The NC Real Estate Commission exists to protect buyers and sellers — not brokers. Here's what they require every licensed agent to do for you, and what you should ask before working with anyone.
Six things every buyer and seller should know
Sourced directly from the NC Real Estate Commission's official consumer guide.
Fiduciary Duty
Your broker is legally required to put your interests above all others — including their own. This means full disclosure, honest answers, and every offer presented to you.
Required Disclosure
Before any confidential conversation, your broker must review the "Working with Real Estate Agents" form with you — explaining exactly how they represent you.
Negotiable Fees
The NCREC does not regulate commissions. All fees are set by your agreement. Read every agency agreement carefully before signing.
Verify Any Broker
The NCREC maintains a public database where you can confirm license status, check disciplinary history, and verify a broker's Broker-in-Charge.
File a Complaint
If a broker violates their fiduciary duty, you can file a complaint with the NCREC. They have authority to suspend or revoke a broker's license.
Know Your Representation
A broker can represent you as a buyer's agent, seller's agent, or dual agent. Understand which role applies before sharing confidential information.
What "fiduciary" actually means for you
The word sounds formal, but the concept is simple: your broker is legally on your side. Not the seller's side. Not their own side. Yours.
Under North Carolina law, a broker acting as your fiduciary must inform you of any material information about the property or transaction — even if it's inconvenient. They must answer your questions honestly, present every offer and counteroffer, and never put their commission ahead of your outcome.
A broker who withholds information, steers you toward a property because it benefits them, or fails to present an offer isn't just being unprofessional — they're violating state law and subject to NCREC disciplinary action.
Your broker is required to
Inform you of all material information about the property or transaction
Answer your questions honestly and completely
Present every offer and counteroffer to you
Treat all parties to the transaction fairly
Put your interests above their own
Source: NC Real Estate Commission Consumer Guide — ncrec.gov
Common questions
What does "fiduciary duty" mean in plain language?
It means your broker is legally on your side. They must tell you everything material they know about the property or transaction, answer your questions honestly, present every offer, and never put their own interests ahead of yours. It's not a courtesy — it's the law in North Carolina.
What is the "Working with Real Estate Agents" form?
It's a disclosure form required by the NC Real Estate Commission. Your broker must review it with you before you share any confidential information. It explains whether they represent you as a buyer's agent, seller's agent, or dual agent. Signing it only confirms you received it — it doesn't lock you into working with that broker.
Are real estate commissions set by law?
No. The NCREC does not regulate fees. All commissions and buyer agent fees are negotiable and determined by your agreement with each professional. Always read agency agreements carefully before signing.
What is a Broker-in-Charge?
A Broker-in-Charge (BIC) is a licensed broker who has completed additional education and experience requirements to supervise other brokers and oversee a firm's trust accounts. New brokers in NC must work under a BIC's supervision during their first 18 months. It's always appropriate to ask who a broker's BIC is.
How do I verify a broker's license?
Use the NCREC's free Licensee Database Search at ncrec.gov. You can confirm license status, check for any disciplinary history, and verify their Broker-in-Charge. I encourage every client to look me up.
What if I feel my broker isn't representing me fairly?
You can file a complaint with the NC Real Estate Commission at 919-875-3700 or through ncrec.gov. The NCREC has full authority to investigate and take disciplinary action — including suspension or revocation of a license.
I'm a licensed NC broker with Realty ONE Group Revolution. My license is current, my record is clean, and I'd be glad to answer any question you have before we start.