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Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons
Simas & Associates, Ltd. has years of experience representing real estate license applicants, salespersons, brokers, and corporate brokers before the California Department of Real Estate (“DRE”). The consequences of violating the portions of the California Code of Regulations and the Business and Professions Code related to real estate are severe and can lead to fines, suspension, and even revocation. In addition, any violation of law deemed substantially-related to the profession can also have an impact on the viability of your license application or actual license.
With the present real estate climate in California, the DRE, the Department of Consumer Affairs, and the Attorney General’s office are all on heightened alert of suspicious real estate practices. All have increased their regulatory oversight of the profession in order to meet the demand of the public. Recently, we have seen an increase in all of the following types of allegations:
- Failure to disclose criminal history on application.
- Failure to introduce evidence of rehabilitation, character, and mitigation at time of application or at hearing.
- Bans on advance fees.
- Truth in advertising.
- Trust account violations.
- Failure to make required disclosures.
- Recordkeeping violations.
- Failure to supervise salespersons or unlicensed individuals.
- Straw-man short sale transactions.
As a result, we have counseled individuals as they prepare their application and help them challenge the denial after the filing of a statement of issues. We have also advised salespersons, brokers, and corporate brokers as they face audits, investigations, accusations, and desist and refrain orders. And we have many years of experience representing all real estate licensees and applicants in settlement negotiations and administrative hearings.
What sets us apart is our vast experience in other areas of the law that are impacted by any type of real estate professional’s license dispute. For example, our specialized practice in Writs of Mandate allow us to pursue another level of appeal or review in situations where we believe the DRE has not given our client a fair shake. In addition. our Employment Law and Contract Law practice helps us advise real estate professionals on how best to handle the likely impact a license suspension, restriction, or revocation will have on their career.
Simas & Associates, Ltd. is well-versed in the area of professional licensing law and has a flexible menu of services to allow us to be a one-stop-shop. Contact us today to get started on defending your license and your practice through our free and confidential initial consultation.
