Key Takeaways
- The West Virginia Real Estate Commission (WVREC) regulates real estate licensees under the West Virginia Real Estate License Act
- WVREC consists of five members appointed by the Governor: four licensed real estate professionals and one citizen member
- WVREC has authority to investigate complaints, conduct audits, and take disciplinary action including license suspension or revocation
- The WVREC was established in 1937 to protect the public interest in real estate transactions
- West Virginia requires 90 hours of pre-license education for salesperson applicants
West Virginia Real Estate Commission (WVREC)
The West Virginia Real Estate Commission (WVREC) is the state agency responsible for licensing, regulating, and overseeing real estate professionals in West Virginia under the West Virginia Real Estate License Act (WV Code Article 30-40).
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WVREC Structure and Authority
Commission Members
WVREC consists of five members appointed by the Governor with Senate consent:
| Member Type | Number | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Licensed real estate professionals | 4 | 10+ years active practice in WV |
| Citizen member | 1 | Not licensed in real estate |
Members serve four-year terms and must have been West Virginia residents for at least six years prior to appointment.
Member Qualifications
Licensed Commissioners must:
- Have been licensed and practiced in West Virginia for at least 10 years immediately preceding appointment
- Practice real estate as their primary vocation
- Remain a WV resident during their term
Special Selection Process: One of the four licensed commissioners must be chosen from three nominees selected by the West Virginia Association of Realtors.
Commission Leadership
| Position | Selection Method |
|---|---|
| Chairman | Designated by Governor |
| Vice-Chairman | Selected by Commission |
| Secretary | Selected by Commission |
Key WVREC Functions
| Function | Description |
|---|---|
| Licensing | Process applications, approve education providers, issue licenses |
| Education | Set education requirements, approve pre-license and CE courses |
| Enforcement | Investigate complaints, conduct audits of trust accounts |
| Discipline | Suspend, revoke, or deny licenses; impose fines |
| Regulation | Adopt and enforce administrative rules |
West Virginia Real Estate License Act
The West Virginia Real Estate License Act (WV Code Article 30-40) is the primary statute governing real estate licensing in West Virginia. Key provisions include:
- Who must be licensed - Definitions of broker, associate broker, and salesperson activities
- Exemptions - Attorneys, property owners, certain employees, government officials
- Prohibited conduct - Actions that violate the law
- Disciplinary actions - Grounds for suspension or revocation
- Trust fund handling - Requirements for client funds
WVREC Administrative Rules
WVREC adopts legislative rules (WV Code of State Rules, Agency 174) that implement the License Act. These rules cover:
- License application procedures
- Education requirements and course approval
- Advertising standards
- Trust account requirements
- Agency disclosure procedures
- Fee schedules
Exam Tip: WVREC can impose administrative penalties and revoke licenses. The Commission was established in 1937 to protect West Virginia consumers in real estate transactions.
Forfeiture of Commission Membership
A commissioner immediately and automatically forfeits their position if they:
- Have their real estate license suspended or revoked
- Are convicted of a felony (state or federal)
- Become a non-resident of West Virginia
- Hold any elective public office
WVREC Contact Information
| Resource | Information |
|---|---|
| Website | rec.wv.gov |
| Main Office | Charleston, West Virginia |
| Online System | WVREC Online License System |
| Exam Provider | Pearson VUE |
How many members serve on the West Virginia Real Estate Commission?
How many years of experience must a licensed commissioner have before appointment to WVREC?