Get the latest news about real estate brokers.
July 2024
Update for bill SSB 5191 Real Estate Agency Law
SSB 5191 clarifies language for WAC 308-124C-105 Required Records and adds “broker’s price opinion” to paragraph (2)(c) Other Records. This impacts all real estate brokers, managing brokers, firms, and consumers of the real estate brokerage services.
We held a rule hearing on May 23, 2024, with no objections by attendees. The changes above will take effect on July 14, 2024.
Thank you to the real estate commission and the members helping support the Department of Licensing.
Questions
For questions relating to real estate, please email REALESTATE@dol.wa.gov.
June 2024
SSB 6091 Washington law largely bans “pocket listings” effective June 11, 2026
What’s happening?
SSB 6091 is a Washington law that largely bans “pocket listings,”(a property for sale that is marketed privately by a real estate agent, making it accessible only to select buyers or agents) requiring real estate brokers to publicly market homes rather than limiting them to private networks of buyers or agents. The bill is intended to increase transparency and equal access in the housing market. It was signed into law in March 2026 and takes effect June 11, 2026.
What does this mean for me?
A broker may not market the sale or lease of real property to a limited or exclusive group of prospective buyers or brokers, or any combination thereof, unless the real estate is concurrently marketed to the general public and all other brokers, except as reasonably necessary to protect the health or safety of the owner or occupant.
Marketing to the general public does not require an owner to allow access onto or into the listed real property.
Information regarding the requirement must be included in a pamphlet currently required to be provided by brokers to their principals.
A violation of the requirement is subject to disciplinary action by the Washington State Department of Licensing.
What should I do?
- Stop using “pocket listings” or private-only marketing strategies unless a narrow health or safety exception clearly applies.
- Ensure any marketed listing is made publicly available to the general public and all other brokers.
- Update listing agreements, office policies, and marketing materials and procedures to comply with the new rules before June 11, 2026.
- Train agents and staff on what counts as “marketing” (social media posts, email blasts, brokerage exclusives, private groups, etc.).
- Document seller instructions and any claimed exceptions carefully in case of a Department of Licensing review.
- Explain the law to sellers early, especially clients who expected privacy or off-market sales options.
- Coordinate with Designated Brokers and attorneys to ensure compliance with state law.
June 2024
Substitute Senate Bill (SSB) 5399 listening session
We want to hear from you! In partnership with the Washington State Real Estate Commission, we're hosting a listening session on SSB 5399. We want to hear from all industry professionals and stakeholders including:
- Washington Realtors (WR).
- Northwest Multiple Listing Services (NWMLS).
- Brokers and Managing Brokers.
- Industry attorneys.
- Members of the public.
Things to think about before the listening session
- How has SSB 5399 affected your business?
- What issues or concerns do you have about SSB 5399?
- What issues or concerns do you have about future listing right purchase contracts?
Join the listening session
June 28, 2024
9:00 a.m.
Join the Teams meeting
Meeting ID: 247 950 574 239
Passcode: FZrtCM
Call In (audio only): 564-999-2000 (Olympia) or 833-322-1218 (Toll-free)
Phone Conference ID: 772 740 873 #
Feel free to reach out to us with any questions at DOLBoards@dol.wa.gov.