Definition of "Principal broker"

To understand what a principal broker is, we have to go back up the family tree of real estate.

You do understand all brokers can be real estate agents, but not every real estate agent can be a broker, right? That’s because, to obtain a broker’s license, the real estate agent has to attend additional broker’s classes and, in some states, have some proven experience in the real estate market.

Ok, with that in mind, you must also understand that most of the states prohibit real estate agents from working without brokerage supervision. They can do everything, but once a deal is set in place, the real estate agent will need a broker to close things properly. However, there are some individuals that do possess a broker license but still work as real estate agents under another broker. They are brokers that prefer not having the heavy costs of running an office and/or the responsibilities of having their name on the billboard.

So, finally, the Principal Broker is the fearless one who puts his name on the billboard and carry the burden of maintaining a business. The big boss. El Jefe. The Principal Broker.

Also known as managing broker or qualifying broker, the principal broker is the one with the legal authority to sign agency contracts with a home buyer or a home seller and the one who supervises all agents working on a brokerage firm. He/she is the supervisor, and sometimes the home buyer or home seller doesn't even get to meet him/her! 

How does the principal broker earn a living?

Well, because his/her existence allows the real estate agent to close deals and profit from it, the principal broker normally receives an override on the sales of all the licensees working under his/her license.

 

Comments for Principal Broker

Sharice Williams Sharice Williams said:

Are Real Estate agents in Arkansas automatically Brokers? Also, how would I search to find out if someone is a licensed broker in the state of Arkansas?

Feb 17, 2020  19:45:42

 
Real Estate Agent

Hi Sharice! 

 

the answer to your question is no, not necessarily. In Arkansas, a person can be a real estate agent without a real estate broker's license, as long as they are under the auspices of a licensed broker. 

Feb 21, 2020  10:56:44
 
 
image of a real estate dictionary page

Have a question or comment?

We're here to help.

*** Your email address will remain confidential.
 

 

Popular Real Estate Terms

Founded in 1969 and located in West Palm Beach, FL, NACORE has 3,273 members. Its members consist of anyone managing, administering and/or operating regional real estate departments for ...

The arrangement of the walls and rooms in a structure. A two-dimensional horizontal scale drawing of the arrangements, size, and orientation of doors, rooms, walls, and windows of a single ...

There’s a time when it’s neither a Buyer’s Market nor a Seller’s Market. We call it “Renter’s Market”. It’s that time where, despite ...

Method of construction where vertical siding is attached to a horizontal framing structure. Often found in the design of agricultural buildings. ...

Some real estate sales require court confirmation of purchase to protect heirs and debtors from financial wrongs. These sellers have to sell their property due to unique circumstances. They ...

Wondering what “de facto” means? Well, because it’s a Latin word, let’s give a formal definition. De facto is Latin for indeed, in fact, in reality, actually. An ...

Expenditures incurred to initially purchase property, including incidental costs necessary to put the property into existing use and location. This cost is then depreciated over the assets ...

Right to peaceful enjoyment of property while the legal title is held by one person and the property is used by another. ...

Securing lease commitments to a building prior to its being available for occupancy. For example, a developer offers a discounted lease to potential tenants providing they agree to sign a ...

Popular Real Estate Questions