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 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) in long-term housing.
• Housing Requirements: Must be accommodated in long-term rental housing (typically leases of 30+ days). However, short-term vacation rentals are generally treated as transient lodging, and ESAs are not required to be accepted. 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 both short‑ and long-term housing.
• ESAs: Provide emotional support, covered only by FHA, required in long-term housing but not in short-term vacation rentals.

Best Practices for Housing Providers

• Adopt a written policy that clearly distinguishes between service animals and ESAs.
• Apply policies consistently and fairly to avoid discrimination.

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

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 August, Real Estate Commission staff advised 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. Staff recommends simple strategies to avoid this: set clear boundaries and “offline” times, customize notifications, use automation thoughtfully, and prioritize real human interaction, keeping technology as a tool, not a source of constant pressure.

In September, NCREC staff 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 industry 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 are 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 industry 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.

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 an idea(s) for a resolution?

Well, 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 equitable treatment of all consumers reinforces public trust confidence in 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 industry. 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.

Disciplinary Actions

JAMES BAKER, JR. (WILSON)- By Consent, the Commission reprimanded Baker effective October 10, 2025. The Commission found that Baker acted as the listing agent on a failed transaction. During the course of the transaction, the buyer placed a stop payment order on their earnest money check and Baker’s seller, who lived out of state, wanted to sue the buyer for the earnest money.  On or about December 2024, Baker, who is not an attorney, filed a civil complaint in Small Claims court on behalf of his client for the disputed funds.

CURTIS BLAKE, JR. (FAYETTEVILLE)– By Consent, the Commission suspended the broker license of Blake for a period of 6 months, effective November 24, 2025. The Commission found that Blake was an instructor in a pre-licensing course during which, Blake scheduled viewings in vacant and/or staged houses so that he and a student could meet for purposes unrelated to brokerage activities.

ANDREA GRUNDY (ERNUL)- The Commission accepted the voluntary surrender of the real estate license of Grundy, effective November 19, 2025, with no right to reapply for 10 years. The Commission dismissed without prejudice allegations that Grundy violated provisions of the Real Estate License Law and Commission Rules. Grundy neither admitted nor denied misconduct.

ASHLEY HART (TUCSON)- By Consent, the Commission suspended the broker license of Hart for a period of 6 months, effective November 1, 2025.  The Commission then stayed the suspension in its entirety upon certain conditions. The Commission found that Hart was denied a passing score by the provider of a post-licensing course for alleged cheating on a remote proctor-free exam. Video of the exam shows Hart appearing to type on a separate off-camera device although Hart denied using another device during the exam.

TAYLOR KISER (PINNACLE)- By Consent, the Commission reprimanded Kiser, effective November 19, 2025. The Commission found that Kiser was convicted of Driving While Impaired – Level 4. This was Kiser’s third conviction for driving under the influence of alcohol. Kiser’s driving privilege is currently suspended. Kiser shall comply with any and all restrictions placed on her driving privilege and shall not transport customers or clients while her vehicle is equipped with an ignition interlock device.

KRISTEN NEAL (DURHAM)- By Consent, the Commission reprimanded Neal, effective November 1, 2025. The Commission found that Neal was denied a passing score by the provider of a post-licensing course for alleged cheating on a remote un-proctored exam. Neal admitted to using a cellphone during the exam to text her spouse but denied using the phone to cheat. Neal acknowledged that the exam instructions barred having a cellphone within reach during the exam. Neal subsequently retook the course and exam and is now a full broker.

PAUL PORTERFIELD (GRIFTON)- The Commission accepted the permanent voluntary surrender of the real estate license of Porterfield, effective November 19, 2025. The Commission dismissed without prejudice allegations that Porterfield violated provisions of the Real Estate License Law and Commission Rules. Porterfield neither admitted nor denied misconduct.

PETER RUSSELL (CHARLOTTE)- The Commission accepted the voluntary surrender of the real estate license of Russell, effective November 19, 2025, with no right to reapply for 2 years. The Commission dismissed without prejudice allegations that Russell violated provisions of the Real Estate License Law and Commission Rules. Russell neither admitted nor denied misconduct.

CESAR SANCHEZ (RALEIGH)- By Consent, the Commission suspended the broker license of Sanchez for a period of 36 months, effective May 1, 2025. The Commission then stayed the suspension following a 6.5-month active period upon certain conditions. The Commission found that Sanchez acted as a listing agent and provided a lockbox code to a potential buyer without the seller’s consent. Sanchez requested payment of a due diligence fee after falsely communicating that an offer was accepted and under contract before a written offer was submitted. Sanchez misrepresented that the property was stick built even after being provided with the manufacture label and failed to provide transaction documents to his broker-in-charge in a timely manner. Sanchez failed to fully disclose material facts learned from the first buyer’s inspection to a subsequent buyer.