The 2011 Legislative session brought many changes for real estate professionals across the country and Washington is no exception. Private transfer fees are on the way out and tenant rights are strengthened.  Foreclosures are slowed down to accommodate the time needed for borrowers to respond. Borrowers have additional resources to work with, including housing counselors and mediators. Lenders are required to communicate with borrowers more clearly and in person. In addition to new legislation, new practices in real estate are also considered. Blogs, Facebook, and Twitter are common marketing tools. Their rise in popularity kicks off a fresh look at the guidelines for advertising online. Alternative methods for making money in real estate, from third-party listings to third-party referrals, are also discussed. This three-hour course meets the 2012-2013 objectives defined by the Washington Real Estate Commission for mandatory topics in residential CE.