In the course of participating in another real estate Web site I’ve encountered a number of “real estate agents” who either never held a license or whose license has expired or is otherwise invalid.
Illinois law requires every licensed real estate person to carry and display on demand a “pocket card” or “sponsor card.” If you’re considering doing business with any agent, you should insist on seeing a valid picture ID and a state license card before proceeding.
It goes without saying that you should never get in a car with an agent without having seen proof that they’re properly licensed.
All of the unlicensed agents I’ve run across have highly visible Web presences. One has to wonder how the state can be so lax in enforcing its licensing laws, and why other real estate professionals apparently turn a blind eye to this situation. These agents are rarely involved in a deal that doesn’t involve another firm.
Buyer and seller, beware.