Existing law, the Real Estate Law, provides for the licensure and regulation of real estate brokers and salespersons by the Real Estate Commissioner, the chief officer of the Department of Real Estate within the Business, Consumer Services, and Housing Agency. Existing law makes it unlawful for any person to engage in the business of, act in the capacity of, advertise as, or assume to act as a real estate broker or a real estate salesperson within this state without first obtaining a real estate license from the Department of Real Estate. Existing law defines a real estate broker for these purposes as a person who, for compensation or in expectation of a compensation, regardless of the form or time of payment, does or negotiates to, among other things, sell or offer to sell, buy or offer to buy, solicit prospective sellers or buyers of, solicit or obtain listings of, or negotiate the purchase, sale, or exchange of real property or a business opportunity for another or others. A willful violation of the Real Estate Law is a crime.