Real estate brokers handle the buying and selling of property. Real estate agents often work under them handling the day to day details involved in the sales. The agents earn a commission on the sales they handle through brokers.

Independent Business

Real estate brokers are self employed. They run their own offices and handle their own advertising. A person may be both a real estate agent and a broker. Many real estate agencies are one man shows with the owner doing the job of the broker and the real estate agent.

Real estate brokers handle title searches and many of the financial responsibilities involved in buying and selling property. Brokers and agents may do many of the same jobs depending on the business set up where they are employed.

Just like real estate agents, brokers must be knowledgeable in their area of expertise. If they are handling residential homes brokers need to know the areas they handle. What sells, what does not – where the schools and hospitals are and what the local market will bear financially.

Training and Qualifications

State laws can vary for real estate brokerage training just as they do for a real estate agent. But before becoming a real estate broker you must have some experience. One to three years spent as a real estate agent is usually a requirement.

You will have to have completed the basic sales training required for real estate agents. On top of that is another sixty to ninety hours of classroom training. Continuing education is a must and licenses have to be renewed every few years.

Be sure and check with your state office to find out exactly what the rules and regulations are in your state. Some states will waive either the experience requirement or some of the course requirements if you happen to have a degree in real estate.

Being a real estate broker requires dedication, commitment and hard work. You will be responsible for bringing in enough business to provide your own paycheck and the paycheck of those who work for you. Be prepared to work nights, weekends and long hours to reach your goals.