When it comes to the Democratic-majority Guilford County Board of Commissioners, Chairman Skip Alston always gets his way. As the leader of a nine-member board with six other Democrats who almost always vote with him, he’s the man calling the shots when it comes to Guilford County government.
Now Alston, who also has a large amount of say when it comes to state matters, is getting some additional statewide authority: North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper has appointed Alston to the NC Real Estate Commission.
The Commission itself has a lot of power. It’s a state agency that regulates and licenses real estate brokers and real estate firms across North Carolina – with a goal of making sure that brokers are ethical actors and that those who apply to become brokers are properly trained and qualified.
The state’s Real Estate Commission also oversees compliance with the Real Estate License Law and Commission rules that are applicable in North Carolina.
In addition, it registers and regulates sales activities for timeshare projects and sets up continuing education training for brokers and applicants.
Now Alston will get a great deal of say over those matters just like he does over Guilford County matters.
Alston has had his hands in many businesses – including even operating a hot dog stand – however, his primary business is real estate.
“This is the second time I have been appointed to the North Carolina Real Estate Commission,” Alston said this week, when he will travel to Duck, North Carolina to be sworn in.
The last time he served on the real estate board, he worked his way up to chairman and it probably wouldn’t be a shock to see that happen again in the coming years.
He told the Rhino Times this week, that, last year, he had mentioned to some in the real estate community that he missed serving on the board and would be interested in serving on it again.
The first time Alston served on the commission was from 2004 to 2012 after he was appointed by NC Speaker of the House Jim Black. During that eight-year period, Alston served as the vice Chair for two years and as chairman for two years as well.
“I really enjoyed serving on the NC Real Estate Commission the first time and I am very excited about having the opportunity to serve again,” Alston posted on social media. “I am honored that Governor Cooper is giving me the opportunity to serve again for the next three years. “
Alston has been a real estate broker for over four decades and, his wife, oldest son, daughter-in-law and Brother are also Real Estate brokers.
Also, his youngest son has passed the Real Estate exam and is in the process of getting officially certified as a broker.
Alston has three Licensed Real Estate brokers who work in his Property Management Company – Alston Realty Group, Inc.
He’ll be sworn in as a member of the Real Estate Commission on Tuesday, October 15 – two days before his next Board of Commissioners meeting, which will be held on Thursday, Oct. 17.
Like the Guilford County Board of Commissioners, there are nine seats on the NC Real Estate Commission.
