(1) In any real estate transaction, a firm's compensation may be paid by the seller, the buyer, a third party, or by sharing the compensation between firms.
(2) An agreement to pay or payment of compensation does not establish an agency relationship between the party who paid the compensation and the broker.
(3) A seller may agree that a seller's agent's firm may share with another firm the compensation paid by the seller.
(4) A buyer may agree that a buyer's agent's firm may share with another firm the compensation paid by the buyer.
(5) A firm may be compensated by more than one party for real estate brokerage services in a real estate transaction, if those parties consent in writing at or before the time of signing an offer in the transaction.
(6) A firm may receive compensation based on the purchase price without breaching any duty to the buyer or seller.
(7) Nothing contained in this chapter negates the requirement that an agreement authorizing or employing a broker to sell or purchase real estate for compensation or a commission be in writing and signed by the seller or buyer.
[ 2013 c 58 § 9; 1997 c 217 § 6; 1996 c 179 § 8.]
NOTES:
Real estate agency pamphlet—1997 c 217 §§ 1-6: See note following RCW 18.86.120.
Effective date—1997 c 217 §§ 1-6 and 8: See note following RCW 18.86.020.