Chapter 1
Virginia Real Estate Law & Agency
Course: Virginia Real Estate Exam Prep
Subject: Virginia State Salesperson Exam Prep
Chapter: Virginia Real Estate Law Agency
Organizational Context: The VREB operates under the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR), a large umbrella agency that oversees numerous licensed professions from contractors to cosmetologists. This places real estate regulation within a centralized consumer protection framework.
Key Responsibilities in Depth:
- Rulemaking Authority: The VREB's regulations in the Virginia Administrative Code (18VAC135-20) have the full force of law. These rules provide the specific "how-to" for the broader statutes, covering everything from advertising ("All advertising must include the firm's name in a conspicuous manner") to trust account management.
- Disciplinary Process: Complaints are investigated by DPOR enforcement staff. For serious violations, a formal hearing can be held before a DPOR hearing officer. Penalties are progressive and can include:Fines: Monetary penalties (often per violation).Probation: License remains active but under strict conditions.Suspension: License is inactive for a set period.Revocation: License is terminated. Reapplication is difficult.Mandatory Education: Completion of specific courses.
- Fines: Monetary penalties (often per violation).
- Probation: License remains active but under strict conditions.
- Suspension: License is inactive for a set period.
- Revocation: License is terminated. Reapplication is difficult.
- Mandatory Education: Completion of specific courses.
- The License Lookup Tool: Consumers and other licensees can use the DPOR license lookup website to verify a licensee's active status, see their broker affiliation, and check for any public disciplinary history. This transparency is a core part of public protection.