Can brokers work independently or must they be affiliated with a brokerage?

Brokers must be affiliated with a registered brokerage to operate legally. This requirement ensures that brokers adhere to regulatory standards and ethical practices established by governing bodies in real estate and insurance. Affiliation with a registered brokerage provides essential oversight and compliance mechanisms, which help protect consumers and maintain industry integrity.

Independent operations without being aligned with a registered brokerage would not fulfill these regulatory requirements. While some might think that independent work is acceptable under certain conditions, the absence of a brokerage affiliation could complicate market practices and could lead to non-compliance with legal standards. Thus, being part of a registered brokerage ensures that brokers have the necessary support and resources to conduct their business ethically and legally.