“How REI Branded Home Buyer Can Help”
If you recently inherited a home in Washington, you might be wondering: Do I really have to go through probate just to sell this house? The short answer is—it depends. The long answer? We’ll break it down for you in this post.
Whether you’re dealing with a house in Spokane, Tacoma, Wenatchee, or anywhere else in the state, knowing your legal options can save you months of headaches. At REI Branded Home Buyer, we’ve helped many families skip probate entirely—or speed it up—so they can sell quickly and move forward.
What Is Probate, and Why Does It Matter?
Probate is the legal process used to distribute a deceased person’s estate, including their real estate. In most cases, the court must formally appoint someone (like an executor) before a home can be sold.
But here’s the good news: Washington State allows some exceptions to the probate requirement, especially if the estate is small or set up correctly ahead of time.
When You Don’t Need Probate to Sell
You might be able to skip probate if:
- The house was held in a living trust
- The house had a Transfer-on-Death (TOD) deed
- You co-owned the house with rights of survivorship
- The total estate value is under $100,000 (and meets certain criteria)
- You were designated as a beneficiary in estate documents
In these cases, ownership may transfer to you automatically—and that means you can sell the house right away.
What If You Do Need Probate?
If the estate doesn’t qualify for an exemption, you’ll likely need to go through probate. This can take 6–12 months, depending on the situation.
But don’t worry—many of our sellers in Spokane and Yakima were able to sell during or after probate with our help. We even coordinate with probate attorneys and title companies to streamline the process.
Real Spokane Story: Selling Without Probate
We recently helped a family in the Logan Neighborhood of Spokane. The homeowner had passed away, but the house was in a trust. The new owner was unsure if they could sell.
We reviewed the paperwork with their estate attorney and confirmed no probate was needed. We made a fair cash offer and closed in 10 days. No court delays. No cleanup. Just closure.
Why Selling to a Cash Buyer Helps
Traditional buyers often want a house that’s “ready to go”—clean, updated, with clear title and no legal issues. But inherited homes rarely check all those boxes.
That’s where REI Branded Home Buyer steps in:
- ✅ We buy as-is, no cleaning or repairs
- ✅ We help navigate probate or title transfers
- ✅ We pay cash, so there’s no waiting on loans
- ✅ We close on your schedule
Whether you’re in Everett, Pasco, or Spokane Valley, we’re here to make it simple.
What Should You Do Next?
If you’re unsure whether probate is required, here’s what to do:
- Locate estate documents like the will or trust
- Talk to an attorney or title company about your rights
- Reach out to us for a no-pressure consultation
- Get a fast cash offer and decide what works for you
Even if you still need to go through probate, we’ll help you navigate it and buy the house when you’re ready.
Talk to a Team That Understands Inherited Property
We’re not just investors—we’re problem solvers. Many sellers come to us not just because they need cash, but because they need clarity. We can help with both.
📞 Call us at 509-769-3439
📧 Email info@reibrandedhomebuyer.com
🔗 Or contact us online
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult a probate or estate attorney to understand 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.