Member Updates

Let's Talk About Mental Health in Real Estate

Not only is May AAPI month, it's also Mental Health Awareness Month! Washington REALTORS® is encouraging you to take this time to reflect, recharge, and access tools that support mental health in your professional and personal life. Check out our resources and bring them back to your offices, teams, and communities—together we can create a culture where taking care of our minds is just as normal as taking care of our business and our clients.

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2025 LEGAL SYMPOSIUM

Countdown to THE Education Event of the Year

Time is running out to register for the 2025 Legal Symposium! Whether you’re a new agent or a seasoned broker, this course offers something for everyone: 7CE, expert tips directly from top real estate attorneys, and strategies to protect your business in a changing market. Lunch and parking are included - online registration closes May 19th at 5PM! Don’t miss out—sign up to join us in SeaTac today!

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NAR Committee Applications are Closing Soon

Looking to step out of your comfort zone? If you or someone you know is interested in serving on an NAR Committee in 2026, apply ASAP! This is a perfect opportunity to learn more about how YOU can add your voice to the national conversation.

Applications close May 15, 2025. Submit yours here today!

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DB MASTERMIND ALERT

Don't Miss Next Tuesday's DB Mastermind

Register ASAP to join us at the DB Mastermind next Tuesday, May 20th at 11:00 AM! We'll be joined by WR Government Affairs Director, Mary Hull-Drury, who 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 →

First Draft of Tax Reform Bill "Very Positive" for Real Estate

A new draft of federal tax reform legislation includes provisions that could benefit real estate professionals and homeowners. In this article, the National Association of REALTORS® breaks down how the draft aligns with key housing and tax priorities, though the proposal is still subject to change as it moves through Congress.

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A FRIENDLY REMINDER

Don’t Get Hooked by Phishing Scams

We've received recent reports of phishing emails that appear to come from trusted sources but are actually scams designed to steal your information. These emails often contain spoofed names, suspicious links, or unusual language and formatting. As these attempts become more convincing, it's more important than ever to stay vigilant.

Washington REALTORS® has a quick-reference graphic with tips to help you spot phishing attempts available for download here. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to us!

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Did You Know?

Ask the Agent is Your Newest REALTOR® Benefit!

Ask the Agent is transforming real estate marketing with cutting-edge interactive video, podcasting, and lead-generation solutions! And now, your Washington REALTORS® membership can get you a 20% discount on monthly or annual subscriptions for the first year – up to a $190 value! Learn more about your newest benefit at the link below!

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Legal Hotline Q&A of the Week

Question

We had a situation recently where a buyer who had signed a BBSA talked to a mortgage broker and the mortgage broker offered them $1000 (Maybe in the form of discount) if they worked with "their" realtor. Is this legal for the mortgage broker to do?

Answer

Probably not. RESPA (The Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act), a federal law, makes it unlawful for any settlement service provider to receive anything of value in exchange for giving or receiving a referral. "Settlement Service Provider" includes both mortgage brokers and real estate brokers. Additionally, the mortgage broker may have been "interfering" in the buyer's existing contractual obligation to the first buyer brokerage. The Hotline lawyer cannot reach an absolute conclusion with respect to this issue because all the surrounding facts matter such as the terms of the existing BBSA, the benefits that would result to mortgage broker and the referred buyer broker if buyer signed a new BBSA; the consequences to buyer for switching brokers, etc. While there are unknown facts, conceptually, this is a very bad practice by mortgage broker and the referred broker if the referred broker actively participated. If buyer breaches the BBSA with first firm, DB should consider consulting the firm's legal counsel.

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