What Does a Real Estate Broker Do?
A real estate broker is a licensed professional who helps clients buy, sell, and rent properties while overseeing the legal and financial aspects of transactions. Unlike real estate agents, brokers can work independently or manage their own brokerage, hiring and supervising agents. They negotiate deals, draft contracts, and ensure all parties comply with applicable laws and regulations.
Brokers also provide guidance on pricing strategies, market trends, and financing options. Many real estate brokers are business owners who recruit, train, and mentor agents while driving the growth of their brokerage. Their combination of sales expertise, legal knowledge, and leadership skills makes them critical to the success of real estate transactions.
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Real Estate Broker Core Responsibilities
- Represent clients in buying, selling, and leasing properties
- Negotiate contracts, purchase agreements, and lease terms
- Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal real estate regulations
- Conduct market research and provide pricing and investment advice
- Draft and review contracts, disclosures, and transaction paperwork
- Supervise real estate agents and support staff within the brokerage
- Develop marketing strategies to promote properties and attract clients
- Manage brokerage operations, budgets, and performance goals
Required Skills and Qualifications
Hard skills
- In-depth knowledge of real estate law, contracts, and transactions
- Ability to conduct comparative market analysis (CMA)
- Proficiency with MLS systems and real estate software
- Strong negotiation and contract drafting skills
- Understanding of financing, appraisals, and property valuations
Soft skills
- Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities
- Leadership and team management skills
- Strong decision-making and conflict-resolution abilities
- Networking and relationship-building skills
- Organizational abilities to manage multiple deals and staff
Education
- High school diploma required; associate’s or bachelor’s degree in business, real estate, or finance preferred
Certifications
- Active state-issued real estate broker license required
- Membership in the National Association of Realtors (NAR) required to use the Realtor® title
- Additional certifications recommended:
- CRS (Certified Residential Specialist)
- GRI (Graduate, Realtor Institute)
- ABR (Accredited Buyer’s Representative)
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, or real estate
- Proven experience managing agents or operating a brokerage
- Strong track record of closed transactions and client growth
- Advanced certifications in commercial or luxury real estate sales
- Bilingual communication skills to better serve diverse client bases
National Average Salary
Real estate broker salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. Click below to explore salaries by local market.
The average national salary for a Real Estate Broker is:
$82,373
Sample Job Description Templates for Real Estate Brokers
Associate Real Estate Broker
Position Overview
We are hiring an associate real estate broker to support clients in buying, selling, and renting properties while gaining leadership experience under the supervision of senior brokers. This role is ideal for licensed professionals who have moved beyond the agent level and are ready to expand their knowledge of brokerage operations and contract management.
Responsibilities
- Assist clients with real estate transactions, including showings and negotiations
- Draft, review, and submit contracts and disclosure forms
- Conduct market research and provide pricing recommendations
- Support senior brokers in managing agent teams and brokerage compliance
- Build client relationships through networking and referrals
- Ensure adherence to state laws and NAR ethical standards
Requirements
Hard skills
- Knowledge of real estate contracts, disclosures, and compliance requirements
- Ability to conduct comparative market analyses (CMAs)
- Familiarity with MLS systems and real estate databases
- Basic understanding of financing, appraisals, and closing processes
Soft skills
- Strong interpersonal and customer service skills
- Willingness to learn and take direction from senior brokers
- Attention to detail and organizational abilities
- Good communication and negotiation skills
Education
- High school diploma required; associate’s or bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, or real estate preferred
Certifications
- Active state-issued real estate broker license required
- NAR membership required
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous experience as a real estate agent with a track record of closed deals
- Bilingual communication skills
Mid-Level Real Estate Broker
Position Overview
Our firm is seeking a mid-level real estate broker to manage client transactions independently while providing guidance to associate brokers and agents. This role requires several years of brokerage experience and the ability to handle both residential and commercial properties.
Responsibilities
- Oversee property sales, purchases, and leasing agreements
- Negotiate contracts and ensure all transactions comply with state laws
- Provide training and mentorship to new brokers and agents
- Conduct market analysis to identify investment opportunities
- Build and maintain strong client and industry relationships
- Contribute to brokerage marketing strategies and lead generation
Requirements
Hard skills
- Proficiency in real estate law, contracts, and disclosures
- Experience handling both residential and commercial property deals
- Strong negotiation and conflict-resolution skills
- Familiarity with CRM tools and real estate software
Soft skills
- Ability to mentor and support associate brokers and agents
- Strong networking and business development skills
- Excellent time management and multitasking abilities
- Clear communication with clients and colleagues
Education
- Bachelor’s degree preferred in business, real estate, or related field
Certifications
- Active real estate broker license required
- NAR membership required
Preferred Qualifications
- Proven record of successful closings and repeat clients
- ABR (Accredited Buyer’s Representative) or GRI (Graduate, Realtor Institute) certification recommended
Senior Real Estate Broker
Position Overview
We are looking for a senior real estate broker to lead complex transactions, manage high-value clients, and guide brokerage operations. This position requires significant industry expertise, advanced negotiation skills, and the ability to mentor mid-level brokers and agents.
Responsibilities
- Lead negotiations for large or complex property transactions
- Manage client portfolios and develop long-term relationships
- Supervise and mentor junior brokers and real estate agents
- Provide expert advice on investments, financing, and market trends
- Oversee compliance with brokerage and regulatory standards
- Contribute to strategic planning and business development
Requirements
Hard skills
- Advanced knowledge of real estate law, contracts, and negotiations
- Expertise in handling luxury or commercial property transactions
- Strong financial analysis and investment advisory skills
- Proficiency with brokerage management tools
Soft skills
- Leadership and team development abilities
- Strong client advisory and relationship management skills
- Strategic problem-solving and decision-making abilities
- Excellent verbal and written communication
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in business, finance, or real estate strongly preferred
Certifications
- Active broker license required
- NAR membership required
- CRS (Certified Residential Specialist) recommended
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience leading teams in a brokerage setting
- History of exceeding sales and revenue goals
Managing Real Estate Broker
Position Overview
The managing real estate broker will oversee the daily operations of our brokerage, ensuring agents meet performance goals and that transactions comply with all legal and ethical standards. This leadership role requires balancing business management with client service.
Responsibilities
- Recruit, train, and manage real estate agents and associate brokers
- Oversee all brokerage transactions and ensure compliance with regulations
- Establish sales goals and track performance metrics
- Manage budgets, contracts, and business operations
- Handle escalated client concerns and complex negotiations
- Develop and implement brokerage marketing strategies
Requirements
Hard skills
- Comprehensive understanding of real estate law and compliance standards
- Experience managing teams of brokers and agents
- Strong knowledge of marketing, lead generation, and client acquisition
- Financial and operational management skills
Soft skills
- Strong leadership and team-building skills
- Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities
- Ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines
- Strategic thinking and business planning abilities
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in business or real estate preferred
Certifications
- Active real estate broker license required
- NAR membership required
- Advanced certifications such as GRI or CRS recommended
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience managing a brokerage or office location
- Track record of driving business growth and profitability
Broker/Owner
Position Overview
We are seeking a broker/owner to establish, manage, and grow a successful real estate brokerage. This entrepreneurial role requires leadership, deep market expertise, and the ability to balance business operations with exceptional client service.
Responsibilities
- Own and operate the brokerage while ensuring financial stability
- Recruit, train, and retain top-performing brokers and agents
- Build and maintain a strong client base through networking and marketing
- Oversee all legal compliance and ethical standards for transactions
- Develop business plans and growth strategies for the brokerage
- Represent the firm at industry events and in the local community
Requirements
Hard skills
- Expert-level knowledge of real estate law, contracts, and compliance
- Proven ability to manage budgets and business operations
- Advanced sales and marketing expertise
- Ability to oversee multiple transactions and teams
Soft skills
- Entrepreneurial mindset with strong leadership abilities
- Excellent negotiation and networking skills
- Visionary thinking and long-term planning capabilities
- Strong client relationship management
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in business, finance, or real estate preferred
Certifications
- Active broker license required
- NAR membership required
- Advanced certifications such as CRS, GRI, or CCIM (Certified Commercial Investment Member) valued
Preferred Qualifications
- Proven success in building or scaling a brokerage
- Experience in luxury or commercial real estate markets
- Active participation in professional Realtor associations