Powers and Duties of the West Virginia Real Estate Commission
The West Virginia Real Estate Commission licenses and regulates brokers and salespersons. This chapter covers the Commission's authority and how it enforces the license law.
Licensing and Rulemaking
The West Virginia Real Estate Commission issues broker and salesperson licenses, sets licensing standards, and adopts rules under the license law. It defines who must be licensed and the requirements for education, examination, and renewal.
Investigation and Discipline
The Commission investigates complaints against licensees and may deny, suspend, or revoke a license and impose other sanctions for violations of the license law, following its administrative due-process procedures. Common grounds for discipline include mishandling trust funds, false advertising, and dishonest dealing.
Limits on Commission Authority
The Commission regulates licenses; it does not award civil money damages, impose criminal jail sentences, set property taxes, or approve individual purchase contracts. Those functions belong to the courts, taxing authorities, and the transacting parties. Knowing what the Commission can and cannot do is a common exam point.