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REAL ESTATE AGENTS
Realtor Professional Licensure Complaints: What to Know
As a licensed real estate professional, you must maintain an ethical and responsible track record to protect your reputation and livelihood. You've put so much time and effort into building your business. But just one accusation of misconduct or violation of state regulations can destroy everything you've worked hard for. With the help of Licensure, a professional license defense law firm, we can help safeguard your future and protect your ability to work as a realtor.
The moment you discover a complaint or accusation has been made against you, it's crucial to act quickly to protect your realtor license. The Virginia Real Estate Board has many tools at hand to make decisions about your licensing status. Unfortunately, the Board also has a low burden of proof to show you've done something wrong as realtor, salesperson, broker, or firm representing others in real estate transactions. This is why getting excellent legal help is essential.
To help yourself, your first step should be to get assistance from a realtor professional license defense attorney.
Typical Offenses That Could Lead to Losing a Real Estate License
For real estate professionals to keep a valid license, they are required to meet and follow tight Virginia Real Estate Board regulations. Failing to do so can result in disciplinary action, including license suspension or revocation. Keeping your license safe requires understanding the types of offenses that could lead to it being revoked and being proactive to avoid them.
Fraudulent activity including mishandling client money, falsifying records, mortgage fraud and financial misconduct are some of the main reasons realtors and brokers lose their licenses. You may not be able to get or retain your real estate agent's license if you have a criminal conviction, particularly if it involves fraud is a felony conviction.
Real estate professionals who don't keep client information confidential, violate the Fair Housing Act, do not keep up with continuing education (CE) requirements, act outside the scope of their license, or sell real estate without a valid license are all examples of potential violations.
The Real Estate Disciplinary and Investigation Process
As a general rule, if someone files a complaint against your license, the Virginia Real Estate Board will investigate to decide if the complaint filed against you is worth investigating (i.e., if there is merit to the complaint). Usually, this involves issuing subpoenas for documents from you or third parties, gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and inviting you to respond to the complaint in writing and provide any evidence that disputes any allegations against you.
A consent agreement or consent order may be offered to you if the Board believes that there is enough evidence to pursue the complaint further after their investigation ends. With a consent order, you admit wrongdoing/responsibility for what's in the complaint and you also agree to the board's recommended disciplinary action which will become public.
It's possible for the Board to permanently take away your real estate license if you don't sign a consent order because then you'll have to attend a formal hearing in front of the Board. At a formal hearing, you're at the mercy of the Board to determine what disciplinary action to take against you, if any.
Losing Your Real Estate License Can Have Long-Term Consequences
The Virginia Real Estate Board can hand out relatively minor discipline to you, like fines or probation, but these actions can still negatively impact your career because your record becomes public. It may also be hard for you to get a license in another state or profession that requires a license if your real estate license has been suspended or revoked.
Aside from professional fallout, disciplinary action and the loss of your license may also affect your personal and finances. You may lose income and have difficulty attracting new clients, resulting in less income. In the end, your reputation may suffer, and affect your work and personal relationships. As you know, getting referrals and connections is crucial to a successful real estate career.
The purchase of a house is a very big deal for people, and they want someone who they can rely on when considering such a high-dollar, life-changing purchase.
Protecting Your Real Estate Career with a Lawyer Who Specializes in Professional License Defense
When your livelihood and career are at stake, navigating the disciplinary process can be overwhelming. Defending real estate professionals against disciplinary action or license loss requires the experience of Attorney Tori Bramble.
In order to navigate the disciplinary process, a skilled professional license defense attorney can help you. As your official legal representative during all real estate board proceedings, Attorney Tori Bramble can review the accusations against you, talk with you about it extensively, and develop a defense strategy for you.
Attorney Bramble and her LicenseSure law firm team can compile evidence to support your side and mount a strong defense. To accomplish this, she can write and send a compelling written response to the complaint. She can also negotiate with the Board to get you the most favorable outcome possible, including preventing a hearing.
And if necessary, she can defend you vigorously in a formal hearing to protect your interests and safeguard your future.
Navigating the investigative and disciplinary process can be challenging and confusing, and the consequences of a suspension or license loss can be devastating. Whether you've just got a complaint in the mail or are worried about losing your license, Attorney Bramble can help you achieve the best possible outcome.
The Professional License Defense Team at LicenseSure Can Help You
By working with Attorney Bramble, you can rest assured that your rights are protected during the entire process. Attorney Bramble levels the playing field so you get a fair shot in the process. Don't wait until it is too late to seek help from us. You can reach out to Attorney Tori Bramble and the Licensure law firm team online or call (703) 740-1129 to schedule your consultation.