Supervising Brokers and Designated Agency: How Does it Work?  

Understanding agency relationships is essential to stay compliant and protect consumers. One area that often causes confusion is how the Brokerage Relationships in Real Estate Transactions Act (BRRETA) applies to supervising brokers when it comes to designated agency.  

BRRETA does not allow the supervising broker to be a designated agent. A “designated agent” means a licensee affiliated with a broker who has been designated by the broker, or the broker’s duly authorized representative, to act as the agent of a broker’s buyer or seller client to the exclusion of all other affiliated licensees. See K.S.A. 58-30,102(k). 

Since a supervising broker cannot work to the exclusion of other affiliated licensees, the supervising broker has two options under BRRETA: 

1. Act as a seller’s or buyer’s agent by using the appropriate written agency agreement; or
2. Act as a transaction broker under a written or verbal transaction broker agreement. 

Agency Agreements 

With a seller or buyer agency agreement, all licensees at the brokerage function as a seller’s agent or buyer’s agent, as applicable. See K.S.A. 58-30,102 (f) and (q). 

Transaction Broker Agreements

A transaction broker agreement allows licensees at the brokerage to be a designated agent while the supervising broker assists one or more parties in the transaction without advocating for the interests of either party. See K.S.A. 58-30,102(u). 

What if the Supervising Broker has No Affiliated Licensees?

If the broker is the only licensee, designated agency is still not an option. The broker may act as a: 

• seller's agent or buyer's agent (not in the same transaction);
• landlord's agent or a tenant's agent (not in the same transaction); or 
• transaction broker. 

Reporting Requirements Reminder 

Pursuant to K.A.R. 86-3-15, the following must be reported to the Commission within ten days of the occurrence: 

• Any pending charges, arrest, indictment, guilty plea, or nolo contendere to, or conviction of any misdemeanor or felony must be submitted with the Criminal Offense form. Charges classified as infractions do not need to be reported.
• Any change in your name, residence address, and email on file with the Commission. You may update your contact information through the Public Portal online licensing system. Instructions for Name and Contact Info Change located here. 
• Any denial, suspension, revocation, voluntary surrender, or other disciplinary action taken against any professional license you hold in any state.
• Any settlement from litigation related to real estate or any final court judgment filed against you or the brokerage owned in whole or in part by you. A copy of the Settlement Agreement or the final court Judgment and the Litigation/Disciplinary Action Reporting form must be submitted. 

Continuing Education (CE) completed the same day your license renewal is successfully processed applies only to that renewal cycle and will not carry over. To ensure CE is credited toward your next renewal cycle, wait at least 24 hours after your renewal has been successfully processed before completing additional CE. 

March 1, 2026, License Expiration Date Reminder 

The next license expiration date, March 1, 2026, falls on a Sunday and the KREC office is closed. Only IF this is your license expiration date, complete your renewal now to avoid a late fee. We recommend logging in now to ensure access to the new Public Portal system. 

1. View these video tutorials to help navigate the online renewal process.
2. Confirm your expiration date by conducting a search on the License Search page or checking your wallet card.
3. Complete your Continuing Education (CE).
4. Submit your renewal application by logging in to your Public Portal account. 

All licensees receive a courtesy renewal reminder email 45 days prior to license expiration. If you did not get an email, your email address is likely invalid with KREC. Instructions to complete all online processes are available here. Most renewal questions can be answered by reviewing the FAQ section of the KREC website.