wait for the foreclosure notice. Take action now while you still have options.

📞 Call or text 509-769-3439
📧 Email info@reibrandedhomebuyer.com
💻 Or reach out here

We’ve helped sellers all across Washington — from Walla Walla to Everett — get out from under back taxes and move on with cash in hand.


Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Consult with your county treasurer or a tax professional for guidance on your specific 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.

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