Can You Get a New Hampshire Real Estate License with Violations such as Felony, DUI or Misdemeanor?

Existing convictions in your criminal history will not automatically deny you eligibility to get a real estate license in New Hampshire.

However, they will add an extra step in the process of licensure that you need to know about.

To ensure you know what’s coming, should you have convictions in your history, keep reading. We break down the specifics you need to know.

Part of the requirements for getting your real estate license in New Hampshire is to pass a background check.

It’s best to take care of this earlier in the process since it’s a general requirement, but not too early. Results are only valid for six months.

While you do not have to submit fingerprints to initiate your background check, you do have to send in a notarized authorization form and pay the $25 fee.

Should you run into any issues, you can refer to the instructions released by the Office of Professional Licensure & Certification.

Each person’s criminal history is reviewed separately by the New Hampshire Real Estate Commission, and eligibility is determined by the particulars of your specific situation.

Should you have a felony in your past, you must submit an Arrest and Conviction Form. This document calls for many particulars of your case.

You must also provide a thorough explanation of the circumstances around your conviction(s), so the Commission has a complete understanding of your case.

From there, after a review, the Commission will decide if you’re eligible for licensure, although they do retain the right to refuse you.

You must follow the same process in disclosing your criminal history if you have a misdemeanor conviction as you would with a felony conviction.

You’ll submit the Arrest and Conviction Form, along with a detailed explanation of your conviction(s).

From there, the Commission will review your case and make a determination, although there’s a higher risk of disqualification if you’ve been convicted of a violent misdemeanor.

While a DUI won’t prevent you from getting a real estate license automatically, it is something that could lead to eligibility disqualification.

Because of its classification as a misdemeanor, the particulars of your situation are very important when it comes to the Commission’s review.

If this is just a first offense, it may be easier to get approved for licensure versus a second or third, which requires a mandatory jail sentence.

To allow the Commission to effectively determine if you can get a real estate license if you have a DUI, submit the Arrest and Conviction Form, along with the details of your situation.

Since the process for alerting the Commission of any past criminal convictions is pretty straightforward, the best tip is to follow the process.

Your full criminal history will come out with your background check results, so make sure to get out in front of the situation by getting your Arrest and Conviction Form in quickly.

Also, don’t forget to submit supporting documentation that explains the particulars of your conviction. Include the steps you’ve taken since the conviction to rehabilitate.

Should the Commission come back to you asking for more detail, respond promptly and cooperate as best you can.

In New Hampshire, an appeal is allowed for anyone facing revocation or suspension of an existing real estate license as well as those denied initial licensure.

You must request the appeal within 30 days after the filing of the Commission’s decision. The appeal will then go through superior court.

During the appeal, the Commission’s decision is suspended, and after the appeal and review, the court can decide to confirm, reverse, or modify the initial ruling.

The Commission reserves the right to investigate anyone acting as a real estate broker or real estate agent in New Hampshire. If found guilty after a hearing, the Commission can decide to:

• Suspend or deny license renewal
• Levy a fine of up to $2,000 per offense
• Require additional coursework be completed in relation to the violation

In certain situations, consequences may lead to a license disqualification.

Once your eligibility for licensure is established, you can really dig into the process of getting a real estate license in New Hampshire.

The first step is to complete your pre-licensing real estate classes in New Hampshire. This will prepare you for the real estate license exam by giving you all the right information to study.

You can take your pre-licensing education via remote learning or through a traditional classroom setup. Each of these methods have their pros and cons, so be sure to study your options well.

To help you decide, read our A-to-Z guide comparing real estate courses online vs classroom.

Taking detailed class notes makes studying for the real estate exam much easier, and you should also check the Candidate Information Bulletin for a complete outline of the topics covered in the test.

Getting all your materials together means your study time will be focused on the right topics. Now, you just need to find a good spot where you can concentrate.

Look for a quiet spot you have regular access to. This should be somewhere with limited distractions and interruptions. Try to set aside at least 30 minutes each day to review.

If sticking to a study schedule or maintaining a good study space becomes difficult, consider forming a study group with your classmates. They may make it easier to focus.

When you feel you’re ready, schedule your exam, but keep reviewing up until test day.

To be fully prepared, don’t forget to get a good night’s sleep before the big day, and eat a healthy breakfast before you head out to your testing location.

Taking the time to figure out what to study for the New Hampshire real estate exam and where to study, all while giving yourself enough time, will help you feel confident when the test begins.

Be sure to read all the rules and regulations laid out by the Commission to ensure a smooth licensing process.

Once you’ve established your eligibility, you can then focus on completing all the requirements and filing your license application.

An important item to tick off of your list is to get sponsorship from a licensed broker. Choose one from our directory of the best real estate brokerages in New Hampshire.

Before you choose one, refer to our guide discussing how to pick a broker to work for to get an idea of what to look for in a real estate brokerage firm.

It’s also a must to understand the financial commitment involved in obtaining a real estate license in the state. We discuss this topic in detail in our article on real estate license in NH costs.

In addition, refer to our article on how long to get an NH real estate license to know the estimated timeline for completing the licensing process.

When you’ve filed your application, you can read up on useful resources as you wait for license approval.

Part of your readings should be about what to do after passing the real estate exam to give you an idea of the actions to take to successfully start your real estate career in the state.

Knowing the pros and cons of being a real estate agent, meanwhile, will walk you through what to expect when working as a realtor.

You should also make preparations to join a real estate team as this is where you will meet experienced agents to guide your career.

To help you build and grow your real estate career quickly, we at Real Estate Bees created a directory for real estate professionals.

It’s designed to help you get more exposure for your business, including receiving leads. Create a free profile by signing up here.

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About the Author

Kristina Morales is a REALTOR® with over 20 years of professional experience. She actively practices real estate in Ohio but also has practiced real estate in California and Texas. Conducting her real estate business in three states has allowed her to gain unique experiences that make her a well-rounded realtor. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Business Management and her MBA with a concentration in Banking and Finance. Prior to real estate, Kristina had an extensive corporate career in banking and treasury. She ended her finance career as an Assistant Treasurer at a publicly traded oil & gas company in Houston, TX.