Georgia Real Estate Commission: An Overview of Its Role and Functions
The Georgia Real Estate Commission (GREC) is a state agency that regulates and licenses real estate brokers, salespersons, and community association managers in Georgia. The GREC was established in 1926 by the Georgia General Assembly to protect the public interest and ensure the integrity and competence of the real estate profession. The GREC consists of six members appointed by the Governor, five of whom are licensed brokers and one of whom is a consumer representative. The GREC operates under the Georgia Secretary of State’s Office and is funded by fees collected from licensees and applicants.
Responsibilities and Services
The GREC has several responsibilities and services in its role as the regulatory authority for real estate in Georgia, such as:
- Licensing: The GREC administers the license law that sets the requirements and standards for obtaining and maintaining a real estate license in Georgia. The GREC also approves and monitors the prelicensing and continuing education courses offered by real estate schools and instructors. The GREC issues licenses to qualified applicants and maintains a database of active and inactive licensees.
- Enforcement: The GREC enforces the license law and the rules and regulations that govern the conduct and practice of real estate in Georgia. The GREC investigates complaints and allegations of violations filed by consumers or other parties against licensees or applicants. The GREC also conducts audits and inspections of brokerage firms and trust accounts. The GREC has the authority to impose disciplinary actions, such as fines, suspensions, revocations, or reprimands, for violations of the law or rules.
- Education: The GREC provides education and information to the public and the real estate industry on various topics related to real estate in Georgia. The GREC publishes newsletters, bulletins, brochures, and guides that cover the license law, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, and best practices. The GREC also conducts seminars, workshops, webinars, and outreach programs to educate and inform consumers and licensees.
- Assistance: The GREC provides assistance and support to consumers and licensees who have questions or issues related to real estate in Georgia. The GREC operates a website that offers online services, such as license verification, renewal, application, status check, complaint filing, education lookup, and forms download. The GREC also has a customer service center that can be contacted by phone, fax, or email.
Conclusion
The Georgia Real Estate Commission is a state agency that regulates and licenses real estate brokers, salespersons, and community association managers in Georgia. The GREC was established in 1926 by the Georgia General Assembly to protect the public interest and ensure the integrity and competence of the real estate profession. The GREC has several responsibilities and services in its role as the regulatory authority for real estate in Georgia, such as licensing, enforcement, education, and assistance. If you are interested in learning more about the GREC and its functions, you can visit its website or contact its office.