The correct answer is B. A salesperson does not independently own the brokerage ' s listing agreements. The salesperson performs licensed activity through the employing broker, and the actual brokerage relationship is between the client and the brokerage/broker according to the agreement.
Massachusetts expressly requires a salesperson to be affiliated with a broker and work under that broker ' s supervision. A salesperson cannot independently operate a real-estate brokerage.
Consequently, when Ryan changes firms, the existing listings ordinarily remain with Donald ' s brokerage unless the clients and brokerage enter into valid arrangements releasing or transferring those relationships.
This principle protects contractual continuity and recognizes that the brokerage may have invested advertising expenditure, administrative resources, supervision, escrow handling, and other resources into the listings.
The salesperson also should not represent to clients that listings automatically “belong” to the salesperson merely because the salesperson originally obtained the signatures.
Study Guide Reference: Massachusetts License Law — Broker/Salesperson Relationship, Listings and Brokerage Ownership.
