A broker is an agent who bargains or conducts negotiations for and on behalf of a person he or she represents, called a principal. The broker acts as an intermediary between the principal and third persons in the acquisition of contractual rights or the sale or purchase of property, and receives a commission or brokerage fee for his or her services. A broker has a duty to act in the principal's interest and not gain personal advantage at the principal's expense. The broker must avoid conflicts of interest that may arise in performing duties for or advising third parties whose interests are not aligned with those of the principal. A real estate broker offers services as agent in matters involving the sale, purchase, rental, and financing of real property.
The terms of the brokerage agreement determine the character of the services to be rendered as well as the broker's right to compensation in particular circumstances.
