Member Updates

Draft Like a Lawyer 2.0 in Spokane

Advanced Drafting for Real Estate Pros

When the stakes are high, you need more than basic drafting skills— you need confidence, precision, and a clear understanding of how to protect clients and the transaction. Draft Like a Lawyer 2.0 builds on the foundation of the original course and takes a deeper look at legal drafting, form selection, and the real-world challenges brokers face in complex deals.

Through case studies, practical exercises, and expert-led discussion, attendees will sharpen their ability to handle counter offers, contract changes, closing date issues, and other high-risk drafting scenarios with greater competence and care. This 7.5-hour course happening September 22, 2026 is designed for brokers who want to strengthen their work, reduce risk, and meet the moment when transactions demand more.

For those already heading to Spokane for Fall Conference September 23-25, this is the perfect addition to your trip.

Register Here →

NAR Strategic Plan Update Shows Continued Progress

NAR’s second quarterly update on its 2026–2028 Strategic Plan shares progress across seven priorities, including a new major federal housing law, the Tuccori settlement, new MLS guidance, broker programming, market intelligence tools, governance reform, and modernized education. The update shows NAR’s ongoing effort to provide clearer information, stronger resources, and better support to help REALTORS® serve clients and run their businesses in today’s market.

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Advocacy Leaders Discuss Housing Win and What Comes Next

At the recent Government Affairs Directors Institute, NAR advocacy leaders discussed the recent passage of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act and what it means for future housing policy. The session also covered implementation, current advocacy priorities, and how NAR’s legal and grassroots efforts continue to support property rights and expand housing opportunities.

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Do You Know a Fair Housing Champion?

NAR is looking to honor standout leaders and advocates who advance fair housing and expand homeownership in their communities. This is an excellent opportunity to acknowledge individuals who embody these values and have made a big impact in their communities.

The Fair Housing Champion Award provides a $7,500 prize that winners can dedicate to a housing-related nonprofit organization of their choice. Deadline to nominate is August 29, 2026 - don't wait!

Learn More & Nominate Here →

Did You Know?

Before You Throw That Laptop...

When it comes to those stubborn Adobe errors, antivirus glitches, email issues and even printer problems—the Tech Helpline has your back.

As a Washington REALTOR® member, you get complete access to friendly tech support for hundreds of common issues. Don’t waste time troubleshooting alone—call the Tech Helpline and get back to business.

Access Tech Helpline→

Legal Hotline Q&A of the Week

Question

My buyers recently closed on a home and just found out that their sewer company put a lien on the property five months ago and there is an outstanding balance of $3,000+. Seller did not disclose this sewer company on the 22K, and left off other utility companies as well. Title is reaching out to the seller to pay the outstanding balance, but Title is saying the buyers title insurance won't apply to this issue. Is there anything I can do to help my buyers aside from advising them to seek legal counsel?

Answer

Whenever Form 22K is included in a purchase agreement, buyer broker should complete the blanks on the form identifying the utility providers that service the property, before presenting buyer's offer. Identifying the service providers is typically easy to do by referencing information in the MLS printout, the internet and making a phone call as necessary. If buyer broker relies on seller or listing broker to complete the form, buyer will often be left with a lien to pay after closing because seller has no incentive to complete a form that will result in seller paying old utility bills. Escrow has no obligation to contact utility providers and pay seller's old bills at closing unless the relevant box on the face of F21 is marked AND a completed Form 22K is attached. Unfortunately, the fact that Form 22K was attached but left blank will likely be viewed as a drafting error by buyer broker.

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