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What is the difference between a Real Estate Broker and a Real Estate Agent?

In the State of Connecticut, a Real Estate Broker is licensed by the State to act as an go-between on behalf of
others when interested parties want to make a real estate transaction. The broker is recognized as the person
responsible as the point of contact between two or more parties interested in negotiating the sale or purchase of
property. To become a Real Estate Broker, an individual must first be a Real Estate Agent, also known as a
salesperson, for an amount of time specified by the State of Connecticut. Classroom education followed by
written tests overseen by the State must then be successfully completed to the State requirements. A Broker is
then given a license to perform real estate transactions within the State. A Broker is ultimately responsible for
his/her actions and the actions of any Real Estate Agent who works for a Broker as an employee or as an
independent contractor.

A Real Estate Agent, however, cannot be involved in real estate transactions without being associated with a
Real Estate Broker. The broker is fully responsible for the actions performed in the course of real estate business
by all persons licensed under the Broker. The agent, or salesperson, can only carry out those responsibilities
assigned by the Broker, and receive compensation only from that Broker. All of the agents/salesperson’s activities
must be performed in the name of the supervising Broker. The agent is also licensed by the State of
Connecticut.