DOL Will Begin Conducting Remote Audits of Real Estate Firms

On March 8, 2021, the Department of Licensing (DOL) Real Estate Audit Unit will begin conducting audits remotely. Until further notice, audits will be conducted remotely instead of in person at the license location. This change will impact Real Estate Firms, Branches and Designated Brokers.

What does this mean to you?
You may be contacted by an Auditor to participate in a remote audit.

  • As a licensee you will be expected to participate.
  • Firms with hard copy records will be expected to scan, fax, and regular mail or email copies of the requested records to the auditor who contacted you for review.

Be prepared for an audit.
Preparation is the key to any successful audit process. The real estate licensing laws require that records are up-to-date, accessible and furnished upon request.

  • Be proactive.
  • Make sure you have a good working knowledge of your software.
  • Make sure you know how to access, retrieve, and are able to produce any and all records you are required to keep.
  • For hardcopy records, have a plan for how you will produce the requested records to the auditor for review.

Who do I contact if I have any questions?
Please email the Real Estate Audits Unit at [email protected]

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Washington REALTORS® Black History Month Series Recordings Now Available

This year, Washington REALTORS® hosted a series of webinars for Black History Month. If you weren’t able to attend the live sessions, the recordings are now available online!

Dr. Quintard Taylor gave a fascinating overview of housing discrimination in Washington. The period photos and historical references alone are worth the watch. CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE RECORDING

“What the Game of Monopoly Teaches Us about Race and Housing in America” was a special webinar with Dr. Leonard Moore and was the second video for Black History Month. Dr. Moore covered the history of housing discrimination and what kinds of discrimination we are facing today. CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE RECORDING

As part of their Black History Month series, Washington REALTORS® was excited to welcome the Director of Community Engagement at Highline College, Rashad Norris! Rashad has led teams and developed programs that created sustainable interpersonal relationships. In this webinar, he talked to REALTORS® about perceptions and assumptions of Black culture and Black history by the dominant narratives in textbooks and how society can skew self-identification, self-love, and self-confidence. CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE RECORDING

Washington REALTORS® welcomed Dr. Arthur Acolin with the University of Washington, College of Built Environments to take a deep dive into the data of Black homeownership, the research trends and why the growing gaps matter. CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE RECORDING

You can also check out a list of resources on WR’s dedicated Diversity, Equity and Inclusion page!

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DOL Renewal Notices Are Changing

WHAT IS HAPPENING?

The Department of Licensing (DOL) is changing their method for notifying customers when they’re eligible to renew their license.

  • The renewal reminder DOL sends will no longer include a form to fill out and mail back.
  • The new reminder directs customers to DOL’s new online system to see the amount owed and complete their renewal.
  • Renewing online is the quickest way for customers to get their license renewed.

Your renewal reminder will be sent through U.S. mail if DOL does not have a current email address on file.

WHY IS THIS HAPPENING?

Email allows DOL to send you multiple renewal reminders.

  • Renewing online is the quickest way for customers to get their license renewed.
  • You have the ability to print your license from your personal computer.
  • Renewing online offers more electronic services to DOL customers with more options to pay.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN TO YOU?

Customers will be sent a reminder that it’s time to renew. Your renewal reminder will include the date and links to renew online. You will need to log into your online account at www.dol.wa.gov to complete and pay for your renewal.

  • Your new renewal notice is for your records only and will not need to be returned to the DOL office. After you renew, most professions will be able to self-print your license and receipt for your records.
  • Multiple payment options are available.
  • Please make sure to update your contact information when you renew online.

Customers without an email address on file will receive a mailed letter 60 days from license expiration.

Email renewal notices will be sent 60, 30, and 7 days out from expiration date.

If you have any questions or comments, please contact the program at 360-664-6500.

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