License Categories

It is important to understand the difference between a Sales Associate, Broker Associate and a Broker. A sales associate is a licensed real estate professional who must work under the supervision of a licensed broker. Sales associates are authorized to perform real estate services such as listing properties, showing homes, and assisting buyers and sellers, but they cannot operate independently. All real estate activities must be conducted in the name of their employing broker, who is legally responsible for the sales associates actions.A broker associate holds a brokers license but chooses to work under another broker instead of operating their own brokerage. Although they have completed the education and experience required to be a broker, they do not open or run the brokerage and do not assume the legal responsibility of a broker. In practice, they function similarly to a sales associate, but their higher license level reflects advanced knowledge and qualifications. A broker is the highest level of real estate licensure and is permitted to operate independently. Brokers may open and manage their own brokerage, hire and supervise sales associates and broker associates, and are legally responsible for all real estate activities conducted under their firm. They handle trust accounts, ensure legal compliance, and are accountable to the state for the actions of the licensees they supervise.