*Please note: Any questions regarding Legal Hotline Spotlights should be submitted via the Virginia REALTORS^® Legal Hotline. Our attorneys are unable to respond to questions through our comments section.

Q: As a REALTOR®, am I allowed to represent a buyer who is not a U.S. citizen?  If so, do I need to confirm their immigration status before we proceed with the transaction? 

A: There is no duty imposed on REALTORS® to verify the citizenship status or immigration status of a client or prospective client. Virginia Code section 55.1-100 states, “Any alien, not an enemy, may acquire by purchase or descent and hold real estate in the Commonwealth, and such real estate shall be transmitted in the same manner as real estate held by citizens.” So, there is no need to verify the citizenship or immigration status of your clients. Moreover, not only are REALTORS® allowed to represent clients who are not U.S. citizens, under Article 10 of the Code of Ethics, REALTORS® are prohibited from denying equal professional services to anyone based on their national origin.   

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