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 Salesperson & Broker Required Module: Risk Management and Minnesota License Procedures 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 How Well Do You Know the Fair Housing Act?
Test your fair housing savvy with this friendly Q&A-style blog from the Minnesota Realtors Legal Team. The broad principles of fair housing are easy – but the nuances can get tricky, and this piece dives into those details.
It highlights often-misunderstood points, like Minnesota’s added protected classes (did you remember creed and public assistance status?), advertising pitfalls, and common inadvertent slip-ups. It’s an engaging refresher that goes beyond the basics, helping ensure you stay fully compliant and confident when working with all clients.
2️⃣ Window to the Law: Know Your Duties
Fiduciary duties aren’t just a chapter in your textbook – they’re real obligations that can land you in hot water if overlooked. NAR’s quick “Window to the Law” rundown explains why duties like loyalty, disclosure, and confidentiality are so important in day-to-day practice.
Failure to uphold these duties is a top source of lawsuits and disciplinary actions. This short read (based on a video) helps you brush up on what it truly means to put your client’s interests first, with practical tips to stay on the right side of your legal and ethical responsibilities.
3️⃣ Material Fact Disclosure Requirements
Ever wonder “Do I have to tell buyers about this?” This Clever article tackles that exact question by defining what counts as a “material fact.” It offers clear examples of must-disclose issues (think: recurring basement floods) versus items you’re actually prohibited from disclosing (like protected health information under MN law).
In between lies a gray area, and the blog gives guidance on how to evaluate those tricky in-between cases. It’s a handy, common-sense guide that will help you make the right call on disclosures and avoid any omissons that could come back to haunt you.
4️⃣ Antitrust Challenges
The real estate commission system is facing a seismic shake-up, and this Reuters news article explains why. It delves into recent antitrust lawsuits (including a headline-grabbing $1.8B jury verdict) that accuse Realtors® of colluding to keep commissions high.
The piece breaks down how the traditional seller-paid commission model came under fire and what changes might be on the horizon (hint: more transparency and competition). This is a must-read to understand the bigger legal picture beyond Minnesota – it’s written in an engaging newsy style that will get you thinking about how you discuss commissions with clients in the new era.
5️⃣ 4 Social Media Tips: Stay Out of Legal Trouble
Facebook, Instagram, TikTok… advertising your listings on social media is powerful and perilous! This upbeat article gives four essential tips to keep your marketing compliant. You’ll learn how to use the word “REALTOR®” correctly (who knew your Instagram handle could violate trademark rules?), why you should never grab random Google images for your posts, and the importance of truthful ads and including your brokerage info online.
It even ties in Article 12 of the Code of Ethics about presenting a “true picture” in advertising. In short, it’s a fun, quick read that could save you from a social media misstep – definitely worth a click for any savvy Minnesota agent.
Melissa Dittmann Tracey
6️⃣ Real Estate Purchase Agreement Tips
Writing offers and purchase agreements is second nature – but this NAR guide offers pro-level insights to up your game. It walks through key elements of a solid contract (price, contingencies, earnest money, closing dates, etc.) and how to tailor them to protect your client’s interests.
You’ll pick up pointers on leveraging contingencies (and which to handle ASAP), keeping deals on track with deadline management, and even a handy closing checklist for a smooth finish. It’s like a mini crash course in contract best practices – perfect to reinforce what you learned in class and give you extra confidence that nothing slips through the cracks in your next deal.
7️⃣ Do We Still Need Earnest Money?
This thought-provoking read from MNR’s blog asks a question many have wondered in our hot market: is earnest money still worth it? It explores how deposit disputes have become surprisingly common and why some buyers now assume they’ll get their money back no matter what.
The article explains how Minnesota purchase agreement forms built in contingencies to protect buyers, yet perceptions around deposits are shifting. You’ll get a peek into real hotline questions and scenarios that bring the issue to life. If you’ve ever handled a tense escrow refund standoff, you’ll find this piece especially relevant – and it might even influence how you discuss trust funds and good faith deposits with your next client.
8️⃣ New NAR Rule: Written Agreements
Big changes arrived in 2024: REALTORS® must have a written agreement with buyers before showing homes. There’s a lot of confusion out there, and this PDF guide clears it up in plain language.
It emphasizes that the required agreement doesn’t have to be a full buyer-rep contract – even a one-time “showing agreement” works. The goal? Transparency about who represents whom, and how commissions work, right up front.
Minnesota brokers and agents will appreciate how this explanation can help you talk to clients about the new paperwork. Stay ahead of the curve by understanding the why and how of this rule change.
9️⃣ Five Antitrust Concerns for Professionals
Ever chat with a fellow agent about “standard” commission rates or divvying up territories? Careful! This informative (and surprisingly readable) blog by an antitrust attorney highlights five common antitrust pitfalls in real estate.
From price-fixing no-no’s to avoiding even the appearance of collusion, it’s full of real-world scenarios that hit close to home. The tone is conversational, not legalese, making it easy to absorb why saying “the going rate is 6%” could spell trouble. After reading, you’ll be armed with knowledge to keep your brokerage practices squeaky clean. It’s a great supplementary piece that drives home how antitrust laws affect your daily business – and how to stay safely on the right side of them.
Bona Law PC