How Can I Verify a Broker’s License Status?

Did you know that you can verify a broker’s license status?

Before engaging in a real estate transaction, it’s important to verify that a broker’s license is active and in good standing. The Commission’s Licensee Database Search Tool makes this process quick and reliable. The information provided on the Commission’s website reflects accurate, real-time data about the license status of brokers and firms.

For step-by-step instructions, the article “How Do I Check the License Status of a Broker?” offers a detailed guide on using the Licensee Search tool. The license record database now displays both active and inactive license statuses. If a broker’s license is inactive, a note will appear at the top of their license record.

If you have questions or comments about a broker’s or firm’s license status, please email ls@ncrec.gov.

North Carolina Tenant Security Deposit Act: A Simple Guide for NC Landlords and Property Managers

Managing residential rental properties in North Carolina includes complying with North Carolina’s Tenant Security Deposit Act. This article aims to make understanding the complexities of the Tenant Security Deposit Act a little easier. Let’s dive in.

Do I Need a Real Estate License to Manage Property?

Most people and entities that manage residential rental properties are considered to be engaging in real estate brokerage and require a license. But there are some exceptions under North Carolina law.

You do not need a license if:

• You are managing or leasing property that you or your business owns.
• You are an attorney performing legal work (not routine property management).
• You are a court-appointed representative, like a trustee, executor, or guardian.
• You are a trustee handling property under a trust, deed of trust, or will.
• You are a salaried employee working for a licensed broker-property manager (within limits, see NCGS § 93A-2(c)(6)).
• You are a housing authority or its salaried employee working with property it owns or leases.

How to Comply with the North Carolina Tenant Security Deposit Act

1. Does the Act apply to you?

• It applies if you rent or manage residential property, even if you are unlicensed.
• Exception: Single rooms rented weekly, monthly, or annually.

2. Are you collecting a security deposit?

• This is not required, but if you do, there are limits on how much you may charge.
• Deposit limits based on lease duration:
  • Week-to-week: up to 2 weeks’ rent
  • Month-to-month: up to 1½ months’ rent
  • Longer than month-to-month: up to 2 months’ rent

3. How to handle the deposit:

• Option A: Trust Account
  • Use a licensed, federally insured bank or financial institution in NC.
  • Out-of-state accounts must have an insurance bond (see below).

• Option B: Bond
  • Obtain a bond from an insurance company licensed in NC. This option is NOT available to real estate brokers. If you are an owner, you may encounter difficulty finding an insurance company willing to issue such a bond.

4. Notify your tenant:

• Within 30 days of lease start, provide to your tenant:
  • Bank/institution name & address or
  • Insurance company name if using a bond (property owners only).

Handling Tenant Security Deposits at Lease End

At the end of a lease, as a property manager or owner, you must follow these rules when handling tenant security deposits:

1. Only deduct for tenant-caused damage
   • You may deduct from the deposit only for actual damage the tenant caused.
   • Do not deduct for ordinary wear and tear.

2. Understand “ordinary wear and tear”
   • Normal aging or use of the property (e.g., worn carpet, plumbing, appliances) cannot be charged to the tenant.
   • Tenants are not responsible for contributing to the normal deterioration of items.

3. Charge only for unusual or excessive damage
   • If a tenant mistreats the property and causes damage, you may deduct the cost of repairing the additional damage, typically not the full replacement cost.

4. Cleaning and maintenance
   • Charges for routine cleaning, painting, or carpet cleaning cannot be deducted.
   • If the property is left in extreme disarray requiring extraordinary cleaning or restoration, the cost may be deducted from the security deposit.  This is an extreme circumstance and should be documented with photos.

5. Return of Security Deposit and Accounting
   • Within 30 days of tenancy termination, you must provide the tenant with either:
     1. A full refund, or
     2. A written itemized accounting of any deductions plus the remaining refund.
   • If the total damage cannot be determined within 30 days, send:
     1. An interim accounting within 30 days, and
     2. A final accounting no later than 60 days after tenancy ends.
   • Ensure tenants provide a forwarding address.
   • If a tenant cannot be located, hold their deposit for at least six (6) months in your trust account.
   • Failure to comply can result in the following:
     1. Tenants can sue for recovery of the deposit plus reasonable attorney fees.
     2. The forfeiture of the property owner’s right to retain any portion of the deposit.

Property or Management Transfers

• If the property changes ownership during the lease term:
  • The original landlord must either refund the deposit to the tenant (after any proper deductions are made) or transfer it to the new owner to hold in trust until the termination of the tenancy.
  • The tenant must be notified in writing of the new owner’s name and address.
  • This must occur within 30 days of the transfer.
• If the landlord’s broker/property manager collected the deposit and stops managing the property:
  • The broker must transfer the deposit to the landlord or, with landlord approval, to the new manager.
  • The broker must notify the tenant of the new location of the deposit and advise the landlord of their responsibilities under the Tenant Security Deposit Act.

Key Tips:

1. Document property condition at move-in and move-out with photos or videos.
2. Keep detailed records of all deposits, repair receipts and quotes, deductions, and communications.
3. Follow timing and accounting rules carefully to avoid disputes and legal issues.

Disciplinary Actions

 A AND F VENTURES INC (ATLANTA)- By Consent, the Commission reprimanded A and F Ventures Inc. effective October 15, 2025. The Commission found that, in May 2024, A and F Ventures Inc. acted as listing agent for a licensed seller of residential property located in Charlotte, NC. The seller indicated no representation on most items on the Residential Property and Owner Association Disclosure Statement. A and F Ventures Inc. conducted no independent verification leading to the failure to disclose that the property was in a flood zone and a regulatory floodway and that renovations were severely restricted.

SUSAN H. AYERS (ATLANTA)- By Consent, the Commission reprimanded Ayers effective October 15, 2025. The Commission found that in May 2024, Ayers acted as listing agent for a licensed seller of residential property located in Charlotte, NC. The seller indicated no representation on most items on the Residential Property and Owner Association Disclosure Statement. Ayers conducted no independent verification leading to the failure to disclose that the property was in a flood zone and a regulatory floodway and that renovations were severely restricted.

SHANNON BRUINS (THOMASVILLE)- By Consent, the Commission suspended the broker license of Bruins for a period of 6 months, effective October 1, 2025., The Commission then stayed the suspension in its entirety upon certain conditions. The Commission found that in August 2023, Bruins acted as buyer agent for the purchase of residential property which their buyer-client intended to renovate and sell. In the 2023 purchase, the property had been advertised as being on septic and having 2 bedrooms. In May 2024, Bruins acted as listing agent for the property and advertised the property as having 3 bedrooms. Bruin’s client had obtained a septic repair permit to expand the tank but never obtained an updated septic permit. Bruin’s client did upgrade the septic tank but not the septic field and indicated that the septic was now for three bedrooms, even though the septic field had not been upgraded to 3 bedrooms. The buyer of the property discovered the error when the septic system failed shortly after the purchase.

DANIEL BULLARD III (WILMINGTON)- By Consent, the Commission reprimanded Bullard, effective October 15, 2025. The Commission found that Bullard pled guilty to Driving While Impaired – Level 5, his third DWI conviction. Bullard timely reported his conviction to the Commission. Bullard is required to have an ignition interlock device installed in his vehicle for one year and shall not transport customers or clients in his vehicle while it is equipped with an ignition interlock device.

CAROLINA HOME PLACE LLC (CHARLOTTE)- By Consent, the Commission reprimanded Carolina Home Place LLC effective October 15, 2025. The Commission found that Carolina Home Place LLC timely reported entering into a conciliation agreement with the North Carolina Human Relations Commission. Carolina Home Place LLC had declined to show a rental property to a prospective tenant based on a third-party vendor report of a felony conviction and two possible bankruptcies. The conciliation agreement required Carolina Home Place LLC to make payment to the prospective tenant and to develop appropriate tenant screening policies.

PAULA CHANCE (WAYNESVILLE)- The Commission accepted the permanent voluntary surrender of the real estate license of Chance, effective October 1, 2025. The Commission dismissed without prejudice allegations that Chance violated provisions of the Real Estate License Law and Commission Rules. Chance neither admitted nor denied misconduct.

KATHRYN CHAVEZ (CHARLOTTE)- By Consent, the Commission reprimanded Chavez, effective October 15, 2025. The Commission found that Chavez timely reported entering into a conciliation agreement with the North Carolina Human Relations Commission. Chavez had declined to show a rental property to a prospective tenant based on a third-party vendor report of a felony conviction and two possible bankruptcies. The conciliation agreement required Chavez to make payment to the prospective tenant, attend fair housing training, and to develop appropriate tenant screening policies.

JOHN CRNCIC (CARRBORO) – By Consent, the Commission suspended the broker license of Crncic for a period of 12 months, effective September 1, 2025. The Commission then stayed the suspension in its entirety upon certain conditions. The Commission found that Crncic listed and sold his own property. Prior to the sale, Crncic represented that the property was issued Certificates of Compliance and Occupancy (hereinafter collectively “Certificates”), however, the property was not issued the Certificates. Crncic did not correct the misrepresentation prior to any offer being made.

TALETHA GRAHAM DIXON (INDIAN TRAIL)- By Consent, the Commission reprimanded Dixon effective October 15, 2025.  The Commission found that when Dixon applied for a broker’s license in 2006, she failed to disclose four prior worthless check convictions from 1991, 1997, and 1999. Dixon held a license, issued by North Carolina Health and Human Services, to operate a family care home. This license was suspended in 2021 and Dixon failed to report this disciplinary action to the Commission. Dixon leased a home to tenants and failed to deposit trust funds into a bank account designated as trust, and failed to properly create, maintain, and retain records sufficient to identify the ownership of the funds.

DYNASTY PROPERTY MANAGEMENT & SALES LLC (CHARLOTTE)- The Commission revoked the real estate broker license issued to Dynasty Property Management & Sales LLC effective October 1, 2025. The Commission found that Dynasty Property Management & Sales LLC Firm failed to properly designate bank accounts as a trust or escrow account and held trust monies in a Certificate of Deposit account, not a demand account. The Dynasty Property Management & Sales LLC Firm deposited rent payments into its operating account, commingling personal and trust monies. Dynasty Property Management & Sales LLC Firm failed to perform bank reconciliations or trial balance reconciliations and failed to retain copies of deposit slips and canceled checks. Dynasty Property Management & Sales LLC Firm failed to maintain sufficient records to create an audit trail. Dynasty Property Management & Sales LLC Firm’s trial balance included numerous ledgers with negative balances. The Dynasty Property Management & Sales LLC Firm executed property management agreements that stated the owners received interest, but the interest was not disbursed to the owners.

CATHRYN HARTWELL (BURLINGTON)- By Consent, the Commission reprimanded Hartwell effective October 24, 2025.  The Commission found that Hartwell is the broker in charge of Windchime Realty & Property Management, LLC. Hartwell manages between 50-60 properties through Hartwell’s Firm. Hartwell was responsible for and maintained the brokerage accounts for Windchime Realty & Property Management, LLC. Hartwell and Windchime Realty & Property Management, LLC were selected for a spot inspection of the security deposits and rents trust accounts by the Commission. Commission staff determined that bank reconciliations were not performed properly and did not reconcile the bank statement to the journal. A reconciliation indicated the rents account had a shortage of $13,526.73 and the security deposits account had an overage of $4,250.00.

MICHAEL HOSEY (CHARLOTTE)- By Consent, the Commission reprimanded Hosey effective October 14, 2025.  The Commission found that in April 2024, Hosey, while acting as a buyer’s agent for a client who wanted to buy a residential property for the specific purpose of renting it, failed to confirm whether neighborhood restrictions allowed owners to immediately rent their properties after purchase. Certain covenants and restrictions were provided by the listing agent in the MLS listing, but they did not include recent amendments that contained the restrictions, which Hosey did not discover until after closing.

H4Y LLC (LENOIR)- The Commission accepted the permanent voluntary surrender of the real estate license of H4Y LLC, effective October 1, 2025. The Commission dismissed without prejudice allegations that H4Y LLC violated provisions of the Real Estate License Law and Commission Rules. H4Y LLC neither admitted nor denied misconduct.

DEBRA JOYCE (GREENBORO)- By Consent, the Commission reprimanded Joyce effective October 15, 2025.  The Commission found that Joyce owned an unlicensed firm through which she conducted property management. She failed to have written agency agreements with some property owners.

ANDREW KESTER, JR. (WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH)- By Consent, the Commission suspended the broker license of Kester, Jr.  for a period of 3 months, effective October 16, 2025. The Commission then stayed the suspension in its entirety upon certain conditions. The Commission found that Kester, Jr. failed to report a 1989 driving while impaired conviction on his 1995 real estate license application. 

CHAD KIGER (WINSTON SALEM)- By Consent, the Commission reprimanded Kiger effective October 24, 2025.  The Commission found that in 2023, Kiger was the listing agent of the subject property. There had been two other listing agents with the subject property. During the prior listings, it was reported in an inspection the subject property had cracks in the concrete foundation walls due to water penetration, cracking in the retaining wall and the deck was not properly attached to the house. Immediately prior to Kiger’s listing of the subject property, a new inspection had been ordered by the previous listing agent. This inspection revealed loose porch railing, rotten posts on deck, retaining wall needed to be rebuilt, evidence of water intrusion in the basement, foundation walls showing moderate bowing, and cracking at the left side of the subject property. Kiger knew the subject property had gone under contract on previous occasions but was not provided with a copy of either inspection. Kiger asked the broker in charge over one of the previous listing agents and one of the previous buyer agents why the previous sales had fallen through. Kiger did not ask if there were any potential structural issues to the subject property prior to listing the property and therefore did not disclose the existence of any structural issues. After the purchase fell through, the seller then retained a structural engineer that approved repairs to the property.

CHAD KIGER (WINSTON SALEM)- By Consent, the Commission reprimanded Kiger effective October 24, 2025.  The Commission found that in 2023, Kiger was the listing agent of the subject property. Kiger listed the subject property and began advertising in the MLS system that the subject property contained 2,526 heated square feet. Kiger represented that the 2,526 square feet included the 936 square feet in the basement, however the basement was unheated. Excluding the basement, the square footage would have been 1,590 square feet, which is the same as the county tax record. Kiger failed to notice the error until it was pointed out by a Buyer’s Agent during the listing period. After learning of the error. Kiger failed to update the MLS listing to indicate the correct square footage.

KIGER REAL ESTATE VENTURES LLC (WINSTON SALEM)- By Consent, the Commission reprimanded Kiger effective October 24, 2025.  The Commission found that in 2023, Kiger Real Estate Ventures was ultimately the listing firm of the subject property. Prior to Kiger Real Estate Ventures, there had been two other listing agents with a prior listing firm concerning the subject property. During the prior listings, it was reported in an inspection that the subject property had cracks in the concrete foundation walls due to water penetration, cracking in the retaining wall and deck was not properly attached to the house. Prior to Kiger Real Estate Ventures’ listing of the subject property, a new inspection had been ordered by the previous listing agent. This inspection revealed loose porch railing, rotten posts on deck, retaining wall needed to be rebuilt, evidence of water intrusion in the basement, foundation walls showing moderate bowing, and cracking at the left side of the subject property. Kiger Real Estate Ventures ultimately worked with the seller in retaining structural engineers that approved repairs to the property.

LESLIE KILLIAN (LENOIR)- The Commission accepted the permanent voluntary surrender of the real estate license of Killian, effective October 1, 2025. The Commission dismissed without prejudice allegations that Killian violated provisions of the Real Estate License Law and Commission Rules. Killian neither admitted nor denied misconduct.

DAVID LEVER (GREENVILLE)- The Commission accepted the permanent voluntary surrender of the real estate license of Lever, effective October 1, 2025. The Commission dismissed without prejudice allegations that Lever violated provisions of the Real Estate License Law and Commission Rules. Lever neither admitted nor denied misconduct.

JOHN MARTIN (MULLINS)- The Commission accepted the voluntary surrender of the real estate license of effective October 15, 2025, with no right to reapply for 3 years. The Commission dismissed without prejudice allegations that Martin violated provisions of the Real Estate License Law and Commission Rules. Martin neither admitted nor denied misconduct.

MICHAEL MORINGS (CHARLOTTE)- By Consent, the Commission suspended the broker license of Morings for a period of 3 years, with no BIC eligibility for 5 years effective October 1, 2025. The Commission found that Morings was the broker-in-charge and qualifying broker for Dynasty Property Management & Sales LLC and was responsible for managing the trust accounts.  Morings failed to properly designate either of the two bank accounts containing trust monies as a trust account. Morings’ security deposit funds were held in a Certificate of Deposit account, not a demand account. Morings deposited rent payments into an operating account, not designated as a trust or escrow account, and comingled firm’s monies with trust monies. Morings failed to perform bank reconciliations or trial balance reconciliations. Morings failed to retain copies of deposit slips and canceled checks. Morings did not maintain sufficient records to create an audit trail from bank account activity to journal and ledgers. Morings’ trial balance included numerous ledgers with negative balances. Morings did not maintain appropriate reference numbers for checks and deposits. Morings did not maintain personal funds ledgers. Morings failed to disburse accrued interest to the owners as stated in the property management agreement.

CRAIG RUTMAN (APEX)- By Consent, the Commission suspended the broker license of Rutman for a period of 9 months, effective October 10, 2025.  The Commission then stayed the suspension in its entirety upon certain conditions. The Commission found that Rutman was contacted by a scammer who asked him to list a vacant lot for sale. Rutman failed to properly verify that the scammer who contacted him was the actual owner, advertised the property for sale, received an offer, and the property went under contract.  When the buyer mailed their due diligence fee to the owner’s address of record in another state, it was discovered that the true owner was deceased.

WINDCHIME REALTY & PROPERTY MANAGEMENT LLC (BURLINGTON)- By Consent, the Commission reprimanded Windchime Realty & Property LLC Management effective October 24, 2025.  The Commission found that Windchime Realty & Property Management LLC manages between 50-60 properties. Windchime Realty & Property LLC was selected for a spot inspection of the security deposits and rents trust accounts by the Commission. On July 2, 2024, Commission staff determined that bank reconciliations were not performed properly and did not reconcile the bank statement to the journal. A reconciliation of December 31, 2023, indicated the rents account had a shortage of $13,526.73 and the security deposits account had an overage of $4,250.00.

Current Stats: Monthly Licensee Count as of October 1, 2025

Fiduciary Duty: Safeguarding Property

Video Link: https://youtu.be/X49AGj3kK6k

Commission Presentations

Sharon Barnard, Auditor/Investigator, Leah Green, Consumer Protection Officer, Bruce Rinne, Information Officer, and Terri Taylor, Auditor/Investigator, spoke at Marti Hampton Inc. eXP Realty on October 1^st.

Len Elder, Director of Education and Licensing and Kizzy Crawford Heath, Assistant Director of Education and Licensing, spoke at the NCREEA fall conference on October 2nd.

Janet Thoren, Director of Regulatory Affairs, spoke at the NCREEA fall conference on October 3rd.

Charlie Moody, Deputy Legal Counsel,  spoke at Orange Chatham Association of REALTORS® on October 7^th.

Kizzy Crawford Heath, Assistant Director of Education and Licensing, spoke at Platinum Group Realty on October 11^th.

Brian Heath, Consumer Protection Officer, spoke at Charlotte Chapter of the National Association of Property Managers on October 15^th.

Bill Aceto, Commission Chair, Skip Alston, Commission Vice Chair, Miriam Baer, Executive Director, and Janet Thoren, Legal Counsel, spoke at the NC REALTORS® annual conference on October 20th-23rd.

Lyndi James, Auditor, spoke at Onslow County NC on October 15^th.

Bruce Rinne, Information Officer, spoke at Bold Real Estate on October 28^th.

November 2025 Presentations

*These presentations are subject to change due to the availability of Commission members and/or staff.*

Kizzy Crawford Heath, Assistant Director of Education and Licensing, will speak at Triangle Board of Realists on November 11^th.

Christy Evans, Consumer Protection Officer, will speak at Raleigh Realty Inc. on November 12^th.

Lyndi James, Auditor, will speak at Keller Williams Innovate on November 18^th.

Disciplinary Actions

TAMMI L. IDLER (DURHAM) – The Commission accepted the permanent voluntary surrender of the real estate license of Idler, effective September 17, 2025. The Commission dismissed without prejudice allegations that Idler violated provisions of the Real Estate License Law and Commission Rules. Idler neither admitted nor denied misconduct.

KAMARIA WALKER (CHARLOTTE) – By Consent, the Commission suspended the broker license of Walker for a period of 24 months, effective July 15, 2025. The Commission then stayed the suspension following a two-month active period upon certain conditions. The Commission found that, starting in 2017, Walker’s LLC conducted short term rentals whereby the LLC, as tenant, entered into residential leases with multiple apartment properties. Walker accepted payments for short term rental reservations but failed to place advance rents in a trust account. Walker failed to refund advance rent of $2800 to a tenant after Walker closed her business and cancelled the reservation.

MATTHEW A. WALKER (GREENVILLE) – The Commission accepted the permanent voluntary surrender of the real estate license of Walker, effective September 17, 2025. The Commission dismissed without prejudice allegations that Walker violated provisions of the Real Estate License Law and Commission Rules. Walker neither admitted nor denied misconduct.

LISA W. WAYNE (WILMINGTON) – By Consent, the Commission reprimanded Wayne effective September 1, 2025. The Commission found that in July 2024, Wayne acted as listing agent for residential property built in 1968. The property went under contract with a buyer who had an inspection conducted which showed crawlspace and subfloor issues. Wayne received a copy of the inspection report, but the buyer later terminated after the parties could not agree on the due diligence request. Wayne failed to disclose the issues learned from the inspection report to a subsequent buyer. The second buyer had an inspection which noted the same issues, but the parties negotiated a price reduction and the transaction closed.

Current Stats: Monthly Licensee Count as of September 1, 2025

Commission Presentations

September 2025 Presentations

Bruce Rinne, Information Officer, spoke at Compass on September 2^nd.

Dee Bigelow, Information Officer, spoke at Salisbury Rowan Board of REALTORS® on September 9^th.

Lyndi James, Auditor/Investigator, spoke at Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage on September 9^th.

Diana Jasany, Communications Officer, spoke at the Coastal Plains Association of REALTORS® on September 9th.

Bruce Rinne, Information Officer, spoke at Orange Chatham Association of REALTORS® on September 11^th.

Miriam Baer, Executive Director, spoke at Longleaf Pine REALTORS® on September 16^th.

Michael Cowan, Consumer Protection Officer, Brian Heath, Consumer Protection Officer, and Beau Minnick, Consumer Protection Officer, spoke at Triangle Chapter of the National Association of Property Managers on September 18^th.

Lyndi James, Auditor/Investigator, spoke at Kingsly Realty on September 25^th.

October 2025 Presentations

*These presentations are subject to change due to the availability of Commission members and/or staff.*

Sharon Barnard, Auditor/Investigator, Leah Green, Consumer Protection Officer, Bruce Rinne, Information Officer, and Terri Taylor, Auditor/Investigator, will speak at Marti Hampton Inc. eXP Realty on October 1^st.

Charlie Moody, Deputy Legal Counsel, will speak at Orange Chatham Association of REALTORS® on October 7^th.

Kizzy Crawford Heath, Assistant Director of Education and Licensing, will speak at Platinum Realty Group on October 11^th.

Brian Heath, Consumer Protection Officer, will speak at Charlotte Chapter of the National Association of Property Managers on October 15^th.

Lyndi James, Auditor, will speak at Onslow County NC on October 15^th.

Bruce Rinne, Information Officer, will speak at Johnston County Association of REALTORS on October 21st.

Bruce Rinne, Information Officer, will speak at Bold Real Estate on October 28th.

Tech Corner: Using Chatbots & Automated Responses in Real Estate:

Using Chatbots & Automated Responses in Real Estate: Clients are expecting quick responses from a broker nowadays, sometimes within minutes. While no tool can replace the personal expertise of a licensed broker, chatbots and automated messaging systems can assist with simple tasks, ensuring that your clients or customers feel acknowledged and supported.

What is a Chatbot? A chatbot is a computer program powered by artificial intelligence (AI) that can simulate conversation with users. Chatbots are built into websites, social media platforms, and customer relationship management (CRM) tools.

Chatbots can:

• Answer common questions (ex, office hours, location, contact info).
  • Schedule showings or consultations through linked calendars.
  • Collect client information (e.g., name, contact details, and areas of interest).
  • Provide resources (e.g, links to forms, Commission information, and various guides).

If a chatbot seems too advanced or you are unsure of the technology, you could start with automatic email or text responses.

These other automated tools can:

• Immediately acknowledge receipt of the inquiry.
• Set expectations for response time.
• Share helpful information.

Benefits of Automated Response Systems:

• Improved client service: Client gets instantly acknowledged.
• Timesaving: Filters or any repetitive questions.
• Lead Capture: Ensure no inquiry is missed.
• Professional Image – Show you are tech-savvy and attentive.

Keep In Mind:

NOTE: Do not over-rely on or overuse these tools. These tools are best for FAQ’s and scheduling, not for constant communications.

• Compliance: Automated tools should not give legal, financial, or brokerage-specific guidance beyond what is permitted.
• Transparency: Ensure that your clients are aware of the automated system they are using.
• Tone: Messages should be professional, friendly, and align with your brand.

If you haven’t seen it yet, the North Carolina Real Estate Commission has its own Chatbot, Alfred. Alfred is available to answer any of your NCREC questions. Alfred was fed a variety of NCREC literature, like the License Law and Rules book, the North Carolina Real Estate Manual, and NCREC eBulletin articles. You can find Alfred at the bottom right-hand corner of our website, ncrec.gov.