What is a real estate broker?

A real estate broker is defined as a licensed individual or firm that acts on behalf of clients in real estate transactions. This role involves various responsibilities, such as helping clients buy, sell, or lease properties, providing market analysis, guiding clients through the complexities of real estate transactions, and ensuring that legal requirements are met throughout the process.

Brokers typically have a comprehensive understanding of the local real estate market and are knowledgeable about negotiating deals, marketing properties, and managing contracts. They are required to obtain a specific license after completing education and passing examinations, which qualifies them to represent clients legally and ethically in real estate matters.

The other options do not accurately define a real estate broker. A non-licensed individual involved in property sales does not have the authority or the qualifications to handle real estate transactions, while a property appraiser focuses on determining the value of properties but is not involved in the transactions themselves. A government official overseeing real estate does not engage in the buying or selling of properties on behalf of clients and typically works within regulatory or administrative capacities. Thus, the accurate definition of a real estate broker is a licensed person or firm representing clients in transactions.