Pura's Blog

I take great pride in being a Realtor and absolutely love the profession. However, I don't enjoy people working in the profession when they are not qualified to do so. Therefore, I am compelled to write about the dark-side of the business.

It is unfortunate that in the midst of the market climate, there are those unscrupulous individuals that are performing real estate services that are not licensed to do so. 

I applaud capitalism. It is a fundamental element of an economic paradigm, which has allowed our country to reach its standing in the global community.  On the flip side, there is greed.  Greed benefits no one except the person involved in the greedy practice. It breaks down business ethics, the profession and blemishes those of us, who are licensed and work hard to champion the interest of our client/s.

Here are my tips:

Be diligent and ask questions.  

If you go to a mortgage broker, make sure the person originating your loan is a licensed real estate agent. There are those who state they are "assistants."  An assistant cannot take any information relating to your finances nor discuss loan products with you.  Only licensed agents can perform those functions.  Check out the person you are dealing with. The following link is meant for consumers to see if you are dealing with a licensed professional.  http://www.dre.ca.gov/cons_home.html 

The only way an individual can work without being licensed in lending is if the company is operating under a CFL license - California Finance Lender license. See link below http://www.corp.ca.gov/about/broker.asp

As to real estate services, one must be licensed to perform real estate services - period! There are no exceptions.

Be aware of who you are dealing with.  There are still predatory practices occurring, which is not good  for the consumer or for the profession.

Please call me is you have questions.  Remember, the best con artists are the ones who are the most convincing...how else would they take advantage.

"A wolf in sheep's clothing"...that old adage still holds true.