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Member Updates
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The Countdown to Hill Day is ON!
We’re just weeks away from Hill Day! On January 28–29, hundreds of Washington REALTORS® will meet to discuss association business, meet with lawmakers to advance real estate policy, and strengthen our profession. You’re the key to making this happen: register today and be part of the effort shaping our future in Washington.
REGISTRATION CLOSES JAN. 19, DON'T WAIT!
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Register Today →
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NAR's 30 Under 30 Applications Are Closing Jan. 14, 2026
NAR’s 30 Under 30 is your chance to be recognized as one of the brightest young REALTORS® shaping the industry right now! If you’re under 30, excelling in real estate, and showcasing creative leadership or standout results, apply now to join the 2026 class.
Applications are open through January 14, 2026. Submit yours today! (Must be under the age of 30 as of May 31, 2026)
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Apply Here →
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Break Bias, Build Trust: Overcoming Barriers to Fair Housing
Join us virtually on Tuesday, February 10, 2026 (9:30 AM–12:30 PM) for the Bias Override course designed to help REALTORS® recognize and overcome bias, strengthen client relationships, and uphold fair housing standards. Required for WR Executive and DEI Committee members, this class is worth 3CE credits and is free for WR members ($30 for non-members). Registration is open, secure a spot today!
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Register Here →
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NAR's 2026 Real Estate Outlook
According to NAR, the housing market is showing promising signs for 2026. Leading economists predict a 14% increase in home sales, improved affordability, and more inventory choices for buyers. Mortgage rates are expected to ease, first-time buyers are gradually returning, and the market is finding better balance after years of tight conditions. Whether you're planning your strategy or curious about what's ahead, this outlook provides important details into the trends shaping the new year.
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Learn More →
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Did You Know?
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Take Charge of Your Wellness This Month
Looking for an easy way to prioritize your health in 2026? The Active&Fit Direct™ Program gives you affordable access to thousands of gyms and fitness centers nationwide, all through your WR membership. Whether you're getting back into a routine or trying something new, now's the perfect time to make fitness part of your year.
Your membership already includes this benefit, so why not put it to work?
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Get Started →
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Learn More...
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We Give a &!#% About Your Voice
Real estate may be built on relationships, but it’s shaped by policy. The laws passed at the local and state levels impact your business, your clients, and your ability to serve your community. That’s why Washington REALTORS® is at the forefront of legislative efforts—ensuring your voice is heard where it matters most.
Your dues don’t just fund an association; they power a movement—one that defends your industry and your livelihood.
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Legal Hotline Q&A of the Week
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Question
I left a brokerage when transactions were pending. After I left, problems arose. My DB stated that I can no longer have contact with any clients without her permission or without her being involved in the exchange of communication. When the sales were recorded in the MLS, she put them under her name saying they are her brokerage's. The sales now show as her production. Where can I find proper protocol on this?
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Answer
Broker should recall that when a services agreement, listing or buyer broker, is signed with a client, the client's agent is the firm. Through the agreement, the firm and the consumer will typically agree that at least one of the brokers licensed to the firm, in addition to the designated broker, will also represent the consumer. The DB and the firm are, however, the party that contracts with the consumer and the DB is the consumer's agent.
When a broker is no longer licensed to a firm, it is impossible for the firm to extend agency between a client of the firm and that agent. Nevertheless, the firm still owes the full spectrum of Agency Law duties to the client. When a broker leaves a firm, it is the statutory and contractual obligation of the firm to continue to provide services to any client who was represented by the departing broker. A firm cannot provide or supervise those services if the services are given by a broker who is no longer licensed to the firm. Consequently, it is entirely normal for a firm to restrict access between a consumer of the firm and a broker who left the firm. Again, the firm retains the obligation to provide services and can provide those services only through agents who are licensed to the firm. It is not uncommon for both an independent contractor agreement and a firm's policy to provide that when a broker leaves the firm, all contact between broker and clients of the firm, related to pending listings and transactions, will cease.
How the transaction statistics are recorded with the MLS is not an issue the Hotline lawyer can address because reporting of MLS statistics is not controlled by state law. That question may have been addressed in an independent contractor agreement and office policies and broker should review those documents. Broker may also want to consult broker's MLS to determine if the MLS has rules addressing this issue.
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Printable PDF →
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The Legal Hotline Lawyer does not represent Washington REALTORS® or its members. The advice contained herein does not constitute legal counsel. To browse through our database of past Q & A’s, visit warealtor.org/legal-hotline. Attorney Annie Fitzsimmons writes the Legal Hotline Question and Answer of the Week. This is a WR members-only benefit so you will be prompted to log in with your M1 number and password. Your Designated Broker is cc’d on Legal Hotline inquiries.
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Current Issues in WA Residential RE - 3.0
Wednesday, Feb. 4th, 2026 (9:00am-12:00pm) 3.0 CE Hours
Live Webinar
Learn More & Register
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Bias Override: Overcoming Barriers to Fair Housing - 3.0
Tuesday, Feb. 10th, 2026 (9:30am-12:30pm) 3.0 CE Hours
Live Webinar
Learn More & Register
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Washington RE Fair Housing - 8.0
Thursday, February 12th, 2026 (9:00am-12:00pm) 3.0 CE Hours
Live Webinar
Learn More & Register
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Current Issues in WA Residential RE - 3.0
Tuesday, April 14th, 2026 (9:00pm-12:00pm) 3.0 CE Hours
Live Webinar
Learn More & Register
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Washington RE Fair Housing - 3.0
Friday, May 1st, 2026 (9:00am-12:00pm) 3.0 CE Hours
Live Webinar
Learn More & Register
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View All Upcoming Classes...
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#ICYMI...FRIDAY VIDEO
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WATCH LAST FRIDAY'S VIDEO
LISTEN TO THE PODCAST
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LEGAL HOTLINE VIDEOS ARE MOVING...
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Legal Hotline videos will now be hosted on a new video platform inside the WR website, ensuring only current WR members have access to this valuable member benefit. You’ll still receive the video via email each week, however, you’ll need to log in to the WR website with your M1 number (formerly known as your NRDS number) to access the searchable library of videos. If you have any trouble logging in, please call us at 800.562.6024 or email frontdesk@warealtor.org.
Older legal hotline videos will continue be accessible on YouTube for a short period of time. Once all videos have been moved over and processed, the videos will no longer be accessible in the public YouTube platform.
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Catch up on past videos here...
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