[WSBARP] Buying Real Estate Anonymously?

[Setareh Mahmoodi]

One option would be to create a revocable trust and have the client appoint someone else as the initial trustee, such as a sibling or a trusted friend (hopefully with a different last name than theirs). That person could proceed with the purchase so that the neighbor would only see the "stranger" trustee’s name in connection with the transaction. Title would vest in John Doe, sole Trustee, or his successors in trust, under the ABC TRUST... The client would be named as the successor trustee in the trust.

I would recommend ensuring that the trust document gives the client the unrestricted right to remove and replace the trustee at any time. In some cases, it can also be helpful to have a separate written understanding between the trustee and the client so everyone is clear about expectations and responsibilities and limitations.

After the sale closes, the client could remove the trustee and assume the role of trustee. They can also retitle property etc. if needed. If client wanted to transfer property out of the trust and into their individual name later since they are the grantor, it would be excise tax exempt as well.

However, if the client is obtaining financing, this approach will likely not work as well. The deed of trust typically identifies the individual borrower.


Best regards,

___

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Setareh Mahmoodi

Attorney at Law

Law Offices of Setareh Mahmoodi, PS

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From: wsbarp-bounces at lists.wsbarppt.com <wsbarp-bounces at lists.wsbarppt.com> on behalf of Ryan Castle <ryan at ryancastlelawfirm.com>
Sent: Wednesday, March 11, 2026 1:59 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.



--

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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