Pine Tree State Licensing
How to Get Your Maine Real Estate License
55 hours of pre-licensing, a PSI exam, and Maine's distinctive shoreland zoning, buyer agency law, and lead paint disclosure requirements.
Maine Real Estate Commission
The Maine Real Estate Commission (MREC) under the Department of Professional and Financial Regulation administers all real estate licensing. Maine requires a 55-hour pre-licensing course.
The Maine real estate exam is administered by PSI: 80 national questions (150 minutes) and 30 state questions (60 minutes). Both portions require a 75% passing score. Maine licenses are renewed every two years with 21 hours of CE.
Maine Fast Facts
Pre-Licensing
55 hours of MREC-approved education in a single course format.
Buyer Agency
Maine was among the early states to establish statutory buyer agency rights.
Shoreland Zoning
Maine's Mandatory Shoreland Zoning Act governs development within 250 feet of water bodies.
Transfer Tax
$2.20 per $500 of sale price, split equally between buyer and seller.
Maine State-Specific Topics
Maine's Mandatory Shoreland Zoning Act requires all municipalities to adopt zoning that restricts development within 250 feet of great ponds, rivers, and coastal wetlands. Agents listing waterfront or near-water properties must be familiar with local shoreland zoning ordinances.
Maine has a high percentage of pre-1978 housing, making lead paint disclosure (under the federal Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act) a frequent exam topic.
Maine has a Real Estate Transfer Tax of $2.20 per $500 of value (split between buyer and seller). This is a common calculation question on the Maine state exam.
Maine Real Estate Exam FAQ
What is the Shoreland Zoning Act and what does it restrict?
Maine's Mandatory Shoreland Zoning Act restricts development within 250 feet of water bodies. Restrictions include limits on vegetation removal, building setbacks, and impervious surface coverage. Local ordinances may be even stricter.
What is Maine's transfer tax rate?
$2.20 per $500 of sale price, split equally between buyer ($1.10) and seller ($1.10) per $500 of value.
Does Maine have reciprocity with other states?
Maine has reciprocal agreements with several New England states. Applicants from reciprocal states may be able to waive the national portion and take only the state exam.