🕵️‍♀️ How to Find Out if Your Realtor Has a Criminal Record

Because who you trust with your home matters.

Hiring the right real estate agent is one of the most important decisions you’ll make—whether you’re buying your first home or selling a longtime investment. Beyond experience and personality, there’s another factor that sometimes gets overlooked: your agent’s background.

Here’s how to check if your realtor has a criminal record or disciplinary history, and why it matters.

🏛️ 1. Start with the State Real Estate Licensing Board

Every real estate agent must hold a valid license in the state where they work.

Your first step is to verify that license and check for any disciplinary actions.

Each state has a public database where you can search by name or license number.

Here are direct links for a few common states:

Once you find the agent’s record, look for:

License status (active, expired, or revoked)

Disciplinary actions or complaints

The name of the managing broker or brokerage

⚖️ 2. Search Court and Criminal Records

If you want to take it a step further, most states allow you to search public court records online.

You can check:

State court websites (for example, Utah Courts Case Search)

County court databases where the agent lives or works

Paid background check websites like TruthFinder or BeenVerified (just note, accuracy can vary)

🧾 3. Check the Better Business Bureau (BBB)

Visit bbb.org  and enter the agent’s name or their brokerage. The BBB shows:

Consumer complaints

Business ratings

Patterns of behavior that could raise red flags

 

🏢 4. Contact the Brokerage

A reputable broker will not hesitate to verify their agents’ standing. If you’re uncertain, call the managing broker listed on the license lookup. They’re legally responsible for their agents and can tell you whether there are pending complaints or disciplinary issues.

🧩 5. Check REALTOR® Association Ethics Records

If your agent is a member of the National Association of REALTORS®, they agree to follow a strict Code of Ethics.

You can contact the local REALTOR® association to ask whether the agent has had any ethics complaints or violations.

 

🌐 6. Do a Quick Online Search

Sometimes the simplest check is the most revealing. Type:

“Agent’s Full Name” + Realtor + City + Arrest

“Agent’s Full Name” + Real Estate Fraud

Include their city or state for accuracy. News outlets and court summaries often show up in search results.

 

🏠 Final Thoughts

The majority of real estate agents are honest professionals who work hard for their clients. But as with any industry, it’s smart to do your due diligence.

A quick background check not only gives you peace of mind—it ensures you’re trusting your largest financial decision to someone with integrity and a clean record.

If you’re ever unsure where to begin, start with your state’s licensing website—it’s free, official, and takes less than five minutes.

🏠 Local & Personal

Want help finding a trusted, experienced agent in Utah?

I’m local, experienced, and here to help — let’s talk about your next move and what makes me a great Realtor.

 

📞 Nancy Bergman

Realtor® | Fathom Realty

Salt Lake Home Pros 

858-617-9449

www.saltlakehomepros.com

Licensed in Utah 

Your friend and Realtor

 

 

 

 

#UtahRealEstate

#SaltLakeCityHomes

#UtahRealtor

#SaltLakeRealtor

#RealEstateInUtah

#RealtorLifeUtah

#RealEstateTips

#HomeBuyingAdvice

#RealEstateExpert

#TrustedRealtor

#RealEstateEducation

#SouthJordanRealtor

#DaybreakRealtor

#WestJordanRealtor

#HerrimanRealtor

#DaybreakHomesforSale

#SouthJordan 

#WestJordan

#Daybreak