You need to complete a total of 18 CE credits, 6 of which must be Legal Update credits, per each 3-year license cycle. The current cycle began on January 1, 2010, and will end on October 31, 2012. You cannot complete all of your CE at one time--you must take at least 2 Legal Update credits of CE each year.
Where can I find out which classes are being offered by GRAR?
We always keep the 'Education & Events' section of the GRAR menu refreshed by the week with all the latest classes being offered, so be sure to check often for updates!
How can I determine whether or not a CE class counts for Legal Update credit?
The name of the course will usually include the phrase 'Legal Update' or 'Law Update' in it. Also, the first numeral of the course number for any and all Legal Update courses will always be the number '5.'
What should I bring with me on class day?
You should always bring your pocket ID card (license) and picture identification when attending any class at GRAR, particularly CE courses! It wouldn't hurt to know and/or bring your NRDS number as well, as you may need to reference it. It is also strongly recommended that you bring your own laptop computer or notepaper, pen and highlighter to help make the most of your educational experience.
Should I bring my own food/drink?
You are certainly welcome to bring your own food and beverage to class. However, any class that begins early in the morning will usually include a continental breakfast of baked goods and coffee, and sometimes juices and/or fruits, as part of the registration fee. We typically also provide lunch as part of the fee for any class that spans the lunch hour. If your class is scheduled to take place after lunch, we will usually offer some type of light snack at the break period. Of course, our on-site REALTOR® Store always has lots of tasty snacks and beverages for purchase as well. Our venue also includes a pop vending machine, free water dispenser ... and all the coffee you can drink! (Thank goodness!) PLEASE NOTE: If you have special dietary restrictions or allergies, it is strongly recommended that you bring your own food.
Does GRAR have Wi-Fi available?
Yes, GRAR has WiFi available in all of our rooms. However, electrical outlets are not available near every seat and we cannot guarantee or reserve seating near outlets for individuals. If you will be utilizing a laptop computer during class, your best bet is to arrive early!
Am I allowed to record an education class?
Any unauthorized recording of the presentations or demonstrations at GRAR is strictly prohibited.
What is GRAR's Cancellation/Refund Policy?
Individual class instructors may have their own refund policy. The following applies to all classes held at or sponsored by GRAR unless otherwise noted: Full refunds will be given for requests received two weeks before the class is to be held. Refund requests received one to two weeks before the class is to be held are subject to a $10 processing fee. No refunds will be given for requests received within two days of the scheduled class. No shows will not be given a refund, as we will have already factored in costs to cover your materials, meal accommodations, etc. In the unlikely event that GRAR must cancel a class, we will, of course, refund all registrants for the full cost.
I tried to sign up for one of your classes/events today, but it's already full. Should I show up on the day of class and see if there will be room for me?
Unfortunately, we do not accept walk-ins for our classes, unless otherwise noted, as we need to be able to prepare materials and catering in advance for a known number of attendees. If a class has filled up before you have a chance to register, please give us a call - we'll be happy to put you on a waiting list and call you to let you know if a spot opens up. All registrations are granted on a first come/first serve basis.
Can GRAR tell me how many CE Credits I have or still need?
GRAR does not track or maintain the individual CE records of our members. If you need to find out how many CE credits you have earned so far for the current cycle, please visit the Michigan LARA site and perform a search of yourself by name or license number to pull up your license info, including record of CE credits. Remember, you must complete 18 credits of CE, including 6 Legal Update CE credits, per 3-year license cycle.
What happens if I accidentally take the same course twice?
Because you will not receive credit by the state for taking the same class twice, it is strongly recommended that you keep close track of any and all CE classes you've taken in a current license cycle, in order to prevent making the unfortunate error of paying for and sitting through two identical classes. Sometimes the same course is offered at different venues under different instructors, or even under different names, so you need to be very attentive. Always check the course number that corresponds with each class before you register. Remember, GRAR does not track our members' individual CE records so we will not know and cannot check to see whether you've already taken a course that we are offering here at GRAR. We cannot offer refunds for duplicate courses taken.
Do I really need to keep my CE Certificates of Completion?
Yes! Your certificate of completion is your hard proof that you attended and received credit for a CE course here at GRAR. Occasions may arise where the State may request proof of your attendance to a particular class. The fastest and easiest way to provide such proof is to produce a copy of your certificate of completion. GRAR does not maintain any copies of our members' certificates of completion, so we recommend starting a file for yourself, keeping it in an easily accessible location, wuch as your home or office, and adding to it each time you complete a CE course.
I don't see the class I'm looking for posted on GRAR's Education & Events Page ... Now what?
If you're looking for a specific CE class at GRAR that we're not offering, please contact your Knowledge Services Director, Sarah Williams, at (616) 940-8238 or sarahw@grar.com. We may be planning to schedule the course later in the year, and we can let you know when you'll be able to sign up. Of course, we can't guarantee that we'll ALWAYS offer the class you're looking for ... but it helps us (and you) if we know what YOU, our customer, wants!
If you must fulfill a specific class need soon and you can't find what you're looking for at GRAR, we recommend that you visit the Michigan LARA Course Offering Search site to perform a search of the class and find out when and if it IS being offered elsewhere in the state.
There is a Class/Event being offered at GRAR that looks interesting but does not count for CE Credit. Should I bother taking it?
Of course! Here at GRAR, we strive to offer all kinds of opportunities for you to expand your scope of knowledge and enhance your expertise. That's why we encourage you take advantage of ANY Knowledge Services offering that comes through GRAR, even those that do not count for CE. Our non-CE courses are usually offered at very low cost ... or sometimes no cost at all! Oftentimes they also offer a unique format for actively learning, exchanging ideas and networking-a nice change of pace from the stricter structure of a traditional CE setting.
Your FAQ Section didn't answer my question ... What do I do now?
Please contact Sarah Williams, Knowledge Services Director, at at (616) 940-8238 or sarahw@grar.com. She'll be more than happy to assist you with any real estate education questions you may have.