Current Issues in Washington Real Estate 2026-2027 (CORE) - Certified Washington State Real Estate Continuing Education 3 Clock Hour Course
Every two years, the Washington State Department of Licensing works with real estate professionals, industry groups, and approved education providers to identify the most important issues affecting residential real estate practice. These findings form the basis of the required Current Issues in Residential Real Estate core course for Washington brokers.
The 2026–2027 edition of this course is organized around the three areas that have the greatest impact on daily brokerage practice: forms updates, legislative changes, and business practices and professional standards. The course is designed to help Washington real estate brokers stay compliant, informed, and confident in an evolving regulatory and market environment.
This three-hour core course reviews updated NWMLS forms, recent changes to Washington real estate law, and best practices expected of today’s real estate professionals. Emphasis is placed on practical application, risk management, and consumer protection.
Topics Covered in Current Issues in Washington Residential Real Estate 2026–2027
Forms Review and Update
- Evidence of funds requirements
- Inspection addendum and inspection response forms
- Well addendum response
- Buyer broker compensation provisions
- New and revised NWMLS forms effective 2025
- Notice of termination and appraisal-related notices
- Referral disclosure requirements
- Exclusive sale and listing agreements
- Buyer brokerage service agreements
- Early and delayed occupancy agreements
- Earnest money handling and dispute considerations
- Agency Law Pamphlet delivery and use
Legislative Update
- Reforming Washington real estate agency law
- Written brokerage service agreements and disclosure requirements
- Housing legislation impacting residential real estate practice
- Middle housing and density expansion
- Adaptive reuse of existing buildings for housing
- Affordable housing and financing-related legislation
- Growth management and environmental review updates
- Regulation of future listing right contracts
Business Practices Update and Professional Standards
- Raising the bar for ethical real estate practice
- Managing broker responsibilities and supervision
- Multiple offer scenarios and fair presentation of offers
- Risky practices in today’s market
- Proper use of transaction coordinators
- Recordkeeping and trust account compliance
- Advertising requirements and common violations
- Avoiding top Department of Licensing violations
- Personal safety practices for brokers during showings and open houses
This course satisfies the Washington State Department of Licensing's three-hour Current Issues core requirement for the 2026–2027 renewal period. It is ideal for Washington brokers who want a clear, practical understanding of current laws, updated forms, and professional standards that apply directly to real-world transactions.