How Long Does it Take to Get a Real Estate License in MA?

Many people look to real estate for both a rewarding and lucrative career by taking advantage of the real estate market that has existed in Massachusetts over the past several years. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a newcomer seeking to break into the industry, obtaining a real estate license in Massachusetts opens the doors to a variety of opportunities, with unlimited potential.

In this blog post, we will guide you through the entire process, from how to get started, to how long the process takes and what to expect.

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Key Takeaways

Eligible individuals must be 18+ years old, possess a high school diploma or GED and have a valid social security number to obtain a Massachusetts real estate license.
Pre-licensing courses are the first step in obtaining the license, with online and in-person classes available for convenience.
Successfully passing the exam is required along with submitting an application and choosing a sponsoring broker before earning potential can be maximized through commission splits.

Eligibility Criteria for Massachusetts Real Estate License

Before embarking on your real estate journey, confirm that you meet the eligibility criteria. To obtain a Massachusetts real estate license, you must be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or GED, and possess a valid social security number. The good news is that US citizenship is not a prerequisite for obtaining a Massachusetts real estate license. As long as you meet these requirements, you’re well on your way to starting your real estate career.

Bear in mind that there are various types of real estate licenses in Massachusetts, such as salesperson and broker licenses. While this guide primarily focuses on obtaining a real estate salesperson license, the process for obtaining a broker’s license is similar, with additional experience and education requirements.

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The First Step: Pre-Licensing Education

After verifying your eligibility, your next move is to complete a 40-hour pre-licensing course approved by the Massachusetts real estate board, also known as the Board of Registration of Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons. This course covers essential topics such as real estate principles, contracts, and finance, providing you with the knowledge and skills necessary to obtain your ma real estate license and pass the Massachusetts real estate exam.

Now, you may be wondering about the best way to complete this pre-licensing course: online or in-person? We’ll weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each option in the subsequent subsections.

Online vs. In-Person Classes

Online pre-licensing courses offer several advantages, including cost efficiency, flexibility, and ease of access. You can complete the course at your own pace and access resources anytime, anywhere, provided you have an internet connection.

Moreover, some providers allow you to take the state license test online, making the entire process even more convenient. However, there are a few drawbacks to online courses, such as the lack of face-to-face interaction and the potential for some courses not being recognized by state licensing regulations.

On the other hand, in-person real estate classes provide increased interaction and adaptability, essential factors when pursuing a real estate broker license. With classroom courses, you have the opportunity to ask questions, engage in discussions, and network with fellow aspiring real estate agents. While in-person classes may not offer the same anytime/anywhere convenience as online courses, the benefits of personal interaction and hands-on learning cannot be underestimated.

For those who have fewer time commitments and want to expedite the pre-licensing process, going the in-person route is typically most advantageous as you are able to complete the course in as little as 1 to 2 weeks. Whereas online options typically take a longer period of time to complete the required 40 hours.

Ultimately, the choice between online and in-person classes depends on your personal preferences, learning style, and schedule.

Course Providers and Costs

The cost of pre-licensing courses for a Massachusetts real estate license can range from $200 to $700. This investment in your real estate education is well worth it, as it prepares you for the real estate license test and ultimately, a successful career.

Applying for Your Massachusetts Real Estate License

Once your pre-licensing education is complete, you will receive a certification of completion for the 40 hours of course learning. The next step is to complete the application process to be able to schedule your real estate exam. The application process involves a background check, fingerprinting, and submitting the required documents. The licensing fee for a Massachusetts real estate salesperson ranges from $103 to $150, in addition to a $12 PSI licensing fee.

Accuracy and thoroughness are vital when filling out your application, as any discrepancies or missing information may delay the approval process. The application review process can vary in the length of time it takes to be approved varying anywhere from a few weeks to several months, in some instances. It is important to always contact PSI directly to verify that your application has been received and to check in for periodic updates.

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Taking the Massachusetts Real Estate Exam

Studying for the real estate exam is extremely important to ensure that you have the knowledge to both pass the exam, as well as operate as a professional real estate agent, serving your clients with the highest level of professionalism and knowledge possible.

The exam is divided into two parts – state and national. The national portion of the test includes 80 questions to be completed within 150 minutes. Additionally, the state section comprises 40 questions which must be answered within 90 minutes. To pass the exam, you must achieve a score of at least 75% on the 100-question multiple-choice test. The exam fee ranges between $103 and $150, and you can schedule the exam through the testing company’s website.

If you don’t pass both sections of the exam on your first attempt, don’t be disheartened. You will receive a diagnostic report outlining your strengths and weaknesses, helping you prepare better for your next attempt. You’re allowed to retake the exam within two years of completing your pre-licensing classes.

With determination and focus, you’ll be well-equipped to conquer the Massachusetts real estate exam and advance in your real estate career. Upon passing the exam, you will then be eligible to receive your Massachusetts real estate license.

Finding the Right Brokerage to Start Your Career

After successfully passing the real estate exam, you’re ready to put your Massachusetts real estate license to use.

As a fresh real estate licensee, securing the right brokerage is key to your success. A reputable and supportive broker can provide guidance, resources, and help you market yourself effectively. When choosing a sponsoring broker, consider factors such as company culture, training programs, the level of support they provide, fee structure as well as commission splits.

Another thing to consider is whether you want to try starting your career as an individual agent, or as an agent on a team. There are pros and cons to both and it all depends on what is most important to you. A team can help kickstart an agent’s career by providing them with extensive support, training, opportunities, mentoring and collaboration. However, teams also typically focus on bringing on full-time agents and have a level of standard and accountability, which may or may not be what you are looking for as you start your new career.

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Maintaining Your Massachusetts Real Estate License

Having acquired your Massachusetts real estate license, maintaining it becomes necessary to keep practicing in the state. Your license must be renewed every two years, requiring you to complete 12 hours of continuing education and stay updated on industry trends and regulations. These courses can be taken from a number of licensed Continuing Education providers, and likely through the same school you took to obtain your salesperson license.

By staying informed and engaged in the industry, you ensure that your real estate career remains on the path to success. Commit to ongoing learning and professional development to enhance your skills and adapt to the ever-changing real estate business landscape.

Earning Potential for Real Estate Agents in Massachusetts

A career in real estate offers substantial earning potential, and Massachusetts is no exception. Keep in mind that the income of real estate agents is primarily commission-based, which means your earnings are directly proportional to your performance. The more properties you sell and the higher their value, the more income you can generate. By leveraging the knowledge, skills, and support of your sponsoring broker, you can maximize your earning potential in the Massachusetts real estate market.

Keep in mind that your success as a real estate agent depends not only on your skills and knowledge but also on your dedication, passion, and persistence. Stay focused on your goals, and you’ll reap the rewards of a lucrative and fulfilling real estate career in Massachusetts that is truly unlimited.

Reciprocity and Out-of-State Licenses

If you already hold a real estate license from another state, you may be eligible for a Massachusetts real estate license through reciprocity. Massachusetts has real estate license reciprocity agreements with the following states:

Connecticut
Rhode Island
West Virginia
Nebraska
Iowa
Tennessee
Mississippi
Colorado
Georgia
Pennsylvania
New Mexico
Michigan
Illinois

This means that out-of-state license holders from these states can apply for a Massachusetts real estate license without retaking the pre-licensing course or exam.

To obtain a reciprocal licensure, you need to:

Submit an application for reciprocity for an out-of-state real estate license.
The Massachusetts Board will review and approve your application, which may take at least ten business days.
Once approved, you can begin practicing real estate in Massachusetts, expanding your career opportunities and reaching new heights in the industry.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a real estate license?

Getting your real estate license in MA typically takes 1 to 6 months, depending on the amount of time you dedicate to studying for the license test.

How much does it cost to get a real estate license?

It costs at least $235 to get a real estate license in Massachusetts, with an additional fee for MLS access of $80-90 per quarter.

How long is the Massachusetts real estate course?

The real estate course in Massachusetts is 40 hours long, covering both salespersons’ and brokers’ classes.

What are the age and education requirements for obtaining a Massachusetts real estate license?

To obtain a Massachusetts real estate license, you must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED.

What is the minimum passing score for the Massachusetts real estate exam?

In order to pass the Massachusetts real estate exam, a score of at least 70%.

Summary

From meeting eligibility criteria and completing pre-licensing education to passing the real estate exam and finding the right sponsoring broker, the journey to obtaining a Massachusetts real estate license is both challenging and rewarding.

With dedication, persistence, and a commitment to ongoing learning, you can build a successful and fulfilling career in the Massachusetts real estate market. Embrace the opportunities, stay focused on your goals, and let your passion for real estate guide you toward a prosperous future.