Enhancing consumer protection in real estate

Sun., March 16, 2008

Patti McKerricher Boyd Spokane Association of REALTORS®

In Olympia last week, the Legislature approved comprehensive reform of the law that governs licensure of real estate agents. House Bill 2778, approved overwhelmingly by the state House and Senate, will increase real estate professionalism and consumer protection. The bill now goes to the governor for her consideration.

“Over the last four years REALTORS® have worked with homeowners, regulators, and others to identify strategies to improve consumer protection and the professional accountability of our business,” said Jan Ellingson, Washington REALTORS® president. “The real estate license law had not had a comprehensive update for more than 20 years, and the requirements of the profession have changed significantly during that period.”

In order to be a real estate broker, associate broker, or salesperson, an individual must obtain a license from the Department of Licensing. Licensing requirements include passing an examination established by the Washington Real Estate Commission and having a minimum level of training. To receive a broker’s license, applicants must have at least two years of experience as a salesperson.

The bill replaces the existing licenses for salespersons and brokers with a new licensing process for real estate brokers, managing brokers, designated brokers, and firms. The bill increases licensing and educational requirements for real estate licensees. HB 2778 also increases supervision and oversight over new licensees by more experienced licensees.

“The bill is really about improving consumer protection by providing license holders with more training and education,” said Ellingson. During 2004 and 2005 Ellingson participated in a large task force of industry and regulating representatives that developed the legislative proposals.

Ellingson added that the real estate industry has changed dramatically over the years while licensing laws have not really been thoroughly reviewed. “The new categories of licensees are more descriptive of what licensees do – they broker real estate transactions,” said Ellingson.

The updated law would not be in effect before 2010 because the new requirements will call for rule changes in order for the updates to be implemented. We just wanted you to know about recent efforts and industry priorities.

“REALTOR® is a federally registered collective membership mark which identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics.”

Local journalism is essential.

Give directly to The Spokesman-Review's Northwest Passages community forums series -- which helps to offset the costs of several reporter and editor positions at the newspaper -- by using the easy options below. Gifts processed in this system are tax deductible.

Meet Our Journalists

Jesse Tinsley

Meet Jesse Tinsley. As a certified drone pilot, this veteran Spokesman-Review photographer often can be seen capturing beautiful aerial photographs of our region. Sometimes though, the job requires getting down with the dogs.
Jim Meehan

Jim Meehan is no stranger to Zag Nation. As the lead writer covering the Gonzaga men’s basketball team, he tells the stories behind the game and gets fans a bit closer to their favorite players.
Molly Quinn

There is no artist in Spokane like Molly Quinn. Her whimsical style is instantly recognizable to readers of The Spokesman-Review. She has painted gorgeous illustrations that instantly elevate the journalism accompanying it. She brings to life the stories that defy photography. She makes our pages better.
Rob Curley

Spokesman-Review editor Rob Curley loves to talk with people and learn about their lives, whether it's a best-selling author or a stranger he meets downtown on his walk to lunch. It's that inquisitive nature combined with a playful sense of storytelling that helps make our newspaper different than most.