Working With a REALTOR in San Diego: What to Expect and How to Check a License

by Trevor Landress

Before you hire any agent in California, you can check their license for free with the California Department of Real Estate, and the Department says a business card is not enough. A salesperson must work for a broker, the license must be current, and the public record shows whether there is a disciplinary history.

The short answer

Ask to see the agent's license and photo identification. A business card is not proof.
Verify the license with the Department of Real Estate online or by phone.
Do not work with someone whose license is expired, surrendered, revoked or marked NBA.
Ask what the agent does, how they are paid and how the relationship can end.

What an agent does for you

In my own work, I help buyers sort out their budget with a lender, search for homes, write and negotiate offers, track inspection and contingency deadlines and stay organized through closing. For sellers, the job is pricing, preparing the home, marketing, reviewing offers and managing the steps to closing. Your agent should explain each of those steps in plain language and tell you what to expect.

The term REALTOR refers to a member of the National Association of REALTORS, which is separate from the state license. Every agent in California needs a license from the Department of Real Estate to do this work, so the license is the first thing to check.

How to verify the license

The Department's guide to finding and vetting an agent says to ask to see the agent's real estate license and DMV identification, and to verify the license at dre.ca.gov or by calling (877) 373-4542. The online lookup lets you search by name or license ID, and the Department warns that unlicensed people sometimes impersonate licensees.

The license must be current. Do not deal with an agent whose license is expired, surrendered, revoked or marked "Licensed NBA."
A salesperson must work for a broker. If the person does not, do not hire them.
If the agent works for a licensed corporation, check whether it has a designated broker.
If the agent does residential mortgage loan activities, they should have an NMLS license number.
If the information does not match what you find, be cautious and contact the Department.

How to check discipline

The Department says to look at the license record for an H number (a hearing), an R number or a D&R number in the public comment section. It suggests considering the type of discipline and how long ago it happened, and calling the Department if something needs explaining. The Department also has a Filing a Complaint page if you ever need it.

Questions to ask

The same guide lists questions to ask, and I would add a few practical ones of my own.

What kinds of transactions do you handle most, and in which areas?
Do you have professional affiliations? The Department says to verify each one with the organization.
If you claim to be a specialist, expert or certified, can you show proof?
Can I speak with past clients? The Department suggests asking for names and phone numbers and calling them.
How will we communicate, and how often?
What will I pay, how is it calculated and what does the written agreement say? See my written buyer agreement guide.

Other checks the Department suggests

The guide recommends getting referrals from people you trust, asking each agent for a presentation on why you should hire them and keeping notes to confirm they follow through. It also suggests searching for news stories and client reviews, checking the Better Business Bureau, confirming a city business license and, if the agent operates as a corporation, checking registration with the Secretary of State.

Those steps take an evening, and they are worth it, because you are about to trust someone with one of the biggest financial decisions of your life.

What your agent should help you protect

A good agent helps you spot risks as well as opportunities. That includes warning you about wire scams before closing, which I cover in my wire fraud guide, and helping you choose a lender you trust, as I describe in questions to ask a mortgage lender. If you are borrowing against a home you already own, my home equity guide explains what to compare first.

If you want to talk to me about your plans, call or text (619) 402-4614. You are under no obligation, and I would rather you verify my license than take my word for it. My DRE number is 02126901.

My advice for San Diego buyers and sellers

Look up the license yourself on the Department of Real Estate website.
Read the public comment section for hearing or discipline numbers.
Talk to two or three agents and compare how they answer the same questions.
Speak with past clients, not just read reviews.
Read every agreement before you sign, and ask to have terms explained in plain words.

A note on advice

I am a REALTOR®, not a lender, attorney, tax professional or financial advisor, so this guide is general information. Your lender can tell you what you qualify for, and a CPA or attorney can answer tax and legal questions.

Call or text me at (619) 402-4614 or send me a message.

Call or text (619) 402-4614 Contact Trevor Landress

Related guides

Frequently asked questions

How do I check a real estate agent's license in California?

Verify it with the Department of Real Estate at dre.ca.gov or by calling (877) 373-4542. The Department says a business card is not enough.

Can a salesperson work on their own?

No. According to the Department, a salesperson must work for a broker.

What license statuses should I avoid?

Do not deal with an agent whose license is expired, surrendered, revoked or marked Licensed NBA.

How do I find out if an agent has been disciplined?

Check the public comment section of the license record for an H number, an R number or a D&R number, and call the Department to clarify any discipline.

What is the difference between an agent and a REALTOR?

A REALTOR is a member of the National Association of REALTORS. Every agent in California needs a state real estate license to do the work.

About the author

Trevor Landress is a San Diego REALTOR® with Coldwell Banker West (DRE# 02126901). He was born and raised in San Diego and has been licensed since 2021.

Trevor helps homeowners sell, guides first-time buyers through the home buying process and assists investors with their next acquisition. His work includes negotiating offers, analyzing market trends, building pricing strategies and running marketing campaigns for his listings.

He serves clients across San Diego County, from coastal communities like La Jolla, Del Mar and Carlsbad to neighborhoods inland.

Trevor is part of the Campbell Group, a three-generation real estate team, and he and the Campbell Group consistently rank as a top producing team at Coldwell Banker West each month. He writes these guides to help San Diego buyers and sellers navigate an ever-changing market. To talk through your plans, call or text (619) 402-4614 or contact Trevor Landress.

How I help San Diego home buyers

I help buyers sort out their budget, understand their loan options with a lender, search for homes, write and negotiate offers, keep track of inspection and contingency deadlines and stay organized through closing.

How I help San Diego home sellers

I help sellers price their home, prepare it for the market, market it to buyers, review and negotiate offers and manage the steps from an accepted offer to closing.