Selling Your House When Joint Owners Won’t Cooperate

Can you still sell your house when there are other owners that you aren’t in touch with or may not want to cooperate?

This scenario has become an increasing problem for many U.S. homeowners in the wake of the last 7 years. Properties have changed hands multiple times, people have been added onto title deeds, families and couples have split, and siblings have been left property by parents. All of this can complicate the title of a home and present some possible issues when selling your house.

Some may not realize other parties are considered part owners to their properties. Others think if they don’t mention it that it won’t be noticed. Some really need to sell houses for a variety of reasons, but can’t find these other parties or can’t get them to agree to sign the paperwork.

Every owner ought to act in good faith, even if they are in a tough spot. More importantly, they certainly shouldn’t think they will be able to fool anyone long enough to get through to a closing. At some point, buyers are going to have a title search done and figure it out.

However, that doesn’t mean you should give up on selling. There is help available, and selling your house could be easier than you think. One option is going to a title company or real estate attorney to see what they can do for you.

Another tip for selling your house is to approach a local real estate investor who is actively buying homes, who might provide assistance, bear the brunt of the work to convince the other party it is in their best interest to sell or perhaps cover the cost of an attorney to do it. Be transparent, ask for assistance and you’ll find it.