New Rule for Realtors Concerning Home Inspector Referrals (WA)

NEW RULE REGARDING HOME INSPECTOR REFERRALS

Arules hearing regarding Home Inspector Referrals by real estatelicensees was held on November 25, 2008 in Olympia. The following rulewill take effect on January 31, 2009:

NEW SECTION

WAC 308-124C-050 Home inspector referrals. Each licensed designated broker will establish a written office policy that includes a procedure for referring home inspectors to buyers or sellers. The policy will address the consumer's right to freely pick a home inspectors of the buyers' or seller's choice and prevent any collusion between the home inspector and a real estate licensee.

If a licensee refers a home inspector to a buyer or seller with whom they have or have had a relationship including, but not limited to, a business or familial relationship, then full disclosure of the relations must be provided in writing prior to the buyer or seller using the services of the home inspector.

This new rule becomes part of 18.85 RCW: The Law Relating to Licensing of Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons.