What is the first step a broker should take if suspecting misconduct by a former licensee?

Notifying the Commission is the appropriate first step for a broker who suspects misconduct by a former licensee because the Commission is the regulatory body responsible for overseeing real estate practices in Louisiana. By contacting the Commission, the broker ensures that the matter is handled through the proper legal and regulatory channels. This step allows for an official investigation to commence, if warranted, and helps maintain the integrity of the real estate profession by allowing the Commission to take appropriate action based on established laws and procedures.

Engaging the police or contacting the seller might be relevant later depending on the nature of the misconduct, but the initial and most effective course of action is to inform the Commission. This ensures that there is a formal record of the complaint and that it can be dealt with appropriately by those who have the authority to enforce regulations in the real estate industry. Ordering an investigation is also a necessary step, but it typically follows the notification to the Commission, as they will decide if an investigation is needed and who will conduct it.