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 Tennesse Core 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 Tennessee Commission Rule Shake-Up
Curious about the big changes rocking real estate commissions? This Nashville news piece breaks down a recent NAR settlement and how it directly affects Tennessee agents. It reveals that Tennessee has already been ahead of the curve – buyers here must sign a representation agreement before touring homes.
Learn why commissions are becoming more negotiable and what longer client consultations might mean for you. It’s an eye-opener on industry changes that will make you sound like the market expert you are when clients have questions!
By: Hannah McDonald
2️⃣ Social Media Advertising & “One-Click” Rule
Are your Facebook and Instagram ads TREC-compliant? This legal Q&A from Tennessee REALTORS® demystifies the infamous “One-Click Rule” so you don’t get tripped up by online advertising regs. It confirms that the rule only applies to ensuring your firm’s name and phone number are one click away – not every little detail of a promo. (So yes, you still need to spell out contest and giveaway terms up front!)
It also touches on advertising gifts and prizes, reminding you what’s allowed and that cash incentives are a big no-no in Tennessee. If you want to market yourself boldly and legally, this quick read is a must.
3️⃣ Mastering Disclosures: Seller Duties
Ever worry about what wasn’t disclosed? This Tennessee law firm’s blog post serves up “Top 8 Things to Know” about our property disclosure law, and it’s packed with insights. Not only does it hit the highlights of what sellers must reveal, it also emphasizes something the core course touches on but can’t stress enough – your duty as an agent to disclose “adverse facts” you know about a property.
The article defines adverse facts (with a real case example) and clarifies that, even though the seller’s disclosure form is theirs, you can be on the hook if you hide known defects. It’s a great confidence booster for handling tricky disclosure dilemmas: you’ll learn exactly where your responsibilities start and end, and how to protect your clients (and yourself) from costly missteps.
wisebray
4️⃣ When Deals Go Sideways
What happens when a buyer and seller both demand the earnest money? This friendly blog post by a Chattanooga broker-president walks you through earnest money 101 and then dives into those nail-biting dispute scenarios. Part 2 (the juicy part!) explains how Tennessee brokers should respond if a sale falls through – including the option to file an interpleader with the courts to let a judge decide who gets the funds.
It’s an easy read that paints a clear picture of the interpleader process (and even notes the holder can ask to have their court costs covered). After this, you’ll feel more prepared if a transaction sours – and you can impress your principal broker with a solid plan for handling escrow money the right way, within that 21-day rule.
5️⃣ Property Management Pitfalls/Best Practices
Thinking about property management or already wearing that hat? This 2025 guide is a goldmine on Tennessee landlord-tenant laws and TREC rules for property managers. It’s not just a dry law recap – it highlights practical obligations like handling security deposits by the book and following proper eviction procedures. The article underscores the need to comply with the Tennessee Residential Landlord–Tenant Act and even reminds you to stay updated on TREC regulations to remain compliant.
From fair housing reminders to required lease clauses, it’s a great refresher that will help you avoid the common mistakes that lead to complaints or civil penalties. Consider it a checklist for keeping your rentals run smoothly and lawfully – knowledge that goes beyond what the core course can cover in a few hours.
Zoe HarperMarketing
6️⃣ The Principal Broker’s Playbook
Are you (or do you aspire to be) a principal broker or team leader? This insightful piece lays out how brokers can protect themselves through smart supervision. It introduces the concept of vicarious liability in plain English – meaning you could be on the hook for your agents’ missteps even if you did nothing wrong. 😬
The blog doesn’t just stop at scary stories (though it has a doozy of a case where bad info on square footage led to a lawsuit); it also offers tips to foster a compliant team culture without breathing down everyone’s neck. From regular training ideas to setting up checks and balances, you’ll get strategies to fulfill your full-time supervisory duties and keep your crew motivated. It’s like a mini coaching session for brokers, showing why good oversight is good business.
Amanda
7️⃣ Errors & Omissions Insurance
You hope to never need it, but E&O insurance is your safety net when “uh-oh” moments happen. This article is a real eye-opener about the kinds of lawsuits agents and brokers face even when you think you did everything right. It runs through common E&O claim triggers – from alleged misrepresentation or missing a disclosure, to a deal falling apart over a mistake you didn’t even realize was yours.
Importantly for Tennessee agents, it reminds that state law requires you to carry E&O (in fact, Tennessee will fine your broker up to $1,000 per uninsured agent if you let coverage lapse!).
The blog’s best feature? Concrete tips to prevent lawsuits, like documenting communications and avoiding giving advice outside your expertise. You’ll finish this quick read with a healthy respect for your E&O policy and a few new risk management habits to implement right away.
Mike Mosser
8️⃣ Why Continuing Education Pays Off
Sure, you take CE courses because you have to – but what if you treated them as a career game-changer? This upbeat blog post gives six solid reasons continuing education is key to success, and it will get you actually excited for your next class. The author points out that the market is always evolving – from economic shifts to shiny new tech like virtual reality home tours – and ongoing training helps you leverage these trends to stand out.
It also notes CE is a prime chance to grow your network (meet future collaborators or clients in those Zoom rooms and seminars!) and sharpen specialized skills that can open up new revenue streams. In short, it sells the idea that learning beyond the minimum hours can translate into more professional credibility and income. If you’ve ever wondered “What’s in it for me?” about CE requirements, this peppy read will show you how to turn a mandate into an opportunity.
Michael Sperling