Which of the following is an essential duty of the Real Estate Commissioner?

The essential duty of the Real Estate Commissioner includes investigating claims against real estate agents. This responsibility is crucial to maintaining the integrity of the real estate profession and ensuring that agents adhere to ethical and legal standards. When complaints or claims arise, the Real Estate Commissioner is tasked with thoroughly reviewing these issues to determine if there has been a violation of laws or regulations governing real estate practice. This investigative role helps protect the public and uphold trust in the real estate industry.

In contrast, setting commission fees is typically not a function of the Real Estate Commissioner, as commissions are usually determined by individual agents and brokers based on market conditions and agreements with clients. Evaluating property taxes falls under the jurisdiction of tax assessors or similar officials rather than the Real Estate Commissioner, and zoning regulations are typically established by local governmental bodies, not by the Commissioner. Therefore, investigating claims is the primary duty that aligns with the responsibilities of the Real Estate Commissioner in overseeing real estate practices.