If a firm employs a sales associate, must they have a full-time broker?

In Tennessee, a sales associate must be affiliated with a licensed broker to legally engage in real estate activities. This requirement establishes that all transactions are supervised by a qualified broker, ensuring compliance with local real estate laws and regulations. The presence of a full-time broker facilitates ongoing guidance, support, and accountability for the sales associate's actions in the marketplace.

A firm cannot operate its sales associates independently; therefore, having a designated broker—who is responsible for overseeing the associates—is essential for the firm to conduct business. The requirement applies universally and is not contingent on the number of associates or the time of year, reinforcing that continuous broker oversight is a foundational element of real estate practice in Tennessee.