A real estate broker is a licensed professional who has completed additional training and licensing requirements beyond those of a real estate agent. They can work independently and hire other real estate agents to work for them. A broker is responsible for the supervision and conduct of the real estate brokerage business, and they apply for and hold the license on behalf of the brokerage. All real estate agents must work for a broker, who oversees their work and ensures that all transactions are legally compliant.
Here are some key differences between a real estate broker and an agent:
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Licensing: A broker has earned an advanced license that gives them important rights and responsibilities, while an agent has a professional license to help people buy, sell, and rent real estate.
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Responsibilities: Brokers can do everything an agent can do – market a home, write up a contract, represent a buyer or seller – but they can also take on added responsibilities like managing agents.
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Ownership: A designated broker is the owner of a real estate brokerage, while agents work for the broker.
To become a real estate broker, an individual must first obtain their real estate agent’s license. Once they have done that, they can take the next step of getting their broker license. Each state has its own rules and regulations regarding the process.