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Source: Michigan REALTORS^® (MR)

As you know, back on April 13th, the Labor Committee of the Michigan House of Representatives held a hearing on HB 4390 sponsored by Rep. Jim Haadsma (D- Battle Creek). This legislation would ignore Michigan’s current real estate independent contractor test, in favor of a nearly impossible to pass “ABC Test” that would force almost every independent contractor in Michigan into an employer/employee relationship. This legislation would result in loss of worker flexibility, increased labor costs, and stiff penalties for businesses found in violation of the proposed law.

Michigan Realtors® is working hard to oppose the legislation which remains bottled up in committee since its initial hearing. At this time, Rep. Haadsma is open to including exemptions to the bill, similar to the California law, for real estate brokers/salespersons and real estate appraisers. There were talks about a potential workgroup this summer on all exemptions, but that group has yet to come together. There is never a final word on legislation so we are continuing to have conversations with legislative leaders as they eye a return to session in September.

Click "HERE" to Read More & Share on Social Media

Source: Brad Ward, Esq., Vise President of Public Affairs & Legal Affairs (MR)

REALTORS® Are Hurting, But We Have Hope

NAR’s president acknowledges the pain caused by harassment at the association and lays out steps for change moving forward.

Although it’s a difficult time for NAR members and staff, the association is full of people who care deeply about charting a positive future free of harassment and discrimination, says President Tracy Kasper. Watch her special message to members, above, about where NAR goes from here.

Click "HERE" to Learn More

Source: Michigan REALTORS^® (MR)

NAR's Board of Directors approved a change to the Code of Ethics training requirement, extending it from every two years to every three years. This extends the current cycle deadline from March 1, 2022, to Dec. 31, 2024.

REALTORS® are required to complete ethics training of not less than 2 hours, 30 minutes of instructional time. The training must meet specific learning objectives and criteria established by the National Association of REALTORS®.

Training may be completed through NAR’s online courses or through another method, such as online or classroom courses via local/state associations. Read the consequences for failing to complete Code of Ethics training.

Continuing Education Requirements

Don't Wait, Renew Your License Today

The state of Michigan requires real estate licensees to earn at least 18 hours of continuing education (CE) credits every 3 years to renew their real estate license. The topic number and course name must differ from the other courses a licensee has taken within the 3-year period. Each year a licensee must complete at least 2 hours of education that involves the law, rules, and court cases regarding real estate. This is part of your 18 total credits for the 3 years. Any extra legal hours earned will count towards the total requirement.

If a licensee fails to complete 2 hours of legal credit in a year, they may try to make it up in proceeding years. If the licensee is audited, this does not guarantee the licensee will not be penalized. To check your CE Credits, visit and log into the CE Marketplace. If you do not yet have an account, please create one by visiting CE Marketplace.

Locate answers from LARA to questions related to real estate licensing, continuing education requirements, MiPlus account information, licensing applications, licensing forms, renewal requirements, licensing guides, and much more by visiting the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs website.

Important Reminder About Credit Reporting

After an instructor or school administrator has reported your class attendance, you will receive a class completion certificate by email. Watch for this email to arrive! It confirms that your class attendance has been successfully reported and recorded in your CE Marketplace account.

Please note that your class attendance will be reported to CE Marketplace within ten days. If you do not receive the confirmation, it is your responsibility to contact the school administrator or instructor.

Further, you do not need to send proof of CE to the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) unless you are being audited and asked to submit the information.

For answers to any questions about CE hours or tracking credits and class completion, visit www.cemarketplace.net or contact via email at tracking@cemarketplace.net. You can also call during normal business hours at 844.642.6633.

For answers to education questions, please visit our Education FAQs.

Credit Requirements

IDENTIFYING REAL ESTATE LICENSE EXPIRATION DATE AND CONTINUING EDUCATION DEADLINES

To remain compliant and meet the continuing education requirements for renewal, licensees need at least 18 total credit hours every three years. Within these 18 hours, two hours of legal credit must be taken in each year you are licensed. The additional 12 credits to reach a total of 18 prior to renewal may be credits of any type (legal or elective) and may be taken at any time during the three-year period.

MICHIGAN REAL ESTATE LICENSEES NOW HAVE INDIVIDUAL EXPIRATION DATES, BASED ON THE ORIGINAL ISSUE DATE OF THE LICENSE.

To find your license expiration date(s), click here!

The month and date of your license expiration is your new deadline each year to complete your 2 hours of legal credit.

In the example below, the licensee has been assigned a new license expiration date of 5/24/2025 after their renewal for 11/1/2021.

To identify your continuing education period, count back three years from your individual expiration date.

For the example above, the education period would be as follows:

5/24/2022 – 5/24/2023

First year of education period and license cycle: At least 2 hours of legal credit are due by 5/24/2023.

5/25/2023 – 5/24/2024

Second year of education period and license cycle: At least 2 hours of legal credit are due by 5/24/2024.

5/25/2024 – 5/24/2025 (or the day you renew your license, whichever comes first)

Third year of education period and license cycle: At least 2 hours of legal credit are due by 5/24/2025.

12 additional credits of any type (legal or elective) by 5/24/2025 or date of renewal to reach a total of at least 18 credit hours prior to license renewal every three years.

Click Here to Register for SEBAR CE Approved Educational Classes!

Source: Michigan REALTORS^® (MR)

Legal Line Question

QUESTION: Should I use my Team name on the agency disclosure form?

ANSWER: NO. Agency disclosure forms should not be filled out in the name of the Team. If more than one Team member will be working with a particular client, each licensee should be listed by name in both the designated agency agreement and the agency disclosure form. This is not necessary in a traditional agency office because as a matter of law, every agent within the firm has an agency relationship with the client.

For more legal Q&A, visit law.mirealtors.com

Source: McClelland & Anderson Legal Hotline

LEGAL RESOURCE

Visit MIRealtors.com website

Source: Michigan REALTORS^® (MR)

Thank You to our 2023 SEBAR Affiliate Partners ...

Diamond Partners

ATA National Title Group

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First Merchants Bank

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Monroe Community Credit Union

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American Financial Network

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America's Preferred Home Warranty

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Simple Mortgage

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Union Home Mortgage

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University Lending

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We are so grateful for your continued support of SEBAR!

Southeastern Border Association of REALTORS^®

Shannon Harner, RCE, AHWD, C2EX, e-PRO, Chief Executive Officer

Lisa Horvath, e-PRO, MLS Director

Kyra James, Membership Director

Monroe Office

125 Cole Road

Monroe, MI 48162

734-242-6866

Downriver Office

Horizon Business Center West

20600 Eureka Road, Suite 510

Taylor, MI 48180

734-287-8060

Monroe Office Hours: Monday through Friday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm

Downriver Office Hours: Monday through Thursday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm