As you may recall, last year real estate licensee, Todd Kohlhepp, was arrested and charged with murder and kidnapping. Many in the industry wondered how Kohlhepp held a real estate license since he had spent significant time in Arizona prison for kidnapping and allegedly raping a 14 year-old girl at gunpoint. At the time Kohlhepp became licensed, South Carolina did not have a background check for new real estate licensees. On Friday, Gov. Henry McMaster changed that when he signed into a law a statute that requires real estate agents, brokers, property managers, and their supervisors to undergo a fingerprint-based check every third license renewal, or every sixth year. The new law takes effect in 2020. Our good friend and former real estate agent, Rep. Chip Huggins, R-Columbia, was the bill’s main sponsor. While many had hoped for a more stringent background check, but this new law is definitely a step in the right direction.
Historic Note: The “Big Apple” building is a structure located at 1318 Park Street and is listed in the National Register as the House of Peace Synagogue. The building was constructed between 1907 and 1910 as a Jewish Synagogue and used as such for about 20 to 30 years. The structure gained notoriety when it was used in the 1930’s as a African-American nightclub known as the Big Apple Club. A dance known as the Big Apple originated in the club. The dance became so famous that a group of 23 from the Big Apple Club toured America performing the dance. Since the nightclub closed, the building has been used by numerous businesses.
Last chance to take MCE/CE classes is on June 8 and June 20. Register at www.BlairCato.com.