The Biggest Risks in Real Estate—and How to Protect Yourself

The real estate industry offers incredible opportunities, but let’s face it—it’s not without its risks. From legal liability to market volatility, every deal comes with a set of challenges that can catch even experienced agents off guard. The good news? Awareness and preparation are your best defenses.

Here are some of the biggest risks real estate professionals face today—and how you can stay protected.

1. Misrepresentation or Failure to Disclose

Whether it’s a foundation issue, a past flooding problem, or a neighbor’s noisy chickens, failure to disclose material facts can land you in legal hot water.

Avoid it:

• Always ask your clients detailed questions about the property’s condition.

• Conduct a thorough visual inspection and document findings.

• When in doubt, disclose it—transparency protects everyone.

2. Improper Handling of Agency Relationships

Agency misunderstandings are one of the top reasons agents face complaints with the North Carolina Real Estate Commission. Dual agency in particular can be tricky if not handled correctly.

Avoid it:

• Use the WWREA Disclosure form early and explain it clearly.

• Always get written consent for dual or designated dual agency.

• Know your fiduciary duties and act accordingly.

3. Contract Errors or Deadlines Missed

From overlooked contingencies to missed due diligence deadlines, paperwork mistakes can derail transactions—and cost your client (and you) big.

Avoid it:

• Use checklists to track deadlines and contingencies.

• Review contracts carefully and consider a second set of eyes.

• Stay current on NCAR form changes and legal updates.

4. Cybersecurity and Wire Fraud

Real estate transactions are prime targets for cybercriminals. Wire fraud scams involving spoofed emails and fake bank instructions are becoming more common.

Avoid it:

• Educate your clients: never wire money without verbal confirmation.

• Use secure platforms for document sharing.

• Keep your devices and passwords protected.

5. Market Volatility and Economic Uncertainty

From interest rate hikes to housing inventory shifts, external forces can affect deals and client expectations.

Avoid it:

• Stay informed with local market data and economic trends.

• Manage client expectations with realistic pricing and timelines.

• Diversify your skill set so you’re prepared for any market.

Stay Sharp with Providence

At Providence Real Estate Education, we believe the best way to manage risk is through education and preparation. Our courses are designed to give you the knowledge, confidence, and tools to navigate a constantly evolving industry—ethically and effectively.

Ready to level up your risk awareness?
Check out our upcoming CE classes. Let’s build your career on a solid, informed foundation.

When Buyers Become Sellers: Pulling Old Files the Right Way

When the Past Comes Knocking

There’s something rewarding about getting a call from a past client.

“Hey, you helped me buy this place a few years ago—I’m ready to sell.”

It’s more than a lead. It’s a relationship revisited. Naturally, one of your first instincts might be to pull their old file and review the details. Smart move—but before you dive in, let’s talk about the right way to use that information.

What the NCREC Expects

The North Carolina Real Estate Commission (NCREC) requires brokers to retain transactional records for three years from the conclusion of a transaction.

That means you’re expected to keep and be able to produce:

• Agency agreements

• Contracts and related addenda

• Disclosures

• Communications

• Notes and transaction-related documents

👉 If your client is coming back within that three-year window, accessing that file is totally appropriate and often helpful.

👉 If it’s been longer than three years, file retention isn’t required—but using older documents still comes with ethical obligations.

Use Old Files To:

✅ Review the home’s history and features
✅ Recall the transaction timeline and key details
✅ Understand any property-specific nuances
✅ Revisit old inspection reports. They don’t expire just because time has passed. If a past report flagged a foundation crack, roof leak, or moisture issue, it could still be a material fact today—especially if repairs weren’t made or if money was negotiated instead of fixes.

Remember: cash in lieu doesn’t erase the problem. It just means the buyer took on the risk. When that client is now the seller, the issue is still part of the home’s story. Smart agents ask for receipts to prove repairs were done, help clients get issues resolved before listing, or disclose them as material facts.

Avoid Using Them To:

❌ Influence current pricing strategy based on past motivation
❌ Assume seller priorities are the same as they were
❌ Share old financial or personal info with third parties

Ask Fresh Questions

Use the file to jog your memory, but base your service on who the client is today.

Here are a few great starter questions:

• “What’s changed since you bought the home?”

• “Have you done any upgrades or repairs?”

• “What are your goals for this sale?”

This approach reaffirms that you’re not just a dealmaker—you’re a trusted advisor.

Professional Reminder

Old files are tools, not shortcuts. The best brokers know how to balance insight with integrity.

At Providence Real Estate Education, we teach that past success is a foundation—not a crutch. Good records matter, but great relationships are what bring clients back.

Want to Go Deeper?

Our NCREC-aligned course, Listening to the Pros: Hot Topics in Real Estate, explores real-world scenarios like this one—where ethics meet experience. Learn how to confidently navigate gray areas and communicate like a true professional.

How to Choose the Right Real Estate CE Course in NC

Continuing education (CE) isn’t just a requirement for keeping your North Carolina real estate license active—it’s also a valuable opportunity to grow your business, stay sharp, and better serve your clients. But with so many options out there, how do you choose the right CE course?

At Providence Real Estate Education, we know that not all CE is created equal. Here’s a quick guide to help you choose courses that are not only compliant with the North Carolina Real Estate Commission (NCREC) requirements but also beneficial to your career.

1. Make Sure the Course Is NCREC-Approved

Let’s start with the basics. The North Carolina Real Estate Commission requires all licensed brokers to complete 8 hours of continuing education each year—4 hours of a mandatory update course (General Update for non-BICs or BICUP for Brokers-in-Charge), and 4 hours of an elective.

Only NCREC-approved courses from approved providers count toward this requirement. Before enrolling, double-check that the course and provider are listed on the NCREC website.

2. Align Courses with Your Career Goals

Elective CE hours offer flexibility—use them wisely. Ask yourself:

·       Are you looking to specialize in a certain area of real estate?

·       Do you want to brush up on legal changes or sharpen communication skills?

·       Are you trying to grow your business or explore property management, luxury sales, or investments?

Courses like “Listening to the Pros: Hot Topics in Real Estate” or “Talking the Talk: Professional Communication in Real Estate” (offered here at Providence) can give you relevant, real-world knowledge that immediately benefits your business.

3. Look for Engaging and Practical Instruction

We’ve all been in CE courses that feel like a box-checking exercise. The best courses go beyond slides and scripts—they offer interactive content, real examples, and practical takeaways.

When choosing a provider, look for instructors with real industry experience, a passion for teaching, and a commitment to student engagement. Ask other agents for recommendations, or check online reviews before enrolling.

4. Consider the Format That Works Best for You

NCREC allows both in-person and synchronous (live-online) CE delivery—but not self-paced, on-demand CE. That means you must attend a scheduled session, either in a classroom or via Zoom.

Think about your learning style and schedule:

·       Prefer networking and in-person discussion? Go with a classroom format.

·       Need flexibility or live far from a provider? A live-online course may be the way to go.

At Providence, we offer both options to suit your preferences.

5. There’s Virtue in Taking CE Early in the Year

While the CE deadline is June 10, many key rule changes and updates from the Real Estate Commission go into effect at the start of the license year—July 1. That means if you wait until spring or early summer to take your CE, you may be months behind on important regulatory updates that affect how you do business.

Taking your CE early in the year ensures that you’re working with the most current information and staying compliant throughout the license cycle—not just at the finish line.

Plus, early birds get their pick of the best instructors, times, and topics before classes start filling up.

6. Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute

Waiting until May or June to register for CE can leave you scrambling for open seats and settling for courses that don’t truly benefit your business. Plan ahead and treat CE as an investment—not an inconvenience.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right CE course in North Carolina is more than a requirement—it’s a chance to stay competitive in an ever-changing industry. The best courses help you stay compliant and improve your skills, confidence, and client relationships.

At Providence Real Estate Education, we’re passionate about providing high-quality, relevant CE that respects your time and helps you grow. Whether you're renewing your license or leveling up your expertise, we’re here to help.

Ready to take your CE to the next level?
Browse our upcoming courses or contact us with any questions—we’d love to connect.

How Adults Learn Best—and How We Put It Into Practice

Learning Looks Different for Adults

Let’s be real: adults don’t learn the same way kids or college students do.

We bring life experience, established habits, and busy schedules into every learning environment. That’s why adult education has to be more than lectures and PowerPoints. It has to be relevant, practical, and engaging.

At Providence Real Estate Education, we design every course around how adults learn best—so you don’t just earn CE hours, you actually retain and apply what you learn.

Adults Learn Best When They…

✅ See the relevance
If something doesn’t apply to your day-to-day business, it won’t stick. We anchor every topic in real estate practice—so you know exactly why it matters.

✅ Learn by doing
Reading about it isn’t enough. Adults retain more when they engage in hands-on learning, like role-playing, small-group discussion, and real-world case studies.

✅ Build on what they already know
You’re not new to the industry. Our courses are designed to let you contribute, connect past experiences to new ideas, and leave with fresh perspectives.

✅ Solve real problems
When learners work through actual challenges—like resolving a communication issue with a client or navigating a fair housing concern—the lessons go deeper.

✅ Engage with others
One of the best ways to learn is by hearing from your peers. Our courses encourage interaction and collaboration so everyone walks away with new insights.

How We Apply It at Providence

Every Providence class is built on these principles.

Here’s what you can expect:

• Experiential Activities
  From group problem-solving to simulations and role-plays, you’ll be actively involved in your learning.

• Real-Life Case Studies
  We don’t deal in hypotheticals. We use real scenarios from the field—so the lessons are instantly applicable to your business.

• Facilitated Discussion
  We create space for agents to share, ask questions, and learn from each other. Because you all bring value to the room.

• Engaging Instructors
  Our educators are trained to teach with you, not at you. They’ll guide the experience and make sure every voice gets heard.

• Practical Takeaways
  You’ll leave with tools and strategies you can use immediately—not just notes you’ll never look at again.

At Providence, we believe education should empower, not bore. When adult learners are respected, engaged, and involved, the learning sticks—and the results show up in your business.

Experience Adult Education Done Right

Ready for CE that’s designed for working professionals like you?

✅ Learn in a way that works for how your brain—and your business—operates
✅ Engage with other agents and industry experts
✅ Leave with tools you can use immediately

Find your next class and reserve your seat today.
👉 View Courses & Register Now