Member Updates

Why Hill Day Matters...

REALTORS® are the key to protecting homeownership and advancing pro-housing legislation. Hill Day is where your collective voice turns into action! Join hundreds of your peers January 28–29 at Little Creek Casino to discuss association business, meet directly with lawmakers, and advocate for issues that shape Washington’s real estate future.

Registration opens December 2, 2025 - you won't want to miss it!

Keep Scammers Out of Your Holiday Spread

As Thanksgiving approaches, the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) is reminding investors to stay alert for sophisticated financial scams that may circulate this holiday season. According to the 2025 NASAA Enforcement Report, fraud schemes involving digital assets, social media, impersonation, and AI-generated deceptions remain top threats, making it easier for scammers to mimic trusted individuals, pressure victims to act quickly, or convince them to share sensitive information.

DFI encourages everyone to verify investment professionals, be cautious of unsolicited offers, research companies and products, and report suspicious activity.

You can learn more about identifying, preventing, and reporting investment fraud, along with accessing DFI’s Scam Tracker and Consumer Alerts here.

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NAR's 2025 Profile of Real Estate Firms

NAR’s 2025 Profile of Real Estate Firms offers a detailed look at today’s brokerage landscape, from firm size and structure to the challenges and opportunities expected in the years ahead. According to the report, concerns around affordability and rising operational costs continue; many firms remain optimistic, with over one-third anticipating increased profitability in 2025. Read the full report to explore the data, trends, and takeaways that could shape your firm’s strategy in 2026 and beyond.

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You Can Save BIG at The CE Shop This Week!

November 28-30, you can take 40% off your Licensing and Continuing Education courses when you visit https://warealtor.theceshop.com
and use promo code BF2025 at checkout! PLUS, enter to win The Ultimate Career Starter Kit if you purchase a pre-licensing course. Don't let this deal pass you by!

Get Savings! →

Selling Safely: Agent Self-Defense in 3D!

In our latest edition of RE Magazine, real estate coach and safety expert Dennis Giannetti breaks down the real-world risks REALTORS® face and offers clear, proactive strategies to stay safe on the job. From screening new clients to staying alert during showings and open houses, Dennis introduces the “3D” self-defense framework: Detect, Diffuse, Defend, as a simple and effective way to navigate uncomfortable situations.

Read the full article for tips you can apply today that strengthen your personal safety plan!

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Selling Safely in bold letters on a yellow road sign

Did You Know?

Friday is Native American Heritage Day!

Observed the day after Thanksgiving, Native American Heritage Day honors the histories, cultures, and contributions of Native American communities, and concludes Native American Heritage Month.

This day serves as a reminder of the invaluable impact Indigenous peoples have had on our nation, as well as the ongoing challenges they face in housing and community development. We encourage you to learn more about Native American heritage and advocate for equitable solutions to address issues impacting these communities.

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Because Your Business, Your Voice, and Your Integrity Matter

At Washington REALTORS®, we have always seen ourselves as more than just an industry group. We see ourselves as champions for our members. Because we know what it takes to thrive in this business. We know the dedication, the long hours, and the deep responsibility that comes with helping people find their way home. That's why we say, "We Give a &!#%" Because we do.

Legal Hotline Q&A of the Week

Question

I have a seller’s right-to-perform notice on the financing contingency (Form 22A) that is coming due very close to when we expect to receive the appraisal results on a VA loan. If my buyer signs the financing contingency notice to waive financing before the appraisal results are in and before they have final loan approval, is their earnest money at risk? Additionally, if we need a few extra days to close due to any appraisal-related delays, will my clients’ earnest money be at risk in that situation as well?

Answer

The answer to this question depends upon a few factors. First, in subsection 2.a.iii of Form 22A, was the box marked "will not"? If so, then buyer's waiver of the financing contingency will not waive the protection of buyer's low appraisal provision. Even if buyer waives the financing contingency in response to seller's delivery of the "Notice to Perform", buyer will retain the ability to respond to a low appraisal as defined by the Form 22A.

If the provision was marked "will", then the low appraisal provision will not protect buyer if buyer chooses to waive the financing contingency except that buyer being a VA buyer adds an additional layer of protection as set forth in paragraph 6 of Form 22A. Paragraph 6 explains a protection that extends to VA buyers and the final sentence of that provision makes clear that if the VA appraisal comes in low, buyer DOES actually retain the benefit of the low appraisal provision regardless of how the box in paragraph 2.a.iii was marked.

While it would appear that the low appraisal provision will continue to protect this buyer in the event of a low appraisal, that provision has nothing to do with buyer needing a closing date extension if financing is not available on the date of closing. If buyer waives the financing contingency and then fails to close the transaction solely because buyer's financing is delayed (and not based on a low appraisal) then buyer will likely be in default of the PSA unless seller agrees to extend the closing date. If the delay is caused by lender needing to give corrected disclosures, as described in Form 22A, paragraph 8, then buyer may be able to claim a right to a short extension but that provision will not likely be triggered if lender is simply untimely in processing the loan after receipt of a late appraisal.

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