All of the following statements are correct regarding the NCREC, EXCEPT:

The statement about the NCREC making rules inconsistent with general statutes is inaccurate because regulatory agencies like the North Carolina Real Estate Commission (NCREC) are required to operate within the boundaries of the laws set by the state legislature. Regulatory bodies can establish rules and guidelines to provide clarity and detail on how statutory mandates are implemented, but these rules must always align with existing laws. Rules that contradict statutes would be invalid and unenforceable, as agencies do not have the authority to create regulations that are at odds with the law.

On the other hand, the other statements reflect accurate aspects of the NCREC's responsibilities and powers. They can utilize the Attorney General's services for legal matters, maintain a non-involvement stance regarding the regulation of commissions, salaries, or fees charged by real estate professionals, and typically, allow licensees to pay referral fees to unlicensed individuals under certain conditions, adhering to the regulations governing such transactions. Each of these points illustrates the operational framework and regulatory obligations of the NCREC while reinforcing the point that their authority is bound by existing general statutes.