When Can Home Inspectors or Appraisers Face Disciplinary Action?

 Posted on June 18, 2024 in Professional License Defense

During real estate transactions, accurate information and assessments of a property are crucial. Appraisers gather information used to estimate the value of a property, and home inspectors uncover potential concerns that buyers and sellers may need to address before a transaction can be completed. These professionals are subject to strict regulations, and failure to comply with legal and ethical requirements can lead to disciplinary action by the Illinois Real Estate Board. Understanding the reasons why appraisers and inspectors may be investigated and the potential disciplinary measures they may face is crucial to ensure that these professionals can avoid license discipline. If you are a home inspector or appraiser, our experienced real estate license defense attorney can help you defend your license and navigate the legal complexities involved in investigations and disciplinary hearings.

Reasons for Disciplinary Action

Under the Illinois Real Estate License Act and the Illinois Real Estate Appraiser Licensing Act, home inspectors and real estate appraisers may face discipline because of issues such as:

• Professional misconduct: Actions such as falsifying reports, providing inaccurate property assessments, or engaging in unethical behavior can call an appraiser or inspector’s credibility into question. Any actions that compromise the integrity of an inspection or appraisal can result in disciplinary action.

• Inadequate performance: Home inspectors and appraisers must adhere to specific standards of practice. Failing to conduct thorough inspections or appraisals, missing critical property defects, or providing subpar services can lead to investigations and license discipline.

• Fraudulent activities: Illegal acts such as accepting bribes, manipulating property values for personal gain, or colluding with real estate agents to mislead clients are serious offenses that may warrant disciplinary action. In some cases, these accusations could also lead to criminal charges.

• Licensing violations: Operating without a valid license, failing to renew a license on time, or not meeting continuing education requirements are common violations that could lead to disciplinary action. The Illinois Real Estate Board takes steps to ensure that all professionals maintain their credentials and addresses concerns that a person has failed to meet these requirements.

• Consumer complaints: If a client feels that an inspection or appraisal was conducted improperly or unethically, they can file a complaint with the Illinois Real Estate Board, prompting a review of the professional’s conduct.

Potential Disciplinary Actions

Home inspectors and real estate appraisers in Illinois may face multiple forms of discipline depending on the severity of an alleged offense. Common disciplinary measures include:

• Fines: Monetary penalties can be imposed for violations.

• License suspension: A person’s professional license may be temporarily suspended, preventing them from working for a specified period.

• License revocation: For serious violations, the Board may permanently revoke a professional’s license, effectively ending their career in the field.

• Probation: A person may be allowed to continue working under specific conditions while being monitored to ensure that they maintain compliance with all applicable requirements.

• Mandatory education: A professional may be required to complete additional education or training courses.

• Reprimand: The Board may issue a statement and a note on a person’s record without taking other forms of disciplinary action.

Contact Our Illinois Real Estate License Defense Lawyer

Defending a professional license against disciplinary action requires a thorough understanding of the law and a strategic approach. The Law Offices of Joseph J. Bogdan, Inc. can provide invaluable assistance to home inspectors and real estate appraisers who are facing investigations or disciplinary actions. We can provide guidance on the best ways to respond to queries by the Illinois Real Estate Board, and we can represent professionals in disciplinary hearings, helping them minimize the effects that these cases may have on their licenses and careers. Contact our Chicago real estate license discipline attorney at 630-310-1267 to schedule a free consultation and get the legal help you need to protect your professional license and career.