Member Updates

Relevant Continuing Education You Can Use Tomorrow

What do you get when you gather eight brilliant real estate professional minds and a room full of curious REALTORS®? You guessed it, the Legal Symposium! On May 22nd, spend the day at the DoubleTree in SeaTac diving into the legal issues that matter most right now. Earn 7 clock hours, get tips you can put to use immediately, and enjoy lunch and parking on us.

Register Today →

LET'S RECAP

Thank You for a Successful 2025 Spring Conference!

The energy in Tulalip last week was high as members gathered to collaborate, learn, and make decisions that will shape the year ahead. Committees tackled important issues, featured speakers shared helpful knowledge, and we celebrated the incredible work of our Washington REALTOR® community. Take a few minutes to read the full recap and see what you may have missed—and what’s coming next for Washington REALTORS®.

Read More →

DB MASTERMIND

Register to Attend the Next DB Mastermind

Join us at our next DB Mastermind, Monday, May 20th at 11:00 AM! WR Government Affairs Director, Mary Hull-Drury, will provide a comprehensive legislative update and Bill Dutra will join us from the Department of Licensing’s Business and Professions Division to share important DOL information every DB should know right now.

This event is designed for DBs, Association Executives, and relevant staff members. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Register Here →

Congratulations Award Winners, Nominees & Finalists!

We are proud to celebrate the exceptional individuals who have gone above and beyond in service to their clients, communities, and the REALTOR® organization. Our award winners represent the very best of our membership—leaders, advocates, and dedicated professionals who exemplify the highest standards of our industry.

Thank you to all of our nominees, winners, and finalists for your incredible contributions! Photos from the Awards ceremony are available for download here.

Learn More →

ICYMI: NEW CONSUMER GUIDE

Understanding and Protecting Yourself from Title Fraud

Title fraud is a growing threat that can lead to devastating consequences for property owners—including loss of ownership, foreclosure, or eviction. This NAR Consumer Guide breaks down how title fraud happens, who’s most at risk, and the steps buyers and owners can take to protect themselves.

Read More →

AREAA SEATTLE

Housing and Homeownership Expo: Financing, Building, AI & ADU Solutions

AREAA Seattle is hosting a FREE Housing & Homeownership Expo where real estate professionals, homeowners, and industry experts gather for a full day of workshops, panel discussions, and networking opportunities. You'll learn about home financing, ADU development, property management strategies, and how AI is shaping the future of real estate.

Register & Learn More →

Did You Know?

You Can Get 40% OFF Continuing Education Through The CE Shop!

Your membership can help you save big! Get 40% off all courses and spring into success this season. Sign-up for a class here or by clicking the link below & using promo code SPRING40 on 4/29 and 4/30 only.

Get Savings→

Legal Hotline Q&A of the Week

Question

I may have a fraudulent seller. I have had the listing since 9/23. We finally received an offer and plan to close on May 7. I received a call from a gentleman with the same name who claims the property is his. I left messages for my client by text, email, and phone calls. I have not contacted any other party yet, as I need a guideline on what to do. The person I am working with matched everything to the tee. We obtained DL and a copy of the tax record paid from the person who says they are the correct seller. I am going to send the title officer and escrow a notice that I suspect fraud and see if they can figure this out. I have not told the other agent yet because I do not know if I really have a problem.

Answer

Listing broker needs to be working hand in glove with the title company. This transaction cannot close without title insurance and the title insurance company will not insure title without absolute certainty that the person signing the deed is the actual owner of the property. The title company will take the steps necessary to determine which person is the owner of the property.

The Hotline lawyer is unaware of any reason that buyer broker should not be apprised of the situation. If it turns out that the transaction as drafted is legitimate, then it should close on schedule. If, however, it turns out that the sale is a fraudulent transaction and the person who signed the PSA is not the owner of the property, then listing broker should be able to say that LB advised BB of all the information LB possessed as soon as LB learned it. LB does not want to be in a position where she can be accused of withholding information that could have saved buyer the expenditure of funds or utilization of other resources in furtherance of owning the real estate, when there was no hope that the transaction could close.

Printable PDF →