Special offer

California Dept. of Real Estate...a valuable resource for Realtors and Consumers

By
Real Estate Agent with J. Rockcliff, REALTORS

Check Real Estate License Status Information                            Go To Consumers Home Mortgage Information Website

With today's Real Estate Market, there are many consumers that are being targeted by Scammers, Fraud companies...and as much as it pains me to say it...unethical/unprofessional Realtors.  Unfortunately, the consumers don't know where to turn to or who to ask.  How do they know that the person knocking on their door...offering to save them from pre-foreclosure... is really a licensed Realtor?  There are many legitimate sources, but one that is rarely advertised is The California Department of Real Estate

The CA Dept. of Real Estate is also a useful resource that we can direct consumers to who wish to file a complaint or get further education about California Real Estate.  As Realtors, we have all heard 'head shaking' stories and it always saddens me to hear them.  Here's a recent situation that prompted this blog:

I received a frantic chat request from one of my newly acquainted friends on Facebook (I'll refer to him as "Mr. friend").  Mr. Friend was in escrow with another Realtor representing him.  He was totally upset and confused about what was going on with his escrow.  My heart went out to him while hearing his story.  Knowing I couldn't advise him because of his agency agreement, I could only listen and recommend he call his agent.  You guessed it...his Realtor wasn't returning his calls!  He was set to go sign documents and was so irrate with this Realtor that he wanted to back out of the contract.  Not because of cold feet...he loved the place...he just didn't want that Realtor to get a penny of his money!  I will spare you all the details...and granted, I was hearing only one side of the story...but something just didn't ring right!  I quickly went to the DRE website to verify that this Realtor was actually a licensed Realtor...which they were.  Knowing this, I knew Mr. Friend at least had a legitimate contract and there wasn't much else I could (would) say or do other than advise him about the website should he not resolve his issue with his Realtor.  One good ending to this story...the buyer did close on his home.

As Realtors, we use this website to verify that the agent on the other side of our contract is actually licensed, but I have found that it can be a valuable referral site for the consumer as well.

Posted by

Connect with me...

twitter teardrop          ActiveRain teardrop         linkedIn teardrop         facebook teardrop         YouTube teardrop    wellcomemat badge 

 

I live, work and play in Walnut Creek, CA!  For Real Estate and community information about this beautiful city as well as the surrounding areas, please visit my website at www.TerriAdamsScott.com

Terri Adams-Scott, REALTOR®

DRE# 01397740

J. Rockcliff Realtors

1700 N. Main St., Walnut Creek, CA   94596

Comments (4)

Grace Keng
Keller Williams Realty Cupertino - Cupertino, CA
CRS, CDPE (408) 799-8887

Yes! Good for you to advice your Mr. Friend.

Grace Keng, Silicon Valley Realtor, www.gracekeng.com

Apr 01, 2009 06:51 PM
Terri Adams-Scott
J. Rockcliff, REALTORS - Walnut Creek, CA
Realtor, Walnut Creek CA Real Estate

Grace, thanks for taking the time to read and comment.

Apr 02, 2009 12:58 AM
Anonymous
Evan Kavan

what is the best way to re finance my home loan or modify it.It's hard to know who really wants to help you and who is trying to make a quick buck.Also I'm getting price quotes of 3000 dollars or more so what should this cost.

Apr 16, 2009 10:33 AM
#3
Terri Adams-Scott
J. Rockcliff, REALTORS - Walnut Creek, CA
Realtor, Walnut Creek CA Real Estate

Evan,  Thanks for the comment and you ask a very valid question!  There are quite a few scam companies out there so you must be careful.  It's very seldom they ask for any upfront fees.  If you click on the "Consumer Home Mortgage Information" tab in my original blog, it will take you to a website that can help answer your questions.  I'm assuming you're from California? 

Apr 16, 2009 12:49 PM