Together, the North Carolina Real Estate Commission and the North Carolina Commissioner of Banks regulate most of the real estate and mortgage services in North Carolina. This web page is provided as a one-stop resource for North Carolina real estate and mortgage services license information, laws and regulations.
North Carolina Real Estate Commission - NCREC
The Commission’s primary function is to license and regulate real estate agents (persons and firms who sell, lease, etc. real estate for others). North Carolina’s 80,000-plus real estate agents are licensed as brokers. The Commission registers and regulates sales activities at time share projects, where ownership in a single living unit (usually a resort condominium) is shared by many persons. Time share salespersons must also hold a broker license.
When time and resources permit, members of the Commission staff are available to present informational programs to real estate practitioner and consumer audiences. These programs address issues of special interest and concern to the Commission, real estate licensees and the public. To request a program presenter, complete and mail this form.
The Commission is not authorized to give legal advice or answer questions on legal subjects other than the North Carolina Real Estate License Law (G.S. 93A) or rules promulgated by the Real Estate Commission (21 NCAC 58 A, B, C and E).
North Carolina Commissioner of Banks - NCCOB
The North Carolina Office of the Commissioner of Banks licenses and regulates the business activities of mortgage lenders and mortgage brokers. This section is intended to provide both consumers and licensees relevant information regarding regulation of this industry.
The Mortgage Lending Act (NCGS Chapter 53, Article 19A), requires that any business engaged in mortgage lending be licensed annually by the NC Commissioner of Banks as either a Mortgage Lender or a Mortgage Broker. In addition, any individual employed by a licensed Mortgage Lender or Mortgage Broker acting as a loan officer must have a Mortgage Loan Officer License. Some lenders, primarily banks and credit unions, are exempt from licensing, but must file and keep current their information contained in their Claim of Exemption.
Consumer Links
NC Licensee Search - for companies and loan officers
