A broker is a person or entity that arranges contracts and acts as an intermediary between a buyer and seller for a commission . A broker is an independent party to a transaction and should not be confused with an agent who acts on behalf of a principal party in a deal.
A broker is an individual or firm that acts as an intermediary between an investor and a securities exchange, usually buying or selling securities for investor clients. A broker can also refer to the role of a firm when it acts as an agent for a customer and charges the customer a commission for its services.
(This is not a complete definition. See Section 25004). Generally speaking, broker-dealers are persons that act as securities dealers or brokers or perform both functions. A broker is an individual or firm who acts as an intermediary between a buyer and seller, usually charging a commission.
The Bottom Line Agents help people buy, sell, and rent properties. These individuals work for brokers. Brokers, on the other hand, can work on their own, set their own hours, and hire agents to work for them.
All states require that anyone wishing to practice real estate as a sales agent or broker must first obtain a state license to do so. Without such a license, anyone practicing real estate in the state commits a crime.
An agent is an employee of the broker-dealer and is subject to the supervision and control of the broker-dealer.
Please note that the listing or sale of real property within Azusa is considered business activity and both listing agent & broker and selling agent & broker are required to obtain a business license. A California Department of Real Estate license does not act as a city business license.
Brokers often can represent several manufacturers of noncompeting products on a commission basis. They do not carry inventory or assume risk. Unlike merchant wholesalers, agent middlemen do not take legal ownership of the goods they sell; nor do they generally take physical possession of them.
A broker is an insurance intermediary who represents the insured rather than the insurer. They assist consumers who are seeking coverage. Unlike independent agents, brokers are not the legal representatives of insurers. This means they often do not have the right to act on behalf of insurers, such as to bind coverage.
The reason that brokers can work independently or supervise other agents is that they're allowed to handle certain financial and legal steps in the transaction process that agents cannot.