North Carolina Real Estate License Defense Lawyer
Protect Your Career
When your real estate license is threatened, your livelihood, reputation, and future depend on having a good legal defense. At Brooks Peterson PLLC, we represent North Carolina real estate agents, brokers, and firms in regulatory matters involving the North Carolina Real Estate Commission (NCREC). Whether you’ve been served a complaint, are under investigation, or face formal disciplinary proceedings, we help you navigate every step of the process — aiming to minimize sanctions and preserve your license.
Why You Need an Attorney Focused on NCREC License Defense
Regulatory law differs significantly from real estate law. Most licensees are well-versed in contracts, listings, and closings — but not the administrative and disciplinary procedures governed by the North Carolina Real Estate Commission (NCREC).
Timing and procedure are critical. How and when you respond, handle a hearing, or pursue a settlement can directly affect your rights and the outcome of your case.
Disciplinary actions also carry public and professional consequences. Even a reprimand or minor sanction becomes part of the public record through NCREC bulletins, which can impact your reputation, future business opportunities, and broker affiliations.
An experienced North Carolina real estate license defense attorney can help protect both your license and your professional standing by guiding you through each stage of the NCREC process and pursuing the best possible resolution, including settlement or license reinstatement when appropriate.
What to Do If You’re Facing an NCREC Complaint or Investigation
When a complaint is filed with the North Carolina Real Estate Commission (NCREC), the most important step is to act promptly and professionally. According to the NCREC, licensees who receive a Letter of Inquiry must respond within fourteen (14) days of receipt. If more time is needed, you can request a reasonable extension from Commission staff — but missing a deadline can seriously affect your rights and the outcome of your case.
Your written response should include a factual explanation of the transaction or incident at issue, along with copies of relevant documents such as contracts, correspondence, or trust account records. The Commission has the authority to expand investigations beyond the original allegations, so your response should be complete and well-supported.
While you are not required to have an attorney, the Commission explicitly notes that you may hire legal counsel to assist with your response or during meetings with auditors or investigators. Having a North Carolina real estate license defense attorney involved early can ensure that your communications are accurate, your evidence is properly organized, and your rights are preserved throughout the investigation.
If the Commission proceeds to a formal hearing, its staff attorney prosecutes the case, and the members of the Commission act as the decision-makers. Disciplinary outcomes can include reprimand, suspension, or revocation, and all disciplinary actions are published publicly in the NCREC’s Real Estate eBulletin.
For that reason, protecting your license isn’t just about compliance — it’s about safeguarding your career, reputation, and livelihood. Responding strategically and in accordance with NCREC procedures could make a significant difference in the final result.
Take the Next Step
Your license represents years of education, training, and dedication. A single complaint or misunderstanding should not jeopardize your career.
If you are under investigation by the North Carolina Real Estate Commission, or have been notified of a complaint, contact our office today. We provide free and confidential consultations
Appealing a Board Decision
If you disagree with the NCREC’s final decision, you have the right to appeal within 30 days to the Superior Court in your county or in Wake County (where the Board is located).
Our firm assists with:
Reviewing the administrative record for appealable issues
Drafting the written notice of appeal
Preparing court filings and arguments for review
Appeals are time-sensitive — missing the 30-day deadline can forfeit your right to challenge the Board’s decision.
