Who must have a real estate license to perform services and receive compensation?

In Michigan, a real estate license is required for individuals who engage in activities related to the negotiation, sale, or lease of real estate or business opportunities for compensation. This means that anyone who participates in negotiations on behalf of others or receives a fee for those services must be licensed.

The correct answer highlights that a person negotiating the sale of a business opportunity must hold a real estate license. This is because negotiating, whether it involves real estate or business transactions, involves specialized knowledge and compliance with legal regulations that are covered in licensing courses.

Homeowners selling their own property typically do not need a license, as they are acting on their own behalf and not representing others. Similarly, brokers offering free consultations may not be engaging in activities that require licensure if no compensation is involved. Unlicensed assistants who help in transactions do not negotiate or provide services that require a license since they are usually working under the supervision of a licensed agent or broker. Thus, the requirement for a license is tied directly to the act of negotiating or performing real estate services for which compensation is received, making option C the correct choice.