Legal Question in Real Estate Law in California

I am a California Real Estate Broker. I have my own corporation and my real estate business setup. I have an opportunity to receive consistent listings from another broker here in california who is exploring the idea of expanding his company.

I would like to know if it is possible to open a branch of his company for him and have my license be the branch broker but still keep my company for my existing business that I am currently doing?


Asked on 12/13/09, 5:37 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

Bryan Whipple Bryan R. R. Whipple, Attorney at Law

I don't know the answer - but I have two possibly-useful comments to make. First, I often have need to look at the DRE broker listings to check a broker's status, address, etc., and it seems to me from the number of d/b/a's and multiple affiliations that arrangements such as this might be fairly common. The other though I have is that the Department of Real Estate is there to, among other things, help its licensees stay out of trouble. I'd start with a phone call to see if they have a broker hot line. I'm sure they must unless it's been a victim of budget cuts. Once you get a sense of what the rule is and who knows these answers, write them with details and try to get a written opinion.

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Answered on 12/18/09, 5:56 pm
Terry A. Nelson Nelson & Lawless

Contact the DRE. It is their rules that determine whether you can hang your license at two different companies. You would be best served getting an opinion letter from them in advance, rather than into trouble later. I would not rely upon an attorney's opinion in this situation.

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Answered on 12/21/09, 10:32 am


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