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

What does Act of God mean? Acts of God or “force majeure” is typically how an insurance policy classifies peril situations that could not be prevented or defended by men. ...

Rights granted to owners of property restricted to conservation use, historic preservation, or some other low density function to sell to other landowners allowing them to develop their ...

Doing business as, or DBA, means an official moniker for your enterprise or company. Regularly, a DBA is a state certificate serving as a registration name and issued under a ...

Escrow, often known as collateral, is a legal concept. A third party is designated to hold an asset, resource, or a sum of money used in a transaction on behalf of the other two parties, ...

A court order issued to a defendant in an action either prohibiting or commanding the performance of a defined act. A violation of an injunction could lead to a contempt of court citation. ...

Right of any government agency to enact and enforce certain regulations to provide for the health and safety and general welfare of the public. ...

Welcome to the world of magical yet perplexing real estate! Undeniably, there's a lot to learn, but we're here to explain miscellaneous terminology so that you can make educated decisions. ...

Contractual clause freeing a party from personal liability. Foe example, an exculpatory clause in a mortgage agreement provides a mortgagor the ability to surrender a mortgage property in ...

Investments you can hold on to all your life or sell for a profit when they have appreciated in value. Real assets are those investments you can put hands on. Real property includes real ...

Popular Real Estate Questions