Los Angeles Broker Advocates for Single Nationwide Real Estate License

Courtney Poulos, founder of ACME | SERHANT in Los Angeles, is championing a transformative idea that could simplify how real estate agents work across state lines: a single, nationwide real estate license. Poulos, who recently completed the Advanced Management Development Program at Harvard University Graduate School of Design, has gained an unexpected opportunity to advance this concept through a classmate with ties to senior policy circles, including a role at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

Currently, agents must obtain separate licenses in each state where they wish to conduct business, along with meeting distinct continuing education requirements and navigating varied state regulations. This fragmented system creates significant friction for agents dealing with relocating clients, second-home buyers, or high-net-worth individuals with properties in multiple states. Poulos argues that the existing framework was designed for a more localized era and hasn't kept pace with today's mobile clientele. A national license would not override state-specific contract or disclosure laws, but it would eliminate licensing and infrastructure obstacles that prevent agents from following their clients across state borders.

The concept isn't entirely new, but Poulos's Harvard connection provides a unique entry point to explore it more deeply. Her classmate's position at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce offers access to policy discussions that individual brokers rarely have. Additionally, Ryan Serhant, whose national firm now includes ACME under the ACME | SERHANT brand, informally signaled support for the idea, which could help amplify the conversation given his larger platform. However, Poulos emphasizes that discussions are still in early stages.

The implications for agents and clients are substantial. Agents would be able to represent clients in other states without partnering with or referring deals to local agents, avoiding commission sharing and maintaining their client relationships. Clients would benefit from continuity, working with a trusted agent throughout a cross-state transaction instead of starting anew in an unfamiliar market. Poulos sees particular value for boutique brokerages, which often struggle to compete with large, multi-state firms. A national license would allow smaller firms to retain clients regardless of where they buy or sell, preserving their business and showcasing their specialized negotiation and procedural skills.

Poulos describes the initiative as still in its infancy, with the next step being the formation of a coalition to gauge interest and build momentum. She expects the conversation to evolve over the coming months as more details emerge. For now, the idea of a single national real estate license remains a visionary concept with the potential to modernize the industry, reduce barriers, and enhance client experiences in an increasingly interconnected real estate market.