Massachusetts Board Of Registration Of Real Estate Brokers And Salespersons
The Massachusetts Board of Registration of Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons is a regulatory agency that oversees the licensing and registration of real estate brokers and salespersons in the state of Massachusetts. The board's mission is to protect the public by ensuring that real estate brokers and salespersons are qualified and trustworthy.
History
The Massachusetts Board of Registration of Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons was established in 1957, under Chapter 112 of the Massachusetts General Laws. The board is responsible for licensing and regulating real estate brokers and salespersons in the state, as well as enforcing the laws and regulations governing their conduct.
Functions
The board's primary function is to ensure that real estate brokers and salespersons are qualified and trustworthy. To achieve this, the board requires all applicants for real estate licenses to meet certain educational and experience requirements, and to pass a licensing exam.
The board is also responsible for investigating complaints against real estate brokers and salespersons, and for taking disciplinary action against those who violate the laws and regulations governing their conduct. This may include fines, license suspension or revocation, or other sanctions as deemed appropriate by the board.
Membership
The Massachusetts Board of Registration of Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons consists of nine members, appointed by the governor of the state. The board is comprised of five real estate brokers, two real estate salespersons, and two public members who are not engaged in the real estate industry.
Members of the board serve three-year terms, and are eligible for reappointment for a total of six years. The board is chaired by one of its members, who is elected by the board members.
Licensing Requirements
To be licensed as a real estate broker or salesperson in Massachusetts, an individual must meet certain educational and experience requirements, and must pass a licensing exam. The specific requirements vary depending on the type of license being sought.
For example, to become a licensed real estate broker in Massachusetts, an individual must have a minimum of three years of experience as a licensed salesperson, complete 40 hours of pre-licensing education, and pass a licensing exam. To become a licensed real estate salesperson, an individual must complete 40 hours of pre-licensing education, and pass a licensing exam.
Continuing Education
Once licensed, real estate brokers and salespersons in Massachusetts are required to complete continuing education courses in order to renew their licenses. The specific requirements vary depending on the type of license being renewed.
For example, to renew a real estate broker license, an individual must complete 12 hours of continuing education every two years, including a mandatory four-hour course on Massachusetts real estate law. To renew a real estate salesperson license, an individual must complete 12 hours of continuing education every two years, including a mandatory three-hour course on Massachusetts real estate law.
Complaints and Investigations
The Massachusetts Board of Registration of Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons is responsible for investigating complaints against real estate brokers and salespersons, and for taking disciplinary action against those who violate the laws and regulations governing their conduct.
Complaints may be filed by members of the public, other real estate professionals, or the board itself. The board investigates complaints to determine whether there has been a violation of the laws or regulations governing real estate brokers and salespersons.
Disciplinary Actions
If the board determines that a violation has occurred, it may take disciplinary action against the real estate broker or salesperson involved. Disciplinary actions may include fines, license suspension or revocation, or other sanctions as deemed appropriate by the board.
The board also has the authority to issue cease and desist orders against individuals or companies engaged in unlicensed real estate activity.
Conclusion
The Massachusetts Board of Registration of Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons is a regulatory agency that oversees the licensing and registration of real estate brokers and salespersons in the state of Massachusetts. The board's primary function is to ensure that real estate brokers and salespersons are qualified and trustworthy, and to investigate complaints and take disciplinary action against those who violate the laws and regulations governing their conduct.