The Georgia Real Estate Commission (GREC) is a state agency responsible for regulating and overseeing the real estate industry in Georgia. The commission's primary goal is to protect the public's interest by ensuring that real estate professionals operate with honesty, integrity, and competence. In this article, we will delve into the specifics of the GREC, its functions, and the requirements for becoming a licensed real estate agent in Georgia.
Overview of the Georgia Real Estate Commission
The GREC is composed of seven members, appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate. The commission has the authority to adopt rules, investigate complaints, and discipline licensed real estate professionals who violate state laws or regulations. The GREC’s jurisdiction includes real estate brokers, salespersons, community association managers, and timeshare developers.
Functions of the Georgia Real Estate Commission
The GREC has several key functions, including:
- Licensing: The commission issues licenses to real estate professionals who meet the eligibility requirements and pass the licensing examination.
- Education: The GREC approves real estate education courses and providers, ensuring that licensees receive proper training and continuing education.
- Compliance: The commission investigates complaints and enforces compliance with state laws and regulations, including the Georgia Real Estate License Law.
- Discipline: The GREC has the authority to impose disciplinary actions, such as fines, suspension, or revocation of licenses, against real estate professionals who violate state laws or regulations.
The GREC also maintains a database of licensed real estate professionals, which is available to the public. This database allows consumers to verify the licensure status of real estate agents and brokers, as well as access information about any disciplinary actions taken against them.
Requirements for Becoming a Licensed Real Estate Agent in Georgia
To become a licensed real estate agent in Georgia, an individual must meet the following requirements:
- Age: The applicant must be at least 18 years old.
- Education: The applicant must complete a 75-hour pre-licensing course approved by the GREC.
- Examination: The applicant must pass the salesperson licensing examination administered by the GREC.
- Background Check: The applicant must undergo a background check through the Georgia Crime Information Center and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
- Application: The applicant must submit a license application to the GREC, including the required fees.
Once licensed, real estate agents in Georgia must complete continuing education courses to maintain their licensure. The GREC requires licensees to complete a minimum of 24 hours of continuing education every two years, including three hours of instruction on the topic of license law.
| License Type | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Salesperson | 75-hour pre-licensing course, pass licensing examination, background check |
| Broker | 60-hour broker pre-licensing course, pass broker licensing examination, background check, 3 years of experience as a licensed salesperson |
The GREC also provides resources and guidance for consumers, including a complaint process for filing grievances against licensed real estate professionals. By understanding the role and functions of the GREC, consumers can make informed decisions when working with real estate agents and brokers in Georgia.
Real Estate Commission Fees and Expenses
The GREC collects various fees from licensed real estate professionals, including licensing fees, renewal fees, and late fees. The commission also imposes fines and penalties for non-compliance with state laws and regulations.
The following is a breakdown of the fees and expenses associated with becoming a licensed real estate agent in Georgia:
- Licensing fee: $170
- Renewal fee: $170
- Late fee: $50
- Pre-licensing course fee: varies by provider
- Licensing examination fee: $121
GREC's Role in Protecting Consumers
The GREC plays a crucial role in protecting consumers by regulating the real estate industry and enforcing compliance with state laws and regulations. The commission's complaint process allows consumers to file grievances against licensed real estate professionals, which are then investigated and addressed by the GREC.
Consumers can also access information about licensed real estate professionals, including their licensure status and any disciplinary actions taken against them, through the GREC's website. This information enables consumers to make informed decisions when working with real estate agents and brokers in Georgia.
What is the purpose of the Georgia Real Estate Commission?
+The purpose of the Georgia Real Estate Commission is to regulate and oversee the real estate industry in Georgia, protecting the public’s interest by ensuring that real estate professionals operate with honesty, integrity, and competence.
How do I become a licensed real estate agent in Georgia?
+To become a licensed real estate agent in Georgia, you must complete a 75-hour pre-licensing course, pass the salesperson licensing examination, undergo a background check, and submit a license application to the GREC, including the required fees.
What are the continuing education requirements for real estate agents in Georgia?
+Real estate agents in Georgia must complete a minimum of 24 hours of continuing education every two years, including three hours of instruction on the topic of license law.
