All agents have to complete real estate continuing education, but the best don't stop there. Our industry is ever-changing, and the most successful agents are the ones who never stop learning.
That’s why we’ve put together this collection of deep-dive resources just for you. These resources go beyond what's covered in our Current Issues in Washington Residential Real Estate CE course, giving you deeper insights, fresh perspectives, and actionable strategies to apply in your day-to-day business. So dive into these expert-approved reads and keep pushing your business forward.
1️⃣ Forms Revisions and Best Practices
If you haven’t kept up with the 2023 statewide form revisions, don’t wait – 31 forms just got tweaked and a half-dozen new ones added! This Washington REALTORS® blog highlights a few of the most important changes and shares best-practice tips to keep you out of trouble. (Missing a tiny new checkbox could accidentally make your buyer waive a contingency – yikes.)
It’s a quick read that will make you feel more confident using the updated forms correctly, so you can protect your clients and avoid deal disasters.
2️⃣ Shaking Up Real Estate Transactions
Washington’s new agency law reform is a game-changer, and this legal insight piece explains why. Senate Bill 5191 imposes “dual duties” – as of Jan. 1, 2024, you owe the same core obligations of honesty, disclosure, etc., to both the other party and your own client.
That’s a radical shift from the old rules (which only required duties to your client) and it’s already “shattering the current landscape” of how brokers represent buyers and sellers. Before you panic, read this article – it breaks down what the law means for your daily practice so you can stay compliant and still serve your clients effectively.
William O. Kessler
3️⃣ Waiving the Home Inspection
In recent bidding wars, some buyers skipped the inspection contingency to win the deal… and now they might regret it. If a client waives the home inspection and later finds nightmare issues, who do you think they’ll point the finger at? This NAR article shows how to protect yourself when buyers refuse your advice.
It offers smart strategies (like using a liability release addendum) to educate your clients about the risks and document that you warned them. Spend a few minutes with these tips so you won’t get blamed — or sued — for hidden problems that surface after closing.
Melissa Dittmann Tracey
4️⃣ Top Takeaways from the NAR Settlement
The real estate commission landscape is shifting, but this quick update will get you up to speed. Washington REALTORS® boils down the key points of a recent class-action settlement affecting buyer-broker compensation.
The best part? It shows Washington agents are already ahead of the curve – practices like written buyer agency agreements and uncoupling listing and buyer broker fees are already familiar here.
Read this for a confidence boost that you’re doing things right, and to prepare for upcoming changes (like MLSs possibly no longer displaying coop commissions). You’ll walk away reassured and ready for whatever comes next.
5️⃣ 8 Ways to Guide Clients With Integrity
After a tough year for the industry’s image, here’s a refreshing roadmap to stand out for all the right reasons. Inman News lays out eight real-world tips to elevate your professionalism and trustworthiness. From committing to total transparency with clients to making professionalism your superpower, each tip is a handy reminder that integrity isn’t just moral – it’s good business.
This engaging read will get you fired up to sharpen your skills (hello, continuing education!) and show clients you’re the agent who truly puts them first. When others cut corners, you’ll be ready to shine – and your reputation (and referrals) will thank you.
6️⃣ How to Handle Buyer Love Letters
Those heartfelt “Dear Seller” letters from buyers can tug at the emotions… but they can also backfire big time. This REALTOR® Magazine article explains how these love letters could lead to fair housing violations and lawsuits. (In fact, one state tried to ban them altogether.)
The piece gives you seven practical tips for dealing with love letters: whether you’re a listing agent setting a no-letters policy or a buyer’s agent educating clients on the risks. It’s an eye-opener that will help you keep bias out of your transactions and protect everyone involved. Before your next multiple-offer situation, arm yourself with this insight so you can do the right thing legally and ethically.
Lee Nelson
7️⃣ Showing Property Can Be a Dangerous Job
Personal safety isn’t just a box to check – it’s a real concern every time we meet new clients or host an open house. This article (from Silicon Valley REALTORS®) shares jaw-dropping stats and safety advice that every agent should know. 73% of REALTORS® surveyed feared for their safety at some point in the past year, and thousands were crime victims while on the job. 😮
The article offers expert tips to make sure you don’t become a statistic – from using GPS safety apps and buddy systems to trusting your instincts and vetting clients. Take a few minutes to read this and update your personal safety game plan. Your life is worth it!
Silicon Valley Association of Realtors
8️⃣ Forms and Practice Changes
Big changes are coming to how we handle commissions and contracts, and you need to be prepared. According to this Washington REALTORS® update, as of August 2024 every REALTOR®-owned MLS will stop publishing buyer broker commission offers in the MLS, and the standard listing agreement is getting a major overhaul.
If you don’t adapt, you “simply run the risk of working for free.” (Their words – gulp!) Don’t worry, this post tells you what’s changing and how to adjust. It’s essentially a heads-up on new forms and practices that will hit soon. Read it now to stay a step ahead – and to make sure you continue getting paid fairly for the great work you do.