All agents have to complete real estate continuing education, but the best don't stop there. Our industry is ever-changing, and the most successful agents are the ones who never stop learning.
That’s why we’ve put together this collection of deep-dive resources just for you. These resources go beyond what's covered in our California 9-Hour Survey CE course, giving you deeper insights, fresh perspectives, and actionable strategies to apply in your day-to-day business. So dive into these expert-approved reads and keep pushing your business forward.
1️⃣ Deep Dive: REALTOR® Code of Ethics
Want real-life insight into ethics? This comprehensive guide breaks down the NAR Code of Ethics and sprinkles in real case studies to show how those rules play out in real transactions.
It’s like sitting down with a mentor who’s saying, “Here’s what typically gets agents in trouble, and here’s how to stay on the high road.” By exploring common ethical dilemmas (from misrepresentation to discrimination) and their outcomes, you’ll reinforce your understanding of proper conduct.
It’s a friendly refresher that goes beyond the textbook, helping you internalize ethics so you can build trust and avoid complaints in your day-to-day practice.
Empire Learning
2️⃣ 10 Tricky Real Estate Scenarios
Ever wonder what not to do in tricky situations? This eye-opening piece walks you through 10 hypothetical scenarios where well-meaning agents slip up – and it explains the fallout in plain English. From failing to mention a termite problem (and facing a lawsuit later) to mishandling an earnest money check, each story comes with a “verdict” so you learn exactly what went wrong.
It’s almost like a mini drama class for real estate – but with serious lessons attached. Newer agents love it for its relatable, cautionary tales, and even seasoned pros pick up tips to stay compliant. By seeing how little mistakes can snowball, you’ll be inspired to double-check your practices and protect that hard-earned license!
SusyH
3️⃣ 7 Legal & Ethical Pitfalls to Avoid
Stay out of trouble with advice straight from the pros! This NAR article condenses wisdom from legal experts into seven key areas where agents often trip up. It covers everything from handling multiple offers fairly to the latest on ADA website accessibility. The tone is encouraging – think of it like an experienced colleague giving you a friendly heads-up about issues that are cropping up more often (did you know litigation against agents has been on the rise?).
Each section offers practical steps (like documentation tips and when to consult your broker) so you can dodge complaints about nondisclosure or negligence. In short, it’s a must-read checklist to make sure your practices keep you on the right side of both the law and the Code of Ethics.
Richard Westlund
4️⃣ Avoid Fair Housing No-Nos in Advertising
Are your ads as inclusive as your service? This quick read from REALTOR® Magazine zeroes in on fair housing compliance in your marketing. It offers clear examples of words to steer clear of in listings (e.g. saying “ideal for empty nesters” could be a red flag) and why your choice of images matters too.
You’ll appreciate the straightforward tips from NAR’s staff attorney: focus on describing the property features, not the “ideal buyer.” The friendly guidance here will help you confidently create ads and social posts that welcome everyone and keep you compliant with both the law and Article 10 of the Code. It’s a great refresher that will make you pause and say, “Ah, I hadn’t thought of that phrase being a problem – good to know!” before you publish your next ad.
REALTOR® Magazine Staff
5️⃣ Social Media Rules for Real Estate
Boost your marketing without bending the rules! This up-to-date guide from Hootsuite (a big name in social media) is like a checklist for compliant online marketing. It’s written in a conversational tone and covers everything from displaying your brokerage info correctly on profiles to respecting other agents’ listings. Ever worried about whether you can share another agent’s listing on Facebook? This article clears it up (spoiler: you need permission – the Code of Ethics and some state laws say so).
It also reminds you that you are responsible for what gets posted on your accounts, even if you have an assistant managing them. With these pointers, you can confidently engage buyers and sellers on Instagram, TikTok, wherever – all while staying squarely within advertising regulations and avoiding those “uh-oh” moments with the real estate commission.
Rob Glover
6️⃣ Contract Formation in the Digital Age
E-signatures and emails and texts, oh my! This read is a real eye-opener on how contracts can form via email and other digital communications – even when you didn’t intend them to. Written by a risk management expert, it walks you through scenarios like an agent inadvertently creating a binding agreement through an email chain. You’ll learn how an email from a seller can count as acceptance of an offer, and why a casual “sure, that sounds fine” text might come back to bite you.
The tone isn’t scary; it’s practical and upbeat, as if a mentor is nudging you saying, “In today’s world, we have to be extra careful – here’s how.” By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of the statute of frauds in the 21st century and tips to protect yourself – like using clear disclaimers and getting signatures on the proper forms. It’s invaluable knowledge for enforcing contracts and keeping deals secure.
Karen March
7️⃣ Escrow & Trust Funds
Handling other people’s money? This is your safety net. This article is a friendly lifeline for brokers and agents on the nitty-gritty of trust fund compliance. It’s written in plain English (no legalese here) and feels like a workshop where someone finally makes a dry topic interesting. You’ll get a rundown of best practices for escrow accounts – separating client funds, timely deposits, meticulous records – plus updates on new angles like anti-money laundering rules. Did you know many states demand you deposit earnest money within a few days, and even a short delay can trigger a violation?
The author spells out common pitfalls (like commingling funds by accident) and the real consequences that can follow. By reading this, you’ll gain confidence that you’re managing escrows by the book. Consider it your guide to staying audit-proof and stress-free when it comes to client money.
Loft47
8️⃣ Surprising Things Sellers Must Disclose
Think you know all the disclosure rules? Think again! This Investopedia article serves up an enlightening list of eight disclosure areas that sellers (and their agents) need to be aware of. It goes beyond the usual “leaky roof and mold” talk – covering everything from deaths on the property to neighborhood nuisances. It’s engaging and easy to read, almost like a checklist one friend would email to another. Crucially, it underscores that failing to disclose required info isn’t just a faux pas; sellers can be sued or even face criminal charges for willfully hiding problems.
As an agent, you’ll pick up some fascinating tidbits (for example, what counts as a “stigmatized property” in different states) that you might not have covered in your standard CE course. This means you’ll be even better at educating your clients and making sure no important fact stays hidden in a transaction.
Full Bio
9️⃣ Here’s What’s Changing in Commissions
Big changes are here for how we get paid – are you up to speed? This article breaks down the recent NAR settlement changes in a very straightforward, consumer-friendly way – which actually makes it perfect for agents who want the bottom line. It explains that starting in 2024, buyers will have to sign a broker agreement before seeing homes and MLS listings won’t display buyer agent commissions up front.
The tone is reassuring and factual, as if a knowledgeable friend is saying “Don’t panic, here’s what it means for you.” By reading this, you’ll understand how to communicate the new process to clients (and why some old practices like automatically splitting a 6% commission are shifting).
It’s a free, no-nonsense overview that will help you adapt your business smoothly to these industry-wide changes – and maybe even discover opportunities in the new model. Stay ahead of the curve and show your clients you’re on top of the latest regulatory updates!
