California Real Estate License Verification: A Crucial Process

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When buying or selling real estate in California, you will likely need an agent. That's because you must follow all applicable laws, and you don't want any missteps.

If you find a real estate agent, you should verify their status. Maybe they talk the talk, but until you see their license, you might not completely trust them.

You should know that you can verify a real estate agent's status, though. When you do so, you can move forward with your real estate transaction confidently. You can verify a real estate license in California without much difficulty, and we will discuss that right now.  

Why Verify a Real Estate Agent's Identity?

You might feel like verifying a real estate agent's license in California serves no practical purpose. If someone says they're a real estate agent, then why would they lie?

They might lie because they're a fraudster perpetrating something underhanded. Maybe they're misrepresenting themselves. You might have someone say they're an agent and can sell you a property, but perhaps they're not.

Perhaps they had an agent's license at some point, but it's no longer valid. Maybe they know some terminology, so they sound convincing, but they're after the earnest money you're putting down.

You can verify their license easily, and when you do, you'll feel better. You'll feel sure you have a credible person conducting this deal or representing you.

The California Department of Real Estate's License Lookup Tool

Like so many other things, you can find out about someone online when they say they're a licensed real estate agent. You can do so by going on the website where you'll see the California Department of Real 

Estate's license lookup tool.

There, you can put in the broker's name and license number. That should tell you definitely whether you've found a legit real estate agent or not.

That site also tells you when their license expires. If you find that this person had a license, but it's not currently valid, you must find someone else who can help you buy or sell the property in which you have an interest. Otherwise, you can potentially run into some unsettling legal issues.   

You can also see on this same site whether this agent has any current license restrictions. You can see whether they have any pending disciplinary action. You will certainly want this information.

Why Does the License Matter So Much?

You should understand that when someone goes through the process and becomes a real estate agent in California, they must study for quite some time and learn all applicable state laws and statutes regarding real estate. They must pass an exam that's very difficult.

They must also say that they'll follow strict ethical standards. They must state that explicitly when they get that license, even after studying and passing the test.

When you see that license, that's what it represents. That's really why having a licensed agent matters so much. If you're using some random person, you can't know whether they're unscrupulous.

If you're using a licensed agent, you'll know they'll protect you and look after your best interests. Maybe they're in the profession to make money, but they also have an ethical responsibility.

That's something that most California real estate agents take very seriously. They will help you make informed decisions during the buying or selling process. With so much money at stake, you need someone honest and incorruptible. Hopefully, that's what you'll get with a licensed agent.

They Can Disclose Any Problems with the Property

A licensed agent should also let you know anything objectionable about a property if you're thinking about buying it. If someone killed someone in that house, they must tell you. If it has mold or foundation issues, they must let you know.

On the other side of things, if you're selling a property, the real estate agent can tell you what you must legally disclose. That can help you avoid any problems down the line. If you've disclosed everything, and the buyer still wants the property, then the sale can move forward smoothly.

Once you know you have a reputable and licensed real estate agent on your side, you can move forward and sell or buy a property in California confidently. You can quickly check on their status and confirm they have a valid license before moving on to the next steps. 

You're doing your due diligence this way, and you won't have any nasty surprises.