2005 Washington Revised Code RCW 18.86.020: Agency relationship.

(1) A licensee who performs real estate brokerage services for a buyer is a buyer's agent unless the:

     (a) Licensee has entered into a written agency agreement with the seller, in which case the licensee is a seller's agent;

     (b) Licensee has entered into a subagency agreement with the seller's agent, in which case the licensee is a seller's agent;

     (c) Licensee has entered into a written agency agreement with both parties, in which case the licensee is a dual agent;

     (d) Licensee is the seller or one of the sellers; or

     (e) Parties agree otherwise in writing after the licensee has complied with RCW 18.86.030(1)(f).

     (2) In a transaction in which different licensees affiliated with the same broker represent different parties, the broker is a dual agent, and must obtain the written consent of both parties as required under RCW 18.86.060. In such a case, each licensee shall solely represent the party with whom the licensee has an agency relationship, unless all parties agree in writing that both licensees are dual agents.

     (3) A licensee may work with a party in separate transactions pursuant to different relationships, including, but not limited to, representing a party in one transaction and at the same time not representing that party in a different transaction involving that party, if the licensee complies with this chapter in establishing the relationships for each transaction.

[1997 c 217 § 1; 1996 c 179 § 2.]

Effective date -- 1997 c 217 §§ 1-6 and 8: "Sections 1 through 6 and 8 of this act are necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and take effect immediately [April 25, 1997]." [1997 c 217 § 9.]      Real estate agency pamphlet -- 1997 c 217 §§ 1-6: See note following RCW 18.86.120.