Real estate licensing gets 30 year update

OLYMPIA — The world has changed, the economy has changed, home buying has changed, yet the licensing process for realtors has stayed the same.

“During the past 30 years we have not updated our real estate statutes,” said Sen. Rodney Tom, D-Bellevue, prime sponsor of legislation that updates the licensing process and overwhelming passed the Senate Monday.

Senate Bill 6498, provides updated definitions and licensing requirements for the different levels of real estate brokers and real estate firms. The bill also calls for more supervision and oversight of entry level licensees, increases supervision standards for real estate teams, and ensures that those who work in real estate have proper knowledge and training in how to protect consumers.

SB 6498 also provides consumer protection benefits, which include criminal background checks and fingerprinting.

“This bill adds background checks for safety and increased training so that we have a more knowledgeable workforce,” said Tom.

This has been an ongoing process over several years with a large group of stakeholders coming to agreement that encompasses this legislation.

SB 6498 passed the Senate on a 47 to 1 vote and now moves to the House for consideration.

Return to Sen. Tom's home page