Employment Opportunities

Are you interested in joining the staff of the North Carolina Real Estate Commission? The Commission is currently seeking an Education Officer and a Software Developer. These positions are posted on the Commission’s website. Click here for more information regarding these positions.

Current Stats: Monthly Licensee Count as of December 1, 2025

Commission Presentations

December 2025 Presentations

Bruce Rinne, Information Officer, spoke at Urban Durham Realty on December 9^th.

Miriam Baer, Executive Director, spoke at Jacksonville Board of REALTORS® on December 10^th.

January 2026 Presentations

*These presentations are subject to change due to the availability of Commission members and/or staff.*

Minerva Mims, Fair Housing and Community Relations Officer, will speak at HPW Rentals on January 9^th.

Charlie Moody, Deputy Legal Counsel, will speak at Berkshire Hathaway HomeService Prime Properties on January13^th.

Sarah Dixon, Associate Legal Counsel II,  will speak at OWN Real Estate on January16^th.

Dee Bigelow, Information Officer, will speak at Acorn + Oak Property Management on January 20^th.

Miriam Baer, Executive Director, will speak at the Fayetteville Real Estate School on January 30^th.

Fair Housing

Understanding the difference between service animals and emotional support animals (ESAs) is essential for housing providers, and equally important for consumers. While both play vital roles in supporting individuals with disabilities, the laws governing them are different. The overview below is designed to help you better understand what qualifies as a service animal, what defines an ESA, and the rights and responsibilities associated with each.

Service Animals

• Definition: Dogs (and in some cases miniature horses) trained to perform specific tasks directly related to a person’s disability.
• Applicable Laws: Protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in public places and the Fair Housing Act (FHA) in housing.
• Housing Requirements: Must be permitted in all rental properties, including those advertised as “no pets.” Housing providers cannot charge pet fees or impose breed/size restrictions.
• Examples of Tasks: Guiding individuals who are blind, alerting someone who is deaf, pulling a wheelchair, or detecting seizures.

Emotional Support Animals (ESAs)

• Definition: ESAs offer therapeutic benefits by providing comfort or companionship, but are not trained to perform specific tasks. While ESAs are most commonly dogs or cats, many domestically kept animals can serve in this role.
• Applicable Laws: Protected under the Fair Housing Act (FHA).
• Housing Requirements: Must be accommodated in rental housing. Where a request for an  emotional support animal poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others, or where the accommodation creates an undue burden, the accommodation request may be denied.  Documentation from a medical provider explaining the need for the ESA is required.
• Examples of Support: Reducing anxiety, alleviating depression, or providing companionship.

Key Distinctions

• Service Animals: Task‑trained, covered by ADA and FHA, required in residential housing and public spaces. .
• ESAs: Provide emotional support, covered only by FHA required in residential housing. Sufficient documentation can be required.

Best Practices for Housing Providers

Consult legal counsel to ensure compliance with federal and state laws.

Adopt a written policy that clearly distinguishes between service animals and ESAs.

Accept ESAs when they are required for a disability and supported by appropriate medical documentation.

Apply policies consistently and fairly to avoid discrimination.

Tech Corner: The Future of Real Estate Technology

As we step into 2026, it’s an exciting time to reflect on the progress real estate professionals have made—and to look ahead at the innovations that will shape the industry in the coming year. In 2025, Tech Corner articles helped licensees navigate key topics like digital signatures, compliant advertising, professional social media use, and more. For those who stay informed and adapt thoughtfully, 2026 promises to bring new tools, efficiencies, and opportunities.

2025 in Review: A few topics shared this year

In April, we summarized a presentation from The North Carolina Real Estate Commission’s annual Educator’s Conference, which featured a session on how real estate educators and brokers can use artificial intelligence tools to improve advertising, marketing, and training. Presenters highlighted a variety of free and accessible AI resources like ChatGPT, Adobe Firefly, Google Gemini, and Canva. Presenters highlighted practical tips for using specific tools such as AI image generation and automated video editing while also encouraging users to verify AI outputs for accuracy. The presentation included ethical and safety considerations when working with AI, reminding the audience that tools like ChatGPT should be fact checked and understood in context.

In August, we noted that constant use of digital tools in real estate like emails, AI-generated listings, scheduling apps, and nonstop notifications can lead to “digital burnout,” with stress, fatigue, reduced focus, and a loss of personal connection. Simple strategies to avoid this include: setting clear boundaries and “offline” times, customizing notifications, using automation thoughtfully, and prioritizing real human interaction, keeping technology as a tool, not a source of constant pressure.

In September, we provided information about how digital signatures can speed up transactions and reduce paper use. Brokers must still comply fully with record retention rules, keeping copies of all transaction records for at least three years after the transaction ends, agency relationship terminates, and all trust funds are disbursed. Additionally, brokers are urged to choose reputable e-signature providers and maintain independent backups treating digital records with the same diligence as traditional documents.

In November, an article cautioned about the limits of AI in real estate. While AI tools can be incredibly useful, they should never be relied upon for facts or legal advice, as outputs can be inaccurate or outdated. Brokers are urged to avoid careless use, such as letting AI generate listing descriptions without reviewing or uploading confidential client data. AI can’t replace professional judgment—brokers must always verify and apply their expertise when using these tools.

What 2026 Could Bring:

Based on what’s trending across the real estate profession and tech sector, here are some areas that have potential to grow in 2026.

• AI Assisted Communication

AI powered chatbots, virtual assistants, and automated marketing tools are becoming more popular. Tools that automatically schedule showings, send follow-ups, and nurture and answer basic questions give licensees more time to focus on clients.

What This Means and What Licensees Should Do to Prepare

• Stay educated on tech and compliance: New tools are great, but legal and regulatory compliance remains mandatory. Understand when using AI, e-signatures, or virtual tours that all advertising, disclosures, and retention requirements must be met pursuant to License Law and Commission rules.
• Adopt tools intentionally: Not every tool fits every business. Before adopting certain AI tools, consider whether they serve your clients’ needs and align regulatory requirements.
• Leverage technology to deliver value, not just efficiency: Use automation where it helps efficiency but preserve human judgment, client relationships, and ethical decision-making.
• Monitor data privacy, fairness, and transparency: As AI and automation take on more responsibility, ensure you and your tools treat client data responsibly, comply with fair housing and advertising rules, and maintain trust.

With selective adoption of new technologies, real estate professionals can stay ahead of the curve while providing exceptional service and adhering to regulatory requirements. Here’s to embracing innovation with care, ensuring our profession continues to thrive and evolve in ways that protect licensees and the public.

NCREC has a New Learning Management System

NCREC is pleased to announce a new partnership with DigitalChalk, and the launch of a modernized training portal designed to enhance course administration and deliver a more intuitive, efficient, and dependable learning experience for all Commission-offered courses such as the 12-Hour BIC Course and the Trust Account Course.

How to Access the Training Portal:

1. Visit learn.ncrec.gov.

2. On your first visit, create an account using your email address as your username.

3. Browse the course catalog and purchase the courses you want.

4. After purchase, your course will appear under “Courses” in the left-hand menu. 5. For questions or technical assistance, email EDUC@ncrec.gov.

Reminder: Complete Your CE Today!!

Script: Don’t wait until the last minute to complete your 8-hour continuing education requirement! Finishing your courses early helps you avoid the stress and scheduling conflicts that can come with waiting until the deadline. Completing CE before June 10th and renewing your license by June 30th is essential to keeping your license active—missing these dates could result in an inactive or expired license, which means you cannot provide brokerage services starting July 1st. Getting your CE done early also ensures you stay current on License Law and Commission rule changes. If you haven’t registered for your continuing education classes yet, now, at the beginning of this new year, is a great time to do so!

Link: https://youtu.be/Bk73EpvjnTM

New Year, New Goals!

Did you create a resolution for 2026? Do you need resolution ideas?

One resolution to embrace is a renewed commitment to increasing your brokerage knowledge and compliance. Staying current on NCREC rules and legal updates, while completing continuing education early and with intention, strengthens competence and confidence. Ongoing learning in areas such as material facts, agency, risk management, and emerging industry issues, helps brokers make informed decisions, reduce liability, and consistently meet their requirements under License Law and Commission rules.

Another important resolution is to lead every transaction with competence, fairness, and integrity. Prioritizing fair housing compliance, clear communication, and unbiased treatment of all consumers reinforces public trust and confidence in real estate brokerage.

Happy New Year

As 2026 begins, the North Carolina Real Estate Commission warmly thanks all real estate brokers for your dedication, professionalism, and contributions to the profession. Your commitment helps raise the standards of real estate practice across the state.

This year, we wish you continued success, growth, and new opportunities in your real estate career. The Commission remains committed to supporting you with educational resources, guidance on regulatory compliance, and updates on License Law and Commission Rules. Staying informed and proactive ensures you can navigate the dynamic real estate market with confidence.

If you have questions regarding License Law, Commission Rules, or permissible brokerage activities, Regulatory Affairs is available to assist you at regulatoryaffairs@ncrec.gov.

May 2026 bring you fulfillment, achievement, and continued success in all your real estate endeavors!

Tech Corner

Are Your Ads Compliant?

Every advertisement you publish must follow NCREC License Law and Rules—specifically Rule A.0105, which governs how brokers advertise real estate and brokerage services.

Here’s what you need to know to stay compliant:

You Must Have Your Broker-in-Charge’s Consent Before Advertising

Rule A.0105 states:

Before advertising any brokerage service or any real estate for another person, you must obtain your Broker-in-Charge’s consent.

This applies to:

• Listing announcements
• “Coming soon” posts
• Open house flyers
• Market updates that mention your services
• Any social media content promoting your role as a broker

Every Ad Must Clearly Display Your Firm’s Name

Another key part of Rule A.0105:
Your advertisement must include the name of the firm or sole proprietorship you’re affiliated with.

This means:

• No posting ads that only show your personal branding
• No using just your name or logo without your firm’s name
• No “minimalist ads” that omit firm identification for aesthetic reasons

On social media, the firm name must be included in the actual ad content, not just in your bio or profile.

Never Advertise or Place a Sign Without Written Owner Permission

Under Rule A.0105, a broker cannot:

• Place a “For Sale” or “For Rent” sign
• Post a listing
• Promote a property online

…unless you have the owner’s written consent.

A verbal agreement is not enough—written permission protects everyone involved and ensures you are legally authorized to advertise the property.

Avoid Blind Ads—Your Ads Must Show You Are a Broker

A “blind ad” is any advertisement that suggests the offer is being made by the broker’s principal only.

Every such advertisement shall indicate that it is the advertisement of a broker or firm and shall not be confined to publication of only contact information, such as a post office box number, telephone number, street address, internet web address, or e-mail address.

Special Requirements for Limited Nonresident Commercial Brokers

If you are licensed as a Limited Nonresident Commercial Broker, Rule A.0105 requires that you also comply with Rule A.1809, which states: In all advertising involving a nonresident commercial licensee’s conduct as a North Carolina real estate broker and in any representation of such person’s licensure in North Carolina, the advertising or representation shall conspicuously identify the nonresident commercial licensee as a “Limited Nonresident Commercial Real Estate Broker.”

Why This Matters

Non-compliant advertising, even unintentional mistakes, can result in disciplinary action from the Commission.

But the good news? Staying compliant is simple when you follow these core guidelines:

• Get BIC approval
• Include your firm’s name
• Obtain written owner permission
• Avoid blind ads
• Follow special rules if you’re a nonresident commercial broker

By aligning every advertisement with Rule A.0105, you protect your license and your reputation.