Applying

• In order to create a firm, one must:
  • Fill out a form by the director
  • Be honest, truthful and good reputation
• Fingerprints and background check
• If the firm is a legally recognized business entity:
  • Register with Secretary of State

Exemptions from Licensing

These are occupations and individuals who DO NOT need a Washington Real Estate license to do business:

1. Individuals buying/selling property for personal or group use
2. Authorized attorneys-in-fact
3. Attorneys practicing law
4. Court-appointed representatives (receivers, trustees, executors, etc.)
5. Office personnel (secretaries, bookkeepers, accountants) not engaged in real estate activities
6. Government employees involved in property acquisition
7. Self-storage facility owners/managers (for rental/lease of individual storage space)
8. Referral services not involved in negotiations or brokerage services
9. Certified public accountants not promoting specific real property interests
10. Title/escrow companies, attorneys, and financial institutions not promoting specific real property interests
11. Investment counselors not promoting specific real property interests
12. Common interest community managers not promoting specific real property interests
13. Individuals employed by/retained by property owners or managing brokers for limited property management activities (e.g., showing units, receiving applications, assisting with administrative tasks)