Can I sell a house with title problems?

Often, yes, but it depends on the problem. Some issues, like an old mortgage that was paid off but never released, can sometimes be cleared as part of the closing, while others take more time or legal work. Send us what you know and we'll tell you what we see.

What is a cloud on title?

A cloud on title is anything in the public records that raises a question about who owns the property or what's owed against it, such as an unreleased lien, a missing heir or a deed error. It can keep a title company from insuring the sale until it's resolved. We evaluate these situations and, when needed, coordinate with title companies and real estate attorneys.

How do you sell a house when the owner died and the deed is still in their name?

Someone usually has to get legal authority first, often through probate, before the house can be sold with clean title. Every family's situation is different. We can evaluate the house and coordinate with your attorney or a title company on what it would take to close.

Can you sell a house with missing or uncooperative heirs?

Sometimes. When an heir can't be found or won't sign, there may be legal steps that let a sale move forward, but they take time and an attorney's help. We can look at the situation, coordinate with the title company and attorneys involved, and tell you honestly whether it's something we can take on.

Do you provide legal help with title problems?

No. MarKey Home Buyers isn't a law firm and doesn't give legal advice or representation, and not every title problem can be resolved. What we can do is evaluate the situation, coordinate with title companies and real estate attorneys when needed, and tell you plainly whether we can make an offer.

Sell My House Fast Decatur, GA | Cash Offer

Decatur is full of older homes with real character, and plenty of them come with real repair bills. If you've inherited one, fallen behind on one or just don't want to take on another project, selling the traditional way can mean months of work before a buyer ever walks through the door.

We offer a different route. MarKey Home Buyers, based in Atlanta, buys houses for cash in Decatur and throughout DeKalb County. You sell directly to us, as-is, with no agent and no commission.

Why Decatur homeowners sell to MarKey

No to-do list. Old plumbing, a sagging porch, a basement that takes on water. We buy as-is, and you can leave behind whatever you don't want.
No waiting on a lender. Our offer isn't tied to a buyer's mortgage, so there's no financing contingency to fall through.
Timing on your terms. Close quickly, or set a later date that fits your plans.
No commissions or fees. You won't pay an agent, and we take care of typical closing costs.

Situations we help Decatur sellers with

A house headed for a first-Tuesday auction (facing foreclosure), or a mortgage that's behind
An estate in probate, or an inherited house shared by several heirs
Past-due city or county taxes and tax liens
A gap in the chain of title or another title problem
Tall weeds, graffiti or other code violations the city has flagged
A historic home that needs major repairs you don't want to manage
A rental you're done with (tired landlord), a divorce, or a listing that never found a buyer

Not every house or situation is a match for us. If yours isn't, we'll be upfront about it and point you somewhere better.

Decatur specifics

Decatur is the county seat of DeKalb County, so the courthouse, the probate court and the county's foreclosure sales are all downtown.

Foreclosure sales: On the first Tuesday of every month, DeKalb County's sales take place at the courthouse door of the DeKalb County Courthouse, 556 North McDonough Street. Before that, your lender has to send notice at least 30 days ahead and advertise the sale weekly for four weeks.
Probate: Estates go through the DeKalb County Probate Court, in the Judicial Tower at the same McDonough Street address.
Property taxes: Decatur handles city taxes itself. The City of Decatur mails its own bills twice a year, based on values set by the county, while county taxes come from the DeKalb County Tax Commissioner.
Code enforcement: The city's Design, Environment and Construction division houses code enforcement, covering code violations, illegal signs, graffiti and tall weeds or grass.
Historic districts: The city has five local historic districts: MAK, Clairemont Avenue, Ponce de Leon Court, Parkwood and Old Decatur. Work on homes there may need a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Historic Preservation Commission.

Got a sale notice or a letter from the city? Send it over with the address and we'll tell you what we see.

Areas we buy in Decatur

We buy throughout Decatur, including Oakhurst, Winnona Park, the MAK Historic District, Clairemont-Great Lakes, Ponce de Leon Court, Parkwood, Glennwood Estates, Westchester Hills, Decatur Heights and the Sycamore Street area, plus homes near Downtown Decatur. Outside the city limits, we buy everywhere in DeKalb County, and across the region as cash home buyers in Atlanta.

No pressure, ever. Our offer is free and comes with zero obligation. Even if we’re not the right fit, we’ll point you in the right direction.

Have a Decatur house you’re ready to let go of?

Send us the address and tell us what’s happening. We’ll give you an honest read and a written offer, at no cost to you.

Get My Decatur Cash Offer →Confidential · No obligation · Or call/text (678) 926-9776

How it works

Give us your Decatur address through the form or call (678) 926-9776. After we review the house and your situation, you'll usually get a cash offer within 24 hours. Say yes, and a Georgia closing attorney closes it on your timeline. There are no fees, and you're never obligated.

Questions sellers ask

Where are foreclosure sales held in DeKalb County?

DeKalb’s foreclosure auctions happen on the first Tuesday of each month at the courthouse door on North McDonough Street, right in downtown Decatur. If you’ve received a notice of sale, reach out right away so there’s time to see whether a sale can close first.

Does the City of Decatur or DeKalb County send my property tax bill?

Both, if you live inside the city. The City of Decatur bills its own taxes twice a year using values from the county, and the DeKalb County Tax Commissioner bills county taxes. Let us know if either is past due so we can include it in your numbers.

Do you buy historic homes in Decatur that need work?

Yes. We buy older homes in places like the MAK and Ponce de Leon Court districts as-is. You don’t have to take on repairs or historic review before you sell.

Can I sell an inherited house in Decatur if there are several heirs?

It’s often possible, but it depends on who has legal authority to sell, which can mean going through the DeKalb County Probate Court first. Your attorney can explain the options for your family. We’re happy to work with everyone involved on timing.

What happens after I ask for a cash offer on my Decatur house?

We’ll ask a few questions about the house and your timeline, then look at the property. Most sellers get a written cash offer within a day. You can take it, ask questions or walk away at no cost.

Sell Your House Fast in Decatur, GA