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Jonathan Barfield, Jr., Appointed to the NC Real Estate Commission and James Beaty, Jr., and Mel Black, Reappointed

Governor Josh Stein has appointed Jonathan Barfield, Jr., to the NC Real Estate Commission and reappointed James Beaty, Jr., and Mel Black, for terms ending July 31, 2028.

Jonathan Barfield Jr. was born in Columbus, Ohio and raised in Wilmington, NC. He has deep roots in both his community and the real estate industry. Married to his wife, Laura, for more than 36 years, Jonathan is the proud father of four daughters and grandfather of two grandsons.

A licensed REALTOR® since 1997, Jonathan is the Broker/Owner of Barfield and Associates Realty. He served as President of the Cape Fear REALTORS® Association in 2007 and has remained a dedicated leader in the profession ever since.

Following in the footsteps of his father, Jonathan was elected to the New Hanover County Commission in 2008, where he served for 16 years, concluding his tenure in December 2024. During that time, he held the roles of both chair and vice chair for multiple terms, while representing the County on a variety of boards and committees. These included the Greater Wilmington Chamber of Commerce, Wilmington Business Development, Health and Human Services, and the Cape Fear Public Utility Authority. He also recently completed nine years of service on the Cape Fear Community College Board of Trustees.

A U.S. Navy veteran, Jonathan served six years on active duty and in the reserves. Most recently, he contributed to Governor Stein’s Transition Team as co-chair of the Military and Veterans group, where he helped interview candidates for Secretary and Deputy Secretary of Military and Veteran Affairs.

Licensed as a minister since 2004, Jonathan enjoys reading, golfing, and relaxing with a good cigar. His career and community service reflect a lifelong commitment to leadership, service, and making a difference for the people of North Carolina.

James Arthur Beaty Jr. was reappointed to the Commission by Governor Josh Stein. He is a former Judge of the United States District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina.

Beaty grew up in Thomasville, North Carolina. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Western Carolina University in 1971 with Honors and a Juris Doctor from the University of North Carolina School of Law in 1974. He entered private practice in Winston-Salem, North Carolina in 1974, and in 1981 he became a judge of the Superior Court of Forsyth County, North Carolina, a position he held until 1994.

On August 25, 1994, President Bill Clinton nominated Beaty to fill a vacancy on the United States District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina created by the retirement of Judge Richard C. Erwin. The United States Senate unanimously confirmed Beaty in a voice vote on October 7, 1994. Beaty became chief judge of that court in 2006. He is based in Winston-Salem. He assumed senior status on June 30, 2014, and retired from active service on January 31, 2018.

Mel Black was reappointed to the Commission by Governor Josh Stein. As a real estate and appraisal educator, Mr. Black develops and delivers real estate related curriculum for the Colibri Group. As an attorney in private practice with Gaskins Hancock Tuttle Hash, LLP, he focuses on administrative law, occupational licensing, and real estate related matters.

As a speaker, Mr. Black provides training to board members, investigators, and attorneys of national regulatory organizations on the proper conduct of occupational licensing boards. Mr. Black is a third-generation broker and second-generation appraiser in North Carolina. He has been licensed as a broker since 1988 and certified as an appraiser since 1991.

Mr. Black is the former Executive Director of the North Carolina Appraisal Board and former Education and Examination Officer with the North Carolina Real Estate Commission.

He has been elected to multiple national positions, including president of the Association of Appraiser Regulatory Officials, member of The Appraisal Foundation Advisory Council and its State Regulator Advisory Group, and member of the Board of Directors of the Council on Licensure, Enforcement and Regulation. For his service to North Carolina, Mr. Black was inducted into the Order of the Long Leaf Pine in 2002.

Mr. Black was named Educator of the Year by the North Carolina Real Estate Educators Association and received the Larry A. Outlaw Excellence in Real Estate Education Award from the North Carolina Real Estate Commission.

He holds a Juris Doctorate from the North Carolina Central University School of Law, an Educational Specialist degree from Appalachian State University, a Masters of Education from Winthrop College, and a Bachelor’s degree from the University of the State of New York. Mr. Black and his two adult children are based in Raleigh.

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

Commission Presentations

August 2025 Presentations

Jean Hobbs, Auditor/Investigator, spoke at Keller Williams Realty Fayetteville on August 5th.

Bruce Rinne, Information Officer, spoke at Lincoln County Board of REALTORS® on August 5th.

Miriam Baer, Executive Director, spoke at Neuse River Region Association of REALTORS® on August 20th.

Bruce Rinne, Information Officer, spoke at Lantern Realty and Development LLC on August 27th.

September 2025 Presentations

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

Bruce Rinne, Information Officer, will speak at Compass on September 2nd.

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

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

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

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

Miriam Baer, Executive Director, will speak at Longleaf Pine REALTORS® on September 16th.

Brian Heath, Consumer Protection Officer, will speak at Triangle Chapter of the National Association of Property Managers on September 18th.

Tech Corner: Digital Signatures and Record Retention

Digital signatures can help simplify the way real estate brokers handle contracts and agreements. It can save time, reduce paper waste, and expedite transactions.

However, while these tools make transactions more efficient, brokers must remember that technology does not replace compliance. North Carolina License Law and Commission Rules require brokers to retain all records related to a transaction regardless of the format of the original record (e.g., hard-copy or electronic).

The Commission does not require any specific format of record retention so long as the records are legible and available upon request. A broker is required to retain all records for at least three years following:

The Commission does not recommend any electronic service provider over another.

In North Carolina, the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (UETA), found in NCGS § 66-311 et. seq. applies to electronic records and electronic signatures in the conduct of a transaction, including a real estate transaction. UETA establishes the legal equivalence of electronic records and signatures with paper writings and manually signed signatures, removing barriers to electronic commerce. The responsibility for maintaining records rests with the broker, not the technology provider.

Best Practices for Digital Signature Use

  1. Choose a Reputable Provider
    • Select platforms that comply with UETA.
    • Confirm the service offers downloadable copies so you can store them independently.
  2. Maintain Multiple Backups
    • Keep electronic copies in at least two secure locations (e.g., encrypted cloud storage + a local backup drive).
    • Avoid relying solely on the platform’s storage in case your subscription ends or the provider changes service terms.
  3. Verify Document Integrity
    • Download the fully signed version and review the audit trail to confirm all signatures and timestamps.
    • Lock or password-protect files to prevent unintentional edits.

NOTE: Commission Rule 58A .0104, requires that a broker provide AND REVIEW the Working With Real Estate Agents Disclosure. Agency principles require the review and explanation of all documents signed by the client. Brokers should also keep accompanying emails and notes that indicate they met these obligations, not just proof that the client signed the document.

Digital signature technology can streamline your workflow—but it’s only effective if paired with consistent and compliant record-keeping. Treat your electronic records with the same diligence as paper versions.

Reminder: Guess What? You Can Take Your CE Now!

Have you taken your CE courses for 2025-2026? It is not too early for you to complete your required CE for this license year.

Disciplinary Actions

FREDDY A ALBAN (KANNAPOLIS) – By Consent, the Commission reprimanded Alban effective August 29, 2025.  The Commission found that Alban facilitated a transaction between a distressed homeowner and an unlicensed out-of-state investor who assigned a purchase contract to buyers who Alban knew wanted to buy a property. Alban failed to provide the Working With Real Estate Agents (WWREA) disclosure form or enter into a written agency agreement with the buyers and received an “assignment fee” at closing through his unlicensed investment firm, without the knowledge or supervision of either of the two firms with which he was affiliated.

DREW M BYERS (WINSTON SALEM) – The Commission accepted the permanent voluntary surrender of the real estate license of Byers, effective August 13, 2025. The Commission dismissed without prejudice allegations that Byers violated provisions of the Real Estate License Law and Commission Rules. Byers neither admitted nor denied misconduct.

CRYSTAL S CHEEVERS (HUNTERSVILLE) – The Commission accepted the permanent voluntary surrender of the real estate license of Cheevers, effective August 13, 2025. The Commission dismissed without prejudice allegations that Cheevers violated provisions of the Real Estate License Law and Commission Rules. Cheevers neither admitted nor denied misconduct.

BRIAN S HAIGLER (INDIAN TRAIL) – The Commission accepted the permanent voluntary surrender of the real estate license of Haigler, effective August 13, 2025. The Commission dismissed without prejudice allegations that Haigler violated provisions of the Real Estate License Law and Commission Rules. Haigler neither admitted nor denied misconduct.

DAVID S KLEPSER (CHARLOTTE) – The Commission accepted the voluntary surrender of the real estate license of Klepser, effective August 13, 2025, with no right to reapply for five years. The Commission dismissed without prejudice allegations that Klepser violated provisions of the Real Estate License Law and Commission Rules. Klepser neither admitted nor denied misconduct.

OWEN E METTS (WILMINGTON) – By Consent, the Commission suspended the broker license of Metts for a period of 24 months, effective June 15, 2025. The Commission then stayed the suspension in its entirety upon certain conditions. The Commission found that Metts’ nephew signed a Power of Attorney authorizing Metts to sign documents related to the transfer of real property in exchange for a commission. Metts incorrectly interpreted a legal document to include interest owed to his nephew upon the sale of the subject property. Metts refused to sign a quitclaim deed his nephew was required to sign pursuant to a divorce settlement until the seller paid a commission to him.

AMANDA G RIVERA (WENDELL) – Following a hearing, the Commission suspended the broker license of Rivera for a period of 6 months, effective September 1, 2025, and revoked the instructor approval of Rivera effective June 24, 2025. The Commission then stayed the suspension following a one-month active period upon certain conditions. The Commission found that Rivera reported disciplinary action by the North Carolina Appraisal Board more than five months after entry of the final order and misrepresented the extent of the disciplinary action taken against her. Rivera’s appraiser license was placed on inactive suspension for a period of six months. Rivera was prohibited from supervising trainees and teaching the appraiser supervisor and trainee course for a period of three years, and she was prohibited from teaching continuing education courses or qualifying education courses for a period of two years.

KRISTI L WOOLARD (GREENVILLE) – By Consent, the Commission reprimanded Woolard effective August 31, 2025. The Commission found that Woolard acted as the buyer’s agent who contracted to purchase an unimproved lot for $23,000. Prior to closing, Woolard, in violation of training by both the North Carolina Real Estate Commission and her Broker-in-Charge, emailed the closing attorney to obtain the wiring instructions for her client, did not call the closing attorney to verify the wiring instructions, and did not instruct her buyer to do so.  Unbeknownst to her, her communications with the attorney were intercepted by a hacker who replied with fake wiring instructions. Woolard passed these instructions along to her client who then wired $23,330.09 to the hacker’s account. Woolard’s client was unable to buy the property after her money was lost. 

Understanding the Rulemaking Process: A Simple Guide for Real Estate Brokers

In the world of real estate, rules governing brokerage practices help keep everything running smoothly. They protect the public, guide professionals, and make sure laws are applied fairly and consistently. But how are these rules made? Let’s break it down.

Who Makes the Rules?

In North Carolina, the Real Estate Commission (REC) is authorized to create rules not inconsistent with State law.  These rules are written by the REC and then sent to the North Carolina Rules Review Commission (RRC). The RRC reviews the rules to make sure they are legal, clearly written, and adhere to the rulemaking process.  If RRC approves the rules, they are then entered into the North Carolina Administrative Code, Chapter 58.

What’s the Rulemaking Process?

The process of creating or changing a rule is called rulemaking. In North Carolina, the rulemaking process must follow the Administrative Procedure Act’s (APA) strict guidelines.

There are three types of rulemaking:

Temporary and emergency rules are only used in special situations and still must go through the permanent process eventually. That’s why this guide focuses on how permanent rules are made.

Step 1: Identifying the Need

It all starts when the REC sees a need to create a new rule, change an old one, or remove a rule that no longer makes sense. This might happen because of new laws, industry trends, or feedback from brokers or the public.

Step 2: Public Notice

Next, the REC writes a draft of the proposed rule and publishes a notice in the North Carolina Register and on the REC’s website. This notice includes:

This notice also goes out to real estate brokers and industry groups to encourage feedback. You can sign up for email updates on rule notifications by subscribing to REC’s mailing list.

Step 3: Public Comment

There’s a minimum 60-day period where anyone—brokers, consumers, or industry groups—can give feedback in writing or by speaking at a public hearing. The goal is to get input and make sure the rule works well in practice. REC encourages brokers to participate and considers all feedback before making its final decision to adopt the rule and proceed with the rulemaking process.

Step 4: Final Adoption

After reviewing public comments, the REC may make small changes to the rule before the final submission to RRC. If the changes are major, the Commission may ask for more public feedback and open another public comment period. Alternatively, the Commission may decide not to proceed based upon the feedback received. If the Commission chooses to proceed, once the final rule text is ready, the REC must vote to officially adopt the rule.

Step 5: Final Review

The adopted rule is then sent to the RRC to ensure the rule:

If the rule passes this review, it’s published in the official rulebook (NC Administrative Code) and becomes effective—usually at the beginning of the next month or on a set date, such as July 1.

In Summary
Laws (also called statutes) give the overall direction and are passed by the General Assembly and typically signed by the Governor. Rules fill in the details, so everyone understands how to follow the laws in real-life situations. Rules don’t just appear. They go through a careful process that includes research, public input, legal review, and approval. As a broker, staying informed and involved helps shape the rules that affect your profession every day.

Digital Burnout: Managing Technology Tools Without Losing Human Touch

Technology is essential in managing transactions, communications, and advertising. From automated emails and AI-generated listing descriptions to online scheduling apps and virtual showings, brokers have access to a range of tools designed to streamline their work and make it faster.

However, with constant pings, updates, and the pressure to be “always on,” many brokers are facing a modern challenge: digital burnout.

What Is Digital Burnout?

Digital burnout is when the constant use of technology becomes overwhelming, leading to stress, fatigue, and a decline in productivity. It’s not just about staring at screens all day; it’s the mental load of nonstop notifications, multitasking, and the blurred line between work and personal life.

In real estate, where responsiveness and accessibility are key, it’s easy to lose personal connection and fall into a cycle of over-reliance on digital tools.

Signs You May be Experiencing Digital Burnout:

Strategies to Manage Tech—Without Losing the Human Touch

Here are a few simple ways to prevent digital burnout:

  1. Set Digital Boundaries: Define clear business hours in your email signature and on your social media. Use autoreplies to let clients know when you’ll respond, especially outside of work hours.
  2. Take Control of Notifications: Customize your devices to only notify you of essential messages. Silence non-urgent app alerts and check social media or other tools at designated times.
  3. Schedule Offline Time: Block off parts of your day or week where you go “offline” to recharge. Even a 15-minute walk or tech-free lunch can help reset your mind.
  4. Automate Thoughtfully: Utilize automation to save time, but don’t compromise on personalization. For example, you might follow up with an auto-text after a showing, but personalize emails with details specific to your client’s interests.
  5. Prioritize Face-to-Face: Picking up the phone or meeting in person can go a long way toward building trust. Clients still value real human interaction.
  6. Evaluate Tools Regularly: Not every new tech tool is right for your business. Take the time to evaluate which applications or systems are benefiting your business.

Technology should support your success, not stress you out. The key is a healthy balance of helpful digital tools, personal service, and ethical practice that clients value most.

Your clients chose you, not a bot. Stay human, stay connected, and don’t be afraid to unplug when needed.

Disciplinary Actions

ADVANTAGE PROPERTY MANAGEMENT LLC (THOMASVILLE) – By Consent, the Commission suspended the firm license of Advantage Property Management LLC for a period of 24 months, effective July 30, 2025. The Commission then stayed the suspension in its entirety upon certain conditions. The Commission found that Commission staff audited the Firm’s trust accounting records for the period of June-December 2023 and discovered multiple violations of Commission trust accounting rules, including failure to account for trust monies within a reasonable time, commingling, failure to deposit trust funds into the trust account within three banking days, and failure to properly maintain trust account records. The Firm also did not make all records available for inspection as requested by Commission staff.

JACQUELINE HUTTOE – The Commission accepted the permanent voluntary surrender of the real estate license of Huttoe, effective July 16, 2025. The Commission dismissed without prejudice allegations that Huttoe violated provisions of the Real Estate License Law and Commission Rules. Huttoe neither admitted nor denied misconduct.

PHILIP D LEINWAND (WILMINGTON) – By Consent, the Commission suspended the broker license of Leinwand for a period of one-month, effective August 1, 2025. The Commission found that in 2005, Leinwand completed and filed an Application for a Real Estate Salesperson License with the Commission and provided false information in the application. In 2006, Leinwand completed and filed an Application for a Real Estate License with the Commission and provided false information in the application. In 2021, Leinwand completed and filed an Application for a Real Estate Firm License with the Commission and provided false information in the application. Leinwand failed to make full disclosure of all required information in his applications to the Commission in 2005, 2006, and 2021.

JENNIFER M MCCLUSKEY (THOMASVILLE) – By Consent, the Commission suspended the broker license of McCluskey for a period of 24 months, effective July 30, 2025. The Commission then stayed the suspension in its entirety upon certain conditions. The Commission found that in July 2023, after being designated as the Broker-in-Charge (BIC) for Advantage Property Management LLC, McCluskey designated herself as the Qualifying Broker and falsely certified to the Commission that she was an officer/manager/general partner of the firm, when she was not.  An audit conducted by Commission staff while McCluskey was BIC for the firm evidenced multiple violations of Commission trust accounting rules, including failure to account for trust monies within a reasonable time, commingling, failure to deposit trust funds into the trust account within three banking days, and failure to properly maintain trust account records. McCluskey also did not make all records available for inspection by Commission staff as requested and did not properly supervise unlicensed staff members.

ROGER A PARHAM (CHARLOTTE) – The Commission accepted the permanent voluntary surrender of the real estate license of Parham, effective July 16, 2025. The Commission dismissed without prejudice allegations that Parham violated provisions of the Real Estate License Law and Commission Rules. Parham neither admitted nor denied misconduct.

PAUL E PORTERFIELD (GRIFTON) – By Consent, the Commission suspended the broker license of Porterfield for a period of 9 months, effective July 30, 2025, after he failed to comply with certain conditions of his Consent Order.  The Commission found that Porterfield failed to use written agreements for broker services, allowed his unlicensed firm to be paid a commission for real estate brokerage services, and failed to deposit trust monies in a trust account within three banking days of receipt.

WILLIAM W RIKE (NEWPORT) – By Consent, the Commission suspended the broker license of Rike for a period of 6 months, effective July 1, 2025. The Commission then stayed the suspension in its entirety upon certain conditions. The Commission found that Rike received a lead from the assumed seller of a vacant lot. Rike executed a listing agreement with the assumed seller and failed to take reasonable steps to identify this individual. Rike believed the email address belonging to the assumed seller was legitimate because it matched the name of the true owner. Rike had the assumed seller sign the listing agreement electronically. The vacant lot  went under contract with a potential buyer; however, the contract was terminated. The transaction successfully closed with a second buyer, but after it was discovered that the assumed seller was fraudulent. The true owner was unaware of the transaction until after the transaction closed.

KENNETH U ROUNDTREE (GREENSBORO) – The Commission accepted the permanent voluntary surrender of the real estate license of Roundtree, effective July 16, 2025. The Commission dismissed without prejudice allegations that Roundtree violated provisions of the Real Estate License Law and Commission Rules. Roundtree neither admitted nor denied misconduct.

ROBERT E SCHNEIDER (LONGS, SC) – The Commission accepted the voluntary surrender of the real estate license of Schneider, effective July 16, 2025, with no right to reapply for three years. The Commission dismissed without prejudice allegations that Schneider violated provisions of the Real Estate License Law and Commission Rules. Schneider neither admitted nor denied misconduct.

STEEL SKIN REALTY LLC (CHARLOTTE) – The Commission accepted the voluntary surrender of the real estate firm license of Steel Skin Realty LLC, effective July 16, 2025. The Commission dismissed without prejudice allegations that the Firm violated provisions of the Real Estate License Law and Commission Rules. The Firm neither admitted nor denied misconduct.

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