Member Updates

Hill Day is Where Washington REALTORS® Can Make a BIG Impact

Kick off the new year with us in a big way! Hill Day 2026 is your opportunity to connect directly with lawmakers and advocate for Washington REALTORS® priorities. You’re the key to protecting real estate and strengthening our profession in Washington State. Don’t miss your chance, January 28–29 at Little Creek Casino.

REGISTER BEFORE JANUARY 19, 2026!

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Annual Computation of Time Challenge

It’s time for our annual Computation of Time Challenge! Review the fact pattern below and test your understanding of how time is calculated under Washington real estate forms. Then, be sure to tune in to this Friday’s Video, where WR Legal Hotline Lawyer Annie Fitzsimmons will walk through the answers step by step.

Setting the Scene...

The seller counters the buyer’s offer with a two-day counteroffer expiration, delivered on November 25.
The buyer accepts the seller’s counteroffer just before 9:00 p.m. on the final day of the counteroffer period.
The buyer has a 10-day inspection period and, on the final day of that period, delivers notice of an additional five-day inspection extension.
On the final day of the additional inspection period, the buyer delivers Form 35R, requesting seller concessions.
The seller takes three days to respond and, on the third day, delivers a counter to the buyer’s request using Form 35R.
The buyer accepts the seller’s counter on the third and final day of the buyer’s negotiation period.
Closing is scheduled for January 8.

The Questions:

On what date was the inspection contingency satisfied?
What is the earliest date the buyer may conduct the buyer’s walk-through?

Think you know the answers? Watch the upcoming Friday Video to see how the dates are calculated and find out if you're on the right track!

Kuderer Issues Letter to Insurance Companies on Post-flood Expectations

Thousands of Western Washington residents evacuated their homes after the atmospheric river and ensuing flood event that started on December 8. As the recovery process begins, state Insurance Commissioner Patty Kuderer has guidance for both flood survivors and the insurance companies and adjusters handling their claims.

Kuderer sent a letter to the insurance companies (PDF 225.10KB) adjusting flood loss on Monday, December 15. In the letter, Kuderer urged property owners to follow local authorities’ guidance on when to safely return to their home and begin documenting damage. She also recommended submitting photos of the flood damage to the insurance company and making the property available for inspection as soon as reasonably possible.

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APPLY BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE!

DOL Still Seeking Applicants: Investigations Supervisor (INV4)

The Department of Licensing's Centralized Investigations & Audits Unit (CIAU) is still recruiting an Investigations Supervisor (INV4). This position oversees investigations of consumer or department complaints related to real estate brokers, managing brokers, firms, appraisers, home inspectors, notaries, and numerous other professions with a connection to real property. Click the link below for more information about this position, the interview process, and how to apply.

Apply Here →

Did You Know?

See Immediate Savings with the Active&Fit Direct™ Program!

Members are already seeing the impact of the Active&Fit Direct™ Program! After signing up, members have reported saving $30 each month on their gym membership.. that's $360 a year in real savings! Join the program today and begin maximizing your WR benefits in 2026.

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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

In a video, Annie states that homes "Built in 1978 or before..." must comply with federal lead based paint disclosure requirements. However, the verbiage on the video screen says this applies to "pre-1978 homes." And clearly the Form 22J states "Every purchaser of any interest in residential real property on which a residential dwelling was built prior to 1978...." Please confirm the form/requirement applies to homes built in 1977 and before, not 1978 and before.

Answer

Best practices require brokers and sellers to treat homes built in 1978 as though they are subject to lead based paint disclosure requirements because homes that received a certificate of occupancy in 1978 were often started in 1977. The technical requirements of the lead based paint disclosure law requires compliance for homes that were begun prior to 1978. If broker knows, with certainty, that a home was started and finished in 1978, then compliance with lead based paint disclosure requirements is not required. The start date of the construction, however, is not typically known by the current seller or listing broker.

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