If you’re a real estate agent in Michigan or looking to start your pre-licensing course, you probably know LARA well. LARA is the acronym for the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. If a profession requires a license in Michigan, LARA is the entity that oversees the process.
All Michigan real estate agents should become familiar with LARA because it will be a part of your career beyond getting a license.
What You Need to Know About LARA
LARA is part of Michigan’s executive branch. It provides services and useful online tools for consumers, businesses, and professionals in the state. One of the department's most important duties is professional licensing, including real estate licenses.
LARA has the power to issue licenses and revoke them. If you fail to follow the laws of your profession, LARA can take action by first launching an investigation.
LARA provides oversight for:
Professional licensing
Construction
Commerce
Employment
Fun Fact: LARA used to be called the Department of Commerce. The department’s actually had six different names in the last 55 years.
LARA Goals
LARA has two primary goals:
“Promote business growth and job creation through streamlined, simple, fair, and efficient regulation.”
“Protect the health and safety of Michigan's citizens.”
The Board of Real Estate Brokers & Salespersons
LARA is a vast department that includes numerous boards, commissions, agencies, and bureaus. There are 15 agencies, including the Bureau of Professional Licensing (BPL).
The Michigan State Board of Real Estate Brokers & Salespersons works within LARA to provide oversight for the industry. The Board was created in 1980 to oversee every level of the real estate industry, from residential to commercial, leasing to selling, marketing to market analysis.
One of the Board’s many responsibilities is to approve the curriculum for real estate education across the state. Approved educators, like Aceable Agent, have to create pre-licensing courses based on the Board’s requirements.
And who’s making those requirements? The Michigan State Board of Real Estate Brokers & Salespersons has nine members, each serving four years. There are six professional members and three public members. Board members are appointed and may have to be approved by the state Senate.
If you’re considering getting a real estate license in Michigan, remember LARA and the Board as you go through the process.