Why is Stephen's payment to his unlicensed friend Joe illegal?

Stephen's payment to his unlicensed friend Joe is illegal because unlicensed persons may never be compensated for real estate activities. In Indiana, as in many other states, real estate laws regulate who can earn commissions for real estate transactions. Licensed brokers and agents are authorized to receive payment for their work in facilitating property sales, rentals, or leases, while individuals who do not hold a real estate license are prohibited from receiving any form of compensation for engaging in these activities. This regulation is in place to protect consumers by ensuring that only qualified individuals handle real estate transactions, minimizing the risk of fraud or inadequate service. Therefore, Stephen's action of paying his unlicensed friend violates these legal requirements, making the payment illegal.