Recent News

Selling a home involves an almost overwhelming number of considerations.  How should you stage your home?  What will be your listing price?  How many open houses should you have?  Does your house need any touch ups?  The list can go on and on.  Indeed, even after an offer is accepted, a seller still has to… Read More

If you have a LLC or corporation registered with the Washington Secretary of State, be aware of scams and misleading letters. Scammers have been increasing their efforts, especially against new business owners. These hoaxes suggest you are required to pay for certificates, posters, or other documentation, when in fact, the state requires no such documentation… Read More

Each district court in Washington State has a small claims division that provides an avenue for parties to resolve small monetary disputes.  This division is generally referred to as small claims court.  Small claims court utilizes a very streamlined process so that parties can resolve small disputes without having to spend extensive time and money… Read More

On January 1, 2020, Washington state’s new graduated real estate excise tax takes effect.  The excise tax (aka transfer tax) is paid upon closing the sale of real property.  The amount of tax changes depending on the value of the sold property.  The existing excise tax is a flat 1.28%. The new excise tax is… Read More

Businesses have life cycles: birth (formation), life (operation), and death (liquidation and winding up). Many business owners form a limited liability company (“LLC”) by filing a Certificate of Formation, but fail to complete the necessary structuring of the LLC to maximize the benefits of LLC. When utilized properly, the flexibility the LLC offers coupled with… Read More

A homestead exemption protects homeowners and the equity in their homes from judgment creditors seeking to collect on unsecured debts.  Pursuant to RCW 6.13.010, a “homestead” is real or personal property that the owner uses as a residence.  Washington allows for these homesteads to be protected for up to $125,000 of a home’s value.  In… Read More

What is Earnest Money? In the purchase of real estate, it is common for a buyer to put down a deposit called earnest money. This deposit is made to a seller to represent the buyer’s good faith towards buying the real property at issue.  Earnest money is typically held in an escrow account until closing,… Read More

In Washington State, as with most states, LLC members hold certain rights deriving from statute as well as contract rights.  Most all of the rights identified in our LLC Act, RCW 25.15 (the “Act”) are subject to modification by agreement.  In the absences of an agreement to the contrary, members of LLCs, pursuant to the… Read More

Key amendments to Washington State’s Residential Landlord-Tenant Act (RCW 59.18, or the “Act”) will become law on July 27th, 2019.  The new amendments expand protections for tenants while limiting landlords’ eviction options.  Additionally, the amendments expand judicial discretion in eviction hearings. Before, judges were strictly bound by the statute, but, after July 27th, judges may… Read More