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

A relatively unknown term, laches or the” doctrine of laches,” means failure to assert one’s rights or a claim in a given matter in time. Failing to take action on a ...

Reduction in taxes payable to the IRS or local government. A tax credit is more beneficial to the taxpayer than an itemized deduction because it reduces taxes on a dollar-for-dollar basis. ...

The best atrium definition is that of a room with a roof open displaying the sky, but as with most things architecture (or even art) the atrium definition has changed with the passing of ...

A free-standing building having four dwelling units under one roof. Normally a quadriplex is a two-story complex with one dwelling unit located on top of and adjacent to another. Other ...

Exposure can have various meanings in real estate and insurance, depending on the context. Let’s have a thorough look at these scenarios! Exposure as property’s ...

Also known as “cap rate” or “income yield”, Capitalization Rate is a useful way to compute the rate of return on a real estate investment. It is commonly used in the ...

A measure of actual starts of houses, condominiums, and apartment construction. When an economy is going to take a downturn, the housing sector is the first to decline. The strength in ...

Shingles having uniform length, but random width. Random shingles give a creative appearance to a roof. ...

Brick wall where a space or cavity is left between the inner and outer walls and is usually filled with insulation. ...

Popular Real Estate Questions