In any real estate transaction, it is essential to determine the fair market value of a property. Real estate appraisers ensure that buyers and sellers have the information they need, and their evaluation of a property will help determine what financing options are available. Because these appraisals have a significant financial impact on multiple parties, any issues that could affect an appraiser’s ability to perform their duties properly may result in discipline to their professional license.
When addressing disciplinary action or other licensing issues, it is important to work with an attorney who is experienced in addressing matters before the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR). At Williams & Nickl, LLC, we have assisted more than 3,000 licensed professionals throughout the state of Illinois in IDFPR cases, and we have over 55 years of combined legal experience. Attorney Edward Williams formerly served as Chief of Real Estate and Real Estate Appraiser Prosecutions for the IDFPR, and we provide our clients with a full understanding of the policies and procedures followed by the IDFPR in cases involving license discipline or denial of licensure.
The Real Estate Appraisal Administration and Disciplinary Board addresses licensing issues for real estate appraisers, and the Board may take disciplinary action in cases involving:
When addressing discipline to an appraiser’s professional license, an attorney must have a full understanding of the applicable laws and statutes, as well as the rules followed during administrative procedures. We are well-versed in the Illinois Real Estate Appraiser Licensing Act of 2002 (225 ILCS 458, et seq.) and the rules and regulations for implementing this Act (68 ILAC 1455.10, et seq.). We can ensure that the procedures defined in the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois (20 ILCS 2105/2105-1, et seq.) and the Rules of Practice in Administrative Hearings (68 ILAC 1110.5, et seq.) are followed throughout the course of an IDFPR investigation and in any disciplinary hearings.
If you have received a Notice of Informal Conference, Notice of Preliminary Hearing, Notice of Intent to Deny, or Notice of Intent to Refuse to Renew from the IDFPR, or if a formal Complaint has been made against you, contact us immediately to discuss your options. During your complimentary initial consultation, we will speak with you for one hour, either in-person or via phone, and we will review your case, explain the potential forms of discipline the IDFPR may pursue, and help you understand the most prudent course of action you can take to minimize disciplinary sanctions.
We have worked with numerous clients to defend professional licenses against discipline. In one successful case, we represented two Certified General Real Estate Appraisers against a complaint that a commercial appraisal report had violated USPAP. The IDFPR refused to settle the case and demanded a trial. During preparation, we demonstrated that we would cross-examine the IDFPR’s expert witness about his own USPAP violations. As a result, the IDFPR dismissed the entire case.
After applying for your real estate appraiser license, you may receive a Notice of Deficiency Checklist or other requests for background information from the IDFPR. You may be asked to provide certain documents or explanations related to criminal convictions or previous disciplinary action in a sister state. Before turning over any information, you should contact us to discuss your response. In your free consultation, we will assess your needs and help you determine the best options for getting your license issued as quickly as possible. Depending on your circumstances, we may work with you to draft an explanation letter to provide to the IDFPR, or we may advise you on how you can respond to the queries without the need to hire us for assistance.
If you are facing disciplinary action or the possible denial of a professional license, you will want to take action to ensure that you can continue to work as a real estate appraiser. At Williams & Nickl, LLC, we will help you understand the steps you can take to protect your license and your career. Contact us at 312-335-9470 to arrange your free consultation.
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