Washington State Real Estate Practice Exam 2025 - Free Real Estate Practice Questions and Study Guide

In Washington State, a listing agreement must be in writing to be enforceable. This requirement is grounded in the Statute of Frauds, which aims to prevent fraudulent claims and ensure that there is clear evidence of the terms agreed upon by the parties involved. A written agreement provides both the seller and the real estate professional with a tangible document that outlines their rights and obligations, including details such as commission rates, property descriptions, and the duration of the listing.

In the context of real estate practice, having a written listing agreement protects both parties and establishes a formal relationship, thereby minimizing misunderstandings and disputes. Additionally, without a written document, it may be challenging to enforce the terms of the agreement if disagreements arise later on.

The other options suggest situations where a listing agreement may not need to be in writing, but that is not the case under Washington law. Oral agreements are generally not enforceable in real estate transactions involving listing agreements, and specific regulations apply uniformly regardless of the type of property involved or the length of the agreement.