Real estate offers a dynamic and fulfilling career path. Instead of being stuck at a desk, you engage in various activities like meeting clients, exploring properties, analyzing market trends, and staging homes. In Montana, you can pursue either a real estate salesperson license or a broker license.
In this blog, we’ll outline the steps to help you kick-start your real estate career in Montana and receive your Montana real estate license.
MONTANA REAL ESTATE LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
Every state regulatory body has established its own licensing systems and criteria to protect the public against unqualified or unethical real estate practitioners. To legally buy, sell, or lease property, you need an active real estate license issued by the Montana Board of Realty Regulation.
The basic prerequisites for acquiring a salesperson license in Montana include:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Complete 10th grade or more at an accredited high school or equivalent
- Complete 70 hours of pre-licensing instruction within the last 24 months from a Board-approved school and instructor
- Pass the Montana Salesperson Real Estate Exam
- Get broker affiliation
- Submit the application
MONTANA EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
Within 24 months before your application, you are required to finish 70 hours of pre-licensing education from a school or provider that the Board approves. This education can be taken through in-person classroom courses available across the state or via various online programs.
Additionally, before the first renewal date after your license has been initially issued, you will need to complete a new licensee continuing education program, often referred to as the 12-hour rookie course. After this, an annual completion of 12 hours of continuing education is mandatory.
WHAT ARE THE STEPS FOR GETTING MY MONTANA REAL ESTATE LICENSE?
Here are the steps to follow for getting your Montana real estate license:
1. Complete the Required Pre-license Course
You need to finish a 70-hour pre-licensing course that's approved by the authorities. This course can be taken either online or in person.
2. Achieve Success in the Licensing Exam
You are required to pass the licensing exam within the past 12 months, scoring at least 80% on the uniform section and 70% on the state section. The license examinations are administered by Applied Measurement Professionals, Inc. (AMP) through computer-based testing at designated sites.
3. Secure a Supervising Broker
To work as a real estate salesperson, you must have sponsorship from a licensed real estate broker. You'll work and learn in the office of this supervising broker.
4. Submit the Application
The application process involves a fee of $185.00, which covers the application and recovery. It's important to note that your supervising broker needs to complete a section of the application, confirming their commitment to actively train and supervise you.
5. Provide All Necessary Documentation
Along with your application, you must submit evidence of at least a 10th-grade high school education, proof of completing the pre-license course, a copy of your AMP exam results, and proof of age (like a driver’s license, passport, or birth certificate).
Remember, states periodically update their requirements, so it’s smart to visit the Montana Board of Realty Regulation website occasionally to stay up to date.
MONTANA REAL ESTATE EXAM TIPS
Here are some Montana real estate exam tips to help you succeed:
- The more effort you put into practicing and training, the more confident you'll become, not only in facing the exam but also in navigating the real estate industry.
- It's crucial to educate yourself and absorb knowledge from mentors.
- If the exam material is entirely new to you, it's best to start your study and training regimen earlier than others might need to.
- A strong commitment to the job means being prepared to put in additional effort when necessary.
- Particular attention to areas where you feel less confident, dedicating extra time to those subjects to strengthen your understanding.
- Stay driven, but also to avoid overworking yourself. Cramming all night before the exam is counterproductive; with proper rest, your ability to concentrate and perform well on the test will be protected.
- Even if you feel familiar with the topics, and despite encountering some easy questions, fatigue can lead you to overlook vital details or struggle to maintain focus throughout the exam.
In short, balance is key: be thorough in your preparation, but also ensure you're well-rested and alert for the exam.
WHAT ELSE SHOULD I KNOW ABOUT MONTANA REAL ESTATE?
Here are some other factors you should know about that are part of Montana real estate:
THE CURRENT REAL ESTATE MARKET
According to Salary.com, the average Real Estate Sales Agent salary in Montana is $41,903, but the range typically falls between $40,935 and $53,300. This varies depending on location and an agent’s motivation and effort.
MONTANA BOARD OF REALTY REGULATION
The Department of Labor and Industries' division, the Montana Board of Realty Regulation, oversees the regulation of real estate education requirements.
Additionally, it is responsible for issuing, revoking, and suspending licenses, as well as implementing rules to enforce the provisions of the Montana Real Estate License Law.
ASSOCIATION OF REAL ESTATE LICENSE LAW OFFICIALS
The Association of Real Estate License Law Officials (ARELLO) oversees the regulation of real estate practices and enforces real estate laws for government agencies or other entities globally that issue real estate licenses and registrations. The presence of the ARELLO seal indicates that a real estate school has achieved the standards set by ARELLO.
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®
The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), established in 1908, stands as the most prominent professional organization in the real estate sector. To become a full member, an individual must hold a state-issued real estate license and join their local NAR association.
A REALTOR® is a real estate expert who adheres to a stringent ethical code, referred to as the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice.
Montana Real Estate FAQs
Still have questions? We’re here to help. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about getting a Montana real estate license.
Where Do I Take the Montana Realtor Exam?
You must visit an authorized testing center to sit for the Montana real estate exam. The approved PSI testing facilities for this exam are in the following cities: Billings, Helena, Kalispell, and Missoula.
How Long Does It Take To Get a Montana Realtor License?
Typically, getting an active real estate license in Montana can take between three and six months. The most time-consuming aspects are completing the pre-license education and preparing for the exam. However, if you dedicate yourself to full-time study, you might be able to finish the process in as little as two months.
How Much Does a Realtor License Cost in Montana?
A real estate license in Montana can cost between $540-$891 depending on your preferred real estate school and course. Here is a breakdown of the various fees and expenses included in the total cost of a real estate license in Montana:
Course / Package Fees |
$249-$600 |
Background Check |
N/A |
Real Estate License Application Fees |
$185 |
Examination Fees |
$106 |
What Is the Average Realtor Fee in Montana?
In most home sales, two real estate agents are typically involved:
- The seller's agent, also known as the listing agent, represents the home's seller.
- The buyer's agent represents the homebuyer.
The average commission rate for listing agents is 2.68% of the home's final selling price, and the rate is the same for buyer's agents, amounting to 2.68%. This brings the total average commission to 5.36%.
For example, a home in Montana valued at $453,567, which is the median home value in the state, would result in a realtor fee of approximately $24,311.
GET YOUR REAL ESTATE SALESPERSON LICENSE WITH VanEd
To become a Montana salesperson, you can fulfill the required education without even stepping out of your home with VanEd.
We offer ARELLO-approved online pre-licensing courses that comply with state mandates. These Pre-license Packages are:
- The Montana 70-Hour Basic Pre-License Basic Package – Includes pre-license course.
- The Montana 70-Hour Salesperson Premium Pre-license Package - Includes VanEd's National Real Estate Exam Prep course.
Get started by enrolling today!
Written and Published by: VanEd