“What Happens If Your Property Has a Lien From Code Violations?”
Code violations are more common than most Washington homeowners realize. Whether it’s an outdated electrical system, unpermitted work, junk in the yard, or structural issues, your local city or county can issue fines, citations, or even stop a home sale in its tracks.
But here’s the good news: you can still sell a house with code violations in Washington State. In fact, there are strategies that allow you to skip repairs altogether—and even avoid dealing with the city—by working with a professional cash buyer.
In this guide, we’ll break down what counts as a code violation, how it affects the sales process, and the fastest way to sell a property with outstanding compliance issues.
What Counts as a Code Violation in Washington?
A code violation is any failure to comply with local or state building, zoning, or safety regulations. In Washington, each municipality sets its own building codes, but common violations include:
- Unpermitted renovations or additions
- Illegal electrical or plumbing work
- Improper roofing or foundation repairs
- Non-functioning septic systems
- Inadequate fire alarms or safety exits
- Excessive junk, abandoned vehicles, or debris
- Hazardous structures (including sheds, garages, fences)
In cities like Spokane, Tacoma, and Seattle, code enforcement can be aggressive—especially if neighbors complain or violations are visible from the street. If not addressed quickly, fines can accumulate, and the city may place a lien on the property.
Can You Sell a House With Active Code Violations?
Yes, you can. But how you sell—and whether you need to address the violations first—depends on the type of buyer and your timeline.
Selling With a Real Estate Agent
If you list your home traditionally on the market:
- You may be required to disclose known violations to potential buyers.
- Buyers may request repairs or credits during the inspection process.
- Code enforcement issues could delay closing or derail buyer financing.
In short, selling through an agent can be risky if your home has active citations, especially if you’re unable or unwilling to bring the property up to code.
Selling to a Cash Home Buyer
When you sell directly to a professional cash buyer like REI Branded Home Buyer, the process is much simpler:
- No inspections required
- No need to fix violations
- We handle title and legal issues
- We buy the home as-is, even with liens or fines
This allows you to avoid costly repairs, save time, and close quickly—sometimes in as little as 7 days.
Common Scenarios Where Sellers Have Code Issues
Many homeowners across Washington find themselves stuck with code problems they didn’t even know about. Here are some common situations:
- Inherited homes that haven’t been updated or maintained
- Rental properties where tenants made unauthorized changes
- Homes mid-renovation that failed inspections
- Vacant homes subject to vandalism or city blight citations
- Distressed properties in need of major repairs
In these cases, repairs can cost tens of thousands of dollars, and cities may begin issuing escalating fines. If you don’t have the cash or time to make things right, a traditional sale might not be possible—but a direct cash offer could be the solution.
What Happens If Your Property Has a Lien From Code Violations?
In Washington State, cities and counties can place a municipal lien against your property if violations aren’t resolved after notice. These liens must be paid at the time of sale.
The good news? At REI Branded Home Buyer, we work with title companies to:
- Pull a full lien report
- Communicate with the city
- Negotiate or pay off liens at closing
In most cases, the sale proceeds can be used to satisfy the lien directly through escrow—no upfront payment required from you.
Why Selling As-Is Makes Sense With Code Problems
Trying to fix code violations on your own often means:
- Hiring licensed contractors
- Pulling permits and waiting for inspections
- Risking further delays or fines if things aren’t up to code
- Spending thousands of dollars with no guarantee of a higher sale price
For many Washington sellers, especially those in financial distress, this simply isn’t realistic. Selling your home as-is to a local buyer who understands the code system can eliminate stress, costs, and uncertainty.
How REI Branded Home Buyer Handles Code Violations
We buy properties across Washington State in cities like Spokane, Kennewick, Pasco, Yakima, and more—many of which have active code enforcement programs.
When we buy a home with code issues, we:
- Assess the violation notices and fines
- Evaluate the property’s condition as-is
- Make a fair cash offer within 24 hours
- Coordinate with the city or county if needed
- Handle the paperwork, liens, and closing
This means no delays, no surprise fees, and no stress on your end.
Timeline: How Fast Can You Sell?
The timeline to sell a home with code violations depends on the buyer. Here’s a comparison:
| Selling Method | Time to Close | Repairs Required | Risk of Buyer Backing Out |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional Realtor | 45–90 Days | Yes | High |
| FSBO (For Sale by Owner) | 30–60+ Days | Often | High |
| REI Branded Home Buyer | 7–14 Days | No | Low |
When dealing with fines or mounting city pressure, time is critical. A quick, clean sale can stop fines from escalating and give you peace of mind.
Real-Life Examples from Washington Sellers
While we don’t use direct quotes, here are a few real-world challenges we’ve solved for Washington homeowners:
- A Spokane seller had racked up over $5,000 in city code fines for overgrown grass, abandoned cars, and peeling paint. We made a cash offer and closed within two weeks.
- In Yakima, a property with unpermitted garage conversions had failed city inspection. We bought the home as-is, negotiated lien payoff, and allowed the owner to walk away clean.
- A landlord in Pasco had a rental property cited for unsafe conditions after a tenant complaint. Instead of investing thousands in repairs, they accepted a fair cash offer and avoided legal risk.
FAQs: Selling a House With Code Violations
Do I need to tell the buyer about code violations?
Yes, in a traditional sale you must disclose known issues. However, cash buyers like REI Branded Home Buyer buy properties regardless of violations, and we’re already familiar with the risks.
Can you buy my house if I owe the city money?
Yes. We’ll work with you to understand what’s owed and handle lien resolution at closing.
What if I don’t know what the violations are?
No problem. We’ll help you contact the city or pull public records to determine what’s required.
How much does it cost to sell to you?
There are no fees, commissions, or closing costs. The offer you receive is what you walk away with.
Sell Your Washington Home With Code Violations—Fast
At REI Branded Home Buyer, we help people across Washington State sell homes with code issues, fines, and citations—no repairs, no judgment, no delays.
Whether you’re in Spokane, Kennewick, Yakima, or a smaller town, we’re here to make the process simple and stress-free.
📞 Call us at 509-769-3439
📧 Email: info@reibrandedhomebuyer.com
🌐 Visit: reibrandedhomebuyer.com
Don’t let code violations hold you back—take the first step toward a clean slate today.
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.