Is House.com a Licensed Real Estate Broker? Yes

Update(November 15, 2007), I spoke to Mark Tutera of the California DRE this morning and he indicates that House.com is licensed in New York — he also felt that since they were not providing real estate services to consumers that their actions were not the province of California’s Department.  My recommendation is that we go to New York’s licensing board with our complaints alleging misrepresentation and in some cases fraud and see what they say. 

Though they are not providing real estate services – stating that you are a registered real estate broker confers a level of accountability and responsibility for one’s actions – that’s why they say it.  I have complained to both the California Department of Real Estate and the North Carolina Real Estate Commission regarding this matter. 

 Update (11/15/07) – I received a phone call from Steve Fussell of the North Carolina Real Estate Commission this afternoon.  He indicates that House.com Inc. is a licensed broker in the state of North Carolina, and David Brian Flax is their designated broker.  But unlike California’s department he was concerned about the possibility of fraudulent behavior and misrepresentations made by the company even though they weren’t providing real estate services per se.  He invited me to amend/supplement my complaint with my concerns as a consumer of their product.

What do you think?  Do you think this is problematic?  Has House.com represented that they were a licensed broker to you?  Have you complained to the licensing board in your state?  In order to make a complaint in N.C. you must submit a notarized complaint form.  Very easy.  Fill out the complaint, and get it notarized for ten bucks.