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.

Agents & representation · Updated September 2026

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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.

Real estate broker: a simple example
The licenseWhat it allows
SalespersonTo represent clients under a broker
BrokerTo run a firm and supervise salespeople
Managing or principal brokerTo 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

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