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Practice Of Real EstateLicense_lawHARD

Victor is a Washington real estate Broker who operates a sole proprietorship under a trade name without any other affiliated licensees. He has been conducting real estate business under this arrangement for two years. Under RCW Chapter 18.85, which of the following most accurately describes whether Victor's arrangement is permissible and what license he must hold?

Correct Answer

B) Victor's arrangement requires him to hold a Designated Broker license, because any individual operating a real estate business — including a sole proprietorship — must be licensed as a Designated Broker to be the responsible party for the firm.

Under RCW 18.85, any individual who operates a real estate business — including as a sole proprietor — must hold a Designated Broker license and register the firm with the DOL. Even a one-person operation constitutes a 'firm' under Washington law, and the responsible individual must be licensed as a Designated Broker. A standard Broker license does not authorize independent operation of a real estate business. Victor has been operating improperly if he holds only a Broker license.

Answer Options
A
Victor's arrangement is permissible as a Broker because Washington allows individual Brokers to operate as sole proprietors under a trade name without upgrading their license.
B
Victor's arrangement requires him to hold a Designated Broker license, because any individual operating a real estate business — including a sole proprietorship — must be licensed as a Designated Broker to be the responsible party for the firm.
C
Victor's arrangement is permissible only if he registers the trade name with the DOL and pays an additional sole proprietor endorsement fee each renewal cycle.
D
Victor's arrangement is prohibited because Washington law requires all real estate firms to have at least two affiliated licensees before the DOL will issue a firm license.

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Related Topics & Key Terms

Key Terms:

sole_proprietorshipdesignated_brokerfirm_registrationindependent_operation

Related Concepts

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