Welcome to the Office of Real Estate Appraisers of the State of California

Enforcement Unit

Complaints against licensed appraisers (or applicants) will not be accepted unless the complaint form REA 4001 (see below) is completed, signed and dated in compliance with California Code of Regulations Title 10, Chapter 6.5, Section 3726.

  • Consumer's Guide (pdf) - A Consumer's Guide to Filing a Complaint and the Investigation Process.
  • Complaint Form (pdf) >> Download the complaint form and instructions.

OREA's mission is to protect public safety by continuously improving and promoting the integrity and professionalism of the real estate appraisal industry. OREA protects public safety by:

  • Investigating complaints against licensees and persons acting in a capacity that requires a license.
  • Investigating the background and conduct of applicants and licensees and
  • Investigating complaints against educational course providers.

There are four types of investigations commonly conducted by OREA, which are described in the following table:

Enforcement Investigations

Type of Investigation Sources Typical Allegations
Complaints
  • Clients
  • Homeowners
  • Lenders
  • Other regulators (local, state and federal)
  • Appraisers
  • Violations of USPAP and/or OREA regulations
  • Technical errors
  • Inaccurate value conclusion
  • Fraud
  • Failure to provide services as contracted
  • Inappropriate conduct related to an appraisal assignment
Background Investigations
  • Law enforcement
  • Other regulatory agencies (local, state and federal)
  • Criminal convictions
  • Discipline imposed by other agencies
  • Other conduct relating to fitness for licensure
Questionable Applications
  • OREA's Licensing Unit
  • USPAP violations in work samples
  • Failure to properly acknowledge professional assistance of others
  • Falsified information on an application
Delinquent Child Support
  • Department of Social Services Statewide Licensing Match System
  • Delinquent child support

OREA imposes disciplinary sanctions, when appropriate, which may include:

  • Public or private reproval;
  • Additional education requirements;
  • Fine;
  • Probation;
  • Suspension;
  • Revocation;
  • Special conditions on a license.