[WSBARP] Buying Real Estate Anonymously?

[Eric Nelsen]

One possible route: Buy the property through an “undisclosed agent,” meaning an agent who does not disclose they are acting on someone else’s behalf. Client provides the money to the undisclosed agent before the deal closes; the agent uses the money for the purchase and seller deeds to the agent at closing. The agent then deeds the property post-closing to the client. The steps are basically outlined in WAC 458-61A-214, which is the exemption from real estate excise tax for the second transfer, from nominee (agent) to true purchaser (client).

Added layer of finesse: Client forms an LLC, opens a bank account for the LLC and deposits the money, LLC transfers money to the agent, so agent is nominee for the client’s LLC rather than the client directly. Then agent deeds directly into the LLC’s name post-closing, and title is never held in name of the client. The LLC could authorize the lawyer to sign the REETA as agent for the LLC so that the client avoids signing the REETA as Grantee. The LLC records would disclose client’s name (unless another layer of anonymity is created), but no deed records would show it.

Would need a contract between agent and client of course, that binds the agent to the activity and gives the client recourse if the agent tries to renege on the arrangement. But none of that would be in the public record pre-closing, so seller is unlikely to find out about it. Post-closing, the neighbor might eventually figure it out if they ever followed up on their old property.

Sincerely,

Eric

Eric C. Nelsen
Sayre Law Offices, PLLC
1417 31st Ave South
Seattle WA 98144-3909
206-625-0092
eric at sayrelawoffices.com<mailto:eric at sayrelawoffices.com>

From: wsbarp-bounces at lists.wsbarppt.com <wsbarp-bounces at lists.wsbarppt.com> On Behalf Of Ryan Castle
Sent: Wednesday, March 11, 2026 2:00 PM
To: WSBA Real Property Listserv <wsbarp at lists.wsbarppt.com>
Subject: [WSBARP] Buying Real Estate Anonymously?

All You Smart People,

I have a client who wants to buy their neighbor's real estate, but client and neighbor hate each other and neighbor would never sell to client. Is there a way to structure the transaction so that my client can anonymously make/sign offers without the neighbor knowing? A trust as purchaser? an LLC as purchaser? Even with a trust or LLC, the client would be trustee or owner and sign the offers as such. I suppose no issue when signing the final sale agreement, as long as nieghbor signs first, because neighbor will be under contract. But still would like to avoid neighbor ever finding out.

Any thoughts are much appreciated in advance.



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Ryan Castle
Castle Law Firm, PLLC
Managing Attorney
T: 360-592-3504
1313 E. Maple St., Suite 790
Bellingham, WA 98225
https://ryancastlelawfirm.com/


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