Brokers are crucial to the real estate process. Although it’s important for realtors and real estate agents to bring in clients, brokers really are the key to closing the deal. With that kind of responsibility, brokers are under a lot of pressure to always maintain their professionalism, correctly oversee the sales process, and ensure they are educated on all housing and environmental changes. As a real estate broker, you can face considerable risk if your staff is not properly trained or commits unlicensed violations. And when mistakes occur, you are responsible. As a result, you could be facing an investigation from the California Department of Real Estate and risk losing your license. Here’s what you need to know about DRE investigations and how to mitigate the impacts of these accusations.
Common Real Estate Broker Violations
Brokers often find themselves facing these board investigations when someone has filed a complaint against them. These could be from lack of oversight in your staff or compliance violations. The most commons reasons for a real estate license investigation and potential disciplinary action are:
- Unlicensed activities
- Unprofessional conduct
- Recordkeeping errors
- Trust fund violations
- Failure to supervise real estate activities
- Misrepresentation
- Criminal convictions
- Failure to report a criminal conviction
Even if you did not directly make these mistakes, your broker license is still at risk. Your responsibility covers all members of your staff and their activities. If you are accused of these real estate violations, you may be in for a lengthy and costly audit by your board.
Related Article: My California Real Estate License is Under Investigation
The Investigation Process
Once the DRE has been alerted of an accusation against you, they will begin an audit of your license. You will then receive a Notice of Investigation by mail. Unfortunately, this notice may not include all the details you need. Many times, brokers are unaware of the full accusations against them and have no way to properly defend their licenses. It’s crucial that you contact a real estate license defense lawyer as soon as you receive this notice. Your broker’s license could be at risk of suspension or revocation.
An experienced lawyer, like those at Unlock Legal, will help you obtain the full details of your case. They will help gather essential documents, gather evidence, and secure any witnesses needed to help counter the accusations against you.
Contact Unlock Legal
Is your real estate broker license under investigation? Contact our real estate license defense attorneys immediately.
We’ve stood before the DRE and helped unlock the licenses for hundreds of real estate brokers. We’ll work to help settle your case as soon as possible and limit any disciplinary action you may be facing. We’ll fight for your real estate license and career.
Unlock Legal provides focused representation in criminal defense and defense for California licensed professionals. Contact Unlock Legal today or give us a call at 949-997-1474 to speak with a professional about your case and your unique needs. You’ll find we are compassionate, easy to talk to, and willing to help in any capacity we can.