In broker practice, a space used for protection for sales associates and customers that is not considered a branch office unless transactions are closed or sales associates permanently assigned is called:

• A. Branch office
• B. Temporary shelter
• C. Office
• D. Satellite office

Answer: (B)

The key idea is distinguishing a protective, temporary space from a real office. In broker practice, a space used only to protect sales associates and customers, and not to conduct real estate transactions, isn’t a branch office. It stays a temporary shelter because no business activities, records, or regulatory requirements of a branch are involved. A branch office only comes into play if transactions are being closed there or if sales associates are permanently assigned to that location, which triggers the same regulatory duties as any other office. So the term that fits this protective, non-transaction space is temporary shelter. The other options imply active business locations, with the associated regulatory obligations.