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Agency Update – Buyer Brokerage Service Agreements
Effective January 1, 2024, the statute in Washington that governs real estate brokerage relationships (RCW 18.86) – otherwise known as the “Agency Law” – was significantly revised. The revisions modernize the 25-year-old law, provide additional transparency and consumer protections, and acknowledge the importance of buyer representation.
Key Revisions
For years, real estate brokerage firms were only required to enter into written agreements with sellers, not buyers. The Agency Law now requires firms to enter into a written “brokerage services agreement” with any party the firm represents, both sellers and buyers. This change is to ensure that buyers (in addition to sellers) clearly understand the terms of the firm’s representation and compensation. The services agreement with buyers must include:
❱ The term of the agreement (with a default term of 60 days and an option for a longer term);
❱ The name of the broker appointed to be the buyer’s agent;
❱ Whether the agency relationship is exclusive or non-exclusive;
❱ Whether the buyer consents to the individual broker representing both the buyer and the seller in the same transaction (referred to as “limited dual agency”);
❱ Whether the buyer consents to the broker’s designated broker/ managing broker’s limited dual agency;
❱ The amount the firm will be compensated and who will pay the compensation; and
❱ Any other agreements between the parties.
Additional Information
In addition to the revisions above, there are several other amendments to the agency law regarding buyer clients that brokers must be aware of & adhere to – below are further materials that should be reviewed and may be provided to clients if they so choose.
Revised NWMLS Pamphlet
The NWMLS has provided a pamphlet entitled “Real Estate Brokerage in Washington” that provides an overview of the revised Agency Law. This document has replaced the previous “Law of Real Estate” flyer.
Click here to access a digital copy, or scan the QR code to the right.
Revised Agency Law
The Substitute Senate Bill 5191 sets forth the revised Agency Law in its entirety.
Click here to access a digital copy, or scan the QR code to the right.
Client Marketing
To make these revisions digestible and easily accessible, Windermere has put together a marketing sheet for homebuyers with all of the information above in an attractive, comprehensive flyer.
It is vitally important that buyer clients understand their rights & the requirements of their brokers to help create a transparent & communicative transaction – this flyer makes transmitting that information much simpler.
To access a downloadable copy of this flyer, please click here or on the image above.
With the arrival of the new year has come some significant changes (for the better) that will protect brokers & their clients from miscommunication and foster an environment that enables clear communication.
As with anything, if you as a homeowner have any questions, don’t hesitate to consult with your Windermere agent. If you don’t already have an agent, please reach out to Windermere Bellevue Commons and we’d be thrilled to introduce you to some of the most knowledgeable brokers in the industry.
Written by Jessica Adams
Home Sweet Home
Welcome to the WBC Book Club, where your favorite Admins & Agents share our favorite books of the moment! From fictional adventures to inspiring true stories, you can find it all right here on the WBC blog. You may notice that the format of our book recs look a little different than most, but that’s because our team loves to stand out and provide an unparalleled experience in all aspects of our business.
This month’s Literary Listings are all about the places we call home, whether it be a glamourous pied-a-terre in Paris, a hauntingly beautiful estate in the English countryside, or a traditional colonial on the hill. Houses are the overlooked characters of our favorite stories, bearing witness to private conversations, clandestine meetings and secret dreams. It makes you wonder what these homes might have to say if walls could talk…
The Dutch House by Ann Patchett
Marketing Remarks: Now is your chance to own a bit of Pennsylvania history! Built by the illustrious VanHoebeek family in 1922, this Dutch colonial home with period details is in pristine condition. Enjoy evening soirees in the third floor ballroom and relax by the pool all summer long. This property spans several acres and offers unobstructed territorial views from the floor to ceiling windows. All art and furniture is conveyed with the house, including several priceless portraits that trace the long history of this amazing home.
Agent Remarks: Spanning more than three decades, The Dutch House chronicles the lives of Maeve and Danny Conroy, siblings who suddenly find themselves orphaned and disinherited by their stepmother after the untimely death of their father. With enough acerbic wit to counter the more sober themes, this is a beautiful coming of age story about love, forgiveness and the unbreakable bonds of family, reminding us that home is not where you are, it is who you are with.
Directions: Read the synopsis here!
The Paris Apartment by Lucy Foley
Marketing Remarks: Quiet and secluded baroque pied-a-terre close to local amenities. Secure passcode entry & on-site concierge to monitor all deliveries, building maintenance and mysterious goings-on. Building features include a lovely courtyard, hidden passageways, a wine cellar with convenient storage area – but beware, it’s easy to get locked in down there if you aren’t careful. Enjoy timeless elegance at one the most sought-after apartment buildings in Paris.
Agents Remarks: A suspenseful guessing game where no one is ever truly what they seem, The Paris Apartment takes you on a twisting investigation through the streets of Paris as a young woman attempts to find her missing brother. Then tension builds as we meet his various neighbors, each of whom seem to have a reason for wanting the charismatic, aspiring journalist out of the picture. This book has mystery, childhood trauma, and revenge – all the makings of a classic thriller!
Directions: Read the synopsis here!
Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen
Marketing Remarks: Step back in time to this 12th century abbey situated in the idyllic English countryside. This estate has been lovingly restored and repurposed into a family residence while keeping the building’s original architectural details intact. Arching gothic windows let in plenty of natural light to chase away any ghostly shadows, while the grand Rumford fireplace creates a cozy atmosphere in the spacious drawing room. It would be an alleged crime to pass up on this amazing opportunity!
Agent Remarks: Jane Austen’s first published work, Northanger Abbey satirizes the popular gothic novel that was sweeping the literary world in the 1800s. It follows a lovable yet naïve heroine, Catherine, who finds herself caught in a tug-of-war of friendship and romance with two very different sibling duos. When invited to visit her friends’ ancestral home, Catherine’s imagination takes flight as she searches for ghostly apparitions and murderous schemes around every turn. Expectations are turned upside down, relationships are tested and true natures revealed in this hilarious romp. This is a palatable book for those new to the work of Jane Austen and a great read for passing dark, stormy evenings.
Directions: Read the synopsis here!
What should we read next? We are always on the lookout for new book recommendations and would love to hear from you – tag us on social media with your favorite stories!
Instagram @windermerebellevuecommons
Twitter @WindermereBelle
Facebook @Bellevue Commons (Windermere)
Written by Makena Schoene
How to Turn Your Home Into a Vacation Rental
So, you want to become an AirBnB host. How do go about converting your property into a vacation destination?
The hospitality industry has been hard at work to regain its foothold with stir-crazy consumers who have a whole new set of values post-Covid. The growing popularity of the short-term vacation rental is poised to redefine the nature of vacationing for years to come, thanks to increased space, flexibility, and lower average rates.
The demographic for Airbnb guests is changing as well, as Gen Z and millennials are more inclined to travel with groups of friends rather than just their immediate family. Future Airbnb owners can capitalize on this trends for unique, photogenic accommodations that hotels can’t always provide.
If you are willing to put in the hard work, your vacation rental can turn a good profit, and we’ve got a quick guide to get you started!
Image Courtesy of NWMLS Listing – Duke Young
Laws & Logistics
Converting your home into a vacation rental isn’t as easy as listing it on a site like AirBnB. There are a lot of hoops to jump through regarding local regulations, insurance policies, market trends and HOA rules. Start your research by looking into the ordinances of the city where you are located, as municipal law can vary even within the same state.
Seattle law, for example, states that property owners are restricted to operating a maximum of 2 dwelling units as short-term rentals, whereas Bellingham only requires that short-term rental operators obtain the appropriate vacation rental permit and pay the associated fee. Paying attention to regional codes is an important first step towards turning your property into a vacation rental.
Looking into the local market is a great way to get a feel for whether or not your vacation rental has a chance to really succeed in that area. “Look for your direct competitors,” advises Alex Haler, a strategic account executive with AirDNA, “What are they doing well? Do any of them have a particular amenity or feature that is helping them outperform the others? Keep track of this group of competitors as they will aid you in setting the right price, benchmarking your performance and staying ahead of the curve.”
Image Courtesy of NWMLS Listing – Duke Young
Reduce, Repair & Redecorate
The next step is to take care of any necessary repairs, update the furniture and install new tech if need be. Start by depersonalizing the space – as much as you love those family mementos, you are selling a space as a blank canvas for others to create their own memories.
Install smart technology to enhance connectivity for your guests and to keep an eye on your property when you can’t be there in person. Electronic locks that can be managed via the internet are a great addition, as they generate unique codes for each guest stay and make the check-in process quicker and easier.
Now is the time to take care of those pesky quirks that you have grown accustomed to, like squeaky doors or testy faucets. While some guests may not even register these issues, you are investing in your property’s longevity. By being proactive with repairs from the get-go, you save yourself stress and potentially more costly problems down the line.
When decorating, consider the aesthetic of your vacation rental and how it will complement the local vibe. What draws people to the area? Would a coastal motif fit best or would a cozy cabin vibe be more appropriate? “Think about how your guests are going to use the space, rather than simply throwing things together,” advises Nikki Kaestner, a Senior Design Associate with Vacasa.
Good design isn’t about finding matchy-matchy pieces, but creating a space that feels like a home. This can be achieved by layering pieces for a lived-in look that don’t necessarily match but blend cohesively. Make sure you invest in sturdy, quality materials (especially in high touch areas like dining rooms) that can withstand the wear and tear of multiple guests over several seasons – this includes solid wood tables and fabrics that have passed the Martindale test for performance, like Sunbrella.
Stock Up On Supplies
You’re almost ready to welcome your first guests! All that’s left is making sure all the little essentials are well-stocked. Guests are always on the lookout for amenities such as extra towels, sheets and basic toiletries. These are items that are used the most and are almost always left behind in a packing frenzy.
Invest in quality bedding, kitchen supplies and travel-size toiletries to make your vacation rental stand out from the crowd. Being an over-prepared vacation rental host by anticipating these needs can make the difference between a glowing review and an unsatisfied comment that affects future bookings.
Image Courtesy of NWMLS Listing – Duke Young
Advice From An Agent
Don’t just take our word for it! We sat down with WBC broker, Mylo Adams, one our amazing real estate professionals for her tips on property management. “Vacation rental listing setup is the most important,” Mylo advises, “Be sure to verify your property may legally be used as a vacation rental.” This means understanding tax liability on the city, state and federal level, including excise, Business & Occupation (B&O) and capital gains tax.
Mylo’s Top Tips
– Prepare a Rules & Regulations handbook for your guests, as many condominiums allowing vacation rentals have specific rules.
– Invest in excellent professional photos. Did you know that professional photos can lead up to 20% more bookings?
– Respond to inquiries quickly (within 1 hour).
– Clean, Clean, CLEAN! Hire a professional cleaning service to make sure everything looks its best.
Its no secret that the nature of travel has changed over the last few years, creating new opportunities for homeowners to get involved in the field of hospitality and generate another revenue stream. If you think that converting your property into a short-term or vacation rental sounds like the right move, make sure you are doing as much research as possible. It’s a competitive market but creating an insta-worthy escape can pay significant dividends if done right.
Happy hosting!
Written by Makena Schoene
Featured Image Source: NWMLS Listing Courtesy of Duke Young
Hot Summer Reads
Welcome to the WBC Book Club, where your favorite Admins & Agents share our favorite books of the moment! From fictional adventures to inspiring true stories, you can find it all right here on the WBC blog. You may notice that the format of our book recs look a little different than most, but that’s because our team loves to stand out and provide an unparalleled experience in all aspects of our business. We hope you enjoy this summer edition of Literary Listings!
Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Marketing Remarks: Embrace the easy-going vibe of the Southern California coast without sacrificing ultimate luxury. With a contemporary design and open concept layout, this beach house on the bluff is perfect for entertaining. This property is best known for being the site of the annual Riva Party, hosted by professional surfer, Nina Riva and her famous siblings. Just a few minutes’ walk to the beach, don’t miss the opportunity to call this beautiful Malibu oasis home!
Agent Remarks: Beautifully capturing the intricacies of family relationships and the profound effects of generational trauma, Malibu Rising tells the story of four siblings grappling with the cost of their own fame and the notoriety of their playboy father. The consequences of their choices come to a head on one summer night in 1983, where each must face uncomfortable truths that will alter the course of their lives forever. This book is the ultimate summer read, transporting you to the sunny beaches of California where you can’t help but get swept away by an intriguing cast of flawed, fiery characters.
Directions: Read the synopsis here!
Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walters
Marketing Remarks: Live la dolce vita in this remote and peaceful village on the coast! Nestled among the cliffs of Porto Vergogna, the Hotel Adequate View is an investor’s dream, a historic property that has played host to Hollywood stars and literary scions. Convert into individual units, renovate into a single-family residence or restore this pensione to its former glory – anything is possible for the right buyer.
Agents Remarks: While Beautiful Ruins evokes visions of limoncello and vespa rides on a summer day, it shines a harsh light on the perception of women and the toxic nature of the film industry as the golden age of Hollywood begins to crumble like the ruins of Italy. This book is hauntingly beautiful, a love letter to love itself. Within these pages, we encounter love in its varied forms, from the unrequited to the toxic to the complicated, all seen through the eyes of our unlikely hero, Pasquale.
Directions: Read the synopsis here!
Book Lovers by Emily Henry
Marketing Remarks: Looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life? This quaint little hamlet is home to Goode’s Lily Cottage, a lovely two-bedroom farmhouse with recent updates & classic charm. Just a few miles from Main Street, you can visit all the sites that inspired Dusty Fielding’s bestselling novel, Once in a Lifetime, or sit on the front porch to enjoy the picturesque landscape. This property is perfect for year-round living or for use as a vacation rental – find your happily ever after in Sunshine Falls!
Agent Remarks: Book Lovers checks all the boxes for a light, summery beach read. A prickly editor and career-minded publicist butt heads until they inevitably find themselves having to work together on a new project – all while saving a local book store from financial ruin! It has all the makings of a classic Hallmark movie, but it’s intentionally cliché. This satire pokes fun at the rom-com formula without losing the heart that makes these stories so beloved. You can’t help but get drawn in by Nora and Charlie’s intense connection, especially as they both face difficult decisions as their careers and family dramas intersect.
Directions: Read the synopsis here!
We are always on the lookout for new book recommendations and would love to hear from you! Tag us on social media with your favorite beach reads and summer-time stories!
Instagram @windermerebellevuecommons
Twitter @WindermereBelle
Facebook @Bellevue Commons (Windermere)
Written by Makena Schoene
Now More Than Ever, “We’re All in, for you”
Love Doughnuts? Seattle’s Top Pot Doughnuts Interview Right Here
On the latest episode of the Windermere Home podcast, our host Brian Bushlach speaks with Mark Klebeck, Co-Founder of Top Pot Doughnuts. At Top Pot, they go all in by only crafting recipes using the best ingredients and precise techniques to create the highest quality doughnut. However, the attention to detail does not stop there because every Top Pot location is uniquely designed and decorated to create a one of a kind experience. A Top Pot location is the perfect spot to engage with clients and discuss their home buying or selling needs! Listen HERE.
Matthew Gardner’s 2020 Housing Forecast
Working to Tackle Local Homelesness with the Bellevue Wolverines and Bellevue LifeSpring
Photo Credit Dale Echigoshima
Fall is upon us and we can’t wait for everything that comes with it including football season! This year we’re partnering with Bellevue LifeSpring, Bellevue High School and Bellevue Wolverines Football to help tack homelessness in Bellevue as part of Windermere’s #tacklehomelessness campaign.
Bellevue LifeSpring’s mission is to foster stability and self-sufficiency for Bellevue’s children and their families through programs that provide food, clothing, education and emergency assistance. Their valuable services are vital to Bellevue families in need. We support all of the important work they do.
We are proud to sponsor the Bellevue High School Wolverines and will donate $100 dollars to Bellevue LifeSpring for every Wolverines home game touch down throughout this season. For the full schedule, head here.
Looking forward to another great Wolverines season and donating to such a great organization serving Bellevue families.
12 Tips for Making Your Bedroom Cozier
At the end of a long day, your bedroom should be a sanctuary of comfort that welcomes you in. But, as a room that guests rarely see and in which homeowners spend most of their time with their eyes closed, its upkeep frequently gets pushed to the bottom of the to-do list. Thankfully, there are some little design tricks that can make a big difference. Turn your bedroom into a restful retreat when you up its coziness factor with a few of these easy ideas.
- Layer textures. Sheepskin rugs, a down comforter, plush pillows, and knit blankets can add a softness to the room that will make you want to sink right in. Lift these textures upward, with a canopy, tufted headboard, billowy curtains and hanging textiles (like a weaving) so even the walls and ceiling feel snuggly.
- Pick the right paint. Dark, saturated colors make a room feel like it’s embracing you, which is ideal for setting a sleepy environment. But if you’re nervous to commit to a dark color on the wall, choose a pale dusty blue, sage green or another light natural color for a soothing tone (just steer clear of energetic hues). Have you ever wanted to sleep on a cloud? Go with all-white paint and decor which makes even a basic bedroom feel soft and spa-like.
- Personalize it with reminders of the places and things that make you feel at home. Do you have a fondness for flowers? Bring floral patterns in on your textiles. Do you dream of vacation at the lake? Frame a photo of your favorite spot! Photos or paintings of uncluttered natural landscapes—like a sunset reflecting on water or a hammock under the shade of an oak—can rekindle memories of relaxation and are perfect for creating a sense of calm.
- Add mood lighting. Soften the light to mimic dusk for an intimate mood with dimmer switches, lamps, lanterns or even string lights. Just make sure you can reach the switch from bed, so you don’t have to disturb your peace to get up and turn it off when you’re ready to roll over and fall asleep.
- Skip metallic finishes. Choose warm natural decor options like wood and fabric instead of cold, manufactured metallics. This goes for everything from your bedroom furniture to window treatments. Faux wood blinds, especially when paired with floating curtains, fit with a cozy aesthetic and let you filter out harsh sunlight and maintain privacy for a truly sheltered slumber.
- Bring on the books! Stacks of good reads invite you to snuggle in and get lost in another world. A true retreat is a room with plenty of books that begs you to stay.
- Fix up—or fake—a fireplace. If your bed sits hearthside, embrace this romantic accent with styled logs and a decorated mantle. If you don’t have such a luxury, create a faux fireplace to add comfort and warmth through your décor: Arrange oversized candles and lanterns safely within a homemade hearth to bring in that cozy fireside feeling without changing the structure of your home.
- Keep the room uncluttered. When you want to settle in, a mess distracts you from finding comfort, to minimize the amount of stuff that makes it to your bedroom. Watch your nightstand, which often becomes a catch-all, by making a point to rehome any wandering wares now, and put things away as soon as they enter the room in the future. If you’re apt to let laundry pile up, keep it behind the closed doors of your closet so it doesn’t crowd your peace.
- Create a sense of timelessness. Tuck clocks and electronics away so they’re nearby if you need them, but their wires and harsh silhouettes aren’t reminding you of life outside your sanctuary. The hush that falls in a room devoid of gadgets will allow you to easily disengage from the stresses of reality.
- Rethink your bedding. Add a pillow-top pad to your mattress so it feels like your bed is hugging you when you climb in. Or, bring in a contoured body pillow which actually can hug you! Linen sheets feel luxe compared to cotton and are a simple swap to boost your bower. Many people also swear by skipping the top sheet while dressing their beds, which allows them to burrow directly into a fluffy comforter.
- Appeal to your sense of smell. Aromatherapy can have a huge impact on your perception of a space, so find some soothing essential oils or a sweet candle to blanket the room with an ambiance you adore. As soon as you open the door, you’ll be eager to plunge into your little oasis.
- Nestle into nooks. A window seat, a reading nook or an upholstered seating area are all inviting spaces that can draw you in from the doorway. The more intimate alcoves you can create, the cozier your bedroom will feel!
Flooded with soft lighting, plush textures, and other comfy touches, your bedroom environment will envelop you at day’s end. And, perhaps even better than the idea of your bedroom refresh itself, is knowing that none of these tips take longer than a weekend to complete! So, slide into your slippers as you settle on which cozy updates you’ll select for your new favorite room of the house.
Originally Published on the Windermere Blog by Kenady Swan
Community Service Day 2019 at Little Bit Therapeutic Center
Windermere Community Service Day is right around the corner. On June 7th, 2019 we’ll be working at Little Bit Therapeutic Riding Center. In our 19th year volunteering for this great organization, we will be cleaning, gardening, and painting and anything else the center needs us to do. Little Bit improves the bodies, minds, and spirits of children and adults with disabilities through equine assisted therapies and activities. They’re an inspiration and educational resource to the therapeutic riding profession regionally and nationally. We’re proud to volunteer our time to such a vital organization that serves the Eastside communityand beyond.
Every year since 1984, Windermere associates have dedicated a day of work to complete neighborhood and community improvement projects as part of Windermere’s Community Service Day. Creating vibrant communities is one of the things that inspire us at Windermere. Giving back and supporting vibrant communities we work and live in is important to us. After all, real estate is rooted on our communities. And an investment in our neighborhood gives us all a place to call home.
