When Can a Real Estate Agent Be Reported? Protecting Your Interests in the US Real Estate Market

Discover the situations in which you should report a real estate agent in the US. Understand your rights and protect your interests as a buyer or seller.

Introduction

In the vast world of real estate, it is crucial to have trustworthy professionals who can guide you through the complexities of buying or selling a property. However, there may be instances where a real estate agent's conduct raises concerns and warrants reporting. This article aims to shed light on when and how you can report a real estate agent in the US, ensuring a fair and transparent real estate market for all.

When Can a Real Estate Agent Be Reported?

Breach of Fiduciary Duty

Real estate agents have a fiduciary duty to act in the best interests of their clients. If you believe your agent has breached this duty by prioritizing their own interests or failing to disclose vital information that may impact your decision, you may have grounds for reporting them.

Misrepresentation or Fraud

If a real estate agent misrepresents or conceals material facts about a property, such as its condition, history, or legal issues, it can lead to severe consequences for buyers or sellers

Breach of duty

One of the most common complaints filed against real estate agents revolves around the concept of breach of duty. In this blog, we'll delve into what breach of duty entails, provide examples of actions that could lead to such breaches, and emphasize the potential legal ramifications agents may face.

Table of Contents

What is unethical conduct in real estate?

Taking liberties with legal documents. Little white lies on legal paperwork can have devastating consequences. One example of unethical Realtor behavior is tweaking contracts to decrease the purchase price by allocating a portion of this price to personal property rather than a home.

How do I report a real estate agent in New York?

To check if your real estate agent is licensed or to report a complaint, visit www.dos.ny.gov or call (518) 474-4429. To become a licensed real estate salesperson, an individual must take specific coursework and pass an exam on New York real estate law and practice.

How do I report a real estate agent in Georgia?

To file the complaint, please send in Form E-1, your detailed description and any documentation that is relevant to your complaint. You may mail this information to the Georgia Association of REALTORS®, 3200 Presidential Drive, Atlanta, GA 30340.

What happens when a REALTOR makes a mistake?

If this happens you may have legal options available to you. Misrepresentation, dishonesty, or some other type of failure on the part of a real estate agent can be grounds for filing a small claims lawsuit. Other legal options include filing a complaint with the appropriate state licensing agency.

What is the most common complaint filed against REALTORS?

Breach of duty

Again with these real estate agents. Found a place without a price, I sent an email that literally just said “Hi, what’s the asking price on this property?”, and he didn’t answer it three times. Am I trippin’, or is there some real estate agent conspiracy I’m not aware of? 🏘👽🛸 pic.twitter.com/Amemi2CpZ5

— Camel 🐪 (@Camelworks) May 27, 2020

What happens when a realtor makes a mistake?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an ethical violation in real estate?

Real Estate and Ethical Standards

Real estate professionals must abide by ethical standards to avoid discrimination in real estate transactions. For example, a real estate agent that puts the wrong facts on a listing is acting unethically. Intentionally misstating a material fact regarding a property is fraud.

How do I file a complaint against a real estate agent in California?

Complaints against Real Estate Agents or Companies

If you have a complaint against a licensed real estate agent or business, visit California DRE's website for details on How To File A Complaint, or call the California DRE Public Information Line at (877) 373-4542.

FAQ

How do I report a real estate agent in Illinois?

How to file a complaint

Fill out the online form below. It will be reviewed typically within one business day.
Call Illinois REALTORS®. The Ethics Citation Hotline can be reached at 217-529-2600 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. ( Closed major holidays)

When must an Ethics complaint be filed with the local board of REALTORS?

Any person, member or non-member, may file an ethics complaint against a member and/or broker alleging a violation of the Code of Ethics or MLS Rules & Regulations. An ethics complaint should be filed when you want to charge a member with a Code of Ethics, Bylaws or MLS Rules violation.