You hold other people's biggest transactions. The bond backs your license.
A licensing bond for real estate professionals
Certain states require a real estate broker or salesperson bond as a condition of licensing. It guarantees that you will conduct real estate business lawfully and honestly — handling client funds properly and complying with your state's real estate license law. Clients or the state can claim against it if you don't.
What a real estate broker bond guarantees
The bond protects your clients and the public, guaranteeing you'll comply with real estate licensing law, handle trust and escrow funds properly, and avoid fraud or misrepresentation. It is not errors-and-omissions insurance (which covers your professional mistakes) — it's a compliance and consumer-protection guarantee, and you reimburse the surety for any valid claim it pays.
How much a real estate broker bond costs
The bond amount is set by the licensing authority. The premium you pay is a small percentage of that amount — typically around 1%–3% for applicants with reasonable credit, more for weaker credit — so a modest bond often costs a few hundred dollars a year. We market it to multiple surety companies to get you the best rate.
Not every state requires one
Real estate bonding requirements vary: some states require a broker bond, some require it only for certain activities (like handling others' funds or team/brokerage licensing), and many don't require one at all. We confirm whether your state requires it and at what amount.
Real Estate Broker Bond requirements by state
The required amount and authority differ by state — and sometimes by city or county. We are licensed in all 50 states; request a quote and we will confirm the exact requirement that applies to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a real estate broker bond cover?
It covers losses to clients or the public from a licensee's violation of real estate law, mishandling of funds, fraud, or misrepresentation. It protects the public — you reimburse the surety for any claim paid.
Is a real estate broker bond the same as E&O insurance?
No. E&O (errors and omissions) insurance covers your own professional mistakes and defense costs. A broker bond is a licensing/consumer-protection guarantee to clients and the state. Some jurisdictions require both.
How much does a real estate broker bond cost?
A premium equal to a small percentage — often around 1%–3% — of the required bond amount, based on your credit. We confirm the amount your state requires before quoting.
How do I get a real estate broker bond through Cory Washington & Co.?
Request a quote or contact our team. We confirm your exact requirement, market your bond across multiple surety companies that compete for it, and handle the filing. Cory Washington & Co. LLC is licensed in all 50 states.
All surety bond descriptions on this website are provided by Cory Washington & Co. LLC strictly for general informational purposes. They are not intended to be, and should not be relied upon as, legal, financial, or bonding advice. Surety bonds are not insurance. Bond requirements — including amounts, obligees, and bond forms — are set by government authorities and other obligees and change over time; the information presented is general in nature and does not guarantee the availability, terms, conditions, or amount of any bond. Actual bond terms are governed by the bond form issued by the surety and the requirements of the obligee, and any bond remains subject to underwriting approval. Nothing on this website creates or implies an agent-client relationship, binds a surety, or issues a bond. Cory Washington & Co. LLC expressly disclaims any liability for actions taken, or not taken, based on the content provided here. For advice regarding your particular situation, please confirm current requirements with the relevant authority and consult directly with a licensed professional at Cory Washington & Co. LLC.