Why can a man who assisted in selling a neighbor's house not sue for commission after completing prelicensing classes?

The reasoning behind this answer centers on the legal requirements for earning a commission in real estate transactions. In most jurisdictions, including those governed by the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC), a person must hold an active real estate license to legally be entitled to a commission from a real estate transaction.

Because the man completed prelicensing classes but was not yet a licensed agent at the time of the sale, he lacked the required legal status to engage in real estate brokerage activities. Only individuals who are licensed can pursue a commission for helping to sell property. Being unlicensed means he cannot enforce any claims for compensation, regardless of his involvement in the sale process.

Other options relate to discussions of contractual agreements or the nature of representation, but the core issue is the necessity of being a licensed agent at the time of the sale. Without that license, no formal legal standing exists for claiming a commission, making this the correct rationale.