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

Having a criminal record should not deter you from applying to get a real estate license in Connecticut.

It may make the process a little more difficult, but it won’t lead to an outright refusal of licensure.

In this article, we provide all the information you need to understand how having a criminal history impacts the real estate licensing process in the state.

Read on as we break down everything you need to know to navigate this situation effectively.

While a background check is not required to get a real estate license in Connecticut, you are expected to disclose your criminal history on your application.

You’ll find a series of questions related to your background that you must answer. If you do have a criminal record, you’ll also have to provide details about the offense and the corresponding conviction.

With this information on your application, the Connecticut Real Estate Commission will handle any further investigation into your background.

Connecticut law does give the Commission the ability to deny a license based on your criminal record, but it’s not an outright ’no’ if you’ve been convicted of a felony.

Certain factors must be looked at in relation to the conviction first, including:

• Nature of crime and its relationship to real estate practice
• Degree of rehabilitation of convicted person
• Time elapsed since conviction/release

Submitting documents like a certificate of rehabilitation or a provisional pardon, should these be available, can also help your case.

Should your application get denied, the Commission is required to send you notification in writing and include the specific evidence that led to the rejection.

Connecticut General Statutes operate under the belief that nobody should be turned away from employment based solely on their criminal history.

For this reason, having a misdemeanor on your criminal record will not automatically deny you eligibility to get your Connecticut real estate license.

However, taking into consideration the same factors used when reviewing a felony conviction, the Commission can decide to deny you a license.

You may also be at a higher risk of refusal of licensure if your past crimes include, among others:

• Forgery
• Embezzlement
• Obtaining money under false pretenses
• Extortion
• Criminal conspiracy to defraud

These crimes all tie in closely with the responsibilities of a Connecticut real estate agent, and could, based on your specific circumstances, interfere with your ability to do your job right.

You’ll be notified in writing by the Commission, where they’ll cite the specific evidence that led to the decision.

While you definitely can get a real estate license if you have a DUI, the specifics of your conviction will ultimately determine whether you’re eligible.

What impacts the Commission’s decision to grant or deny a license are details like how long it has been since your conviction and what steps toward rehabilitation have you already taken.

You’ll need to disclose all of this information on your application, giving the Commission time to decide if a DUI will prevent you from getting a real estate license.

Using the information and documentation you provide, along with assessing how your crime relates to your ability to be a real estate professional, they’ll make a ruling.

Should your application get rejected, you’ll receive notification in writing, stating exactly what the reasons for denial were.

Since all the information about your criminal history begins with how you respond to the related questions on your real estate license application, it’s important to be honest.

Don’t hide any relevant information, or any past convictions. Being transparent and forthcoming are often seen as positive personality traits that can only help you.

Additionally, make sure you submit all the relevant documentation related to your past convictions. Focus on what steps you’ve taken toward rehabilitation as well.

Since no crime is an automatic refusal, making sure you share all the relevant details will most likely only help your case.

You do have the right to appeal a denial of licensure from the Commission.

Details of how to set up a hearing to make an appeal are included in the letter from the Commission sharing their decision to deny your application.

Once you’ve scheduled your hearing, make sure you arrive prepared with new evidence, if you have any, pertaining to your case.

You want to try and show the Commission information they might not have seen before.

When a complaint is filed against you as a licensed real estate professional, it goes under review. If proven valid, the next step is a hearing.

If evidence presented during the hearing leads to the complaint being proven true, there are a few potential outcomes.

You will have to stop doing the offending action and make the complainant whole for one, but you may also have to pay damages, including fees incurred during the hearing.

There may also be a civil liberty penalty.

It may also be decided that remedial action is necessary. This can include a restriction of professional abilities for a set amount of time, or go as far as license disqualification.

You have a myriad of choices for where to study for your real estate exam, and you can easily pick one that will allow you to learn better and faster.

Pre-licensing education providers typically offer their classes via in-person learning or through online classes. Each of these formats have specific benefits and advantages.

If you can’t decide which method to go for, our A-to-Z guide on online vs in-person real estate classes offers a wealth of information to help guide your decision.

Once you’ve completed your real estate courses in Connecticut before submitting your license application, you’re already invested in the process when getting to this critical point.

This is why it’s so important you’re forthcoming on your application about your past.

Once your application gets approved, you’ll be able to schedule and take the real estate license exam, so you also want to get yourself ready for that at this time.

That means properly studying for the real estate exam, even while your application is under review.

You don’t want to delay being able to take the exam because you’re not ready when your application gets approved.

To start studying, it’s best to begin by collecting the right resources. This primarily includes the notes you’ll take during class.

Transform these notes into study tools by creating topic outlines and flashcards. These will help streamline your study time and allow you to be sure you’re covering all the right info.

Cross-reference your notes with the exam outline in the Candidate Information Bulletin to make sure you haven’t left out anything important.

With all your study materials ready to go, set aside time each day to review. There’s no need to cram it all in the night before.

Make sure you have a dedicated spot for studying that’s quiet and offers minimal chance of interruption or distraction.

If you notice yourself struggling with staying motivated, consider forming a study group with other students from your pre-licensing class.

As the test date approaches, continue your review, get a good night’s sleep before exam day, and eat a good breakfast before heading out to the test.

Being fully prepared in every way will make a big difference in passing the Connecticut real estate exam the first time.

To complete your license application, you will be required to get a licensed broker to sponsor you.

You won’t be able to receive an active license without being sponsored by a Connecticut real estate brokerage firm.

Take your time in choosing a real estate broker to work for so you will be able to work with a company that fully supports your career goals.

Make sure to complete all the steps in the licensing process and meet all the requirements to make your licensing journey effortless.

This article on how long to get a Connecticut real estate license gives you an idea of the estimated timeline involved to complete the licensing process.

Our guide on how much it costs to get a Connecticut real estate license, on the other hand, shares all the expenses involved in obtaining your license in the state.

As you wait for your license approval, use your waiting time to learn productively about the real estate industry. These resources can help:

• How to join a real estate team
• What to do after passing the real estate exam
• The benefits of being a real estate agent

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.