Key Takeaways
- The New Hampshire Real Estate Commission operates under the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC)
- The Commission consists of five members: two licensed brokers, one licensed salesperson, one attorney, and one public member
- The Commission enforces RSA 331-A, the New Hampshire Real Estate Practice Act
- New Hampshire requires 40 hours of pre-license education for salesperson applicants
- The Commission has authority to investigate complaints, conduct audits, and impose disciplinary actions including fines up to $10,000
New Hampshire Real Estate Commission
The New Hampshire Real Estate Commission operates within the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC) and is responsible for licensing and regulating real estate professionals in New Hampshire under RSA 331-A, the New Hampshire Real Estate Practice Act.
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Commission Structure and Authority
Commission Members
The New Hampshire Real Estate Commission consists of five members:
| Member Type | Number | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Licensed brokers | 2 | Active New Hampshire broker license |
| Licensed salesperson | 1 | Active New Hampshire salesperson license |
| Attorney | 1 | Licensed to practice law in NH |
| Public member | 1 | Not licensed in real estate |
Key Commission Functions
| Function | Description |
|---|---|
| Licensing | Process applications, approve education providers, issue licenses |
| Education | Set education requirements, approve courses and schools |
| Enforcement | Investigate complaints, conduct escrow account audits |
| Discipline | Suspend, revoke, or deny licenses; impose fines up to $10,000 |
| Rulemaking | Adopt administrative rules (Chapter Rea 100-700) |
RSA 331-A: New Hampshire Real Estate Practice Act
The New Hampshire Real Estate Practice Act (RSA 331-A) is the primary statute governing real estate licensing in New Hampshire. Key provisions include:
- Who must be licensed - Definitions of broker and salesperson activities
- Exemptions - Attorneys, property owners, certain employees
- Prohibited conduct - Actions that violate the law
- Disciplinary actions - Grounds for suspension or revocation
- Escrow fund handling - Requirements for client funds
Administrative Rules (Chapter Rea 100-700)
The Commission adopts administrative rules that implement the Practice Act:
- License application procedures
- Education requirements and course approval
- Advertising standards
- Escrow account requirements
- Agency disclosure procedures
Exam Tip: The Commission operates under OPLC (Office of Professional Licensure and Certification). Recent updates effective October 1, 2024, modified post-licensing requirements for first-time licensees.
Disciplinary Authority
The New Hampshire Real Estate Commission has broad authority to discipline licensees who violate RSA 331-A or administrative rules.
Disciplinary Actions Available
| Action | Description |
|---|---|
| License denial | Refuse to issue license |
| License suspension | Temporary loss of license |
| License revocation | Permanent loss of license |
| Monetary fines | Up to $10,000 per violation |
| Required education | Additional training requirements |
| Probation | Conditional license with restrictions |
Public Records
The Commission maintains disciplinary records on their website for 7 years. The public can verify license status and disciplinary history through the Online License Verification system.
Commission Contact Information
| Resource | Information |
|---|---|
| Website | oplc.nh.gov |
| Governing Law | RSA 331-A |
| Administrative Rules | Chapter Rea 100-700 |
| Exam Provider | PSI |
| Testing Centers | Concord, Nashua, Portsmouth |
How many members serve on the New Hampshire Real Estate Commission?
What is the maximum fine the New Hampshire Real Estate Commission can impose per violation?