When investing in real estate, particularly in high-demand areas like Long Beach in San Vicente, Palawan, it’s crucial to ensure that you are dealing with licensed professionals. The Real Estate Service Act (RESA Law), or Republic Act 9646, mandates that all real estate practitioners in the Philippines be licensed and registered with the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC). This law protects buyers by ensuring that real estate transactions are handled by qualified individuals with the necessary knowledge and integrity. To avoid the risks of dealing with unlicensed agents or fly-by-night brokers, here is a step-by-step guide to verifying the license of any real estate practitioner.
Step 1: Determine the Type of Real Estate Practitioner
Before verifying their license, ask your agent or broker what type of real estate practitioner they are. The RESA Law limits real estate practitioners to the following categories:
- Real Estate Consultant
- Real Estate Appraiser
- Real Estate Assessor
- Real Estate Broker
- Real Estate Salesman (Agent)
There is no legal designation for titles such as "Part-time Broker," "Part-time Agent," "Freelance Broker," or "Freelance Agent". If anyone claims these titles, it’s a red flag that they may not be licensed or authorized to facilitate real estate transactions.
Step 2: Request Their PRC Identification Card
All licensed real estate practitioners must have an identification card issued by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC). This PRC-issued ID is proof of their qualification and registration. Always ask to see this ID before continuing any discussions or transactions with a real estate practitioner. Legitimate brokers and agents are used to this request and will understand that you are taking necessary precautions to protect your investment.
You can request a scanned copy or a photo of their PRC ID sent to your email or phone. The key information to look for on the PRC ID includes:
- Full Name (including auxiliary names such as Jr., Sr., or III)
- License Number (also referred to as the registration number)
- Expiration Date of their license
If the real estate practitioner claims they forgot their ID, you can still request their full name and license number, which will allow you to verify their credentials online.
Step 3: Verify Their License on the PRC Website
To ensure that the agent or broker is legally licensed, you can search the PRC’s official website and verify their status. Here’s how:
Searching by Name:
- Visit the PRC’s online Verification of License page.
- Select the profession (Real Estate Broker, Real Estate Consultant, or Real Estate Appraiser).
- Enter the first name, including any auxiliary names (e.g., Jr., Sr.).
- Enter the surname.
- Click Verify.
Searching by License Number:
- Select the profession (Real Estate Broker, Real Estate Consultant, or Real Estate Appraiser).
- Enter the license number found on the PRC ID (this is often listed as the registration number).
- Enter the birth date of the agent or broker (found on the PRC ID).
- Click Verify.
If the individual is a licensed practitioner, the search results will confirm that they are listed in the Real Estate Broker Registry Books of the PRC. However, if they are unlicensed or have not yet registered, you will see a message stating “no matching record found”—a clear indication that you should avoid dealing with this person.
The Risks of Dealing with Unlicensed Agents
Under Republic Act 9646, all real estate professionals are required to be licensed. Dealing with unlicensed agents or brokers exposes you to significant risks. If you purchase property through an unlicensed agent and encounter problems such as ownership disputes, fraudulent documents, or double sales, you have limited legal recourse.
Since the agent is operating outside the law, you cannot file damages against them, as the court may dismiss your case on the grounds that you were dealing with an illegal entity in the first place. In contrast, licensed professionals are held accountable by the PRC and are required to follow strict legal and ethical guidelines, protecting you from these pitfalls.
Why License Verification is Essential
Verifying a real estate practitioner’s license is not just a formality—it is a vital step in safeguarding your investment. With the growing demand for properties in Palawan, particularly along the highly sought-after Long Beach, many buyers are vulnerable to fraudulent transactions. Fly-by-night agents often offer properties at below-market prices, luring buyers with the promise of a quick deal. However, these agents may sell properties with disputed ownership, unverified documents, or even bogus titles. Without the protection provided by licensed brokers, buyers may find themselves embroiled in legal battles or, worse, losing their investment entirely.
Trust the Professionals
When investing in real estate in Palawan, particularly in the fast-developing Long Beach area, working with a licensed Real Estate Broker or PRC-registered Salesman is your best defense against fraud, ownership disputes, and problematic properties. By taking a few minutes to verify their license through the PRC, you can protect yourself from falling victim to unlicensed agents and fly-by-night brokers. Real estate is a significant investment, and due diligence is essential to ensuring that your purchase is secure, legitimate, and free from future complications.
Don’t hesitate to ask for the professional’s PRC ID, and always confirm their credentials online. Protect your investment by working only with those who are fully licensed and regulated under RESA Law, ensuring a smooth and safe real estate transaction.
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