Seattle Homeowners Could Get a New Way To Block Unwanted Real Estate Solicitations

July 4, 2026 - 20:27

Seattle residents who are fed up with constant calls, texts, and emails from real estate agents and investors could soon get a simple way to make them stop. Councilmember Dionne Foster has introduced a new bill that would create a city-run "Do Not Solicit" registry specifically for real estate offers.

Under the proposed law, homeowners could sign up to block unsolicited contact from anyone trying to buy their property. That includes cold calls, door-knocking, flyers left on porches, and even direct messages on social media. The registry would be managed by the city's Department of Finance and Administrative Services, and violators could face fines of up to $500 per incident.

Foster said the idea came from constituents who described feeling harassed by aggressive investors, especially in neighborhoods seeing rapid gentrification. "People should not have to fend off constant pitches just to enjoy a quiet evening at home," she said in a statement.

The bill has drawn support from neighborhood groups who say the current system of blocking individual phone numbers is ineffective. Real estate industry representatives, however, have raised concerns about enforcement and the potential for confusion over what counts as a solicitation.

If passed, Seattle would join a handful of other U.S. cities with similar registries. The legislation is expected to go before a city council committee for a hearing next month.