Washington has always been a real estate favorite, as the real estate brokers earn high potential gains. However, when it comes to selling a house with squatters in residence, it becomes indeed challenging. There are possession laws that support the squatters' rights, making the property sale process quite complicated. Thus, if you want to go through a smooth selling process, you must have complete knowledge about selling houses with squatters and potential solutions.
Understanding Squatters and Their Rights
The individuals who occupy a property without the owner's consent are known to be squatters. Their presence can be addressed quickly, but the legal protections make it complicated to evict them. They cannot be removed forcibly, and an owner has to go through a legal process to evict them. Moreover, a squatter can even claim ownership under adverse possession laws if they live continuously for 10 years. So, you have to understand the rights before you sell the property. Speak with experts from WeBuyHouseAsIs for an in-depth idea.
Can You Sell a House with Squatters?
Yes, a house with squatters can be sold, but there are a few criteria that you need to follow, such as:
- As-Is Sales: It is mainly seen that cash buyers or investors purchase a property with squatters.
- Discounted Prices: If the property is reduced or discounted, it can be quickly sold along with settlers.
- Professional Buyers: Some companies have expertise in handling the process and managing the legal complexities and are willing to buy houses with squatters.
Legal Eviction Process
You have to initiate the legal eviction process to free property from all the burden of squatters before selling it. First, you must notify the squatters by sending a formal eviction notice. You can also file a lawsuit in court, or, if the court orders, use law enforcement toto force them to evict the place. However, you must follow Washington's property laws to gain a positive outcome.
You can also seek police assistance to evict the squatters, where you have to provide a declaration form to the law enforcement office, which must contain all the legal information. Also, if the settler cannot provide credible evidence, you can file criminal charges against them for trespassing or malicious activities.
Prevent Squatters from Occupying Property
If you want to prevent the squatters from occupying your property, then-
- You must pay the taxes regularly.
- Go through a routine inspection of the property.
- Screen each tenant before renting
- Secure all access points so the settlers cannot occupy the land or building.
Tips for Selling a House with Squatters
Follow these tips to get the desired results:
- You can sell the property to cash buyers who have specialization in property and can provide quick, hassle-free transactions.
- You can also join real estate agents or companies with experience dealing with squatters' rights and navigating the legal complexities.
- If you want to build trust with potential buyers, then disclose every detail about the occupancy status, which will help avoid legal disputes.
Final Words
When you have to sell a property with squatters, you need careful planning and also maintain legal compliance. Depending on your convenience, you can either go for the as-is sale or opt for a legal process to evict squatters first. There are several options, such as WeBuyHouseAsIs Washington, and understanding them will help you make an informed decision.
