How to Become a Real Estate Agent in Boston

​Have you ever considered a career in the exciting and lucrative field of real estate? If so, becoming a real estate agent in Boston may be a bit easier than you think. However, it does take a lot of hard work to achieve success. That hard works starts with passing the Massachusetts real estate salesperson licensing examination. Actually, the hard work starts with preparing to pass the test. In order to apply to take the test you will need to complete 40 hours of real estate education. You also need to be 18-year-old or older and have a valid social security number.

The good news is that you can finish the real estate education requirement in as little as a few weeks. That’s a fairly quick timeframe considering most decent paying jobs require years of technical training or a college education. Becoming a real estate agent in Boston is fairly easy in comparison. There are actually five (5) steps to the process. Once you complete them, you’ll be able to sell and or rent real estate as a licensed real estate agent in Boston.

Step 1- Take The Required Pre-Licensing Courses

First and foremost, you need to choose a real estate school that teaches the pre-licensing courses. It’s always a smart idea to conduct a little research first. You want to work with a real estate school that has a high percentage of students who actually pass the licensing examination. Real estate schools with good numbers typically post the figures as part of their marketing efforts. A good rule of thumb is a pass rate of 90% or higher. At this point you may be wondering what you will learn in your pre-licensing classes. You’re going to learn about the various aspects of real estate from both a financial and legal perspective.

You will also learn about the various real estate practices and principals. The bottom line is that you’ll learn everything you need to get started as a real estate agent in Boston. Once you’re in the job, a good brokerage with extensive training classes can teach you the rest. Do not let the vast amount of information scare you. Keep in mind that you probably don’t have any prior knowledge of real estate prior to taking the classes. That being stated, you’re responsible for learning the information. You need to prepare yourself to get the most from each and every class. In the end, you’re the one that needs to pass the real estate licensing examination.

Step 2- Apply For The Massachusetts Real Estate License Examination

The next step to becoming a real estate agent in Boston is to apply to take the licensing test. You cannot apply to take the test until you complete the following procedures….

-Show proof that you’re 18 years old or older
-Submit a form that proves you have completed the 40 hours of pre-licensing courses within the last 24 months
-Submit a minimum of three (3) character references from non-family members
-Provide a valid Social Security or Tax ID number
-File all Massachusetts state tax returns and pay all state related taxes
-Pay the application fee of $31
-Pay the examination fee $54

As soon as you’ve been approved to take the Massachusetts real estate license examination, you can go online to schedule your test with PSI. You also have the option to sign up for the test by email or phone. It’s important that you make sure to spell your name precisely how it appears on your driver’s license or official identification. The Massachusetts real estate license testing sites are located in Auburn, Charlestown, Fall River, Lawrence, and West Springfield.

Step 3- Study For The Massachusetts Real Estate License Examination

In order to become a real estate agent in Boston, you’re going to need to study for the Massachusetts real estate examination. The examination is based on a comprehensive collection of information that you learned during the required pre-licensing courses. There is a National portion of the test that you will need to study for. It covers real estate laws and practices that are utilized across the country. The National section of the examination is made up of 80 individual questions. The questions must be answered within a 150-minute timeframe. There is also a State portion of the test that you will need to study for. It covers real estate laws and practices that are practiced in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The State section of the examination consists of 40 individual questions. The questions must be answered within a 90-minute timeframe. Unless you happen to have a photographic memory, it’s going to take both time and effort to study for the exam.

The real estate school where you took the pre-licensing courses may or may not supply you with study materials. Typically speaking, the higher-priced schools do include the study materials that will help prepare you for the test. You should read the fine print before deciding on which real estate school to use. If you’re pre-licensing courses package doesn’t include study materials, you may be able to purchase them separately. If your real estate school doesn’t offer study materials, you can purchase them online.

Step 4- Pass The Massachusetts Real Estate License Examination

In order to become a real estate agent in Boston, you’re going to need to pass the Massachusetts real estate examination. As mentioned above, the Massachusetts real estate license examination is 120 multiple-choice questions. You have a total of 240 minutes to complete the test. The examination will cover topics that are based on both state and national laws and real estate practices. The examination is administered by computer at an official testing location. You should show up early. It’s highly suggested to appear at least 30 minutes before your test time. Make sure that you bring two (2) valid forms of identification.

You will need to show a government issued photo ID and a credit/debit card or social security card. Please keep in mind that neither school nor work IDs are accepted. You should also be prepared for the fact that you’re not allowed to bring in any other personal belongings. Leave your smartphone in your automobile. As soon as you finish the test you’ll be notified as to whether you passed or failed. In order to pass you will need a minimum of 70% on both the State and National sections of the exam. If you happen to fail, all is not lost. You can retake the test as many times as needed. However, you must pass the test within 24 months of completing the pre-licensing courses.

The Real Estate License Fee

In addition, you’ll need to pay the exam fees each time you take the test. Massachusetts allows you to pay for and receive your real estate license as soon as you pass the test. Bring a personal check, cashier’s check, money order, credit card or debit card with you to the test. The license fee ranges from $103 to $150. The cost is prorated based on your birth month.

Step 5- Getting Hired By A Real Estate Broker/Agency

The next and final step on how to become a real estate agent in Boston is getting hired by a real estate broker/agency. Now that you have your Massachusetts real estate license in hand it’s time to start working. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts requires that a real estate agent in Boston work under a real estate broker. Real estate brokers have a high level of experience, have taken additional training, and hold a broker’s license. You should always speak to and interview with multiple real estate brokers/agencies that you may be interested in working with.

If you recently obtained your Massachusetts real estate license, it’s a smart idea to utilize the Boston Pads real estate portal at www.BostonPads.com. Here you will find a plethora of tips, tools, and valuable information.