Helpful Links
Below are various links to information key to business. Should you find a helpful link that other members may benefit from, please let us know and we’ll consider adding to this page.
MA DIVISION OF LICENSURE
This is site has all you need to know about obtaining and renewing your license, as well as checking the status of a licensee. Also, course descriptions for continuing education courses can be found on their site:
https://www.mass.gov/orgs/board-of-registration-of-real-estate-brokers-and-salespersons
License Renewal for MA
https://www.mass.gov/how-to/renew-your-real-estate-license-online
REALTOR SAFETY
An important document that all REALTORS and Broker/Owners should read, provided by the MAR (Massachusetts Association of REALTORS) Legal team:
Notes from the MAR Legal Hotline 10_01_2014 Realtor Safety
MAR LEGAL NOTES PUBLISHED MONTHLY
Notes from the Legal Hotline August 2018
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS (NAR)
The following links provide National Association of Realtors pages which are pertinent and helpful to your business:
NAR Association Links
www.nar.realtor
https://www.nar.realtor/newsroom
https://www.nar.realtor/realtor-benefits-program
https://www.nar.realtor/commercial/commercial-data-listing-resources
https://www.nar.realtor/washington-report
REALTOR.com
www.realtor.com
NAR Links for Professional Standards Information
Visit NAR’s site for detailed information on the process for filing ethics complaints and initiating dispute resolution. NAR’s Member Policy information is found here: Ethics Complaints, Arbitration Requests and Related Information
HPI Calculator – House Price Indicator is an interesting tool used calculate the difference in the value of a property from when and and for how much it was originally purchased until present. Remember this is based on broad statistical value and not localized.
RPR Realtor Property Resource – A strong real estate resource information site sponsored by NAR and customizable to your areas of interest. This site offers complete information on specific properties, consolidating your searches. Free member sign up.
http://www.narrpr.com
HouseLogic.com – Another multi-faceted real estate site with peripheral areas of interest and nested tools
MAR Mass Association of Realtors – One of the best sites for a broad range of real estate topics. Take some time and explore this site thoroughly. There is a wealth of information within.
Becoming a real estate salesperson may not be a fit for everyone.
Getting a real estate salesperson license requires education and State Testing
Authorized Pre Licensing Education Centers :
Mass.gov Authorized Real Estate Schools
There is a school near you too!
Online Classes : New England Real Estate Academy
-http://onlinerealestateacademy.com/
https://www.newenglandrealestateacademy.com/
Massachusetts Research :
Pass the test and you can start selling Real Estate
Start looking for your new Broker
Brokerages are hiring new agents and they will want you to start today!
20181022
20181006
MASS Consumer Facts
MASS. Gov
https://www.mass.gov/service-details/real-estate-brokers-and-salespersons-consumer-fact-sheet
Mass.gov Consumer Fact Sheets
https://www.mass.gov/lists/consumer-fact-sheets
Home Inspectors Consumer Fact Sheet About Home Inspections A standard home inspection is a visual examination of the physical structure and major interior systems of a residential building consisting of one to four dwelling units. It should be understood that there are certain risks inherent in the purchase of property and a home inspection is inherently limited in its scope and depth. The information gained from home inspection conforming to 266 CMR 6.00 may reduce some of those risks, but the home inspection is not intended to provide the client with protection from all of the risks involved. An inspection can be likened to a physical exam by a physician; however, it should be clearly understood that a home inspection is not to be confused with an appraisal, a building code inspection, a guarantee of any kind, and/or an insurance policy on the condition of the property. During an inspection, the inspector will review the readily accessible exposed portions of the structure of the home, including the roof, the attic, walls, ceilings, floors, windows, doors, basement, and foundation as well as the heating/air conditioning systems, interior plumbing and electrical systems for potential problems. Home inspections are not intended to point out every small problem or any invisible or latent defect in a home. Most minor or cosmetic flaws, for example, should be apparent to the buyer without the aid of a professional. Timing of the Home Inspection A home inspector is typically hired by a potential homebuyer right after the offer to purchase contract is signed, prior to executing the final purchase and sales agreement. However, before the potential buyer signs the offer to purchase contract, he/she should be sure that there is an inspection clause in the contract making the purchase obligation contingent upon the findings of a professional home inspection. This clause should specify the terms to which both the buyer and seller are obligated. Selecting a Home Inspector Good referral sources for home inspection services are friends, neighbors, or business acquaintances who have been satisfied with a home inspector. In addition, lawyers and mortgage brokers may also recommend a home inspector. The names of local inspectors can be found by entering the words home inspection and the zip code of the community where you are purchasing the dwelling and/or searching the Division of Professional Licensure website at www.mass.gov/dpl/boards/hi, or in the Yellow Pages where many advertise under "Building Inspection Service" or "Home Inspection Service." Real estate brokers and salesmen may not directly recommend a specific home inspection company or home inspector unless representing the buyer as a buyer's broker. Brokers, however, may provide assistance to buyers in accessing information on licensed home inspectors. A current homeowner may also want to get a home inspection to identify any problems, especially if the owner plans to sell the home in the near future. Following are additional tips when searching for a home inspector: As of May 2001, home inspectors are required to be licensed in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. A home inspector's license should be verified prior to hiring. Consumers should not be confused by home inspector "certifications" offered by, or sold by home inspection trade societies or companies, obtained via home study courses, or provided by home inspection companies that certify their own home inspectors. Since the home inspection business is unregulated in most states, certifications are available to anyone. A home inspector's license can be verified with the Board of Registration of Home Inspectors at its website or by calling the Board at (617) 727- 4459. The home inspection company that is retained should welcome the potential buyer's presence at the home inspection. The home inspector should be willing to address all of the buyer's questions and provide a full verbal and written report. Those hiring an inspector should expect an open door policy from the home inspection company to be able to ask questions about the content of the home inspection report in the future. During the Home Inspection While not necessary, it is recommended that the buyer be present for the inspection. This allows the buyer to observe the inspector, ask questions directly, and obtain a better understanding of the condition of the home, how its systems work, and how to maintain it. The written report may be easier to understand if the buyer was present during the inspection. It is important that you provide safe access and sufficient lighting so that the inspector can inspect the property. Inspectors must provide a written evaluation report based on the standards of compliance in accordance with CMR 266.6.00 At the conclusion of the home inspection, the buyer should be well informed of the condition of the home. It should be known if there are visible, apparent problems, if repairs need are required, or whether or not there are any risks of concealed damage, and whether further investigation is recommended and/or required. Other Inspections and Tests to Consider It is strongly recommended that potential buyers consider having the following inspections and/or tests performed prior to signing the final purchase agreement: Lead paint, http://www.mass.gov/eohhs/gov/departments/dph/programs/environmental-health/exposuretopics/lead/delead/ Water quality ( is it drinkable) Wood destroying insects, including termites. Air quality, including radon gases. Fungi, mold and allergens. While some home inspectors are qualified to offer these services, these inspections and tests are not part of the basic home inspection and should be contracted through qualified licensed professionals (of your choice and hire) in those fields. Filing a Complaint While most licensees conduct themselves as true professionals, the Division of Professional Licensure will take action against those licensees who fail to maintain acceptable standards of competence and integrity. In some cases, dissatisfied consumers make complaints, however, dissatisfaction alone is not proof of incompetence or sufficient grounds for disciplinary action. If you have a serious complaint about a home inspector, call or write the Divisions' Office of Investigations and ask for a complaint form. The Division's Office of Investigations is located at 1000 Washington Street, Suite 710, Boston, MA 02118. The phone number is 617-727-7406. A copy of the complaint form can also be downloaded from the Division's website ( www.mass.gov/dpl/ ).
https://www.mass.gov/service-details/real-estate-brokers-and-salespersons-consumer-fact-sheet
Mass.gov Consumer Fact Sheets
https://www.mass.gov/lists/consumer-fact-sheets
Home Inspectors Consumer Fact Sheet About Home Inspections A standard home inspection is a visual examination of the physical structure and major interior systems of a residential building consisting of one to four dwelling units. It should be understood that there are certain risks inherent in the purchase of property and a home inspection is inherently limited in its scope and depth. The information gained from home inspection conforming to 266 CMR 6.00 may reduce some of those risks, but the home inspection is not intended to provide the client with protection from all of the risks involved. An inspection can be likened to a physical exam by a physician; however, it should be clearly understood that a home inspection is not to be confused with an appraisal, a building code inspection, a guarantee of any kind, and/or an insurance policy on the condition of the property. During an inspection, the inspector will review the readily accessible exposed portions of the structure of the home, including the roof, the attic, walls, ceilings, floors, windows, doors, basement, and foundation as well as the heating/air conditioning systems, interior plumbing and electrical systems for potential problems. Home inspections are not intended to point out every small problem or any invisible or latent defect in a home. Most minor or cosmetic flaws, for example, should be apparent to the buyer without the aid of a professional. Timing of the Home Inspection A home inspector is typically hired by a potential homebuyer right after the offer to purchase contract is signed, prior to executing the final purchase and sales agreement. However, before the potential buyer signs the offer to purchase contract, he/she should be sure that there is an inspection clause in the contract making the purchase obligation contingent upon the findings of a professional home inspection. This clause should specify the terms to which both the buyer and seller are obligated. Selecting a Home Inspector Good referral sources for home inspection services are friends, neighbors, or business acquaintances who have been satisfied with a home inspector. In addition, lawyers and mortgage brokers may also recommend a home inspector. The names of local inspectors can be found by entering the words home inspection and the zip code of the community where you are purchasing the dwelling and/or searching the Division of Professional Licensure website at www.mass.gov/dpl/boards/hi, or in the Yellow Pages where many advertise under "Building Inspection Service" or "Home Inspection Service." Real estate brokers and salesmen may not directly recommend a specific home inspection company or home inspector unless representing the buyer as a buyer's broker. Brokers, however, may provide assistance to buyers in accessing information on licensed home inspectors. A current homeowner may also want to get a home inspection to identify any problems, especially if the owner plans to sell the home in the near future. Following are additional tips when searching for a home inspector: As of May 2001, home inspectors are required to be licensed in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. A home inspector's license should be verified prior to hiring. Consumers should not be confused by home inspector "certifications" offered by, or sold by home inspection trade societies or companies, obtained via home study courses, or provided by home inspection companies that certify their own home inspectors. Since the home inspection business is unregulated in most states, certifications are available to anyone. A home inspector's license can be verified with the Board of Registration of Home Inspectors at its website or by calling the Board at (617) 727- 4459. The home inspection company that is retained should welcome the potential buyer's presence at the home inspection. The home inspector should be willing to address all of the buyer's questions and provide a full verbal and written report. Those hiring an inspector should expect an open door policy from the home inspection company to be able to ask questions about the content of the home inspection report in the future. During the Home Inspection While not necessary, it is recommended that the buyer be present for the inspection. This allows the buyer to observe the inspector, ask questions directly, and obtain a better understanding of the condition of the home, how its systems work, and how to maintain it. The written report may be easier to understand if the buyer was present during the inspection. It is important that you provide safe access and sufficient lighting so that the inspector can inspect the property. Inspectors must provide a written evaluation report based on the standards of compliance in accordance with CMR 266.6.00 At the conclusion of the home inspection, the buyer should be well informed of the condition of the home. It should be known if there are visible, apparent problems, if repairs need are required, or whether or not there are any risks of concealed damage, and whether further investigation is recommended and/or required. Other Inspections and Tests to Consider It is strongly recommended that potential buyers consider having the following inspections and/or tests performed prior to signing the final purchase agreement: Lead paint, http://www.mass.gov/eohhs/gov/departments/dph/programs/environmental-health/exposuretopics/lead/delead/ Water quality ( is it drinkable) Wood destroying insects, including termites. Air quality, including radon gases. Fungi, mold and allergens. While some home inspectors are qualified to offer these services, these inspections and tests are not part of the basic home inspection and should be contracted through qualified licensed professionals (of your choice and hire) in those fields. Filing a Complaint While most licensees conduct themselves as true professionals, the Division of Professional Licensure will take action against those licensees who fail to maintain acceptable standards of competence and integrity. In some cases, dissatisfied consumers make complaints, however, dissatisfaction alone is not proof of incompetence or sufficient grounds for disciplinary action. If you have a serious complaint about a home inspector, call or write the Divisions' Office of Investigations and ask for a complaint form. The Division's Office of Investigations is located at 1000 Washington Street, Suite 710, Boston, MA 02118. The phone number is 617-727-7406. A copy of the complaint form can also be downloaded from the Division's website ( www.mass.gov/dpl/ ).
"...Agency Disclosure
A real estate broker or salesperson must tell you who he or she represents in a prospective transaction. This disclosure of the relationship the agent has with you or another party must be made in writing at the time of your first personal meeting to discuss a specific property or properties."
"A real estate broker negotiates agreements to sell, exchange, purchase, rent or lease interests in real property for a fee, commission or other valuable consideration for another person. A broker is responsible for accepting and escrowing all funds, such as a deposit placed on the purchase of a home, and for finalizing transactions. A real estate broker must supervise any transactions conducted by a salesperson.
A real estate salesperson engages in the same activities as a broker, except completing the negotiation of any agreement or transaction. A salesperson also has no authority or control over escrow funds."
"Things Buyers Should Know when Dealing with a Real Estate Agent
- Who does the real estate agent represent? The agent may represent the Buyer or the Seller, or both. If the agent is a Facilitator he does not represent either party. It is very important that the agent provide you with a disclosure of who he or she represents prior to any discussions about the transaction.
- Be cautious. Do not reveal too much personal information, especially when working with a seller's broker or a facilitator. Disclosing financial information or information regarding your urgency to make a deal may undermine your bargaining position if the broker conveys it to the seller.
- Make sure the real estate agent is licensed, active and in good standing with the Board. (Check that both the broker's and salesperson's licenses have not been subject to disciplinary action, such as a suspension or revocation.) Call (617) 727-2373.
- You can negotiate the amount of any deposit."
"Things Sellers Should Know when Dealing with a Real Estate Agent
- Find out what your relationship with the firm will be. Some firms practice designated agency. This means only certain agents represent you (with your consent) and other agents in the firm do not and may in fact represent an opposing party. Other agencies and all the agents affiliated with that agency will represent you. If you use
- Make sure the real estate agent is licensed and in good standing with the Board. (Check that both the broker's and salesperson's licenses have not been subject to disciplinary action, such as a suspension or revocation.) Visit www.mass.gov/dpl/ or call (617) 727-2373.
- Sellers typically use the services of a real estate broker to sell their residential or commercial property. This is usually described as giving that broker a listing. The terms of the listing agreement are negotiable."
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