Before you read
Test yourself first: 5 questions
Question 1 of 5
In Washington, what is the default presumed agency relationship of a broker who works with a buyer, absent a written agreement stating otherwise?
Answer: A. Under RCW 18.86, a broker who works with a buyer is presumed to be representing that buyer unless a written agreement provides otherwise (for example, the buyer is a customer only). Likewise, a broker who lists a seller's property is presumed to represent the seller. The law presumes representation flows to the party the broker is working with.
Question 2 of 5
Which of the following is a prohibited practice that could subject a Washington licensee to disciplinary action?
Answer: A. Substantial misrepresentation and false promises likely to influence, persuade, or induce a party are classic prohibited acts under Washington license law. The other choices describe proper, lawful conduct that licensees are expected to perform.
Question 3 of 5
A Washington broker shows homes to a prospective buyer who has signed no representation agreement and to whom the broker owes only the general statutory duties. This person is BEST classified as a:
Answer: A. A customer is a party to whom the broker owes only the general duties (such as honesty, good faith, and disclosure of known material facts) but not the full client-level duties like loyalty and confidentiality. A client/principal is a party the broker has agreed to represent.
Question 4 of 5
On the Form 17, a seller answers "NO" to a question when the truthful answer should be "YES," knowingly concealing a defect. Which statement best describes the consequence under Washington law?
Answer: B. Although Form 17 is a disclosure based on the seller's knowledge and not a warranty, a seller who knowingly makes a false statement on the form can be held liable for that misrepresentation. The non-warranty nature of the form does not shield a seller who intentionally conceals a known material defect.
Question 5 of 5
Which agency licenses and regulates real estate brokers in Washington State?
Answer: A. The Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) licenses and regulates real estate brokers and managing brokers in Washington.
Keep the streak going with more questions like these, each with a full rationale.
What you need to know
Brokers may represent the seller, the buyer, both parties as a limited dual agent (only with the informed written consent of both), or act for one party while the firm represents the other. Regardless of who they represent, all brokers owe statutory duties such as reasonable care, honesty, good faith, accounting for funds, and timely disclosure of material facts, and they must give consumers the required agency-relationships pamphlet.
Washington's Agency and Representation Model: FAQs
Is Washington's Agency and Representation Model on the real estate exam?
Yes. State License Law is a scored domain on the Washington real estate licensing exam, and this topic appears in the state license-law portion.
Is this cheat sheet free?
Yes — every page on Cinna RE's resource library is free to read, print and share. The app adds practice questions, mock exams and a readiness score.
Does Washington test this differently?
Washington applies its own license law on top of the national portion. This page covers the Washington rules specifically, which is what the state section of your exam tests.
