A surety bond is a contract between at least three parties: (i) the principal, (ii) the obligee, and (iii) the surety. Through this agreement, the surety agrees to make the obligee whole (usually by payment of money) if the principal defaults in its performance of its promise to the obligee. The contract is formed so as to induce the obligee to contract with the principal, i.e., to demonstrate the credibility of the principal.

In the US, real estate brokers and their salespersons (commonly called real estate agents) assist sellers in marketing their property and selling it for the highest possible price under the best terms. When acting as a Buyers agent with a signed agreement, they assist buyers by helping them purchase property for the best possible price under the best terms. Due to the importance of this role, most brokers that seek to play the role of client advocate are now seeking out the services of Certified Mortgage Planners, industry experts that work in concert with Certified Financial Planners to align consumers' home finance positions with their larger financial portfolio(s). Without an agreement, brokers may assist buyers in the acquisition of property but still represent the seller and the seller's interests.

In most jurisdictions in the United States, a person is required to have a license in order to receive remuneration for services rendered as a real estate broker. Unlicenced activity is illegal, but buyers and sellers acting as principals in the sale or purchase of real estate are not required to be licenced. In some states, lawyers are allowed to handle real estate sales for compensation without being licenced as brokers or agents.