State Agency Rules (Washington)
Washington agency relationships are defined by statute (RCW 18.86), and residential sellers must provide a Form 17 disclosure. This topic covers both.
The Law of Real Estate Agency (RCW 18.86)
Washington's real estate agency statute, RCW 18.86, defines the duties licensees owe to buyers and sellers and the types of relationships. Brokers must provide consumers with the statutory pamphlet on the law of real estate agency so they understand representation and duties before proceeding. The statute sets default duties absent a written agreement to the contrary.
The Form 17 Seller Disclosure
Under RCW 64.06, sellers in most residential resales must give the buyer a completed Seller Disclosure Statement, commonly called Form 17, describing the known condition of the property and its systems. The buyer generally has a right to rescind within a statutory period after receiving the form if not satisfied. It is a disclosure of known facts, not a warranty.