Question: Why is it taking so long for my license to transfer from one broker to another?

Answer: Amanda Arwood: A concern among Realtors® who change firms is the amount of time it takes for their licenses to become active with their new brokerages. Christine Martine, executive director at DPOR, said that in the vast majority of cases, delays are caused by forms that are not correctly filled out. Here are some things to watch out for:

• Use the most current form, which can always be found on the Real Estate Board’s website (dpor.virginia.gov/Boards/Real-Estate) in the Forms and Applications section. At press time, the most current Active/Transfer application is dated 2/27/2013.
• Remember to enclose the $60 fee; DPOR accepts Discover, MasterCard and Visa, but not American Express. And of course, be sure to have sufficient funds available credit.
• Make sure your current license isn’t expired. You’ll need to renew it before transferring.
• Be sure you have the correct license number for the new firm, especially if the new company has different types of businesses with similar license numbers (e.g., full service and referral firms).
• Verify that the firm you are transferring to and its principal broker are in good standing. You can find this information at dpor.virginia.gov/LicenseLookup.
• The new principal or supervising broker must sign, and you must send the original application – the board does not accept faxes.
• Attach a copy of your current license to help speed up the process.

Please note that DPOR is still in the process of upgrading its site to make this process run more smoothly. Stay tuned for updates as these improvements occur. Sarah Louppe Petcher is general counsel for NVAR. Amanda Arwood is vice president of marketing & communications for the Virginia Association of Realtors®.