25 September Maryland Real Estate Commission Meeting – September 17, 2025 by Jacky Mueck MREC Updates 0 0 Comment 41 During last Wednesday’s Maryland Real Estate Commission meeting, several key updates were shared that directly impact broker operations, agent compliance, and consumer protection. Advertising Checklist Update Coming The Commission’s Education Committee announced plans to update the Advertising Checklist, a vital compliance tool for all agents and brokers to utilize when reviewing advertisements. To support this effort, a new task force is being formed. We’re pleased to share that two attorneys from Maryland REALTORS® will participate in this task force to help ensure that current legal and ethical considerations, including those related to artificial intelligence and social media advertising, are properly addressed. Brokers are encouraged to share any relevant advertising concerns or examples with the Maryland REALTORS® Legal Team for consideration in the revised checklist. Changes to Broker Supervision Education Broker supervision remains a high-priority topic for the Commission and was a topic of conversation that frequently was raised at the recent ARELLO (Association of Real Estate License Law Officials) annual conference. Additionally, effective October 1, 2025, the required Broker Supervision continuing education class has been shortened from 3 hours to 1.5 hours. As you are aware, this class is mandatory for brokers, office managers, and team leaders, but may also be taken by agents as an elective. The revised curriculum focuses strictly on the legal minimums required to ensure consumer protection and avoid regulatory violations. However, the Commission strongly emphasized that brokers should go beyond this minimum through enhanced policy manuals, training, and supervision protocols to reduce risk and protect both agents and clients. Guest Presentation: Maryland Insurance Administration The Maryland Insurance Administration (MIA) joined the Commission meeting to provide important insights into how insurance professionals—particularly those involved in title work—are regulated. The presentation highlighted the role of MIA’s Title Enforcement Unit, which investigates complaints related to title issues that arise during real estate settlements, as well as broader ethical concerns. Common complaints received by the unit include failure to disclose material facts—such as front foot benefit charges—that could create unexpected financial obligations for buyers and ultimately impact their ability to maintain clear title. Misrepresentations or misleading statements about a property’s title, condition, or obligations were also cited as serious concerns that can lead to legal and financial consequences. The MIA also emphasized the critical role of title insurance in protecting both buyers and lenders. While most buyers understand the requirement for lender’s title insurance, it was reinforced that this policy only protects the lender. Brokers are encouraged to educate their agents—and, in turn, their clients—about the importance of purchasing owner’s title insurance to ensure full protection against title defects or future claims. A clear and accurate title is foundational to a successful real estate transaction, and ensuring buyers are well-informed about these risks is a shared responsibility. Maryland REALTORS® Honored with Consumer Education Award Maryland REALTORS® was proud to be recognized at the recent ARELLO Conference with the Consumer Education Award for our resources, blog posts, and webinars offered through our consumer facing website, MarylandHomeownership.com. During last week’s Commission meeting, the Maryland Real Estate Commission also publicly acknowledged and congratulated Maryland REALTORS® for receiving this national honor. The recognition is especially meaningful coming from both national regulators and our state’s regulatory body as it highlights the value of the site’s tools and resources in supporting consumers through the homeownership journey. As consumer education becomes an increasingly important part of our industry’s role, there’s never been a better time to encourage your agents to showcase this award-winning platform in their outreach, marketing, and client communications. As a reminder, our Homebuying Checklist and Home Selling Checklist, available in both English and Spanish, can be downloaded and branded with your company logo and contact information. 2025, Advertising, Broker Supervision, Consumer Education, Insurance, MREC, September Share Showing 0 Comment Comments are closed.