If you’re a real estate agent in Michigan, or are looking to start your pre-licensing course, then 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 well beyond getting a license.
What You Need to Know About LARA
LARA is a part of Michigan’s executive branch. It provides services and useful online tools for consumers, businesses, and professionals in the state. One of the most important duties of the department is professional licensing, including real estate licenses.
In addition to issuing licenses, LARA also has the power to revoke a license. 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 huge department that’s made up of numerous boards, commissions, agencies, and bureaus. There is a total of 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 and 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? There are nine members of the Michigan State Board of Real Estate Brokers & Salespersons that each serves four years. There are six professional members and three public members. Board members are appointed to the position and may have to be approved by the state Senate.
If you’re thinking about getting a real estate license in Michigan, keep LARA and the Board in mind as you move through the process.