All Articles

Get the Facts 09.03.24

September is REALTOR® Safety Month!

September is REALTOR® Safety Month, and Washington REALTORS® is teaming up with the NAR to ensure you're properly educated and using the safety resources available to you through your membership all year long! The goal of NAR's REALTOR® Safety Program is to reduce the number of safety incidents that occur, so every REALTOR® comes home safely to their family every night.
 
We will accomplish this goal together by talking about safety; creating a safety plan & following it; and encouraging your fellow REALTORS® to do the same!

Learn More

HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT LAST WEEK'S LEGAL HOTLINE Q&A? You're Not Alone! 

In last week’s Legal Hotline Q&A, we discussed the nuances and possible pitfalls for listing brokers when dealing with offers where the buyer broker failed to include compensation in Form 21, Section 17(b). In this week’s Q&A (see section below), we continue the conversation by diving deeper into what listing brokers should do when faced with an offer that neglects the provision regarding buyer broker compensation. As Annie Fitzsimmons, our Legal Hotline Attorney, explains, this situation is occurring too often and listing brokers across the state are encountering this challenge. The latest Q&A offers a more comprehensive explanation of the correct course of action, emphasizing that while mistakes happen, listing broker actions must be guided by Agency Law duties. We encourage all brokers to review these Q&As, as they serve as an important reminder that even seasoned professionals must stay vigilant when navigating change in our industry!

As always, if you have further questions, members can reach out through The Legal Hotline. 

Trends in Housing Affordability: Who Can Currently Afford to Buy a Home?

Explore the latest trends in housing affordability and discover who can still afford to buy a home in today’s market with this article by NAR's Senior Economist & Director of Real Estate Research, Nadia Evangelou. 
 
Nadia discusses the impact of rising mortgage rates and the growing gap between income levels and housing costs. Read more to learn how these factors have made homeownership increasingly out of reach for many, and what recent improvements might mean for the future. 

Read More

Fall Business Conference is Almost Here! 

You're invited to join us in Kennewick at the Three Rivers Convention Center September 18th – 20th, 2024! Our annual Fall Business Conference event brings together 250+ passionate REALTORS® from all corners of our stunning state to shape the future of the association, set new directions, and drive success. Network, participate in leadership elections, and take part in engaging discussions like the Member Forum that will elevate WR and your real estate career to new heights!
 
FUN NIGHT DETAILS: 
 
Pack a little fun into your conference experience and join us for a Havana Night hosted by the Tri-City Association of REALTORS® on Thursday, September 19th, at the Toyota Center in Kennewick! Enjoy local talent and a fun & lively atmosphere. Tickets are $75 and sold separately—register online by Friday, September 13th, as no tickets will be sold at the door. Be sure to bring your confirmation email for entry. For more details, contact Belinda Huntsman at belinda@realtoramc.com.
 
Fun Night Cancellation Policy: Due to financial obligations with vendors, refunds will not be offered for any cancellations.

Registration closed. 

Let's Talk About the Code of Ethics

It's already September (if you can believe it) - which means you only have a few more months to complete your COE training for this cycle! 
 
Visit our COE Training page to confirm your COE status, read FAQs, register for NAR's complimentary course for all members, or plan ahead with our in-person and virtual class calendar! Have questions? Email us at educationservices@warealtor.org, we're here to help. 

COE Resources

Legal Hotline Q&A of the Week 

09.03.24 Q&A