If you’re a real estate broker in Michigan, your license is a big deal as it allows you to work in your field. But did you know your license could be at risk if you don’t meet continuing education (CE) requirements? Michigan has specific rules for real estate brokers; if you don’t meet them, you could lose your license.
In this post, we’ll explain what Real Estate broker continuing education in Michigan is, why it’s important, and how you can make sure you meet all the requirements to keep your license safe.
Why is Continuing Education Important?
The real estate world is always changing. New laws, market trends, and business practices always come up. You must keep up with these changes to stay good at your job and help your clients. That’s where continuing education comes in.
In Michigan, real estate brokers are required by law to take continuing education courses. If you don’t, you risk losing your license. You can’t legally do your job without a permit, which means you could lose clients, income, and your professional reputation.
Michigan’s Continuing Education Requirements for Real Estate Brokers
Every licensed real estate broker must complete 18 hours of continuing education over a 3-year license cycle.
Here’s the breakdown:
- 2 hours must cover the latest laws and regulations, known as “legal updates.” This helps you stay aware of new laws that affect how you work.
- The other 16 hours can cover various real estate topics, such as business strategies, ethics, and how to manage risk. These courses will help you grow as a broker and better serve your clients.
How Often Should You Take CE Courses?
Even though you need to complete 18 hours of education over 3 years, you can’t wait until the last minute to complete it all. Michigan law says you must complete 6 hours of continuing education each year. This way, you stay up-to-date throughout the entire license cycle instead of cramming all your learning into the last year.
By pacing yourself and doing a little each year, you’ll always be in the loop with the latest industry information, and you won’t have to worry about rushing to meet the deadline.
Where Can You Find Approved CE Courses?
If you’re wondering where to find the right courses, don’t worry! There are many approved options for continuing education as a real estate broker in Michigan. LARA has a list of approved course providers, which includes online classes, in-person courses, and webinars. This makes it easy to fit CE courses into your schedule, no matter how busy you are.
Can You Take CE Courses Online?
Yes! Michigan allows real estate brokers to complete their continuing education online, and many brokers prefer this option. Online courses allow you to complete your education when and where convenient for you. Whether you like learning at your own pace or prefer finishing it all at once, online courses can make it easier to meet your CE requirements.
Just make sure LARA approves the courses you choose. You don’t want to waste time and money on courses that don’t count towards your required hours.
Why Staying Current with CE is a Good Thing?
Staying on top of your continuing education isn’t just about avoiding penalties. It has several important benefits:
- Stay Informed:
CE courses help you learn about new laws, trends, and best practices. This keeps you sharp and gives you an edge over brokers who may not be as up-to-date.
- Build New Skills:
Many courses cover useful topics like marketing, client communication, and technology. These skills can help you grow your business and make your job easier.
- Earn Trust:
Clients trust brokers who are knowledgeable and current. Showing that you’re committed to learning can set you apart from the competition.
The Bottom Line
Real estate broker continuing education in Michigan isn’t just a suggestion, it’s a requirement for keeping your real estate license. Failing to meet these requirements puts your license at risk, which could impact your entire career. However, with so many options available, including flexible online courses, completing your CE hours is easier than ever.
By staying on top of your continuing education, you’ll protect your license and gain valuable knowledge and skills that will help you grow as a real estate broker. If you haven’t started your CE courses yet, now is the perfect time to get started. With some planning, you can stay compliant, competitive, and ready for anything the real estate world throws your way!