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Michigan Realtors outlines continuing-education system, zoning fixes and national MLS changes after NAR settlement
Summary
Michigan Realtors briefed the House subcommittee on the CE marketplace, continuing-education requirements, reforms to the Land Division Act and local zoning, and the effects of a national antitrust settlement that changed MLS compensation practices.
At the same May 20, 2025 subcommittee hearing, Sean Cecil, policy field director for Michigan Realtors, described the association's continuing education (CE) marketplace, urged zoning and land-division reforms to expand housing supply, and outlined how a recent national settlement affects real estate practice.
Cecil described the CE Marketplace — developed in 2014 — as a centralized platform that streamlines record-keeping and helps licensees maintain required training. "Continuing education ensures that agents are up to date on changes in the real estate law, ethics standards, fair housing regulations, contract practices, and risk management strategies," he said.
Cecil summarized existing continuing-education requirements: 18 hours every three years, including two hours of legal credit and one hour of fair housing credit each year; the remaining credits can be legal, elective, or additional fair-housing content. He said Michigan Realtors provides statewide training, online and in person, and supports licensees with compliance assistance and standard-form updates.
On housing supply and land-use reform, Cecil said Michigan Realtors supports modernizing the Land Division Act to increase allowable parcel splits from four to 10 to facilitate modest infill and family transfers while preserving municipal authority to require surveys and planning standards. He also urged local zoning reform to permit a wider range of housing types, reduce excessive parking mandates, and update density rules to allow duplexes, townhomes, and accessory dwelling units where appropriate.
Cecil also discussed a major national development: the antitrust lawsuit against the National Association of Realtors and large brokerages, which settled for $418 million and led to rule changes about buyer-agent compensation. "Most notably, offers of buyer agent compensation can no longer be displayed on MLS platforms," Cecil said. He explained that buyers must now enter written agreements with their agents before touring properties and that commissions are negotiable. Michigan Realtors has provided legal guidance, updated contracts and forms, and hosted training to help members comply.
Members asked how these policies and market conditions affect affordability and whether licensees feel they receive value for their licensing costs and education. Cecil said the combination of limited inventory, materials and labor constraints, and permitting delays contribute to cost pressures and that the association is engaged in policy efforts to increase supply and support professional standards.
No committee action was taken on the association's policy suggestions during the hearing.
