The Massachusetts Real Estate License Law (M.G.L. c. 112, §§ 87PP–87DDD) applies to anyone who engages in the business of buying, selling, leasing, or negotiating real estate transactions for a fee, commission, or other valuable consideration, unless specifically exempt.
Exemptions include:
Regular salaried employees of property owners who lease or manage property owned by their employer (no license needed).
Salespersons selling their own primary residence (no license needed, as owners always may sell their own property).
Referrals: A licensed person may receive compensation, but unlicensed referral fees are prohibited.
A property manager who handles sales of units (not just leasing or maintenance) is engaged in brokerage activities requiring a license. Therefore, the Real Estate License Law applies in this case.
[Reference: M.G.L. c. 112, §§ 87QQ, 87RR; Massachusetts Real Estate Candidate Information Bulletin – Licensing Requirements., ]
