What must a broker prove first to enforce a commission claim in Georgia?

To enforce a commission claim in Georgia, a broker must first demonstrate that both they and any sales associates involved held valid real estate licenses at the time they earned the commission. This requirement is rooted in Georgia's real estate laws, which stipulate that only licensed individuals may engage in activities pertaining to real estate transactions, including earning commissions. A broker's ability to legally earn a commission hinges on their licensing status, which serves to protect consumers and ensure that all parties involved in real estate transactions meet the necessary legal qualifications.

While other factors, such as having the authority to negotiate or the occurrence of a closing, may be relevant in the overall context of a commission claim, they are not the foundational element necessary to initiate enforcement. If a broker or their associates did not hold valid licenses at the time the commission was earned, it places the entire commission claim in jeopardy, regardless of other circumstances surrounding the transaction.