“Why Spokane Homeowners Sell to REI Branded”
Did you or a previous owner finish a basement, add a bathroom, or build a deck without pulling permits? If so, you’re not alone. Unpermitted work is common in older Spokane homes—but it can cause headaches when it’s time to sell. The good news? You can still sell your house—even with unpermitted work.
At REI Branded Home Buyer, we buy houses as-is, with or without permits. Whether it’s an illegal conversion, DIY electrical work, or an added room that’s not on record, we’ll still make a fair cash offer with no judgment and no hassle.
What Is Unpermitted Work?
Unpermitted work refers to any construction, renovation, or addition that was done without the proper city or county permits. Common examples in Spokane include:
- Garage or basement conversions
- Additions or sunrooms
- Decks and porches
- Electrical rewiring or plumbing
- Structural changes
- Rental unit conversions (ADUs)
These changes may violate Spokane building codes, zoning laws, or safety regulations. They can lead to fines, forced tear-downs, or buyer financing issues during a traditional sale.
Can You Legally Sell a House With Unpermitted Work?
Yes—you can legally sell a house with unpermitted work in Washington. However, you are legally required to disclose it. Washington is a full-disclosure state, which means hiding unpermitted work from buyers could lead to lawsuits after the sale.
Because of this, many traditional buyers (and lenders) back out once they learn about unpermitted additions. That’s where cash buyers like us step in.
Why Unpermitted Work Scares Off Buyers
Here’s what traditional buyers (and agents) worry about:
- Failed inspections
- No occupancy certification
- Title or appraisal issues
- Insurance claim denials
- Future city enforcement or fines
Some buyers will ask you to tear out the unpermitted work, costing you tens of thousands of dollars. Others will walk away entirely.
Real Story: South Hill DIY Remodel
We once helped a family in Spokane’s South Hill neighborhood who tried to sell their home after adding a laundry room and kitchenette to their basement—without a permit. Two buyers backed out. When they called us, we walked the property the next day, made a fair offer, and closed in 12 days. They were thrilled to move on without dealing with the permit mess.
What Are Your Options?
Here are your choices if your house has unpermitted work:
- Retroactive Permitting – Costly, slow, and may require demolishing walls to inspect.
- Tear Out the Work – Extremely expensive, time-consuming, and disheartening.
- Sell As-Is to a Cash Buyer – No repairs, no permits, no stress.
Spoiler alert: most sellers choose option #3.
Why Spokane Homeowners Sell to REI Branded
When you work with us:
- ✅ We buy houses with unpermitted work
- ✅ No city inspections or re-permitting needed
- ✅ You don’t pay for repairs
- ✅ Close in as little as 7 days
- ✅ No fees or commissions
- ✅ Local team that understands Spokane housing codes
We’ve purchased homes across Spokane—including Logan, Hillyard, Garland District, and University District—with unpermitted additions, electrical upgrades, and more.
What If I’m Facing Fines?
If you’ve already received a notice from the city or Spokane County, don’t panic. We can often step in before enforcement escalates, especially if you’re in neighborhoods with older homes like Whitman or Downtown Spokane, where older DIY work is common.
Ready to Sell Without the Headaches?
You don’t have to fix it. You don’t have to fight city hall. Let us make it easy.
📞 Call us now at 509-769-3439
📧 Email us at info@reibrandedhomebuyer.com
📅 Or contact us online to get a no-pressure cash offer
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or construction advice. Always consult your local building department or an attorney when dealing with unpermitted work.
Sell Your Spokane 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.