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THINK BEFORE YOU ACT

The Commission frequently sees complaints on the same issues. Here’s guidance on how to avoid some of what is most commonly reported: 

  1. Lockbox Codes: DON’T share lockbox code with clients or unauthorized individuals. Granting access to a property without your presence is a violation. Obey your client, but not if it means breaking rules or laws. Do not share the code to a lockbox even if you are running late and plan to be there soon, if the property is presumed to be vacant, or even if the property is under contract and expected to close and the buyer wants one more look. Reschedule, have the client wait, or send another licensed broker. 
  1. Limited-Service Agreements: Limited service agreements do not excuse you from your duties as a licensee. You must still discover and disclose material facts, ensure accurate advertising, and review the RPOADS with the seller for accuracy. 
  1. FSBO (Broker Edition): 
  1. Inspection Reports: 
  1. Fraudulent Listings: Be vigilant for red flags with no-meet sellers. DO NOT skip verification. 
  1. Have a video conference or in-person meeting (accept no excuses). 
  1. Ask for a government issued ID and review it to make sure it isn’t questionable. 
  1. Pull the deed(s) and match the names.  
  1. Ask neighbors about the property/owner. 
  1. Do social media research. 
  1. Have the “seller” provide a notarized statement identifying themselves as owner. 
  1. Take notice and address the red flags! 

If you take reasonable steps, you are unlikely to be disciplined if a complaint is filed. Don’t assume this won’t happen to you. This scam is increasingly popular, and many North Carolina brokers have already encountered it.  

  1. Buying Own Listing: If you are the owner’s listing agent and you want to buy their property yourself, you have a conflict of interest. Disclose the conflict of interest in writing to the seller and advise them to seek independent counsel. Terminate the listing or transfer it before you or your firm makes an offer. Inform the seller of their right to terminate. 
  1. Working with Real Estate Agents Disclosure: Simply emailing the form is insufficient. Review it with your client or customer, and document that review in the email. Having a conversation about the Disclosure is necessary. The Disclosure is not just another form to get signed when the client signs the agency agreement or contract.  Practice using the Disclosure so you are comfortable presenting it. 

In conclusion: The solutions to avoiding these common complaints are straightforward and require reasonable effort. When in doubt, ask your broker-in-charge, ask a more experienced broker, ask a relevant licensed professional, or contact the Commission for guidance (although they cannot give legal advice, Commission staff can give guidance on rules and possibly other resources). Protect your clients and your license – think before you act.

North Carolina Department of Labor: Human Trafficking Courses

In 2023, North Carolina ranked 10th in the country for the number of cases reported to the National Human Trafficking Hotline.  In an ongoing effort to combat human trafficking across the state, House Bill 973 was passed in 2024, and requires property managers of vacation rentals, their employees, and third-party contractors who perform housekeeping services, food or beverage services on-site, or perform check-in and check-out duties to take human trafficking awareness training.   

The North Carolina Department of Labor (NCDOL) has identified training courses that satisfy the requirement here. For vacation rentals offered for lease prior to July 1, 2025, the training must be completed by June 30, 2027, and be repeated every two years.  For vacation rentals offered for lease after July 1, 2025, the training must be completed within 60 days of providing services and repeated every two years.  For those who fail to meet the mandatory training requirement, the NCDOL may assess a fine up to $2,000 for each violation.  For more information on House Bill 973, see the Commission’s September 2024 eBulletin article on this topic. 

North Carolina Brokers Licensed in Other States Need North Carolina Continuing Education

A current trend among brokers is to obtain licensure in more than one state. Practicing brokerage in multiple jurisdictions imposes additional obligations on a licensee to be fully competent and knowledgeable about the statutes, rules, law and practices in each of those various locations. 

For those reasons North Carolina requires all North Carolina brokers pursuant to Rule 58A .1702 to complete eight credit hours of real estate continuing education each license year. The eight hours consist of: 

Some states, such as South Carolina, have made arrangements to recognize continuing education from other states as sufficient in certain circumstances. Recognition and acceptance of education across state lines is an individual state determination and in some states a course specific determination.  NCREC urges all brokers who may be licensed in other jurisdictions to check with the regulatory agencies in those states and comply with their rules and requirements for education. 

As to North Carolina CE requirements, all brokers without BIC-Eligible status and provisional brokers must attend the four-hour General Update Course (GENUP) and all Brokers-in Charge and BIC Eligible Brokers must attend the Broker-in-Charge Update Course (BICUP). In addition, brokers must take an additional four-hour approved elective course.  

All brokers are required to complete eight credit hours of continuing education by June 10th at 11:59 PM EST to remain eligible for active license status. This requirement begins upon the second renewal following initial licensure and upon each subsequent annual renewal. 

NOTE: Out of state brokers MUST take the appropriate NC Update Course and a North Carolina elective course to renew their North Carolina real estate license on active status, regardless of the CE requirements in your jurisdiction. These CE courses are available online as well as in person. 

Being willing to take additional education and meet varying requirements by different states is part of the obligation and duties a broker accepts when they choose to be licensed in multiple jurisdictions.  

Current Stats: Monthly Licensee Count as of May 1, 2025.

Quick Tips

“You must renew your real estate license online via the Commission’s website from May 15-June 30th.”

-A. Anderson, License Specialist

“Your renewal fee must be submitted online. The Commission does not accept checks.”

-A. Burn, License Specialist

“You can renew your license prior to completing your CE requirements.”

K. Crawford Heath, Assistant Director of Education & Licensing

“”Course completion certificates are for your personal records. It is the education provider’s responsibility to report your course completion to the Commission within 7 days. Please reach out to the provider if the credit has not posted to your record within 10 days.”

-A. Cox, Education Officer

“Please refer to your license number when emailing/calling the Commission with questions.  “

-B. Hollings, License Services Officer

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

Disciplinary Actions

KIMBERLY T GADDY BUTLER (HENDERSON) – By Consent, the Commission suspended the broker license of Gaddy Butler for a period of 6 months, effective April 18, 2025. The Commission then stayed the suspension in its entirety upon certain conditions. The Commission found that Gaddy Butler listed a residential property for sale and advertised that the lot size was .8 acres, when in fact it was only .25 acres.

AMARAINDER GOLI (CHARLOTTE) – By Consent, the Commission suspended the broker license of Goli for a period of 12 months, effective April 30, 2025. The Commission then stayed the suspension following a one-month active period upon certain conditions. The Commission found that Goli, while serving as the Broker-in-Charge of a commercial real estate firm’s Charlotte office, caused his brokerage commissions and reimbursement for brokerage expenses to be paid to Moghul Investments, LLC, an unlicensed firm. Goli, as owner and manager of Moghul Investments, LLC, caused Moghul Investments, LLC to engage in real estate brokerage activities and/or receive compensation for the same.

BRYON T GREINER (ASHEVILLE) – By Consent, the Commission reprimanded Greiner, effective April 15, 2025. The Commission found that Greiner advertised a vacation rental property as having 6-bedrooms, which was above what was listed on the septic permit and the tax records. Greiner had previously been warned by the Commission about misrepresenting the number of bedrooms when advertising the same property. A review of Greiner’s vacation rental agreement for the property showed Greiner failed to include the required fair housing language and the broker’s license number.

DELLENE W MAYBIN (CHARLOTTE) – The Commission accepted the permanent voluntary surrender of the real estate license of Maybin, effective April 23, 2025. The Commission dismissed without prejudice allegations that Maybin violated provisions of the Real Estate License Law and Commission Rules. Maybin neither admitted nor denied misconduct.

JASMIN S HAYNIE (WINSTON SALEM) – By Consent, the Commission suspended the broker license of Haynie for a period of 9 months, effective January 1, 2025. The Commission found that Haynie’s then Broker-in-Charge (hereinafter “BIC”) sent a commission payment in the form of an ACH payment transfer of $6,028.00 to Haynie that was meant to go to another agent in the firm. On or about April 5, 2023, the BIC realized the error and requested the commission payment back. Haynie had already spent the commission payment and was unable to repay the BIC. On September 14, 2023, Haynie pled guilty to felony larceny and was ordered to repay restitution in the amount of $6,048.00 by September 12, 2025. On January 20, 2024, which was more than 60 days after final judgment, Haynie reported her criminal conviction to the Commission.

KLUTTS PROPERTY MANAGEMENT INC. (CHARLOTTE) – The Commission accepted the permanent voluntary surrender of the real estate firm license of Klutts Property Management Inc., effective April 23, 2025.  The Commission dismissed without prejudice allegations that the Firm violated provisions of Real Estate License Law and Commission Rules. The Firm neither admitted nor denied misconduct.

ROBERT G JERNIGAN (HENDERSONVILLE) – By Consent, the Commission suspended the broker license of Jernigan for a period of 12 months, effective April 1, 2025. The Commission then stayed the suspension in its entirety upon certain conditions. The Commission found that Jernigan was the designated broker-in-charge supervising an affiliated broker for the listing of a property. The firm advertised the property and classified the property’s construction type as an on-frame modular. After the buyer terminated the contract, the property was listed again as on-frame modular. Jernigan failed to ensure the advertising for the property was accurate.

BRADLEY S KIGER (WINSTON SALEM) – The Commission accepted the voluntary surrender of the real estate license of Kiger, effective April 23, 2025, with no right to reapply for one year. The Commission dismissed without prejudice allegations that Kiger violated provisions of the Real Estate License Law and Commission Rules. Kiger neither admitted nor denied misconduct.

ROCHELLE S OGBURN (KANNAPOLIS) – By Consent, the Commission suspended the broker license of Ogburn for a period of 6 months, effective April 1, 2025. The Commission then stayed the suspension in its entirety upon certain conditions. The Commission found that Ogburn, acting as listing agent for a residential property, advertised the property as “this home has been fully remodeled; new roof, HVAC, water heater, electrical and plumbing.” After closing on the property, the buyer discovered the electrical was not up to code and paid to have the electrical service updated from 75 amps to 200 amps. Ogburn failed to verify permits and that licensed contractors performed renovations when they were required. Ogburn failed to ensure the advertising for the property was accurate.

ARLENE ROUSE (WINSTON SALEM) – By Consent, the Commission reprimanded Rouse effective March 31, 2025. The Commission found that Rouse was a listing agent of the subject property. Rouse received an inspection on the subject property that revealed structural issues that 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. Rouse failed to place the inspection report in her firm file. Rouse ordered a second inspection of the subject property. 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. Prior to receiving the second inspection, Rouse terminated the listing without the knowledge or authority of her broker-in-charge and subsequently left the listing firm.

WILLIAM P SHEPPARD (MOORESVILLE) – By Consent, the Commission reprimanded Sheppard effective April 1, 2025. The Commission found that Sheppard was the listing agent of the subject property. Sheppard hired a professional measurement company who used a LiDAR laser system to measure and calculate square footage. Sheppard advertised in MLS the subject property contained 3,187 square feet of heated living area, including 960 square feet on the second floor. A potential buyer and their agent inquired about the square footage as it clearly appeared the square footage included an unfinished attic space. Once made aware of a suspected reporting issue, Sheppard called the measurement company to verify the measurements, but Sheppard failed to visit the subject property and verify the measurements himself. Sheppard failed to recognize the error and erroneously included the unfinished attic space in their measurements, which were advertised for square footage in the MLS listing.

MARIA R SORTO (HENDERSONVILLE) – By Consent, the Commission suspended the broker license of Sorto for a period of 12 months, effective April 1, 2025. The Commission then stayed the suspension in its entirety upon certain conditions. The Commission found that Sorto listed a property and classified its construction type as an on-frame modular. After going under contract with a buyer, the buyer agent gave Sorto evidence that the property was a manufactured home.  Sorto then modified the property’s construction classification in the advertisement from on-frame modular to on-frame modular. Subsequently, the buyer terminated the contract. Sorto relisted the property and reverted to classifying the property as on-frame modular. Sorto failed to ensure the listing was accurate and to take reasonable steps to discover the property’s construction type, even after being presented with reasonable evidence by the buyer agent. Sorto failed to disclose the material facts presented by the buyer agent to the subsequent buyer.

TOWNS PROPERTY MANAGEMENT INC (ASHEVILLE) – By Consent, the Commission reprimanded Towns Property Management Inc. effective April 15, 2025. The Commission found that the Firm advertised a vacation rental property as having 6-bedrooms, which was above what was listed on the septic permit and the tax records. The Firm had previously been warned by the Commission about misrepresenting the number of bedrooms when advertising the same property. A review of the Firm’s vacation rental agreement for the property showed the Firm failed to include the required fair housing language and the broker’s license number.

SAGE I TUTTLE (WINSTON SALEM) – By Consent, the Commission suspended the broker license of Tuttle for a period of 6 months, effective April 17, 2025. The Commission then stayed the suspension in its entirety upon certain conditions. The Commission found that Tuttle managed 28 six-month leases for one owner and failed to follow the Commission’s trust accounting rules in that he did not create, maintain, or retain records sufficient to identify the ownership of all funds belonging to others and did not deposit entrusted funds into a trust account within three banking days of receipt.

Commission Presentations

Bruce Rinne, Information Officer, spoke at Century 21 Lawrie Lawrence and Century 21 Echelon on April 1st.

Dee Bigelow, Information Officer, spoke at Winston Salem Association of REALTORS® Property Management Division on April 15th.

Christy Evans, Consumer Protection Officer, spoke at Roanoke Valley Lake Gaston Board of REALTORS® on April 16th.

Lyndi James, Auditor, spoke at Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage on April 16th.

May 2025 Presentations

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

Mel Black, Commission Member, and Kristen Fetter, Assistant Director of Regulatory Affairs, will speak at Gaston Association of REALTORS® on May 7th.

Bryan Boyd, Deputy Legal Counsel, will speak at Haystack Realty Group on May 7th.

Bruce Rinne, Information Officer, will speak at Mark Spain Real Estate on May 7th.  

Bruce Rinne, Information Officer, will speak at 220 Agents on May 8th.

Bruce Rinne, Information Officer, will speak at OWN Real Estate on May 15th.

Reminder: Satisfy Your NC Broker Continuing Education Requirement Before the June 10 Deadline

As we approach the end of the 2024–2025 license year, it’s a great time to make sure you’ve satisfied your North Carolina broker continuing education (CE) requirements. Every year, thousands of brokers wait until the last minute—don’t be one of them!

What Are the CE Requirements?

In accordance with Rule 58A .1702, all North Carolina brokers must complete eight (8) hours of CE each license year to maintain an active license. These hours are broken down into:

The deadline to complete CE for this license year is June 10, 2025, at 11:59 PM EST.

How to Check Your CE Status

If you’re unsure whether you’ve completed your CE for the year:

  1. Visit the Commission’s website: www.ncrec.gov
  2. Click on Licensing, then select Licensee Login
  3. After logging in, select “CE License Information”

There, you’ll see your current CE status. If the “Update Hours” or “Elective Hours” show a zero, you still need to complete that part of your requirement before the deadline.

How to Find and Register for CE Courses

To search for in-person or synchronous (live online) CE courses:

  1. Go to www.ncrec.gov
  2. Click on Education in the top menu
  3. Select Search CE Course Schedules

You can filter results by course (number), provider, instructor, or location.

Update courses must be taken “live,” either in person or via synchronous instruction. Elective courses, however, are offered in multipleformats including self-paced online (asynchronous distance education).

To find self-paced elective providers:

  1. Visit www.ncrec.gov
  2. Click Education
  3. Select List of Distance CE Providers

After Completing Your CE Courses

After you complete a CE course, the education provider is required to issue you a course completion certificate and report your completion to the Commission within seven (7) days.

It’s your responsibility to:

If your course hasn’t appeared within 10 days, contact the education provider promptly to ensure it’s submitted.

Don’t Forget to Renew Your License

You can renew your license online between May 15 and June 30, 2025. While CE does not need to be completed before you renew, it must be completed before June 10 to avoid your license status changing to inactive.

Reminder: How to Renew Your License

Have you renewed your license? If not, do you know how to renew your license? Link: https://youtu.be/Wgj_37zD93Q