Maryland Real Estate License Law for Brokers
Maryland real estate practice is governed by the Business Occupations and Professions Article, Title 17, and administered by the Maryland Real Estate Commission (MREC). This chapter covers the license ladder, branch supervision, and the broker's responsibilities.
MREC and the License Ladder
The Maryland Real Estate Commission, within the Department of Labor, licenses and regulates the profession under Title 17. Maryland's ladder runs salesperson, then associate broker (someone who has met broker requirements but works under another broker), then broker (who may operate a firm). The broker gate is qualifying experience plus a 135-hour broker prelicense course.
Branch Offices and Supervision
Every office, including a branch office, must be supervised by the broker or a designated Branch Office Manager who is accountable for the licensees, advertising, and trust funds at that location. Affiliated licensees act for and in the name of the broker and cannot practice independently. County registration and zoning approvals are separate from MREC supervision requirements.
Broker Accountability
The Maryland broker is responsible for supervising affiliated licensees, maintaining the firm's trust/escrow account, retaining records, and ensuring accurate advertising. Failure to supervise, commingling trust funds, and dishonest dealing are common grounds for discipline. This supervisory accountability is what distinguishes the broker tier from the salesperson and associate-broker tiers.