Answers by Michael Granados

Hi Jeorge, You are not alone! Many people are in the same situation and feel the same way. There are strategies that can make it a little easier to "swallow" such as rate buydowns that we have recently had success in having the seller pay for. These can be temporary buydowns in hopes that rates eventually get to a lower permanent rate you can then refinance to, or permanent buydowns which are more pricy. That is why it typically is the goal to get a seller credit to pay for it. I would also add that people are selling right now, however the majority are motivated as they have a life event happening like relocation, divorce, or even growing family that no longer fits the property and cannot wait any longer.

Hi Kyla, Local real estate broker here in Washington. I am not a lawyer but generally.... When a property is in probate and condemned, the legal rights of the occupants change significantly. Because the owner has passed away, the property is currently under the control of an executor or an administrator appointed by the court. Even if your friend has been living there for three years, if the property is now condemned and in probate, they generally have no legal right to remain. No Tenancy Rights: If they were not paying rent to the deceased owner under a formal, enforceable lease, they likely do not have "tenancy" status. Even if they had a verbal agreement, the death of the owner often terminates that agreement. Condemnation: When a city condemns a property, it means it is legally uninhabitable. By staying there, your friend is violating health and safety codes, which gives the authorities the right to remove them immediately—often by force. I would say they do need to start finding another place to reside to avoid getting evicted. Definitely recommend they contact some sort of legal professional or can even call 2-1-1. This is a central hub for all community services in Washington State and can guide them in the right direction for their situation.