From the Board Room

At its January meeting, the Licensing Board elected Board member Joe 0. Brewer to serve as its Chairman, effective February 1, 1977. Mr. Brewer, a Wilkesboro attorney, become a member of the North Carolina Real Estate Licensing Board on August 14, 1974 by appointment of Governor James E. Holshouser, Jr. Rufus L. Brock of Mocksville will continue to serve in the capacity of Vice-Chairman. The Board commended Edwin W. Tenney, Jr. for his performance as Chairman during his term of office.

Following notice to the public (see fall Bulletin), the Licensing Board met on December 15, 1976 to consider possible changes in its Rules and Regulations primarily involving license renewals. After discussing certain administrative problems which would be created by such changes, however, the Board voted not to enact any changes in its Rules and Regulations at this time. Consequently, all real estate licenses will continue to be renewed on a one-year basis.

The unlicensed secretary or receptionist in a real estate office is placed in a rather precarious position. Although her duties ordinarily include greeting visitors and receiving telephone inquiries from prospective clients, she must be ever mindful not to provide such information or perform such acts which require a real estate license. Consequently, brokers often ask the question "What information can my secretary furnish to prospective customers concerning our company's listed properties?"

The Licensing Board feels that secretaries, receptionists, or other unlicensed employees of a licensed real estate broker should provide only such information about listed properties as would normally appear in a simple, classified newspaper advertisement; e.g. location, price, number of rooms.

Unlicensed personnel may not, of course, show listed properties to prospective purchasers or tenants, negotiate or discuss terms of sale, prepare offers, leases, closing statements or other related instruments, or perform any other acts requiring a real estate license. Brokers knowingly permitting their unlicensed employees to engage in such activities risk disciplinary action from the Board.

The Board advises brokers to prepare a written office policy for their unlicensed employees explaining "do's" and "don'ts" in answering the telephone and office inquiries.