Thread: What's the difference between a broker and sales associate?

What are the differences and which is better when it comes to buying or selling a home: broker, broker associate, sales associate?

The broker is the one who holds the license for the office, the associates work for the broker, my dad was in Real estate for 40 years and he was a broker and an apraiser. I would have to say that all three are good to deal with.

To manage/own a real estate office, there must be someone with a Broker's license. This person would be the Designated Broker. He is ultimately responsible for every Sales Associate and Associate Broker in his office.

From there, the Designated Broker, who may or may not be the owner hires Sales Associates. They must have a real estate license. This often called a Sales Associate license.

If one chooses to do so, they can take continuing education & take the broker's exam. They will then obtain their Associate Broker license.

In my state, the requirement for an Associate Broker license is at least 2 years full time experience, 30 clock hours in real estate law, 30 clock hours in brokerage management, 30 clock hours in business management, and a 30 clock hour in an approved elective course and passing the exam.

The requirements for a Sales Associate are a 60 clock hour in real estate fundementals and passing the exam.

Broker's can go and start their own company and hire Sales Associates to work under them.

Sales associates CANNOT go out on their own, but must "hang their license" with a broker.

Hope this helps.

P.S. I would advise to work with a broker.

Why?

They have encountered more problems and solved them successfully than a sales associate who may just be getting into the business.

If you had to hire someone to do your taxes would you hire a bookkeeper (Sales Associate), or an accountant CPA (Broker)?