How do you handle a Hellickson listing or pending sale?

For those of us who do business in Washington State, you're probably aware that the Department of Licensing, Real Estate Division, has recently suspended the licenses of the Hellickson company, and their primary owners.

This wouldn't normally be such a big deal, except for the fact that the Hellickson's had numerous listings, and many pending sales.

In an effort to understand how the State of Washington stands on this issues, and to insure that my agents didn't fall into some legal dilemma, I contacted the DOL last week, and was forwarded to a David Walker. He is either the head investigator for the State, or the head investigator for this complaint.

He returned my call on Monday the 20th of September.

I asked him specifically how do we handle a cross sale with Hellickson- since they no longer represent the seller, and are their sellers on their listings free to list with another agent without repercussions? (i.e. 2 commissions)

His answer was interesting, and very guarded.

The Hellickson's have a hearing with the DOL on October 19th. Should that hearing, or any subsequent appeals vindicate them, then the contracts they have with their sellers would be still enforceable.

With regards to a pending sale, I was advised to contact the NWMLS for their policy on rules and regulation when it comes to dealing with another agents client.

I pass this along only in an effort to assist those of you who may have issues with the above information.

I have no personal opinion about the situation with the State of Washington and the Hellicksons. This blog is merely intended as a point of information.