18.85.471 - Real estate research center -- Purpose.

Real estate research center — Purpose. (Expires September 30, 2015.)

(1) The purpose of a real estate research center in Washington state is to provide credible research, value-added information, education services, and project-oriented research to real estate licensees, real estate consumers, real estate service providers, institutional customers, public agencies, and communities in Washington state and the Pacific Northwest region. The center may:

     (a) Conduct studies and research on affordable housing and strategies to meet the affordable housing needs of the state;

     (b) Conduct studies in all areas directly or indirectly related to real estate and urban or rural economics and economically isolated communities;

     (c) Disseminate findings and results of real estate research conducted at or by the center or elsewhere, using a variety of dissemination media;

     (d) Supply research results and educational expertise to the Washington state real estate commission to support its regulatory functions, as requested;

     (e) Prepare information of interest to real estate consumers and make the information available to the general public, universities, or colleges, and appropriate state agencies;

     (f) Encourage economic growth and development within the state of Washington;

     (g) Support the professional development and continuing education of real estate licensees in Washington;

     (h) Study and recommend changes in state statutes relating to real estate; and

     (i) Develop a vacancy rate standard for low-income housing in the state.

     (2) The director shall establish a memorandum of understanding with an institution of higher learning that establishes a real estate research center for the purposes under subsection (1) of this section.

     (3) This section expires September 30, 2015.

[2010 c 156 § 3; 2005 c 185 § 3; 2002 c 294 § 5; 1999 c 192 § 3. Formerly RCW 18.85.540.]

Notes: Effective date -- 2010 c 156: See note following RCW 18.85.451.

Findings -- 2002 c 294: See note following RCW 36.22.178.