C.A.R.’s 2026 Spring Business Meetings: Key Takeaways for Brokers & Agents

April was a pivotal month across multiple C.A.R. forums, with major discussions on transaction coordination, legal risks, MLS policy changes, and the accelerating influence of AI in real estate. Below is a comprehensive summary of the most important developments and what they mean for brokers and agents.

Transaction Coordinators & Licensing: Evolving Standards

A major focus at the Broker Idea Exchange Forum was the ongoing development of Transaction Coordinator (TC) practices and forms. Three new TC-related forms—including an advisory, information sheet, and interview questionnaire—are in progress but have not yet been approved by the Standard Forms Committee.

Key considerations include: TCs will not be parties to the contract but may be referenced through advisories and disclosures. A proposed approach would ensure clients direct all transactional questions to the agent, not the TC. However, transparency, liability (especially across brokerages), and data privacy concerns remain unresolved.

At a broader level, the Licensing Task Force is exploring changes to modernize the industry. There is potential for annual continuing education (e.g., 8-hour updates) focused on real-world topics like disclosures, insurance, and emerging risks; increased scrutiny of property management practices, including possible specialized education or certification; and recognition that current licensing exams are “outdated and not aligned with day-to-day practice.”

Professional Standards & MLS: New Rules Taking Shape

In an effort to decrease scheduling delays, a motion passed proposing a continuance fee schedule for arbitration and disciplinary hearings. If approved, the first continuance will result in no fee, the second a $500 fee, the third a $1,000 fee, and the fourth (or more) a $1,500 fee.

Additional focus areas included increasing agent accountability (not just brokers), addressing AI misuse in ethics complaints, and improving consistency across associations.

Seller Concessions Reporting

A major MLS policy change was approved: listing brokers will now report seller concessions and the total amount at closing. Why this matters:

• Improves transparency and data accuracy
• Helps create more reliable comparables (CMAs)
• Aligns with evolving industry expectations

Listing Photo Display Rules

New rules address privacy concerns. After closing, only one photo remains public, while others are restricted from public display but retained for MLS users. This aims to balance consumer privacy with data integrity.

“Coming Soon” Listings

MLS rules now allow “Coming Soon” listings to be displayed via IDX, expanding marketing flexibility.

Industry Challenges & Emerging Trends

Several recurring issues surfaced across forums:

Agent Competency & Oversight. Agents are not fully understanding contracts or obligations, particularly buyer representation agreements, and brokers continue to face significant liability despite limited control over independent contractors.

Property Management Risks. Growing concerns around agents practicing property management without adequate training or broker oversight.

Fragmentation Across Regions. Differences in MLS rules, escrow practices, and disclosures continue to create inconsistency and confusion statewide.

Data Transparency vs. Legal Risk. Ongoing tension between providing more transaction data and avoiding antitrust concerns, confidentiality conflicts, and legal exposure.

Key Takeaways for Your Business

• Prepare for increased regulation and oversight, especially around AI and advertising.
• Implement clear AI policies and train agents on proper usage.
• Stay informed on new MLS requirements, especially concessions reporting and photo rules.
• Evaluate internal processes around transaction coordination, property management, and agent training and supervision.

Legal Landscape: Risk, Compliance & Regulatory Trends

The Legal Affairs Forum highlighted several important legal updates and risks:

Arbitration & Case Law Trends. Courts reinforced that arbitration awards are difficult to overturn, but jurisdiction and standing must be established first; arbitration clauses must be explicitly written to invoke federal law (FAA)—general references are insufficient; and misuse of privileged communications and fabricated legal arguments can result in disqualification, sanctions, and State Bar discipline.

New Attorney Advertising Rules (Effective 2026). Ads cannot guarantee results, exaggerate experience, or mislead consumers; mandatory disclosures apply to contingency fees and paid recognitions; and consumers now have formal channels to file complaints against misleading legal advertising.

DRE Enforcement & Compliance. The Department of Real Estate continues emphasizing consumer protection as its top priority. Common violations currently include advertising errors, unlicensed activity or expired licenses, misrepresentation and failure to disclose, and improper handling of trust funds. The DRE is increasing enforcement around AI misuse, scams, and impersonation. Additionally, a notable trend is a declining number of licensees statewide.

AI in Real Estate: Opportunity & Risk

Across all forums, artificial intelligence emerged as a top priority.

Ethical & Compliance Considerations. AI use must align with the Code of Ethics—for example, no misleading images or altered listings without disclosure (Article 12), and agents must verify AI-generated content for accuracy (Article 2). Confidential client data should never be entered into unsecured AI platforms. Importantly, brokers remain responsible for AI use within their firms, and a lack of AI policies could expose brokerages to liability in ethics complaints.

Industry Response. C.A.R. is actively developing AI strategies, training events, and policy guidance. NAR emphasizes AI as a tool—not a replacement—for professional judgment.

Final Thought

The overarching theme from April’s forums is clear: the industry is evolving rapidly, driven by technology, regulation, and increasing expectations for transparency. Brokerages and agents who proactively adapt—especially in areas like AI governance, compliance, and professional standards—will be best positioned to succeed in this next phase of real estate.