Real estate broker
A licensed real estate professional who has completed additional training beyond a salesperson license. Brokers can run their own firm or supervise other agents.
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Part 1 of 4
Why a seller cares
A broker has more training than a salesperson and can run a firm or supervise agents. The word appears on the listing agreement, because the contract is with the brokerage, not with the person who visited your kitchen.
Part 2 of 4
A simple example
Your listing agreement names a brokerage as the party and your agent as its representative. The broker, not the agent, is legally responsible for it.
| The license | What it allows |
|---|---|
| Salesperson | To represent clients under a broker |
| Broker | To run a firm and supervise salespeople |
| Managing or principal broker | To be the one responsible for everyone at the firm |
Agent is the job. Broker is the license that stands behind the contract.
Part 3 of 4
What people get wrong
That broker means better. It means more licensed; skill is a separate question.
Part 4 of 4 · where to read next
Where it appears in the sale
What a definition is, and what it isn't
Keighbor is a software company, not a law firm, brokerage, or tax adviser. This is general information, not legal, tax, financial, or real estate advice about your sale. Your situation may differ. Before acting on a contract, disclosure, title, tax, or pricing question, ask an appropriately licensed professional in your state.
Written and researched by Keighbor Research · drawn from the reference glossary · how we research and check what we publish
In your Room, this word explains itself where it appears.
Your Room defines real estate broker in the step you meet it in, beside the document or the date it belongs to. Free to set up, with an agent or on your own.
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