How can I validate a broker and realtor's license?

Question

Hi everyone, this is my first deal in the US and I'm in the closing part of the deal (I have so many fears but at the same time emotion), how can I validate that the license of the broker and realtor are real?

Jeff Copeland · Answer

Most states have licensing info online. Google "Florida real estate license lookup" (but obviously insert the name of the state you are working in).

Though I must point out that if you are "in the closing part of the deal" and now you are worried that your broker/agent are unlicensed, you've probably left it too late! What makes you fear that they are unlicensed, and how would this impact your closing?

Caleb Brown · Answer

They need to be real in order to do business and work with you. Where did you find them?

Tchaka Owen · Answer

Using Google.

Search for "verify my license" or something of the equivalent; since you're likely in Illinois, add that to the search. Licenses are public record.

Sendil Thangavelu · Answer

In the offer you submitted, are the Realtors name, license number not mentioned?

Marcus Auerbach · Answer

@Juan Camilo Lovera - if have to be concerned about a valid license, maybe better to move on! Many don't realize there is a HUGE difference in the skill, experience and professionalism you get from different agents - we know from statistics that over 70% of all clients only interview one agent. This is how we keep the bar in this industry so low.

You can look up agents here on BP; while thats a good sign and indicates that they know at lease a little about investing, further research is needed. You want to see a lot of good reviews online. And maybe most important you want to work with someone who is full time and does enough volume. In my market peers consider you a pro if you close at lease 25-50 deals a year.

Working with a great agent can make a world of a difference, put in the time and effort to find one for yourself!

Marelyn Valdes · Answer

The title company handling your closing should have a record of the agents and their brokerage information to pay their commissions after the closing.

Kathleen Collins · Answer

You can lookup licenses online. I would search whatever state and then “real estate license lookup”. Here in Illinois, that’s IDFPR.  You can also cross reference with the local Realtor association in the area.

Good luck with your transaction! ☘️ I hope it’s the first of many for you!

Michael K. · Answer

Make sure they have recent transactions, for the transaction to go through they will need to have an active license. Participation in their local MLS will also require a license.

Lookup for Illinois licenses can be done on this website. https://online-dfpr.micropact....

Jonathan Klemm · Answer

@Juan Camilo Lovera - Maybe a silly question but why are you feeling the need to validate your realtor's license?

It should be pretty easy to lookup depending on the state.  Here in Chicago Illinois you can look them up through their local association (i.e, Chicago Association Realtors, CAR or IDFPR) or if they are a member of the National Association of Realtors (NAR) you should be able to look them up through that.

How can I validate a broker and realtor's license?

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