Who is responsible for managing a branch office opened by a broker?

An associate broker is the individual specifically trained and licensed to take on the responsibility of managing a branch office opened by a broker. In Michigan, an associate broker holds a higher level of licensure compared to a standard real estate agent, which allows them to oversee operations, supervise agents, and ensure compliance with real estate laws and regulations within the branch office.

The role of managing a branch office typically includes tasks such as recruiting and training salespeople, handling office administration, and providing the necessary support to ensure that transactions are executed properly. This level of management requires not just experience in real estate sales but also an understanding of the legal and regulatory framework that governs real estate transactions.

While a licensed agent can work within the branch, they do not possess the supervisory authority or the additional responsibilities required to manage a branch office effectively. The original broker continues to have overarching control of the brokerage but delegates the day-to-day management of branch offices to an associate broker, who acts as their representative. An experienced salesperson, while knowledgeable in sales, also lacks the formal responsibilities and authority needed to manage the operations of a branch office.