Olympia – A bill aimed at increasing transparency and protecting homeowners in solicited real estate transactions has passed the Washington State House of Representatives and is now headed to the Senate for further consideration. House Bill 1081, sponsored by Rep. Brandy Donaghy (D-Mill Creek), requires companies soliciting real estate contracts to inform homeowners of their rights, including the right to an appraisal, and to cover the cost of that appraisal since they are initiating the transaction.
“This is about transparency and fairness,” said Donaghy. “I believe that companies should be responsible and transparent when they are asking homeowners to sell their property. We shouldn’t be operating under a ‘seller beware’ mindset. These companies are asking for home sales, they should be transparent and foot the appraisal bill.”
Solicited real estate transactions—those initiated through public advertising, written communication, or in-person contact—often involve homeowners who may not fully understand the terms of the offer. Under HB 1081, property owners who are approached by a buyer, without having listed their home for sale, will be entitled to key protections to ensure they are making informed decisions.
The legislation grants homeowners the right to request an appraisal by a licensed appraiser, with the buyer covering the cost. The appraisal must be ordered within three business days after the contract is executed, and the homeowner must notify the buyer. After receiving the appraisal, the homeowner has four business days to cancel the contract without penalty. If the homeowner does not request an appraisal, they still have the right to cancel within 10 business days of signing the contract.
To ensure transparency, all purchase contracts for solicited real estate transactions must clearly state these rights in at least 10-point boldface type, and the seller must affirmatively acknowledge them before finalizing the sale. If the seller chooses to cancel the contract, they may do so by sending a notice via mail, email, or other written communication, which will be considered valid upon delivery to the buyer’s designated place of business.
“Many of these companies are not operating in a predatory manner and are treating homeowners fairly. Some are not,” Donaghy said. “That is why some basic seller protections are needed to ensure no one is taken advantage of.”
Transactions in which a buyer or seller is represented by a licensed real estate agent are exempt from these requirements. Any violations of the bill’s provisions will be enforced under the Consumer Protection Act, providing legal recourse for homeowners who are misled or taken advantage of in these transactions.
House Bill 1081 passed the House with a 56-39 vote and now moves to the Senate for further debate. If enacted, the bill would take effect on January 1, 2026
