Character witnesses’ knowledge of applicant’s good character insufficient to overcome previous surrender of classification.

The Georgia Real Estate Appraisers Board (Board) properly denied Petitioner’s certified residential real property appraiser application on the grounds that Petitioner surrendered her appraiser classification in 2006 during an ongoing investigation into rule violations.  Although this surrender is sufficient grounds for denial, Petitioner could still obtain a license by establishing (1) that five years have passed since the surrender, (2) an absence of criminal charges, and (3) satisfactory proof of present good character.  Here, Petitioner did not meet the final requirement as her character witnesses had limited contact and knowledge of her. Moreover, at the hearing, Petitioner was unwilling to take full responsibility for her actions.