Selling an Inherited House in Washington: What You Need to Know

Selling an Inherited House in Washington

“Work With Pros Who Care”

Inheriting a home can be both a blessing and a burden.

Maybe you’ve just lost a loved one. Emotions are high. The house might be in disrepair, shared among siblings, or stuck in probate. Whether you’re in Spokane, Wenatchee, or Vancouver, the big question becomes:

“What do I do with this inherited house?”

Let’s walk through the most important steps if you’re thinking about selling.


Step 1: Understand Your Legal Authority

Before you can sell an inherited property in Washington, you need to be legally authorized.

That typically means:

  • You’ve been appointed executor or administrator of the estate, or
  • You’re a legal heir and the property has cleared probate.

If the property is still in probate, don’t worry—you can still start the sales process. In many cases, a court will allow you to sell as long as you have the proper documentation.


Step 2: Consider the Condition of the Property

Many inherited homes haven’t been updated in decades. They might have:

  • Roof leaks
  • Old wiring or plumbing
  • Outdated interiors
  • Pest damage or hoarding conditions

We’ve helped families in areas like Hillyard, Garland District, and Cheney sell homes that hadn’t been touched in 40 years.

You do not need to fix anything to sell.


Step 3: Know the Tax Implications

When you sell an inherited home in Washington, you don’t pay income tax on the entire sale amount. Instead, you’re taxed based on the stepped-up basis—the home’s value at the time of your loved one’s death.

In most cases, that means little or no capital gains tax, especially if you sell soon after inheriting.

Always consult a tax advisor to understand your specific situation.


Step 4: Decide What You Want to Do

When you inherit a house, you generally have three options:

  1. Keep it as a rental
  2. Move in and make it your home
  3. Sell it as-is

Many heirs choose to sell, especially if:

  • The home is in another city or state
  • Repairs would cost too much
  • There are multiple heirs
  • They need the cash
  • It’s emotionally difficult to keep

Why Sellers Choose REI Branded Home Buyer

We make the process simple and stress-free:

  • We buy inherited homes as-is
  • No repairs, cleaning, or open houses
  • No agents or commissions
  • We pay cash and close on your schedule
  • We’re local and based right here in Spokane

Whether you’re dealing with probate, family disagreements, or just don’t want to manage the house—we can help.


Real Story: Inherited Duplex in Spokane With Major Repairs

A woman in North Spokane inherited a duplex after her father passed. It had code violations, old tenants, and a leaking roof. She was overwhelmed and didn’t want to be a landlord.

We worked directly with her probate attorney, bought the property as-is, and gave her the time she needed to clear it out. Within three weeks, she had cash in hand and peace of mind.


Get Help Selling Your Inherited Property Today

We’ve helped dozens of families across Washington handle inherited homes with care and compassion.

📞 Call 509-769-3439
📧 Email info@reibrandedhomebuyer.com
🔗 Contact us here


Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or tax advice. Please consult with a licensed professional before making any decisions.

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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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