Imagine a world without real estate agents. Homebuyers would be forced to do their own property searches, scouring listings and visiting countless open houses to find their dream home.
Sellers would be forced to produce their own listings and advertise their property, hoping that potential buyers would show up for open houses ready to make a purchase.
Even worse, picture what would happen once a buyer and seller had found one another and agreed to a sale. Without a real estate agent to manage the transaction, there would be no one with the knowledge to oversee the financial, legal, and administrative tasks associated with buying and selling a property.
Real estate agents help to fill this knowledge gap, connecting buyers and sellers and managing all of the endless to-dos associated with transferring ownership from one party to another.
In the state of Maine, anyone hoping to work in this industry must first obtain a license from the Maine Real Estate Commission. This government body issues real estate licenses to individuals who have demonstrated a thorough understanding of all aspects of real estate practice and law.
If you’re considering a career in real estate, this article will guide you through the entire licensing process, from education requirements to keeping your license up-to-date over the years.
Getting Your Real Estate License in Maine
Getting your real estate license in Maine requires only a few simple steps, including requirements related to education, specialty coursework, taking an exam, and completing a simple online application.
Maine Professional Real Estate Agent Requirements
Prospective agents in Maine must follow this process to apply for a Real Estate Sales Agent license, which is required of anyone looking to work in the real estate industry in the state:
- Complete a 55-hour real estate course and pass with a score of 75% or higher.
- Take an exam and pass with a score of 75% or higher.
- Fill out an application on the Maine Real Estate Commission website.1
- Wait for the Maine Real Estate Commission to review the application, perform a background check and issue the license.
Age and Basic Education Requirements
There are only two prerequisites for applicants seeking a new real estate license in Maine.2 Every applicant must be 18 or older and must have earned either a high school diploma or GED.
Required Course Duration for Licensing
Before filling out an application for a Maine real estate license, potential agents must complete an industry-specific course. Known as “The Sales Agent Course,” this 55-hour program includes a complete overview of real estate principles as well as real estate laws within the state.
The state Real Estate Commission offers a full list of approved courses on their website.3 Before registering for a course, applicants should make sure it appears on this list, as other real estate courses won’t count toward the education requirement for a license.
Pre-License Course Expenses in Real Estate School
The cost of real estate school in Maine varies upon which program you attend. One private self-study option costs $450 for all coursework and materials,4 while another program with live, online instruction costs $445.5
Some community colleges also offer this coursework, and prices will vary based on location. Those who are struggling to pay for these courses may find resources at local community or junior colleges.
Mandatory Real Estate Background Inquiry (Fingerprint Office Locations)
Real estate license applicants in Maine are not required to get fingerprinted as part of the application process. The Maine Real Estate Commission does do a full background check on all potential licensees, however, and any criminal history must be disclosed when completing the application.
Maine does not ban anyone from getting a real estate license based on criminal history. Instead, the Maine Real Estate Commission will review each application and make a decision based on the information provided.
This means that things like a felony, misdemeanor, or expungement don’t automatically disqualify you from earning a real estate license.
If I Switch Brokerages, Can I Take My Listings With Me?
No, even if you brought in the listings, the agreement for this listing is legally between the seller and the brokerage you work for.7 A brokerage may elect to release a listing, but has no obligation to.
What Should I Do if My Real Estate Sales Agent License Is About To Expire and I’m Not Ready To Take the Associate Broker Exam?
A Real Estate Sales Agent license in Maine is valid for two years and is non-renewable; agents should then gear up for the Associate Broker exam to progress. If you need more time, you can pay a $100 extension fee and complete the Sales Agent Extension Application.6
References
1Department of Professional and Financial Regulation. (2023). Real Estate Commission. Regulatory Licensing & Permitting Application. Retrieved October 30, 2023, from <https://licensing.web.maine.gov/cgi-bin/online/licensing/begin.pl?board_number=4060>
2State of Maine. (2020). Real Estate Commission – Licensing – Individual Licenses. State of Maine Professional & Financial Regulation. Retrieved October 30, 2023, from <https://www.maine.gov/pfr/professionallicensing/professions/real-estate-commission/licensing/individual-licenses>
3State of Maine. (2023, September 19). QUALIFYING EDUCATION COURSE SCHEDULE. MAINE REAL ESTATE COMMISSION. Retrieved October 30, 2023, from <https://www.maine.gov/pfr/professionallicensing/sites/maine.gov.pfr.professionallicensing/files/inline-files/QESchedule.pdf>
4The Real Estate Learning Group. (2023). Maine Sales Agent Course – Online Version 100% Self-Study and Self-Paced. Maine Sales Agent Course Online. Retrieved October 30, 2023, from <https://trelg.com/Page.php?id=1533>
5Real Estate Institute of New England. (2023). Maine Sales Agent Course. Real Estate Institute of New England. Retrieved October 30, 2023, from <https://reiofne.asapconnected.com/?org=5331>
6State of Maine. (2023). Real Estate Commission – Frequently Asked Questions – Sales Agent – Entry Level Licensing. Professional & Financial Regulation. Retrieved October 30, 2023, from <https://www.maine.gov/pfr/professionallicensing/professions/real-estate-commission/frequently-asked-questions/sales-agent-entry-level-licensing>
7State of Maine. (2023). Real Estate Commission – Frequently Asked Questions – Consumer Questions. Professional and Financial Regulation. Retrieved October 30, 2023, from <https://www.maine.gov/pfr/professionallicensing/professions/real-estate-commission/frequently-asked-questions/consumer-questions>