In a Real Estate Brokerage Limited Partnership, which type of person cannot be a general partner?

• A. A sales associate
• B. A non-licensed registered person
• C. A brokerage corporation
• D. An active broker

Answer: (A)

The key rule is that a general partner in a Real Estate Brokerage Limited Partnership must be a licensed real estate broker (or a brokerage corporation) authorized to conduct brokerage activities. A sales associate holds only a salesperson license and does not have the authority to supervise or manage the brokerage, so they cannot serve as the general partner. Licensed active brokers and brokerage corporations meet the licensure and managerial requirements, so they can be general partners. A non-licensed registered person also lacks licensure, so they wouldn’t qualify, but the clearest example of someone who cannot be a general partner is a sales associate, since they do not hold broker status.