State License Law (Massachusetts)
Massachusetts real estate licensing is handled by the Board of Registration of Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons. This topic covers the license types and the supervisory relationship between brokers and salespersons.
The Board and License Types
The Massachusetts Board of Registration of Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons, under the state's occupational licensure division, licenses salespersons and brokers, sets requirements, and disciplines licensees. A salesperson must work under the supervision of a licensed broker. A broker may operate a firm, hold escrow funds, and supervise salespersons; becoming a broker generally requires experience working as a salesperson first.
Salesperson Limitations and Broker Responsibility
A Massachusetts salesperson may show property, host open houses, and present offers, but only under broker supervision, and may not independently hold client escrow funds or run an independent brokerage. The broker is responsible for the escrow account, recordkeeping, and the conduct of affiliated salespersons. Violations can lead to fines, suspension, or revocation.