Washington law requires that real property is conveyed by deed.  There are different types of deeds, but generally a deed must:

• be in writing;
• include consideration, which is the exchange for value information, or be a gift;
• include a legal description of the property; 
• be signed by the grantor in front of an authorized party, i.e. a notary; and
• be delivered to the grantee with the intent to pass title.  

While many real estate transactions involve a real estate agent, this is at the choice of the buyer or seller.  A real estate agent must have a written agreement with their client to perform real estate brokerage services.  Real estate agents have certain duties to their client, including:

• be loyal to the client by taking no action that would be adverse or detrimental to the client;
• to disclose in a timely manner any conflicts of interest;
• to advise the client to get expert advice on matters relating to the transaction beyond the agent's expertise; 
• to refrain from disclosing confidential information about the client, except under subpoena or court order, even after termination of the relationship; and
• make a good faith effort to find a property for a buyer or to sell the property for a seller. 

When a property owner is solicited for the purchase of their property through public advertising or written, electronic, or in-person contact, and the property is not currently available or listed on the real estate market, the property owner has certain rights.  The property owner has the right to an appraisal by a licensed appraiser, the right to receive notice from the potential buyer of the right to an appraisal, and the right to cancel the purchase contract without penalty or further obligation under certain conditions. 

For property owners who wish to exercise their right to an appraisal:

• the property owner may select the appraiser, and the buyer is responsible for the expense;
• the appraisal must be ordered within three business days after the execution of the purchase contract, and the property owner must notify the buyer of the appraisal; and
• the property owner has the right to cancel the purchase contract within four business days after the appraisal is received.

For property owners who do not wish to receive an appraisal, the property owner has the right to cancel the purchase contract within 10 business days after execution of the contract.

In the event the property owner wishes to cancel, the property owner must send a notice of cancellation to the buyer by mail, telegram, email, or other means of written communication.  Notice of cancellation is considered given when mailed, filed, emailed, or if sent by other means, when delivered to the buyer's designated place of business. 

Purchase contracts for these types of solicited real estate transactions must state clearly in at least 10 point boldface type, and the seller must affirmatively acknowledge, that the seller has the right to an appraisal and has a right to cancel. 

Violations are enforced under the Consumer Protection Act.