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What Is a California Real Estate Broker Bond?
Real estate brokers in California have to get licensed with the state Bureau of Real Estate. The licensing body may impose a real estate broker bond requirement for applicants before they are allowed to operate in the state.
In essence, the surety bond is a security instrument that protects the state and its citizens. If you engage in fraud or misuse in your capacity as a real estate broker, the bond can provide a financial compensation to harmed parties through a claim.
Your broker bond works like a three-party contract. Your real estate broker business is the principal that has to obtain the bond. The California Bureau of Real Estate (BRE) is the obligee which requires it. Last but not least, the surety is the third entity, which backs your business financially.
Questions about Real Estate Agentbroker Bonds in California
Who has to post such a bond?
While a surety bond is not a licensing criterion for all real estate brokers in California, it may be applicable for restricted licensees. The BRE may impose a bonding requirement on applicants who have held a California real estate broker license and have committed violations, or applicants who do not meet all other criteria.
In this way, the state body can better enforce the broker’s compliance with the Business and Professions Code Sections 10000 to 11288 and [Title 10 of the California Code of Regulations set by the Real Estate Commissioner.
What is the bond cost?
The California DRE sets the bond amount that a broker may have to obtain. The bond premium is only a fraction of this amount. For applicants with good finances, the bond rates are often in the range of 1%-3%. If you have to post a, say, $15,000 bond, this means your premium may be as low as $150 to $450.
How is your surety bond cost set, exactly? Besides the bond amount, it depends on a number of personal and business financial factors. The surety you apply with will look at your personal credit score, business finances, assets and liquidity, and even your business know how. If your overall profile is deemed stable, you will have to pay a lower bond price.
What if I have bad credit?
Lance Surety Bonds operates its Bad Credit Surety Bonds program to help out applicants struggling with low credit scores, tax liens, bankruptcies, or civil judgements.
If you have problematic finances, you can expect a bond rate in the range of 5% to 10%, which is needed because of the higher bonding risk. Still, we work with numerous A-rated, T-listed surety companies. This gives us access to a wide variety of bonding options that we can offer you.
How Do I Get Bonded?
Need more information? Make sure to check out our How to Get Bonded page, or just call us at (877) 514-5146. Lance Surety Bonds’ experts will be happy to help you out.
How are bond claims handled for real estate brokers?
Unlike insurance, your California real estate broker surety bond does not protect your business. It serves as an extra layer of protection for your customers and partners. Its goal is to guarantee that you will act in accordance with state laws when handling properties and funds in your capacity as a broker.
In case you transgress from your legal obligations and engage in fraud or misuse, you may get a claim on your bond. In this way, harmed parties can seek a compensation for your actions. In case the claim is proven, you are liable to repay them up to the penal sum of your bond, which is the bond amount that you had to post. Thus, bond claims are a serious threat to your finances and business reputation and should be avoided as much as possible.
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Quick response times and turn around for issuing bonds. Great customer service and very knowledgeable. We have used Lance Surety multiple times and have never been disappointed. Highly recommend them and Collette!
Long story short, these guys cut through the B.S. and get the job done. Responsiveness, excellent! Communication, excellent! Respect for their industry partners, excellent! John, Collette, Ryan, you're all-stars! Thank you!
We decided for Lance Surety Bond's quote for 2 reasons; Price and Customer Service. Our Representative Ryan was just SUPERB!! [...] I highly recommend Lance Surety Bond for all your Bonding needs! I'll definitely come back for all of mine. :-) Thanks Ryan!
Quick response times and turn around for issuing bonds. Great customer service and very knowledgeable. We have used Lance Surety multiple times and have never been disappointed. Highly recommend them and Collette!
Long story short, these guys cut through the B.S. and get the job done. Responsiveness, excellent! Communication, excellent! Respect for their industry partners, excellent! John, Collette, Ryan, you're all-stars! Thank you!
We decided for Lance Surety Bond's quote for 2 reasons; Price and Customer Service. Our Representative Ryan was just SUPERB!! [...] I highly recommend Lance Surety Bond for all your Bonding needs! I'll definitely come back for all of mine. :-) Thanks Ryan!