Legal Question in Real Estate Law in California
Hi,
I have a company registered in UK and I want to offer marketing services to Real Estate owners throughout the world, including US customers.
How can I do this legally, if I don't have a Real Estate License?
Thank you!
2 Answers from Attorneys
In California at least, there isn't much you can do that involves direct contact with buyers or sellers of real estate (in those roles) that wouldn't require a license. You can provide advertising services and act as a 'finder,' but cannot brcomr involved in deal-making. I'd suggest reading the relevant legislation of each U.S. jurisdiction in which you plan to do business to see what is permitted to a non-licensee. In California, the license requirements begin at Business & Professions Code section 10130 and extend onward for pages and pages. Perhaps the most important single section is B&P 10131. The laws of the various states will be similar, but not identical.
I agree with Mr. Whipple. I write to add that the largest internet provider of real estate listing information, ZipRealty, Inc., has made sure to license itself in all states and its terms of use provide that users are subject to broker/client laws as applicable. So you seem to be taking a significant risk if you enter into real estate marketing activity in the U.S. without licensing.