Department of Real Estate

Mission

To protect and serve the interests of the public in real estate transactions and provide related services to the real estate industry.

Purpose

• To be an effective consumer advocate by monitoring and regulating industry practices while promoting public awareness.
• To be an effective customer-focused department providing timely and efficient services to licensees, subdividers and consumers.

Principles

The governance of the Department of Real Estate is structured with core values that promote independence and balance between its two distinct mission responsibilities. These values preserve the integrity of operational obligations, ensure coordination and cooperation between the operating programs, engage Department stakeholders, and foster an environment that supports the professional development of its staff.

The primary responsibility of the Department of Real Estate is to the public as a consumer protection agency. As government is not able to guarantee a risk-free marketplace, the Department acts in concert with other governmental agencies, education providers, and community organizations to enhance its enforcement and consumer awareness efforts to lessen the risk of loss to consumers in real estate transactions. In this regard, consumer and licensee information as well as education are regarded as important operational elements. Through consumer education, the public is better able to make more informed decisions and protect themselves to the extent they are able. By educating its licensees, the Department helps ensure that they are aware of their legal responsibilities, as well as their obligations to their clients. By approaching these principal responsibilities from the multiple avenues of education and enforcement, the Department maximizes the effectiveness of its consumer protection efforts.

In its role as an industry service provider, the Department undertakes strategic planning disciplines that result in the identification of objectives intended to have a direct benefit to the consumer, the State, the real estate industry, subdivision development businesses, and timeshare commerce.

The Department of Real Estate, like all other State agencies, is challenged to manage its workload and responsibilities. To meet these demands, the Department continues to seek efficiencies in programs and activities, and to use technology, partnerships, and common-sense solutions to make doing business with the Department more transparent on all levels.