So, you want to get your real estate license. Making the career change, getting your license, and becoming a real estate agent might seem daunting, but our team at Crush It In Real Estate is here to answer any questions and support you along the way.
The Steps for Getting Your Massachusetts Real Estate License
In order to become a licensed real estate agent in Massachusetts, you not only need to be 18 and have a Social Security Number, you also need to do the following:
Take the 40-Hour Massachusetts Real Estate Course
Before taking the Massachusetts Real Estate License Exam, you must first complete the 40-hour real estate course. At the end of your course, you will receive a certificate that states you finished the 40-hour course at an approved real estate school and are now legible to take the license test.
Most courses are flexible and can be taken online or in person, but the exact schedule may differ depending on the real estate school you attend.
The first portion of the real state course will focus on learning the material you need to know in order to pass the test. The second portion will be focused on reviewing this information and taking practice tests to prepare students for the license test.
Once completed you must mail in your application and three candidate endorsements from people unrelated to you to the PSI office to get pre-approved to take the real estate license exam.
Pass the Massachusetts Real Estate Exam
After completing the required 40-hour Massachusetts real estate course, you will be eligible to register for and take the Massachusetts Real Estate Exam.
What to Expect from the Massachusetts Real Estate Exam:
- You will need to check in at the front desk before taking your exam. The faculty at the testing facility will take your photo, bring you into the testing room, and sit you down at a computer to take your test.
- You have four hours to finish the entire test.
- 120 questions broken up into two sections: The National section (80 questions) and the Massachusetts Real Estate Law section (40 questions).
- You will be given a calculator and scratch paper for the math problems on the exam.
- A minimum score of 70% is needed in each section to pass the exam.
- If you don’t pass one section, you will only have to retake that section.
Pay the Licensing Fee
Once you pass the Massachusetts Real Estate Exam, you will be required to pay the $150 licensing fee to the registrar. Congrats on passing the exam and receiving your license!
Next Steps
Now that you’ve passed the Massachusetts Real Estate Exam and have received your license, it’s time to start working as a licensed real estate agent!
You’ll also be required to complete 12-hours of continuing education with the two years of receiving your license in order to maintain it and keep it from expiring.
What Else Do I Need?
Being over 18 years old, having a Social Security Number, taking the 40-hour real estate class, and passing your exam are all things that are required in order to become a licensed real estate agent but there are a few other things you can do in order to become a successful agent. These include:
- MLS Access to view all of the properties that are for rent and sale across the state.
- E&O Insurance to protect you against lawsuits for any mistakes that you might make.
Total Cost of Becoming a Real Estate Agent:
The total cost to become a real state agent can range between $500 and $700. Below we’re breaking down these costs.
- 40-hour real estate course – $300-$400
- MA real estate texting fee – $85
- MA real estate licensing fee – $150
- MLS Access – $20-$40/month
- E&O Insurance – $30/month