Who among the following must have a real estate license?

The necessity for a real estate license is particularly important for individuals or parties engaged in activities that involve facilitating transactions for others, especially when these actions are compensated. In this context, the option concerning a company that matches individuals wishing to exchange properties for a fee clearly identifies a situation requiring a real estate license.

This is because the company acts as an intermediary in property transactions and is compensated for its services. Licensing regulations are designed to ensure that individuals and entities engaging in such activities have the necessary knowledge and training, which helps protect consumers in real estate transactions.

In contrast, the other scenarios provided do not generally mandate a real estate license. For instance, a resident manager collecting rent for a single property owner typically operates under the owner’s authority and does not engage in real estate transactions as an independent third party. Similarly, an operator of a homeless facility and an executor selling a decedent's building are not engaged in activities rooted in real estate sales but rather in management or legal duties that do not require the same level of licensing. Thus, the distinction lies in the context and nature of the activities undertaken, underscoring the critical role of licensing in protecting consumers and promoting professionalism in real estate practices.