CONTINUING EDUCATION (CE) Information

All Maryland licensees need
15 hours to renew.

Mandatory CE Classes

Legislative Category (A)

ADVERTISING, ANTI TRUST & ARBITRATION

Advertising regulations are discussed. Compliant and noncompliant advertising examples will be shown. MREC Advertising Checklist is utilized during class. The Anti-Trust announcement that is often shared at the start of education conferences will be shared. Anti-Trust laws will be discussed and violations including price fixing, allocation of markets, group boycotting and tying agreements will be defined. RESPA requirements are examined. Arbitration process and examples are used for group discussion.

#119-1875  |   Category A   |   3 hours

MARYLAND LEGAL UPDATE

The legal update class will focus on changes made within the last 3-5 years taking place in the real estate industry. New COMAR regulations and Maryland legislation that have recently become effective as well as proposed changes will be covered. Proposed legislation that did not pass will also be shared.

#093-1875   |   Category A   |   3 hours

MD LEGAL RECENT RECAP

This class will focus on modifications and newly added regulations that happened in the last 2 years. Recent MD regulations, NAR and COMAR Code of Ethics changes will be discussed. This course does not satisfy the full requirement for Legal Update (A) of 3 hours for license renewal.

#096-1875 |   Category A   | 1.5 hours

Attempts to Legislate/Regulate/Arbitrate

You need 3 hours of Category A – this class combined with another 1.5-hour Category A would get you to the needed hours for renewal. Paying Attention not just to what has passed legislatively but what has been proposed. Included discussion on how many attempts may be needed prior to passage. Explanation of the use of task forces in the legislative process is provided. Examples of arbitration are shared. A quick reminder of the difference between statutory laws, legislation and administrative laws is given.

##116-1875 |   Category A   | 1.5 hours

Fair Housing Category (C)

FAIR HOUSING & DIVERSITY

The Federal Fair Housing Act is covered along with Maryland fair housing regulations. All protected categories are discussed along with recent changes related to discrimination. This extended class will also cover effective ways to stay in compliance in the field and within client interactions. Prejudice, bias and cultural differences are evaluated. (1.5 hours mandatory plus 1.5 hours electives).

#104-1875 |  Category C | 3 hours

FAIR HOUSING: BIAS OVERRIDE – OVERCOMING BARRIERS TO FAIR HOUSING

Class participants will examine the history of bias in real estate, learn about the mind science of identity, study how implicit bias can result in fair housing violations, and engage in interactive exercises to enhance communication skills and business relationships with clients of all backgrounds. An evaluation of stereotypes for the purposes of avoiding fair housing pitfalls and aim for providing uniform services.

#109-1875 |  Category C   | 3 hours

FAIR HOUSING: PRINCIPLES & PRACTICES

The Federal Fair Housing Act is covered along with Maryland fair housing regulations. All protected categories are discussed along with recent changes made to laws related to discrimination. Reasonable modifications and reasonable accommodations are included in the conversations.

#092-1875 |  Category C  |  1.5 hours

MD Ethics Category (D)

MARYLAND ETHICS W/PREDATORY LENDING

The course covers all 3 sections of the COMAR Code of Ethics including Relations to the Public, Relations to the Client and Relations to Fellow Licensees. Coverage includes the NAR Code of Ethics, Professionalism and Predatory Lending.
Concerning NAR Ethics Requirements, only your home association can upload you to NAR for your Ethics completion. Email a request to here2help@plan2pass.com for an Ethics class certificate if your association will accept it as proof of NAR Ethics completion.

#082-1875 |  Category D   | 3 hours

MREC Brokerage Relationship Category (H)

BROKERAGE RELATIONSHIPS AND DISCLOSURES (BRAD)

As of October 1, 2019, the MREC-Agency Residential has been replaced with this class. BRAD is the current conversation that covers all changes made in 2016 and 2019. MREC created this course and certified the instructors authorized to teach this mandatory class. Creation of brokerage relationships, client duties, customer assistance, dual agency and required forms are all discussed. MREC also included scenarios and FAQs

#084-1875 |  Category H   | 3 hours

MREC Supervision Category (I)

MREC REQUIRED SUPERVISION

Maryland brokers of record, designated managers and team leaders are all charged with the responsibility of supervision. Individuals in these supervising roles must take this required class within 90 days of taking that role unless they had taken this class in their last renewal period. This course was created by MREC and is taught only by instructors certified by MREC. It can be attended by individuals who are not supervising, and it will count as a 3-hour elective.

#083-1875 |  Category I   | 3 hours

CE Special Events

2 day CE Event

15 hours of CE covered in two days. Will include all mandatory classes including fair housing, ethics, legal update, brokerage relationships and enough electives to be ready for license renewal. “Ask the expert”, useful takeaway tools, fun giveaways, are some of the extras that are included. Inquire to see if beverages and lunch are provided for in-person attendance.

Cost: $105

CE Summer Special

The Summer Special includes attendance for all mandatory classes including fair housing, ethics, legal update, brokerage relationships PLUS the agent’s choice of 5 other classes offered anytime during the summer months. MREC Supervision will be one of the additional selections offered. Customize your selections, enjoy the savings and be ready for license renewal.

Cost: $79

Week’s Worth of CE

15+ hours of CE offered over the course of 7 business days. Will include all mandatory classes including fair housing, ethics, legal update, brokerage relationships and more than enough electives to be ready for license renewal. This will include MREC Supervision for brokers, managers and team leaders. Enjoy the flexibility and savings of this 1-week package.

Cost: $105

Dual Career CE Combo

15 hours of CE scheduled during the evenings and weekends. Will include all mandatory classes including fair housing, ethics, legal update, brokerage relationships and enough electives to be ready for license renewal. Finally, a CE package for the dual career agent!

Cost: $105

Winter CE Wrap-up

The Winter CE Wrap-up includes attendance for all mandatory classes including fair housing, ethics, legal update, brokerage relationships PLUS the agent’s choice of 5 other classes offered anytime between Thanksgiving and Valentine’s Day. MREC Supervision will be one of the additional selections offered. Customize your selections, enjoy the savings and be ready for license renewal.

Cost: $79

Commercial CE Collection

The Commercial CE Collection allows a commercial agent to attend mandatory classes such as MD ethics and legal update. Also included MREC Agency- Commercial and the option to attend fair housing and/or ADA class. PLUS choose up to 4 classes from a list of additional selections. MREC Supervision will be one of the additional selections offered for any commercial supervisors. Customize your selections, enjoy the savings and finally have a CE line-up that makes sense for the commercial agent.

Cost: $105

Newly Licensed CE Collection

All Maryland licensees need specific CE hours for their initial license renewal as shown on the Newly Licensed INFOgraphic.  The included topics are Contracts, Disclosures, Advertising, Professionalism, Escrows and Finance.  Future license renewals will be as shown on regular Continuing Education CE INFOgraphic.

Cost: $105

ELECTIVE CE CLASSES

ABC’s OF ADVERTISING

An alphabetical list of advertising concerns and promotional guidance which will include coverage of the following: branch office phone number, broker’s name, chyron, misleading, nicknames, supervision, team name, trade name, treatments and words of connection. The MREC Advertising Checklist is utilized for the class discussion.

#095-1875   |   Category F   |   1.5 hours

ABC’s OF ENVIRONMENTALS

An alphabetical list of environmental issues is covered. Asbestos, brownfields, lead, lead-based paint, mold, poly chlorinated biphenyls, radon and underground storage tanks completed the list.
Recommendations for handling environmental concerns in the field and within inspection negotiations along with legislative changes are shared.

#118-1875 |   Category F   |   3 hours

BASICS OF COMMERCIAL

Types of commercial properties, basic terms and the process of a commercial transaction are reviewed. The marketing of commercial properties and resources used are shared. Terms used in commercial listing agreements and the use of letters of intent are covered

#113-1875 |   Category F   |   3 hours

BUYER CONSUMER-BASED CONSULTATION

Building a buyer consultation that contributes to a consumer being successful in a property purchase is examined. Ideas are shared for improving a buyer experience. Will start with initial contact and consultation but will look further down the road to discuss property showings, offers and pending settlement services.

#086-1875  |   Category F   |   3.0 hours

CLOSING HELP & THE CONTRACT

A basic explanation of lender and title fees are provided. Allowable concessions and seller subsidies for each type of financing will be evaluated. Grants, assistance programs and gift funds are included in the class conversation.

#101-1875  |   Category F   |  1.5 hours

CONSTRUCTION PERM FINANCING

Obstacles concerning building of a property include upfront and ongoing costs, building permit, certificate of occupancy requirements, builder delay, weather issues and supply issues. Lot loans, construction and construction-perm loans are compared to include incremental payments, down payment and credit requirements. Options affecting finance include second property options, stick built, prefabs, custom kits, and rehab properties.

#099-1875   |   Category F   |   1.5 hours

CONTRACT ADDENDA

Basics of contract law is covered. Reminder of what are the needed components when constructing an offer. The need for selecting the right jurisdictional addendum is addressed. A look at the paragraph concerning the identifying of addenda within the sales contract is reviewed. An assortment of addenda is presented to the class.

#102-1875  |   Category F   |  3 hours

CREDIT 101

Explanation of the repositories and 3 contributors to a tri-merger credit report is provided. Equifax, Experian and Trans Union are shown as examples and regulated by the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Decision making data, dispute handling and credit care tips are shared. Credit score range is 300-850 and would include applicant information, repository scores, risk factors and reason codes, tradelines, history, inquiry and collection accounts.

#098-1875  |   Category F   |  3 hours

FINANCING PROCESS

The following topics are included in the class: Financing programs and products, problem solving, prequal vs. preapproval, consumer questions, credit scores, understanding interest rates, being an attentive agent, advancing to the settlement table and financing: best practices.

#121-1875 |   Category F   |  3 hours

HANDLE WITH CARE: DISTRESSED & INVESTMENTS

The following topics are included in the class:
REOs vs. Short Sales A list of differences between the two purchases is provided. Basic advantages and disadvantages of investments. Factors of a 1031 Exchange. Second Home/Vacation criteria. Property management and rental concerns are covered.

#114-1875  |   Category F   |   3 hours

INSPECTION ESSENTIALS

Interviewing and selecting an inspector along with an expectation of the equipment that could be utilized during the inspection is discussed. Types of inspections are covered. Components of a property is covered to include foundation, roof, HVAC and cooling, plumbing and fixtures.

#105-1875  |   Category F   |  3 hours

LAND: FEASIBILITY & FINANCING

The following topics are included in the class:
Land: feasibility period, buildable issues, local ordinance compliance, financing, consumer protection, unimproved land form excerpts, and environmental issues.

#123-1875 |   Category F   |  1.5 hours

LOCAL ORDINANCE & PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT

This 3-hour class only qualifies for 1.5 elective hours of CE. Summary of steps for obtaining a new residential permit and the process between issuances and final use & occupancy is provided. To determine if a parcel is buildable and the possible need for an expediter is discussed along with (TDR’s) Transfer Development Rights. Reasons for denial and feasibility examples of buildable and non-buildable are offered. Additional topics: subdivision plat, density zoning, and cease and desist orders are discussed.

#097-1875  |   Category F   |  1.5 hours

MARYLAND REALTORS SALES CONTRACT REVIEW

As time allows, each paragraph of the Maryland REALTORS improved sales contract will be addressed. Basics such as creating the offer, jurisdictional addenda, required disclosures will all be shared prior to the reviewing of the actual form.

#094-1875  |   Category F   |  3 hours

MREC TRENDS & UPDATES

This course was created and is instructed by Kathie Connelley, former Executive Director of MREC. The Commission is discussed which includes members, staffing, licensees, licensing exams, audits and investigations. New laws and regulations, unethical and unprofessional conduct, along with handling of funds and advertising are covered. Are there any changes to educational requirements and forms? Also shared are the areas where the MREC receives the most questions.

#088-1875  |   Category F   |  1.5 hours

NEGOTIATING MULTIPLE OFFERS

Conversation begins with better protection for the client, ourselves and our broker on paper. Guidance for a buyer agent on submitting of offers and guidance for a listing agent on receiving/presenting offers and inquiries is part of the conversation. Some of the tips and terms that help offers succeed in times of multiple offers is offered. The Code of Ethics and professionalism is considered as well.

#124-1875 |   Category F   |  1.5 hours

NEW HOMES 101

The following topics are included in the class:
Attorney General’s website, passed legislation, building trends options, floorplans and features, resale vs. new homes, marketing, new home builder contract terms, basics of a builder’s website and the Homebuilder Guaranty Fund.

#120-1875 |   Category F   |  3 hours

PRICING PROPERTY

The Code of Ethic requirements concerning pricing is how the class will begin. The class will look at CMA options, tools, stats, presentation and pricing ranges. Repositioning and presentation approaches are shared. AVMs, underwriting guidelines, appraisal terms are all covered.

#125-1875 |   Category F   |  3 hours

REAL ESTATE RISKY BUSINESS

An assortment of risk reduction tools will be shared to include provable means of communication, being the resource of the resource, proper handling of red flags, fiduciary duties, written policies, availability of good legal guidance, wide selection or preprinted forms, proper handling of earnest money, only providing brokerage services are all included in the conversation.

#126-1875 |   Category F   |   1.5 hours

RESIDENTIAL RENTALS 101

How to better document rental transactions will be discussed along with compliance with MD fair housing and brokerage relationship requirements. Landlord criteria, application process and tenant qualifications will be included in the class discussion. Prohibited rental terms and shared. MD Lead Poison Program requirements and local licensing/environmental compliance are covered. Excerpts from rental documents are shown.

#117-1875 |   Category F   |  3 hours

SELLER CONSUMER-BASED CONSULTATION

Building a seller consultation that contributes to a consumer being successful in a property sale is examined. Ideas are shared for improving a listing experience starting with initial contact and consultation. Proper presentation should occur of the unbundled services being provided and setting correct expectations for property showings, handling offers and pending settlement services. Online platform and tangible marketing will be included in the discussion.

#087-1875  |   Category F   |  3 hours

SERVING SENIOR REAL ESTATE NEEDS

The class begins with a discussion on generations, group dynamics and communication. The need for downsizing is discussed along with recommendations for storage and staging. Senior community options property features and community features will be shared. Assisted living and memory care may be the next move. Documentation such as trusts, POA and death certificates are explained.

#127-1875 |   Category F   |  3 hours

SUCCESSFUL PRICING & PRESENTATION

The Code of Ethic requirements concerning pricing begins the class. The class will look at CMA options, tools, stats, presentation and pricing ranges. Repositioning and presentation approaches are shared. Staging, downsizing and property presentation is covered along with online marketing platform.

#085-1875  |   Category F   |  1.5 hours

SURVEY SAYS…

Surveys, boundary location drawings and title searches are evaluated. Title insurance coverage will include explanations of lender coverage, owner coverage, standard policies and enhanced policies. Five great reasons to purchase a survey will be part of the class discussion.

#128-1875 |   Category F   |   1.5 hours

TECHNOLOGY IN REAL ESTATE

This is not a hands-on tech class – it is a discussion of concepts. Topics include: client and customer tools, statistical information, client communications, trends, transaction flow, agent/client safety, estimating costs and property, ethics and fair housing in technology and advertising rules. This class was created by and normally instructed by Brenda Kasuva.

#129-1875 |   Category F   |   1.5 hours

THE ROLE OF THE TITLE COMPANY

An outline of title company responsibilities is shared including the gathering of seller information, gathering of buyer information, verifying of information, title evidence options, preparation of title commitment, closing instructions and the conducting of a successful settlement.

#130-1875 |   Category F   |   1.5 hours

UNCONVENTIONAL FINANCING STRATEGIES

Traditional financing recap will kick off the class. Nontraditional options take into consideration commissioned income/self-employed, rescoring and non-prime programs, jumbo loans, non-warrantable condo options. A variety of options as shown including stated income, jumbo Loans and Foreign National Program and derogatory credit program rates and timelines.

#100-1875  |   Category F   |   1.5 hours

Frequently Asked ?s
for Maryland CE Classes

What is the CE requirement for Maryland newly licensees?

Newly licensed individuals need 15 hours but the content of the 15 hours is different for the first renewal cycle.  Please refer to the Newly Licensed INFOgraphic for details.  Once you have completed your 1st renewal period, the 15 hours of CE needed for renewal becomes the same requirments as all Maryland licensees need – see CE INFOgraphic for details.

How many hours does a licensee need for license renewal?

All licensees need 15 hours of CE to renew their license regardless of how long they have had a license or what degrees they may have earned.  Licenses must be renewed every 2 years.

What mandatory classes are needed to renew a real estate license?

3 hrs Legal Update Category (A)– needed by all licensees.

3 hrs MD Ethics with Predatory Lending Category (D) – needed by all licensees

3 hrs Brokerage Relationship and Disclosures/BRAD Category (H) – only for residential licensees

3 hrs MREC Agency – Commercial Category (H) – only for commercial licensees

1.5 hours Fair Housing Category (C) – not needed by licensees who handle ONLY commercial

3 hrs MREC Supervision Category (I) – only needed by brokers, branch managers and team leaders

In addition to the mandatory classes required, a licensee must attend electives (F) to reach the 15-hour continuing education requirement for license renewal.

What about the Ethics requirement for NAR members?

Only your home association can upload you to the NAR completion site for the NAR Ethics requirements.  You can request proof from Plan2Pass that you attend our MD Ethics class that includes NAR Code of Ethics and it would then be up to your association if they would add you to the NAR completion list due to your Plan2Pass attendance.  Currently, you must complete NAR Ethics class once every 3 years but you would want to refer to www.realtor.org to stay current on this requirement.

Why do I not see my CE hours on the MREC portal?

Please know that it can take 10 days for CE to be processed and uploaded to the portal.  You should receive a confirmation email from Plan2Pass and another confirmation from MREC as long as you have provided Plan2Pass and MREC with a correct email address. There also had to be full compliance for the attendance of CE class for the hours to have been uploaded to MREC.  For example, did you provide your MD real estate license #, show picture ID, comply with in-person or live stream/Zoom classroom policies, sign in to class and sign out at the end of class.  Additional policies are posted on our CE Class webpage. 

Do I need to attend CE classes if my license is in an INACTIVE state with MREC?

Yes.  You still have a license if it is INACTIVE, it is just being held by MREC instead of a broker.  This is why INACTIVE agents cannot sell or accept any portion of a commission – their license must be ACTIVE to receive referral fees/partial commission or participate in sales.  Even though you are not using your license while it is INACTIVE, you do not want to lose your license by not renewing.  You need to renew your license while it is parked in INACTIVE status or it will EXPIRE.  The maximum time for a license to be INACTIVE is 3 years.   

What if I do not have the needed CE hours in time for my license renewal date?

If you do not have the needed 15 hours of CE, you cannot renew your license and it will EXPIRE.  You cannot sell or accept any portion of a commission if your license is EXPIRED.  You have a 3-year period to reinstate your license from the date it expired.  In order to reinstate, you must have all the CE needed and pay a reinstatement fee (which is currently $150).

Can you take the same class more than once during a 2-year renewal period?

If you take the same class but with different schools/providers, then the duplicate class could count as an elective.  For example, if you took Fair Housing 1.5-hour class with Plan2Pass and then you also took it with your association, one of them would count as the mandatory 1.5 hours and the duplicate with count as 1.5 elective hours since it was two different providers.

What if I have more than the 15 required hours?

You have more than you need to successfully renew your license as long as you have all the mandatory topics.  Excess hours do not roll-over to the next renewal period.