If you’re a Colorado real estate professional looking to take your career to the next level, understanding the different broker license types is essential. As someone who has personally gone through each stage of the process, I know firsthand what it takes to move from Associate Broker to Independent Broker, and eventually to Employing Broker. Along the way, I built In House Transactions, a Denver-based real estate transaction management service where I now help agents, brokers, and independent business owners stay compliant, efficient, and profitable.
If you’ve ever wondered what comes next in your real estate journey- or how to position yourself for that next license level- this post is for you.
The Three Levels of Colorado Real Estate Licenses
In Colorado, the Division of Real Estate (DORA) recognizes three primary license types:
- Associate Broker
- Independent Broker
- Employing Broker
Each level brings new responsibilities, freedoms, and opportunities for growth. Here’s what you need to know about each one.
1. Associate Broker
Requirements:
To become a licensed Associate Broker in Colorado, you must:
- Complete 168 hours of DORA-approved pre-licensing education
- Pass the Colorado Real Estate Broker Licensing Exam
Role:
This is the starting point for nearly every real estate professional. As an Associate Broker, you work under the supervision of an Employing Broker or brokerage firm. You can represent buyers and sellers, but you can’t operate independently or supervise others. Typically, this comes with brokerage splits ranging from 10–30% of your gross commission, and often includes additional office or service fees.
My Advice & How I Can Help:
This is your learning ground. Use this time to master contracts, compliance, and communication.
I remember being in this stage myself- absorbing everything I could about lead generation, marketing, Colorado contracts, and the transaction process. It’s the foundation that will set you apart later.
To support agents at this level- or those new to Colorado real estate- I offer per-transaction mentorship incorporated in Transaction Coordinator services. This includes guiding you from listing contract to close, ensuring file audits, compliance approval, and CDA issuance are properly completed by your brokerage, while providing one-on-one mentorship on any aspect of the transaction.
When you work with me, I mentor and advise on contracts, negotiations, document preparation, and strategy. I share my years of experience to help you navigate complex situations, answer all your questions, and ensure a successful closing. It’s designed to give you the confidence, knowledge, and hands-on guidance you need exactly when you need it.
From what I’ve seen with many of my happy agents, this is the fastest, most effective way to truly understand Colorado contracts and transaction processes, and I love helping agents succeed.
2. Independent Broker
An increasing number of agents are pursuing this license, making it the most frequently requested service I offer.
Requirements:
- Hold an active Associate Broker license for at least two years
- Meet all continuing education and experience requirements
Role:
Independent Brokers can work entirely on their own- no managing broker required. You can represent clients under your own name or business entity. However, Independent Brokers cannot employ or supervise other brokers or open a brokerage firm. Unlike working under a brokerage, you keep your full commission and avoid typical brokerage splits (10–30%) as well as additional office or service fees.
My advice:
If you’ve reached this point, you’ve gained enough experience to go solo. Many Independent Brokers I work with love the freedom this brings- no brokerage splits, no corporate oversight, no responsibility of managing a team or office, and full control of their branding.
This is also where my transaction coordination and compliance support for Independent Brokers becomes invaluable. I manage your contracts, deadlines, file audits, and CDA issuance, so you can focus on serving your clients while staying fully compliant with the Colorado Division of Real Estate. In addition, you’ll receive a personalized year-end sales report summarizing all your closed transactions- perfect for tracking production and sharing directly with your CPA.
3. Employing Broker
Requirements:
- At least two years of active experience as a licensed Associate Broker
- Complete a 24-hour Brokerage Administration Course
Role:
Becoming an Employing Broker means stepping into leadership. You can now open, own, operate and manage your own firm, supervise Associate Brokers, and take full responsibility for compliance and brokerage operations. This is the highest level of licensing in Colorado and comes with greater responsibility- but also greater rewards.
My advice:
When I earned my Employing Broker license, it completely changed the way I approached real estate. It gave me the authority to mentor agents, oversee transactions, and create systems that keep brokerages running smoothly and within DORA’s standards.
If you’re considering taking this step, it’s one of the smartest moves you can make for your long-term career. It positions you to grow your own team, increase your income, and establish yourself as a leader in Colorado real estate. I offer full support to your brokerage for any office and file compliance needs you may have.
4. Brokerage Firm License
If you’re planning to open your own brokerage, you’ll also need to obtain a Corporate or LLC Real Estate Brokerage License through DORA. This ensures your entity- whether an LLC, partnership, or corporation- is authorized to legally conduct real estate transactions in Colorado.
My Path and How I Help Agents
After earning my Employing Broker license and working with top-producing teams across Denver, I saw how much agents needed reliable, knowledgeable support with transaction management and compliance.
That’s why I built In House Transactions- a service designed for Colorado real estate professionals who want expert-level help managing their deals from contract to close.
With more than a decade of experience and over 3,000 successful closings, I understand every challenge agents face- from meeting DORA requirements to managing clients, timelines, and paperwork. I provide real estate transaction coordination, agent coaching, and broker-level compliance support- all in one place.
When you work with me, you’re not just outsourcing paperwork- you’re partnering with someone who’s walked the same path, earned every license level, and knows exactly how to keep your business protected and thriving.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you’re a Colorado agent ready to grow- whether that means becoming independent, earning your Employing Broker license, or simply streamlining your transaction management as an Associate Broker- I’d love to help.
Contact me, Dana Graber at In House Transactions, to learn how I can help you build a smoother, more compliant, and more profitable business.
