If you live in Los Angeles or Orange County, you’re well aware that Southern California has some of the highest housing prices in the nation – right up there with Silicon Valley and New York City.
We took a look at the current housing market, and we found that a modest 2-bedroom townhome in Aliso Viejo costs around $565,000. Meanwhile, a 5-bedroom, 5,000-square-foot home in Aliso Viejo runs about $2 million – wow! Understandably, OC is the place to be if you want a career in real estate.
We did some research and found that while negotiable, real estate commission is usually 6%, which is split between the selling and buying agent, and then each agent splits their 3% share with their broker. Even still, 1.5% of $1 million is $15,000 for one commission – not bad.
So, what if you’re studying for your real estate salesperson license and you are arrested and convicted for DUI? Can your real estate license be denied?
You Can Be Denied for Criminal Convictions
According to the Department of Consumer Affairs Bureau of Real Estate, you must be 18 or older to receive a license, and you must be 100% honest and truthful.
On the page, Applicant Eligibility Information, the Bureau of Real Estate says, “All criminal convictions and pending criminal charges must be disclosed on the license application.” The agency requires that all applicants are transparent about their backgrounds and disclose their criminal convictions, including both misdemeanors and felonies.
If you are convicted of a crime, you may be denied a license. Going further, if you fail to disclose any criminal offense in your history, your license can be denied.
Can I Become a Realtor with a DUI Conviction?
While a DUI conviction doesn't automatically lead to a denial of a real estate license, your application could be rejected for serious or multiple DUI offenses. The licensing agency will typically decide whether to grant a real estate license based on the circumstances of your case.
One potential issue that is reviewed is the ability to drive buyers to look at listings, which is not only inconvenient if your driver's license is repeatedly suspended, but can be a deal breaker when granting a license.
If you are planning on a career in real estate and you’re facing DUI charges, the best thing for you to do is contact the Law Offices of Virginia L. Landry, Inc. and fight your charges. We would be glad to answer your questions and explain how a DUI affects professional licenses.