Government Affairs

Webinar Announced! Residential Insurance Issues Impacting Homeowners & REALTORS®

Learn what’s driving these changes and what to expect going forward. Experts from the Office of Insurance Commissioner, the National Association of REALTORS®, and the insurance industry will provide updates and answer questions. This webinar is critical for REALTORS® looking to stay informed and for homeowners facing insurance difficulties.

2024 Fall Business Conference Recap

The 2024 Washington REALTORS® Fall Business Conference, held September 18-20 in Kennewick, was an incredibly productive event! Attendees participated in important discussions, including the Member Forum, and our Board of Directors made decisions such as approving the WR's 2025 Strategic Plan, Budget, and Committee Business Plans. Below is a recap of the conference’s key highlights and outcomes.

Supporting the REALTOR® Relief Foundation: Helping Those Impacted by Hurricane Helene

In the wake of Hurricane Helene’s destruction across the Southeastern United States, the REALTOR® Relief Foundation (RRF) has been working tirelessly to provide aid to those affected. With widespread devastation across six states—Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and Tennessee—100 lives have been lost, and millions of families are left struggling with floodwaters, power outages, and lack of access to basic necessities.

New Class! Change is Hard... Unless You're Prepared: Forms and Practice Changes for Summer 2024

You have been through a lot of changes lately, and more change is coming. On August 17, every REALTOR®-owned MLS will cease publishing offers of compensation in the MLS. Moreover, the listing agreements used by brokers who list property in a REALTOR®-owned MLS will change substantially.

The Impact of the Sheetz Decision in Washington State: By Ezra Hammer and Jamie Howsley

"On April 12, 2024, the U.S. Supreme Court issued its ruling in Sheetz v. County of El Dorado, California, which affirmed and expanded on its earlier decisions that limit both the type and scope of exactions (fees and other requirements) that local jurisdictions can seek from new developments."

Real Estate Commission Vacancy (x2)

The Governor’s Office is seeking applicants to fill two (2) positions on the Washington Real Estate Commission. The current appointments target real estate brokers from Eastern Washington.

The WA State RE Commission Would Like to Hear From You - SSB 5399

​The Commission is collecting information to assess impacts related to Substitute Senate Bill (SSB) 5399 – Concerning future listing right purchase contracts (RCW – 61.38.901), formerly known as 40-year listings.

What's Happening This June

June is a busy month for REALTORS® ! Here you can find a brief recap of the NAR and WR campaigns, resources, and information you should be aware of this month all in one convenient place.

Partner with WR and Junior Achievement at the Seattle Mariners Raffle Night

Looking for a volunteer opportunity? Junior Achievement with Washington is seeking volunteers!

Breaking: VA Signals Temporary Suspension of Buyer Agent Payment Ban

The Department of Veterans Affairs will temporarily lift its ban on VA buyers directly compensating their real estate agents, pending a formal rulemaking process. This move, announced by a VA official, is a big relief for the real estate industry, ensuring veterans have access to professional representation in the housing market.

The WA State RE Commission Would Like to Hear From You

The commission is collecting information to assess impacts related to Substitute Senate Bill (SSB) 5399 – Concerning future listing right purchase contracts (RCW – 61.38.901), formerly known as 40-year contracts.

NAR Celebrates 4 Washington REALTORS® at RPAC Hall of Fame Ceremony

NAR celebrated 4 Washington REALTORS® at its REALTORS® Political Action Committee (RPAC) Hall of Fame Ceremony Monday evening during this week’s 2024 Legislative Meetings in DC.

Washington REALTOR® Members Are Invested…And It Shows!

THANK YOU to our Washington REALTOR® Members who are extremely invested in the future of real estate! Your commitment to RPAC shows as WR is one of only 21 states to meet/exceed all of the following fundraising goals...

AAPI Heritage Month Resources

In the month of May, we take time to reflect and celebrate the important role that Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (AANHPIs) have played in our history.

FAQ: Preliminary Approval of NAR Settlement

Congratulations to our Newly Elected Officers

Last week at the 2024 Spring Business Conference Board of Directors meeting, the following wonderful individuals were elected into office:

Partner with WR and Junior Achievement

Looking for a volunteer opportunity? Junior Achievement with Washington is seeking volunteers to support financial literacy with our youth. The current needs are at the Auburn campus. Please sign up and help support the Washington Realtors / Junior Achievement partnership.

New Class Regarding NAR's Proposed Settlement

Dive deep into the implications of industry changes including NAR's proposed settlement and Agency Law revisions with our brand-new clock-hour class, 'At the Intersection of NAR’s Settlement, Escrow Closings and Residential Lending', led by Annie Fitzsimmons.

WASHINGTON REALTORS® TOP TAKEAWAYS FROM THE NAR SETTLEMENT

The proposed settlement of a class-action lawsuit against the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) was announced Friday, March 15 but the settlement must be approved by the court before it will be final.

National Association of REALTORS® Reaches Agreement to Resolve Nationwide Claims Brought by Home Sellers

NAR has reached an agreement that would end litigation of claims brought on behalf of home sellers related to broker commissions. You most likely have inquiries about what this entails, what the next steps are, and how it could impact you.