Key Takeaways
- The South Carolina Real Estate Commission (SCREC) regulates real estate brokers, associates, and property managers
- SCREC consists of ten commissioners: seven licensed professionals elected from congressional districts, two public members appointed by the Governor, and one at-large member
- SCREC operates under the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (LLR)
- The Commission has authority to investigate complaints, conduct audits, and take disciplinary action
- South Carolina requires 90 hours of pre-license education for salesperson (associate) applicants
South Carolina Real Estate Commission (SCREC)
The South Carolina Real Estate Commission (SCREC) is the state agency responsible for licensing, regulating, and overseeing real estate professionals in South Carolina under the South Carolina Real Estate License Law (Title 40, Chapter 57).
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SCREC Structure and Authority
Commission Members
SCREC consists of ten commissioners elected or appointed as follows:
| Member Type | Number | Selection Method |
|---|---|---|
| Licensed professionals (congressional districts) | 7 | Elected by legislators from each district |
| Public members | 2 | Appointed by Governor |
| At-large licensed member | 1 | Elected by the other commissioners |
Members serve four-year terms with elections/appointments certified by the Secretary of State.
SCREC Operates Under LLR
SCREC is part of the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (LLR):
- LLR provides administrative support
- SCREC website: llr.sc.gov/re
- License verification available online
Key SCREC Functions
| Function | Description |
|---|---|
| Licensing | Process applications, approve education providers, issue licenses |
| Education | Set education requirements, approve schools and courses |
| Enforcement | Investigate complaints, conduct audits of trust accounts |
| Discipline | Suspend, revoke, or deny licenses; impose fines |
| Timeshare/Land Sales | Register timeshare projects and out-of-state subdivided land sales |
South Carolina Real Estate License Law
The South Carolina Real Estate License Law (Title 40, Chapter 57 of the SC Code of Laws) is the primary statute governing real estate licensing. Key provisions include:
- Who must be licensed - Definitions of broker, associate, and property manager activities
- Exemptions - Attorneys, property owners, certain employees
- Prohibited conduct - Actions that violate the law
- Disciplinary actions - Grounds for suspension or revocation
- Trust fund handling - Requirements for client funds
Exam Tip: SCREC can impose administrative penalties and revoke licenses. The Commission regularly updates rules and regulations, so staying current is essential.
License Types in South Carolina
South Carolina issues several types of real estate licenses:
| License Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Associate (Salesperson) | Entry-level license; must work under a broker |
| Broker | Can operate independently or supervise associates |
| Broker-in-Charge (BIC) | Broker responsible for office operations |
| Property Manager | Manages rental property |
| Property Manager-in-Charge | Property manager responsible for office |
| Timeshare Salesperson | Sells timeshare interests |
Associate vs. Broker
| Requirement | Associate | Broker |
|---|---|---|
| Supervision | Must work under BIC | Can work independently |
| Trust accounts | Cannot maintain | Can maintain |
| Office | Cannot operate own office | Can operate own office |
| Experience | Entry-level | 3-5 years as associate required |
SCREC Contact Information
| Resource | Information |
|---|---|
| Website | llr.sc.gov/re |
| Main Office | Columbia, South Carolina |
| Phone | (803) 896-4400 |
| CE Tracking | CE Broker (online system) |
| License Verification | verify.llronline.com |
How many members serve on the South Carolina Real Estate Commission?
Which state agency oversees the South Carolina Real Estate Commission?