Becoming a real estate agent in Massachusetts can be a rewarding career, offering the opportunity to help people buy and sell homes, earn a good commission, and have a flexible schedule. However, it’s important to note that the process of becoming a licensed real estate agent in MA is not simple. There are several steps that you must take, including completing pre-licensing education, passing a licensing exam, and finding a sponsoring broker.

How to Become a Real Estate Agent in Massachusetts

1. Meet the Prerequisites

Before you can begin the process of becoming a real estate agent in MA, you must meet the following prerequisites:

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Have a valid Social Security number
  • Be a resident of Massachusetts or another state that has reciprocity with MA

2. Complete Pre-Licensing Education

The next step is to complete an approved 40-hour pre-licensing education course. This course will teach you the basics of real estate law, practice, and ethics. You can find a list of approved pre-licensing courses on the website of the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons.

3. Pass the Licensing Exam

Once you have completed your pre-licensing education, you will be eligible to take the Massachusetts Real Estate Salesperson Examination. This exam is administered by Pearson VUE and consists of 120 multiple-choice questions. You must score at least 70% to pass the exam.

4. Find a Sponsoring Broker

Once you have passed the licensing exam, you must find a sponsoring broker. A sponsoring broker is a licensed real estate broker who will supervise your work and provide you with training and support. You can find sponsoring brokers by networking with other real estate professionals or by searching online.

5. Apply for a Real Estate License

Once you have found a sponsoring broker, you can apply for a real estate license. The application process is handled by the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons. You will need to submit an application form, pay a fee, and provide proof of your pre-licensing education and passing the licensing exam.

How much does it cost to get your Real Estate License in Massachusetts?

The total estimated cost to get a Massachusetts Real Estate license is $500-$660. This includes the following costs:

  • Real estate classes: $229-$549
  • Test application: $31
  • Test registration: $54
  • License fee: $103-$150
  • MLS access: $20-$40/month
  • E&O insurance: around $30/month

How long does it take to get a Real Estate license in Massachusetts? 

It takes about 3-6 months to get a real estate license in Massachusetts, depending on how much time you spend studying and whether you take classes full-time or part-time. Here are the steps involved:

  • Complete 40 hours of approved Massachusetts pre-licensing education. This can be done online or in person.
  • Pass the Massachusetts Real Estate Salesperson Examination. This is a 120-question exam that covers topics such as real estate law, contracts, and agency.
  • Find a sponsoring broker. A sponsoring broker is a licensed real estate broker who will supervise you while you are working as a salesperson.
  • Submit an application to the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons. The application must include your pre-licensing education certificate, exam scores, and sponsorship agreement.
  • Once you have completed all of these steps, you will be issued a real estate salesperson license. You can then start working as a real estate agent under the supervision of your sponsoring broker.

Here is a more detailed breakdown of the time it takes to complete each step:

  • Pre-licensing education: 3-4 weeks if you take classes full-time, or 6-8 weeks if you take classes part-time.
  • Exam preparation: 1-2 weeks, depending on how much time you have to study.
  • Sponsorship: 1-2 weeks to find a sponsoring broker and complete the sponsorship agreement.
  • Application processing: 1-2 weeks

Benefits of a Real Estate career

  • Uncapped income potential: Real estate agents are typically paid on commission, which means that they earn more money the more they sell. This means that there is no limit to how much money you can make as a real estate agent.
  • Flexible schedule: Real estate agents typically have a lot of flexibility in their schedule. They can choose to work full-time or part-time, and they can often set their own hours. This can be a great benefit for people who want to have more control over their work-life balance.
  • Opportunity to meet new people: Real estate agents have the opportunity to meet people from all walks of life. They work with buyers, sellers, investors, and other real estate professionals. This can be a great way to expand your network and make new connections.
  • Sense of accomplishment: Helping people buy or sell their homes is a very rewarding experience. Real estate agents can play a vital role in helping people achieve their real estate goals.
  • Opportunity to build your own business: Real estate agents can choose to work for a brokerage or start their own business. This can be a great opportunity for people who want to be their own boss and build their own brand.

7 Best Online Real Estate Schools in Massachusetts

  • Freedom Trail Realty School
  • The CE Shop
  • Colibri Real Estate School
  • New England Real Estate Academy
  • Lee Institute School of Real Estate
  • American Real Estate Academy
  • PrepAgent

Conclusion

Massachusetts is a great place to become a real estate agent. With its strong economy and diverse housing market, there are many opportunities for success. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

It can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months to get your real estate license in Massachusetts, depending on how quickly you can complete the required pre-licensing education and pass the state exam.

How hard is the real estate exam in MA?

The Massachusetts real estate exam is a two-part exam, consisting of a national portion and a state portion. The national portion is 80 questions long and the state portion is 40 questions long. You must score a minimum of 70% on each portion to pass the exam.

How long does a real estate license last in MA?

A real estate license in Massachusetts lasts for two years. You must renew your license every two years by completing 12 hours of continuing education.

How much does it cost to get your real estate license in Massachusetts?

The cost to get your real estate license in Massachusetts varies depending on the school you choose and the type of course you take. However, you can expect to pay around $500-$1,000 for the pre-licensing course and another $100-$200 for the state exam.

Can you take MA real estate exam online?

Yes, you can take the Massachusetts real estate exam online. However, you must still go to a testing center to take the exam.

How do I become a broker in MA?

To become a broker in Massachusetts, you must have three years of experience as a real estate salesperson and complete an additional 40 hours of real estate education. You must also pass the Massachusetts real estate broker exam.

How long is real estate school in MA?

The Massachusetts real estate pre-licensing course is 40 hours long. You can take the course either online or in person.

How long do most people study for the real estate exam?

Most people study for the real estate exam for several weeks. However, some people may need to study for longer, depending on their learning style and prior knowledge of real estate.

How long is the real estate course in Massachusetts?

The Massachusetts real estate pre-licensing course is 40 hours long.

What do you need to become a real estate agent in MA?

To become a real estate agent in Massachusetts, you must be at least 18 years old, have a valid Social Security number, and complete the Massachusetts real estate pre-licensing course and pass the state exam.

Can I use my Massachusetts real estate license in another state?

No, you cannot use your Massachusetts real estate license in another state. Each state has its own licensing requirements. However, you may be able to transfer your license to another state if you meet the state’s requirements.

Where is the best place to get a real estate license in Massachusetts?

There are many great real estate schools in Massachusetts. When choosing a school, consider the following factors:

  • The school’s reputation
  • The cost of the course
  • The format of the course (online or in person)
  • The school’s instructors
  • The school’s pass rate
  • You can read reviews of real estate schools online and talk to other real estate agents to get their recommendations.

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Last Update: October 28, 2023