What Does a Broker of Record Do?
A plain-English answer for California real estate and property management companies.
Short Answer
A Broker of Record provides the licensed broker supervision required for real estate activities. In practice, the BOR oversees compliance, reviews files, helps manage DRE risk, reviews advertising, and supervises trust fund procedures when property management is included.
In California, "Broker of Record," "Designated Officer," "designated broker-officer," and "Designated Broker of Record" refer to the same supervisory role: the licensed broker responsible for supervising a company's real estate activity; for a corporation, the DRE term is designated officer under Business and Professions Code Section 10159.2.
Core Responsibilities
Licensed supervision
The BOR provides licensed broker supervision for covered real estate activities.
File review
The BOR reviews transaction, leasing, or property management documentation for compliance.
Trust fund oversight
For management clients, the BOR reviews handling of rents, deposits, owner disbursements, and trust account procedures.
Advertising review
The BOR reviews covered advertising and marketing for DRE compliance.
Complaint response guidance
The BOR helps gather facts, review documentation, and respond appropriately if a DRE issue arises.
What a BOR Does Not Usually Do
- Provide MLS access automatically
- Provide sales leads or lead generation
- Run your marketing or brand
- Provide office space
- Replace your company management, accounting, or operations team
Why It Matters in California
California real estate activities are regulated by the Department of Real Estate. A property management company or sales team using a BOR should be able to explain who supervises licensed activity, how records are maintained, and how client funds are handled.
Need Broker Supervision?
Loom Realty provides BOR services for California property management, leasing, and sales operations.