Member Updates

The Countdown Is On

Forms Deep Dive kicks-off in less than two weeks. Now is the time to register if you haven’t already.

This live 9-module series led by instructors Annie Fitzsimmons, Karene Loman & Sabrina Jones-Schroeder delivers practical, real-world instruction on Washington’s most-used real estate forms.

Classes are live via Zoom and will not be recorded. The series will run weekly on Thursdays at 9:00 AM from October 1 through December 3, with the first class running 4 hours and the remaining sessions running 3 hours each.

Not sure if this is for you? This course was designed for anyone ready to take a deeper dive into contracts and transaction strategy, new and experienced brokers, and even Designated Brokers seeking expanded forms training for their offices (discounted pricing available).

Register before it's too late... →

Catch Up On Sound Practices

In case you missed it, Sound Practices, the Washington REALTORS® podcast, is now live.

Created by the WR Communications Committee, staff, and member volunteers, Sound Practices brings Washington REALTORS® together for real conversations about the issues shaping our industry. The first episode, “Raising the Industry Standard,” is available now on all major podcast platforms.

Each month, hear directly from members across the state as they explore timely topics — from AI and market trends to business practices, professionalism, and the work ahead for Washington real estate.

Listen & Subscribe →

REALTOR® Safety Month

From Vulnerable to Vigilant with Vanessa Martin

September is REALTOR® Safety Month — and every REALTOR® deserves practical tools to help them work more safely.

In NAR’s latest Change Agents podcast episode, Vanessa Martin of Tether RE talks through safer approaches to showings and open houses, client screening, safety technology, and live dispatch support.

Tune in to this straightforward conversation and walk away with tips you can put to use right away.

Listen Here →

Stepping Up for Communities Facing Disaster

When disaster affects a community, the REALTORS® Relief Foundation steps up. Earlier this summer, RRF provided a $500,000 grant to support wildfire recovery efforts in Eastern Washington.

But the need for relief does not stop at one disaster or one community. Across the country, families face the immediate challenges of displacement, damaged homes, and rebuilding after the unexpected. RRF helps provide support when communities need it most.

Now through October 31, SentriLock will match every donation to the REALTORS® Relief Foundation dollar for dollar, up to $250,000. If you are able to give, your donation will go twice as far in supporting disaster-relief efforts nationwide.

Text SLRRF to 71777 to contribute, or donate online here.

Learn More & Donate →

Your Voice Belongs at the Table

Applications for 2027 Washington REALTORS® committee service close October 19.

Committee service is your opportunity to help shape the work of the association, grow your leadership skills, build meaningful connections, and bring your perspective to the issues affecting real estate across Washington.

No prior committee experience is required — just a willingness to contribute. Apply by October 19; assignments will be announced November 30.

Apply Today →

Did You Know?

The CE Shop Can Help Your Business Bloom this Fall!

For two days only, September 23-24, members can save 40% on Continuing Education with promo code START when you visit https://WARealtor.TheCEShop.com. Take advantage of this seasonal opportunity before it's gone!

Learn More & Save→

Legal Hotline Q&A of the Week

Question

I represent the buyer's side in an inspection response. We asked for seller to have HVAC, Water Heater and plumbing pipes to be inspected, service or repaired as needed. They said they would only have water heater inspected. My buyer wants these inspected to determine whether or not to back out. Listing agent says since we submitted our 35R we no longer have the opportunity to have contractors out to determine our next step in our 3 day response deadline. What are my buyers options?

Answer

Broker should recall that Form 35 gives buyer a nearly unfettered right to inspect seller's property and all of its components. When buyer includes Form 35 in the PSA, buyer negotiates for and receives the right to bring the inspectors and contractors of buyer's choosing into seller's home to inspect systems within seller's home so that buyer can determine whether buyer wants to proceed with the purchase of the property based on the discovered condition of the home. It is a mistake for a buyer to not utilize buyer's inspection time but then ask seller to conduct inspections that are important to buyer, during seller's three-day negotiation period. Yet that is exactly what the referenced language included in this Form 35R did. Buyer did not inspect the HVAC, the water heater or the plumbing pipes during buyer's inspection period but asked seller to do so, on buyer's behalf, and repair as needed. How can seller agree to "repair as needed" if seller has not inspected the systems. This means that before seller can respond to buyer, within seller's three day response period, seller will have to have all of those systems inspected.

Moreover, does buyer really want those systems "repaired as needed" in the opinion of seller? When buyer puts the burden on seller to conduct buyer's inspections and also to determine needed repairs, buyer surrenders any ability to challenge the condition of the property after closing because seller's only obligation was to make repairs "as needed", seemingly, in seller's opinion. If seller determines that an inspector's suggested repairs are not "needed" then is seller obligated to make those repairs?

Listing broker is correct regarding buyer having concluded the inspection phase of buyer's inspection contingency when buyer asked for seller concessions. Once buyer asked for concessions, buyer's right to inspect ended. Buyer may bring additional inspectors onto seller's property now, only with the permission of seller. Buyer's option at this point is to determine how to proceed based on what buyer already knows.

Learn More →