Most states require real estate sales professionals to be licensed by the state to control education and experience requirements and have a central authority to resolve consumer problems. The terminology used to identify real estate professionals varies slightly from state to state. Brokers are generally required to have more education and experience than real estate salespersons or agents. The person you normally deal with is a real estate agent or salesperson. The salesperson is licensed by the state but must work for a broker. All listings are placed in the broker’s name, not the salesperson’s. A broker can deal directly with home buyers and sellers or can have a staff of salespersons or agents working for him or her.