Have you always dreamed of becoming a real estate agent? As you probably know, a career in real estate can be both exciting and lucrative, with seemingly endless possibilities.
Are you curious about how to become a real estate agent in Massachusetts? Below, you will find step-by-step instructions on how to get a Massachusetts real estate license.
Let’s start with the basics:
6 Steps To A Massachusetts Real Estate License
Step 1: Take a 40-hour Real Estate Salesperson pre-licensing class *
Step 2: Apply for your real estate exam by submitting a completed application to PSI Testing Services. You will need proof of completion of your 40-hour pre-licensing course that will come from Host Group Real Estate Academy or the accredited school of your choice.
Step 3: Schedule your exam. Once your application is submitted and approved, the testing company, currently PSI, will notify you of your eligibility to schedule your exam. There are two parts to the exam, National and State, administered on the same day.
Step 4: Pass the exam. You must pass both portions of the exam within two years of completing the pre-licensing course. If you pass one part of the exam but not the other, you only have to retake the failed portion.
Step 5: Get your license. You will pay for and receive your real estate salesperson license immediately upon passing both portions of the exam. Your license will cost between $103 and $150.
Step 6: Find a Broker to work under and start earning those commissions!
*Note: Licensed attorneys in Massachusetts in good standing are exempt from the pre-licensing AND examination requirements. Find out more here through mass.gov: How to Become a Real Estate Broker as a Licensed Attorney in MA | How to get a real estate license in ma as an attorney.
What Are The Requirements To Become A Real Estate Agent In Massachusetts?
To become a real estate agent in MA, you must be at least 18 years old and have a valid social security number or Tax ID number to apply for a real estate license in Massachusetts. You will also be required to pass a criminal background check. A criminal record is not necessarily an automatic disqualification. Learn more about criminal background issues by visiting the MA Board of Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons here: Can I Get a Real Estate License in MA with a Criminal Record?
Getting Started In Real Estate
To buy, sell or rent property as a real estate agent in Massachusetts, you must first obtain your MA Real Estate License. The first step is to take the mandatory 40-hour pre-licensing class through an accredited real estate school such as Host Group Real Estate Academy. Upon completing our 100% online program (22 hours of live-streamed webinar instruction and 18 hours of online self-paced coursework), you will receive a stamped and signed certification of course completion, which is needed to submit your exam application. The course is a prerequisite to the exam application.
After your completed application is submitted and approved, you will be eligible to take your Massachusetts Real Estate Exam through PSI Testing Services. Testing takes place at testing centers located throughout Massachusetts. As of 2021, candidates are now also being offered remote online exams via a proctored monitor. The exam has two portions, National and State, which candidates take on the same day. If you take the exam at a testing center and pass both sections, you will pay for and obtain your license on-site that day. Your real estate license is active for two years from your next birthday, so the cost is prorated depending on where in the year your birthday falls (ranging between $103-$150 as of December 2022). If you do not pass on the first attempt, you will need to retake the failed portion. You have two years from when you take your pre-licensing course to pass BOTH parts of the exam.
With your license in hand, you are now ready to interview and choose a Broker with whom you would like to affiliate. Newly licensed real estate agents in Massachusetts MUST work under a licensed Broker. When selecting a broker, some things to consider are if you want to focus on residential sales, rentals, commercial real estate, or new construction. Interviewing several different brokers is recommended so that you can best decide the right fit for you.
What Is The Difference Between A Real Estate Agent And A Real Estate Broker?
The main difference between a real estate agent and a broker is that a real estate agent is licensed to conduct real estate transactions in Massachusetts while under a licensed MA real estate broker’s supervision. A real estate broker can own their brokerage and operate independently. A real estate agent must work full-time for at least three years under a broker before applying for a real estate broker license in MA.
Conclusion
Getting your real estate license is the first big step in realizing this dream opportunity; the biz is exciting and lucrative with limitless possibilities. Follow the above steps for a real estate license ma and get through the license test, then you are on your way.
The steps we outlined above on how to get a real estate license in MA only get you past the velvet ropes; what actions you take once licensed and the choices made moving forward after the exam will be critical to your future success trajectory and timing. Choosing the brokerage firm you ultimately affiliate with makes a tremendous impact as well.
Finally, how you choose to conduct business will eventually be the real exam you are prepping for in your professional life. You got what it takes? Get licensed and find out!
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We look forward to seeing you in class!
If you have any questions regarding how to become a real estate agent in Massachusetts or how to obtain your real estate license in MA, feel free to reach out to our team by emailing us at [email protected] for a more in-depth conversation on the path to your new career. Happy deal makin 🙂
