How to Get a Real Estate License in Massachusetts

By: Abbey MacDonald

Money, beautiful women, gorgeous houses, and so much drama– Netflix’s reality TV hit Selling Sunset is full of them all. That would explain why in May of this year, it was the #4 most popular show in the US. Although you may not be seeing very many $100 million homes in Massachusetts, the information and experiences shown in Selling Sunset, as well as other real estate reality TV shows are fairly accurate. When getting started in real estate in Massachusetts, I saw these shows as outrageous and unlikely to be similar to the regular real estate experience, however, the more I learned, I started to see numerous similarities in both the information part of the job, as well as some of the crazy situations you find yourselves in, between working with clients and working with other agents.

The Basics: What is Real Estate?

Real estate is property, specifically referring to land and its improvements. An improvement is any permanent change to a property that will increase its value, for example, a house, or an in-ground pool if you’re feeling super fancy. Now, buying and selling real estate is no joke, as it is (for most) the most expensive purchase of your life. Therefore, you don’t want just anyone helping you buy or sell a property, you want someone who knows what they’re doing, more so than the average person. This is why most choose to hire a real estate salesperson, or REALTOR® (which, outside of common knowledge, are not interchangeable. Anyone who is licensed is a salesperson, whereas to become a REALTOR® you have to pay for a yearly subscription and take additional education). While a salesperson works directly with customers, helping with open houses, negotiations with other salespeople, paperwork, etc. they do so for their employing broker. The only difference between a broker and a salesperson is that a broker can legally handle money and has many years experience of being a salesperson, so the salesperson operates under a brokerage, who helps them and handles money in transactions.

Step 1: Make Sure You Fulfill the Requirements

These are as follows:

1. Be at least 18 years old (19 in some other states)

2. Have legal US residency

3. Complete your required pre-license education

4. Pass your state real estate license examination

So, so long as you are above 18 and have legal US residency, you are ready to begin!

Step 2: Education

First and foremost, find which online classes work best for you. I chose Freedom Trail Realty School because their pricing and class options worked best for me to fit in my spare time. For this specific website, there is a 40-hour class requirement, of which 21 hours need to be taken on live classes with a live instructor, and for the remaining 19 hours you have the option to take them through on-demand classes. You need to take all of the required classes, which took me a total of about 42 hours after all was said and done. For this, the cheapest base option was $206, and the most expensive was $449. I chose the cheapest option, as I did not feel the need to be able to access all of the extras. I had a great experience with them and also found their study materials very helpful. Speaking of...

Step 3: Study, Study, Study!

The most difficult part of the exam is simply the volume of material you need to review for the test. I’ve been told that the second you pass the exam, you can immediately forget 90% of what you studied, but that you need to study to pass. To study, I have been using the study packet provided by Freedom Trail Realty School, as well as watching YouTube videos on common Massachusetts Salesperson exam questions, and things to know to pass the exam. Additionally, I bought a $70 subscription to Night Before the Exam, which has tons of study materials, including videos, games, and more! It was highly recommended by people at my brokerage. This is the most tedious step, and the one I am currently on, but once you are feeling confident then you are ready for the next step!

Step 4: Paperwork

After completing your classes, you get a certificate that verifies that you have completed your education! Then, you need to fill out some forms that get sent over to PSI, which administers the Massachusetts exam. Of these, I had to provide some basic information about myself (name, address, social security number, etc.), my education certificate, an identity verification form signed by a notary public (I made an appointment with one at my local library), and a candidate endorsement that had to be signed by three non-familial people that knew me well. This was so they could complete a Massachusetts CORI check (Criminal Offender Record Information), and make sure that I was who I said I was and that I did not have any past crimes that would make me unsuitable to have a real estate license.

Step 5: The Test

Once you are feeling confident with your knowledge you are ready to take the salesperson exam. You have a 2-year window between finishing your classes and taking the exam, so you have lots of time to study. The exam consists of 120 questions and 2 sections, a national section with 80 multiple-choice questions and a state section with 40 multiple-choice questions. To pass, you need to get at least 70% on each section. If you pass one section and fail the other, you only need to retake the part you failed. After you pass your test, you are immediately licensed in the state of Massachusetts and receive your salesperson ID!

Step 6: Get Started!

Now it is time for you to choose and join a broker! Typically you don’t have to look very much, as brokerages are always looking to bring on more agents. In a brokerage, there are two options you can choose: You can choose to operate as a 1099 independent contractor, or as a W2 employee. A 1099 independent contractor is paid on commission and is largely in charge of their own work and schedule. Meanwhile, a W2 employee gets paid a salary and is therefore under more control from the employer. Most agents work as 1099 independent contractors, especially because they get certain tax deductions that W2 employees do not. Once you have your license, you can join a bunch of programs and resources that will help your business. You will get on MLS (the Massachusetts listings site), and can also join other listing sites for more opportunities, such as Zillow, Redfin, etc. Some of these cost money, but can be worth the investment if you exercise these opportunities to the fullest. Additionally, you may take extra classes to become licensed in other areas so you can list those on your resume. You may choose to join certain associations, such as becoming a REALTOR®. Some agents choose to get licensed in multiple states, so maybe you will choose to start your education in a neighboring state. The number one rule to success in the real estate world is effort, so the more you put in, the more you get out. Get professional headshots, get involved on social media, and start learning how to promote and market yourself.

My Favorite Takeaway... and Good Luck!

During this process, I interned with Castinetti Realty Group (https://homesbycrg.com) and had such a great experience! The agents were all so kind and supportive of everyone, myself included, and all were willing to help each other learn and grow. Working with agents, I learned many skills including how to run an open house, how to reach out to and speak with prospective buyers, as well as other agents, and the most important thing of all: The agents that work hard and try, succeed, and it really is as simple as that. When working with Andrea (the broker), this message is emphasized above all else. When she sees agents working hard, putting in the effort, and making a commitment to their work, she is much more willing to give them more help, as well as more resources to continue building on that work. That is my favorite thing about real estate because it is comforting to know that all it takes to be successful is to work hard and give it your all.

The Benefits of an Externship

By: Brigid Murray

This summer, I had the privilege of participating in an awesome opportunity with TJX Companies.  The TJX NextGen Externship was an experience open to rising sophomores from Massachusetts universities. We spent a full day getting a behind-the-scenes look at what a career in merchandising entails. Prior to this experience, I didn’t know what an externship was, but it ended up being exactly the experience I needed. Here are a few reasons why an externship might be what you’re looking for:

1.Perfect for beginners

Almost all externships are designed for college freshmen and sophomores. The recruiters know that you’re new to this and will guide you along the way. Because of this, an externship might be a useful stepping stone as opposed to jumping right into a professional internship.

Apart from trying to find parking at TJX’s massive Framingham headquarters, the day wasn’t nearly as intimidating as I expected.  We were welcomed by the campus recruiters with coffee and breakfast and seated in groups with a few other students.  Getting to know my peers and learning they were just as excited, anxious, and clueless as me put my mind at ease and got me excited for the day ahead.

2. Exploring potential careers

Honestly, I had no idea what a career in merchandising even meant before this. Yet, by the end of the day, I felt like I could’ve started then and there. This externship was the perfect snapshot of what this job would look like for me. We watched a presentation on the brand and listened to a panel of employees. Then, we moved into a merchandising exercise where we got to interact with real products, rate their quality on the TJX scale, and decide how we would allocate them to stores. We each got a personal tour of the headquarters and did a job shadow with an associate, getting to see exactly how to bring customers products they’ll love.

Observing a corporate environment was super informative, revealing what I value in a workplace’s culture. TJX’s offices are lively and bustling with young, fashion-forward workers.  Many important decisions emerge from hallway hellos or lunch hangouts. An ice cream truck even comes to the office every Wednesday! Friendships and fun seemed like a priority at TJX. In fact, several associates expressed how little they get done on in-person days compared to remote days because they’re spending so much time with their friends! All these qualities made it an attractive workplace to me and are notes I’ll keep in mind throughout my future job search.

3. Getting comfortable with the application process

I had never applied to anything this professional before and to say I was nervous would’ve been an understatement. The application was typical and straightforward, requiring a resume and cover letter. I took advantage of the Chase Career Center for assistance and could not have made a better choice.  My career peer helped me take my resume from basic to outstanding and relieved a lot of my stress about the cover letter.

The next step was a virtual interview. Interviews never made me nervous before. I always thought of it as any other conversation. If they like me, they like me, and if they don’t, they don’t.  However, these awkward simulated video interviews have to be the worst thing that has stuck around from COVID-19. There is nothing natural about answering timed questions on film alone in your dorm room and expecting to get it perfect on the first try. I completely thought I bombed it: flubbing my words, blanking on answers, and spending most of the allotted time staring blankly into the camera, saying “Um…so…basically yeah.” But, apparently, it wasn’t as bad as I thought because I was lucky enough to receive an invitation a few weeks later.

No one enjoys the application process, but practice really does make perfect. Every cover letter you write, resume you revise, and interview you endure, gets better and easier-so keep sending out those applications. By senior year, you’ll be a pro and you’ll be thanking your younger self for that cringey interview.

4. No major time commitment

Industry experience is crucial, but not everyone has the option to give up a whole summer to do an unpaid internship. For this reason, externships are a great way to get a little experience without sacrificing work time. I requested the day off from my two summer jobs weeks in advance and carried on stress-free. The TJX Externship was only one day long, though some can be longer. Some are even completely virtual. Looking back, I wish I applied to a hundred externships!

5. Networks

Finally, Isenberg’s favorite word: networking!  Building bonds with people in your desired field of work goes a long way. At the externship, I had the privilege of getting to know a Senior Allocation Analyst who worked in the children’s department for TJXMaxx.com and Marshalls.com. She was exceptionally kind and welcoming, gladly answering all my silly questions. She even bought us treats from the ice cream truck!  At the end of the day, we exchanged information and she said we could reach out with any questions. Tons of people in the industry are willing to help out students, it’s just up to you to get out and meet them!

Overall, the TJX NextGen Externship was an enriching experience for me (and the swag bag we got to take home wasn’t half bad either)! As an Isenberg student, sometimes it feels like all you hear about is internships. While it’s totally normal to not have one as a freshman or sophomore, sometimes when you’re not two steps ahead, it can feel like you’re ten steps behind. For these reasons and more, I’d highly recommend applying to any and all externships that pique your interest as a way to procure valuable industry experience on a low-stakes scale.

Getting Through Finals - Things to Look Forward to this Summer

By: Brigid Murray

With the end of the semester looming, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.  Final exams, job applications, term papers, and missing assignments have consumed my to-do lists and I’ve completely forgotten about all the fun things ahead this summer.  So, if you’re looking for extra motivation, here are some things to look forward to when the work is over.

Summer Job

Getting an internship is great, but having a summer job as a college student is also a formative experience.  This is your time to work with friends, pick up a new skill, and make that money, honey!  Whether it’s being a server, camp counselor, or lifeguard, those odd jobs make for some of the best memories and learning experiences you never expected.

Speak Now (Taylor’s Version)

Whether you’re a Swiftie or not, everyone knows that when Taylor Swift does something, she does it big.  Speak Now (Taylor’s Version) will no doubt be a massive moment for pop culture just like Fearless (Taylor’s Version) and Red (Taylor’s Version).  Especially as its release coincides with The Eras Tour, I’m stoked to see what she has in store this time!

Catching Up with Friends from Home

The relationships you make in college are beyond compare, becoming like a second family when you’re away from home.  At the same time, there is nothing like your bond with the friends you grew up with.  While away at school, it’s easy to lose contact with your friends from home especially as they are taking on their own endeavors.  But, what’s great about old friends is that you always seem to pick up right where you left off no matter how long it’s been.  I can’t wait to reconnect with all my high school friends this summer and make up for lost time.

Reading

When assigned pages upon pages of required readings for class, it’s rare that I have the motivation to read for pleasure these days, even though it’s something I used to love.  One reason I look forward to the summer is finally having time to read what I want and crossing off my Goodreads list!

A Break from School

Well, this one is obvious.  But, it really is hard to recognize the toll that the college environment takes on you without stepping away from it for a little while.  Party culture, stressful classes, and bad sleep habits feed on your energy.  Summer is your time to get back to who you are: spend time with yourself, reflect on the past year, and set goals for the next one.  Give yourself some credit for how hard you’ve worked this year and take advantage of your summer vacation!

6 Spots on Campus You Have To Check Out

By: Abby Morse

The other day, my best friend’s little brother came to visit campus and all of the official tours were booked, so I offered to give him one. As I was planning all of the spots I wanted to show him, I realized that over the past four semesters I’ve spent here I’ve really made this campus my own. As a freshman, I would have loved it if somebody shared their favorite spots with me, so here is a list of just a few of UMass’s most special places to me!

1. South College

   I’ve never had a class in South College, and I honestly can’t remember how I stumbled upon it. Nevertheless, it has to be my favorite place on campus to study. I have spent hours in the comfy green chairs in the main study area grinding out papers and doing readings. I think my favorite thing about South College is the architecture; when expanding the building, the university decided to add on to the remaining bones of the original building. It’s a mix of old brick and shiny glass walls, and it’s the perfect place to sit and get work done.

2. Campus Pond

   This one is basic, I know, but hear me out; you need to invest in a hammock. I bought a hammock from REI last spring semester and it is actually my most prized possession. There is nothing quite like hanging my hammock at the edge of the pond on a sunny day and reading a book. The one thing I will say is that Campus Pond has probably the worst wifi connection on the entire campus, so if you’re trying to do work this might not be the best spot. That being said, it’s one of my favorite places to relax if I want to get out of my room.

3. Journalism Hub

   Last semester, my friends and I all had huge final papers to write before winter break, and we would hole up in the Journalism Hub in the ILC for hours. Not a single one of us is a Journalism major, but we found it was a great place to work; quiet enough to focus but not silent, so we could talk if we wanted to. I think the Journalism Hub is the perfect place to go if you’re trying to romanticize being a college student. It’s bright and modern and it feels very Zoey 101. A bonus is that it’s right by Blue Wall and Harvest, so you can grab lunch to go and come back to keep working.

4. Orchard Hill

   My favorite moments of spring semester are the days when my friends and I make the trek from Southwest up to O-Hill to watch the sunset. We grab dinner from Blue Wall or Frank or even Antonio’s, and we have a little picnic on the slope. It’s definitely a hike but it’s so worth it. You get one of the best views on campus and the vibes up there are just great. Bring a speaker for some music and a hoodie because it gets cold after the sun goes down, and I swear you can stay up there for hours on end.

5. Sweets and More

   Sweets is so underrated. I swear people in Southwest just don’t know about it because I had never been until fall semester of sophomore year. It’s only open late at night on certain weekdays, but if you make the time to go and wait in the long line it’s such a gem. The shop is so cute (the walls are bright pink) and it’s completely student run. The best part is, you can use dining dollars. They have ice cream, milk shakes, floats, baked goods, and more savory stuff like pizza bagels. My twin sister showed me Sweets and I will never be able to thank her enough!

6. Design Building Roof

   I wouldn’t have known this if some of my friends didn’t have classes there, but the design building on North Pleasant has the cutest little rooftop garden where you can sit outside. It’s great during the daytime, but it’s extra cool if you have a friend who is a BCT, Architecture, or some other design major who can swipe you into the building after hours. The stars are great from up there and it’s the perfect place to enjoy a Frank ice cream cone.

UMass truly has so many incredible spots and I have so many more to share, but this is just a compilation of some of my favorites. My biggest tip for you is to make the most of this campus while you’re on it. It’s huge and you will never run out of places to discover. Make the most of your time here!

Things I Wish I Knew As An Incoming Freshman

By: Ryo Nozawa

As the academic year is coming to an end, the campus is bustling with excitement, stress, worry, and basically all the emotions that encompass the human experience. Seniors are slowly saying quiet goodbyes to the place they knew most familiar for the past four years and the freshmen are awaiting the next few years with a naivete smile. As many of us know, coming to college is one of the most nerve-wracking and fortunate moments in one's life. It is us closing the chapter of everything familiar and embarking on a new place with new people and new experiences. As a second semester freshman, I look back on my first month and semester and think of my mistakes and successes. There were many moments when I thought I was doing the right thing at the right time but I quickly realized that my perfectionist mentality just doesn't cut it. If I could, I would love to go back in time and give some advice to myself. Since I can’t do that, I will be sharing my tips for the incoming freshmen.

1) You will find your friends…and it is okay to lose some.

The biggest worry of an incoming freshman is fitting in and making friends. No one wants to feel isolated, especially in an unfamiliar place.There is going to be an overwhelming fear that no one will like you or that you aren’t making friends with the right people. However, I promise you, you will find your people. I will also guarantee that the friends you made at orientation or the first few days probably will not be your forever, closest friends. You may see them around campus and you will smile and wave but the people that you will spend the most time with will come naturally and gradually. You will know when you click with someone or who you feel awkward around. Don’t forget that in many cases, your friend group will not solidify until the latter half of your college experience. Everyone is in the same place, we all want to fit in. If you lose friends along the way of finding the ones you feel comfortable with, do not dwell on it for too long. The best thing about college is that if you don’t vibe with someone, you can easily move on and find others that do. There are endless possibilities with so many unique individuals, do not limit yourself and do not be afraid to reach out.

2) Get over it...he’s just a frat boy.

If there is one thing I consistently say to all my friends it is “get over it”. Not because I am rushing them or that I am being brutal, but because it is almost always Just. Not. That. Deep. So the guy you met at the frat last night didn’t text you back after he confessed his ever-infinite love for you. Get. Over. It. He was probably wasted and thought you looked like his ex. I am not saying that I have never overthought. It is easy to allow boy-ish (or girl-ish) matters to consume you and your head but in retrospect, you will be okay. Allow yourself to feel however you feel for a moment but then snap yourself back to reality and get over it. Most of the time, they do not deserve your time, energy, and living in your mind rent free. That boy probably won’t matter in the next week, let alone the next month. For the first year, focusing on getting to know friends and yourself is so important. Coming to college has taught me my boundaries, limits, wants, and so much more. It has forced me to face myself and to learn to cater to my feelings and thoughts. So, the next time you think about that guy that doesn’t treat you correctly, remind yourself: Get. Over. It.

3) Say hi!

This advice is fairly simple. Say hi to the people in your halls, in class, in the laundry room, everywhere. This stays the most effective during the beginning months when everyone is trying to make friends and get to know people. A simple “hi” and a smile can lead to friendships, networking opportunities, etc. Not only that, it just feels nice to be greeted at and it can improve your day and theirs. Especially with those in your dorms, it is nice to see a familiar face and catch up in the halls since it creates a more friendly environment and it expands your network of friends/acquaintances.

4) Don’t skip your classes! (I still do it)

Now…the final advice is one that I still constantly need reminding of. Do not skip your classes. If you do it once, you will do it till the end of the semester. Especially that gen-ed class that you have no interest in…it is hard to consistently show up. However, my reminder for myself is that every class that I do not go to, I am wasting my money. Tuition is expensive and in this economy, we gotta take whatever we can get. I promise you, you will feel so much more fulfilled by the end of the semester if you actually showed up and learned new information. The worst feeling for me was ending my classes and feeling like I didn’t progress academically because I did not try to. I still made sure all my work was done in time but I never absorbed or processed my first semester's large lectures. I promise you, it is worth going to class.

By no means is freshman me a know-it-all and I cannot guarantee that you won’t make mistakes in your first year but regardless, you should. In fact, I want you to and I will continue to. We will all make mistakes, sometimes grave ones, but the only way we can learn how to do the right things is if we do the wrong things. My freshman year has been a blessing and I have learned so much in the past year about myself and those around me. I have met people from all walks of life and I have taken their stories as learning experiences and it has been a blessing. As a freshman, I am so excited for the next three years. For the incoming freshmen, remember to enjoy every moment and remain graceful in everything you do.