Massachusetts Licensing Law Flashcards
Where does licensing law come from?
State legislature
Who enforces the law?
The Board of Real Estate brokers & Salespersons
AKA “The Board”
Who are the exceptions to the licensing law?
- General public buying, selling, or renting for themselves.
- Hourly/salary employees whose daily activities involve the management of real estate (property managers).
- Lawyers
- People w/ written power of attorney.
- Public officers/employees on official business.
- Auctioneers, appraisers, employees of lenders/insurance companies.
- Anyone under a court order.
- Trustees.
Escrow Accounts
Escrow Accounts (trust accounts)
- Special bank account for holding clients money.
- Must be separate from broker’s personal or other business accounts.
- Commingling is strictly prohibited.
- Brokers must maintain escrow records for 3 years.
- Real estate board can inspect at any time in those 3 years.
- Deposit checks must be turned over to the broker immediately.
- Return money to clients as soon as possible.
- Conversion of a deposit must have written permission from both parties (buyer & seller).
- if there is a dispute about escrow money, broker needs a court order to release funds.
How often do licenses need to be renewed?
Biennially (every 2 years).
What is required for a license renewal?
- 12 hours of continuing education.
- Fee
Inactive licensee may what?
Make referrals for a fee.
What must a broker do when they hire a licensee?
Inform the board.
How many MA brokers may a licensee work for at a time?
1
What do brokers have for their licensees activities?
Vicarious liability.
What can brokers never do?
Hire unlicensed people for real estate activities.
Where must licenses be displayed?
In the workplace.
License reciprocity
- We give states whatever they give us.
- You must still apply for their state license to be able to practice & pay a fee.
- No education requirement for full reciprocity. Typically, state education required for limited reciprocity.
MA has full reciprocity with…
- Connecticut
- Georgia
- Iowa
- Nebraska
- New Mexico
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- New York (only brokers have full reciprocity).
MA has limited reciprocity with…
- Colorado
- Delaware
- Idaho
- Kentucky
- Maine
- New Hampshire
- North Carolina
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Washington
- West Virginia