News Summary
The Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation has enforced actions against three real estate brokers for law violations, marking a significant regulatory move since 2024. The brokers admitted to misrepresentations and inaccurate advertising, each facing a $1,000 penalty. This rare enforcement aims to uphold professional standards and protect consumers within the real estate sector, emphasizing compliance and ethical practices.
Rhode Island – The Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation (DBR) has taken action against three real estate brokers for violations of state law, marking the first enforcement action in the real estate sector since 2024. The DBR’s Division of Commercial Licensing signed consent agreements with the brokers after receiving complaints regarding various infractions within the industry.
As of May 2023, the DBR reports there are 9,972 active real estate brokers and salespersons registered in the state. The recent enforcement actions are noteworthy as punitive measures against licensed brokers and salespeople in Rhode Island are infrequent. The consent agreements stipulate that any breach of their terms could lead to immediate consequences, including potential revocation or suspension of the brokers’ licenses.
The brokers involved in the consent agreements include Joseph Fitzpatrick, Tyler Bernadyn, and Justine Tarlton. Fitzpatrick faced specific complaints, including acting as a broker while only licensed as a salesperson and misrepresenting himself as the broker/owner of Re/Max Results. He holds a significant position as a managing partner and shareholder of Achieved Results LLC, the company operating Re/Max Results.
Fitzpatrick acknowledged his violations and has agreed to pay a $1,000 administrative penalty to the State of Rhode Island. Similarly, Tyler Bernadyn was implicated in misrepresenting his status as broker/owner of Re/Max Results, and he too admitted to the allegations, agreeing to the same penalty amount.
Justine Tarlton, the third broker involved, was cited for allowing inaccurate internet advertising and for not correcting misrepresentations made by salespersons working under her supervision. Tarlton admitted to the inaccuracies and has also consented to pay a $1,000 penalty.
All three brokers have expressed their commitment to uphold professional standards following the infractions. Tarlton indicated that they are implementing measures to ensure compliance in the future, aiming to restore trust with clients and the broader community. Bernadyn characterized the issues as a logistical misunderstanding that has since been resolved.
Fitzpatrick, however, did not respond to inquiries regarding his situation. The DBR’s move to address these violations comes amid a backdrop where strict enforcement actions within the real estate sector remain relatively rare. Since 2020, the DBR has executed consent agreements with only three licensed real estate professionals, underscoring the uncommon nature of such enforcement.
With the DBR actively monitoring compliance, these recent disciplinary measures signal a renewed commitment to maintaining ethical standards in the real estate profession in Rhode Island. The Department aims to ensure that brokers adhere to state laws, thereby protecting consumers and preserving the integrity of the industry.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- GoLocalProv: RI Takes Enforcement Action Against Three RI Real Estate Brokers
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- Pacific Business News: RI’s Median Home Price Rises to $480K
- Boston Globe: RI Real Estate Inventory Grows
- Rhode Island Current: Providence Tax Levy Bill
- Wikipedia: Real Estate
- Google Search: Rhode Island real estate laws
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- Encyclopedia Britannica: Real Estate
- Google News: Rhode Island real estate enforcement
