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HB 2624

Clarifying consumer protections regarding unsolicited real estate transactions for public purposes or by nonprofit land conservancies.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Brandy Donaghy and 2 co-sponsors

Unsolicited real estate offers on non-market property must include an appraisal right for the owner and the option to cancel the contract without penalty.

Effective date 6/11/2026.
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Bill Summary · HB 2624

Summary of HB 2624 (Session 2025-2026) – Washington

Purpose and Intent

HB 2624 clarifies and reinforces consumer protections related to unsolicited real estate transactions conducted for public purposes or by nonprofit land conservancies. Building on prior reforms (HB 1081, 2025) and subsequent amendments (Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5801, 2025), the bill aims to ensure that property owners who are approached with a purchase offer for property not currently on the open market have access to specific rights and protections during the solicitation process.

Key aim:
- Provide clearer rights and process around unsolicited real estate transactions when the buyer or seller is not represented by a licensed real estate agent, and when the transaction is for public/charitable land conservation or transportation-related purposes.

What the Bill Would Change or Establish

  • Appraisal Requirement

    • If a property is solicited (i.e., an offer is made outside the ordinary market listing) and is not currently listed on the market, the owner is entitled to an appraisal by a licensed appraiser.
    • The appraisal must be ordered within three business days after the execution of the purchase contract.
    • The owner of the solicited real property must be notified by the potential buyer of the owner’s right to an appraisal.

  • Notice Rights

    • The prospective seller must be informed of the opportunity to obtain an appraisal, ensuring transparency in the undersigned transaction.

  • Contractual Protections

    • The owner may cancel the purchase contract without penalty or further obligation under certain conditions, continuing to rely on the protections established by HB 1081.

  • Exemptions (as reflected by related earlier actions)

    • Transactions where a licensed real estate agent represents either the buyer or seller are exempt from these appraisal and notification requirements.
    • Public entities acquiring real property for transportation purposes are excluded from the requirements as currently amended (per Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5801, 2025).

Who Would Be Affected

  • Affected Parties

    • Property owners who are solicited for the sale of property not listed on the open market.
    • Potential buyers of solicited properties (when representation is by a licensed real estate agent, protections do not apply).
    • Buyers and sellers proceeding without a licensed real estate agent in the transaction would be subject to appraisal notification requirements and potential contract cancellation rights.

  • Exemptions

    • Transactions involving representation by licensed real estate agents (buyer or seller).
    • Public entities purchasing land for transportation purposes (as previously amended).

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Effective Timeline

    • The bill’s action history indicates it passed both chambers in early 2026 and was signed by the Governor on March 24, 2026.
    • Effective date noted: June 11, 2026.

  • Key Procedural Provisions

    • Appraisal must be ordered within three business days after the purchase contract is executed.
    • The seller must be notified of the appraisal right.
    • The owner may cancel the contract without penalty if conditions align with HB 1081 protections (subject to existing exemptions).

Practical Impact and Considerations

  • Increased transparency and due diligence in unsolicited acquisitions not listed on the market.
  • Enhanced leverage and information for property owners in sole-source or public-purpose solicitations.
  • Clear distinctions between solicitations and traditional brokered real estate transactions, preserving exemptions for broker-represented deals.
  • Aligns with broader state policy to safeguard property owners facing unsolicited offers, particularly when land may be relevant to public transportation or conservation objectives.

If you’d like, I can provide a side-by-side comparison with HB 1081 and SB 5801 to illustrate how HB 2624 fits within the prior framework and what changes it specifically adds.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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