Most real estate agents are unaware of complaints filed against them when they receive a notice of license investigations. The investigation process begins when a real estate professional receives some correspondence from an investigator at the Department of Real Estate. Once an agent has received this notice, a board investigator will reach out to coordinate a time to ask some questions about an alleged complaint. Once this initial interview is concluded, the investigator will decide if the complaint is legitimate and should be escalated to the licensing board. If it is taken to the board, your license will be in trouble. Here are the most common reasons you could receive this notice of investigation and what you should do to protect your career.
Common Real Estate Agent Complaints
As a real estate professional, you are always in the spotlight. As a result, one minor slip-up can cause big problems for your career. These are the most common reasons your board may investigate your license:
- Unlicensed Activity
- Misrepresentation
- Criminal Convictions
- Failure to Make Records Available for Inspection
- False Advertising
- Violation of State Laws
- Incomplete and Duplicate Contracts
- Easement Errors
- Failure to Review Title
- Mishandling Funds
Not only can these errors result in discipline by the DRE, but you could also be facing additional fines and even lawsuits from the parties you worked with. Once you receive notice of an investigation, you need to get professional legal assistance right away.
Related Article: Broker License Investigations
License Investigations
Once the investigation has begun, it can be a lengthy process. Although it doesn’t directly affect the validity of your real estate agent license, it can cause unnecessary stress. That’s why it’s important to work with a real estate license defense attorney as soon as you receive your investigation alert. Your lawyer can get the full details of your case and begin providing clarity to the investigator on the complaint in question. This is your best chance at stopping the case before it reaches the DRE and an accusation is officially filed against you.
Related Article: My Real Estate License Was Suspended
Contact Unlock Legal
Do you have a pending investigation with the DRE? Contact us immediately.
Nearly 40 real estate professionals face an investigation and are disciplined by the DRE each month.
We understand that when you find out you’re being investigated by your board it can be scary. But we’re here to help. We will do everything in our power to find out the nature of your complaint, gather evidence against your accusation, and represent you at the investigation hearing. Call Unlock Legal for the very best results.
Unlock Legal provides focused representation in criminal defense and defense for California licensed professionals. Contact Unlock Legal today or give us a call at 949-268-2857 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.
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