Real estate assistants help keep the place running – whether it’s for an entire firm or a real estate agent or broker.
The best thing about a real estate assistant is that you don’t even need a real estate license.
And, it is considered a stepping stone for other real estate professions.
Whether you want to stay a real estate assistant or use it to gain experience for another role, this article is for you.
We’re here to tell you everything you need to know.
In this article, we’ll give you a step-by-step guide on how to become a real estate assistant.
More than that, we’ll quickly go over the tasks of these assistants to give you an idea.
Plus, we’ll answer some FAQs, such as:
- What do real estate assistants do?
- How much do real estate assistants earn?
- Do you need a license to practice as a real estate assistant?
- And more!
There’s a lot to cover, so let’s jump to it!
What is a Real Estate Assistant?
A real estate assistant is someone who heavily supports the day-to-day jobs of real estate agents and brokers.
The majority of their tasks are administrative and management of multiple stakeholders.
Here are a few of the tasks expected of a real estate assistant:
- Assists in preparing real estate documents for both the buyer and the seller
- Coordinates showings and open houses
- Maintains print and online copies of the property portfolio and contact database
- Prepares, posts, and updates property listings
- Makes discovery and follow-up calls
- Assists in negotiations and closing processes
- Collects signed copies of agreements
- Assists in the creation and distribution of marketing materials
- Assists clients in property searching depending on their needs and financial capabilities
Real Estate Assistants – Unlicensed or Licensed?
We said earlier that real estate assistants don’t need a real estate license.
And that’s true.
However, if you need to perform certain tasks, then a license might be required.
Here’s a table that summarizes the tasks of an unlicensed and licensed real estate assistant:
| Unlicensed | Licensed | |
| Administration and Marketing | Develops and implements systems for back office support, contact database, and lead generation Serves as the first point of contact for general inquiries and customer complaints Coordinates all print and online marketing Lends a hand in a website and social media management | Develops and implements systems for back office support, contact database, and lead generation |
| Lead Generation | Helps manage real estate agents’ and brokers’ database Organizes call list Prepares hand out materials Assists in scheduling appointments Makes general inquiries with prospective clients | Directly solicits business with clients Discusses full services and benefits of working with a realtor |
| Buyers | Helps in property research for clients Schedules and books showings Collects showing feedback from clients Helps draft offers under the supervision of licensed assistants or real estate agents | Discusses property features and aspects such as prices, square footage, merits of the home, and the neighborhood Can write and submit an offer for the client |
| Listings | Prepares agents for a listing appointment Assists in managing the pre-listing process Schedules broker opens and open houses Coordinates showings Assists in writing property descriptions Coordinates and assists in properties’ marketing Receives and organizes offers | Discusses the contents of the CMA with the client Fully discusses offers with clients Shows the property to clients and prospects Drafts and submits counter offers |
| Transactions | Prepares (includes printing) the documents Coordinates with stakeholders for the signing of documents Orders closing gifts Schedules property inspections Helps manage the process from contract to close (alongside agent and licensed assistant) | Discusses contracts with clients Negotiates repairs needed |
As you can see, a licensed real estate assistant deals with bigger tasks — while an unlicensed assistant does many small tasks.
It’s up to you to decide which path you want to go.
The 5 Steps on How to Become a Real Estate Assistant
Okay.
Now that you know what type of real estate assistant you want to be, let’s move on to the steps.
To become a real estate assistant, you need to complete these 5 steps:
- Complete the minimum educational requirements
- Gain relevant real estate assistant experience
- Obtain the necessary licensing (if applicable)
- Get real estate assistant certifications
- Prepare your resume and apply for a real estate assistant job
Let’s take a close look at each step.
Step #1: Complete the Minimum Educational Requirements
The minimum educational requirement to become a real estate assistant is a high school diploma.
Yes.
That’s it.
However, to boost your resume, it’s always best to either have an associate’s degree or Bachelor’s degree in these topics:
- Real estate
- Administrative support
- Business
- Psychology
- Communication
- Property management
- Any related topic
So although it isn’t required, it’s a MUST if you want to easily get hired.
NOTE: Some firms don’t consider real estate assistant applicants with no degree.
Step #2: Gain Relevant Real Estate Experience
Yes, an associate’s or Bachelor’s degree will greatly help you.
But do you know what’s even better?
Showing that you have some relevant real estate experience, too.
You can gain experience in an internship program or part-time job — you can even do it while working on your degree.
Now, the program or job should expose you to the following areas:
- Organization and maintenance of client database
- Sales Contracts
- Open Houses
- Purchase Agreements
- Scheduling of Appointments
Where can you look for these opportunities?
You can start by reaching out to your school (if you’re taking up a real estate program) and see if they can connect you to firms and agencies.
You can also check your local real estate firms and brokerage if they have entry-level openings available.
Step #3: Obtain the Necessary Licensing (If Applicable)
If you’re fine with being an unlicensed real estate assistant, then you can head over to Step #4.
But if you want to be a more advanced assistant, then you will need a real estate license.
Each state has its own set of requirements to get a real estate license.
Here is a table showing you the requirements for 5 states:
| California | Must be at least 18 years old Must be a US citizen or legal alien Must have an SSN or ITIN Must not have a criminal record | Complete 135 hours of approved real estate pre-licensing courses Apply and pass the CA real estate exam Get fingerprinted Find a sponsoring broker Apply for a real estate license from the DRE | How to Get Your Real Estate License in California |
| Florida | Must be at least 18 years old Must have a high school diploma or GED Must have an SSN | Complete 63 hours of approved real estate pre-licensing courses Pass the course final exam Get fingerprinted Complete the license application Pass the FL real estate exam | How to Get Your Real Estate License in Florida |
| Georgia | Must be at least 18 years old Must have a high school diploma or GED Must be a US citizen or legal alien | Complete 75 hours of approved real estate pre-licensing courses Pass a background check Pass the GA real estate exam Find a sponsoring broker Apply for a real estate license | How to Get Your Real Estate License in Georgia |
| New York | Must be at least 18 years old Must be a US citizen or legal alien Have no felony convictions | Complete 75 hours of approved real estate pre-licensing courses Pass the NY real estate exam Find a sponsoring broker Apply for a real estate license with the NY Real Estate Commission | How to Get Your Real Estate License in New York |
| Texas | Must be at least 18 years old Must be a US citizen or legal alien Must be a Texas resident Must meet the TREC’s qualifications | Complete 180 hours of approved real estate pre-licensing courses Complete a background check Apply for a real estate license with TREC Pass the TX real estate exam Find a broker sponsorship | How to Get Your Real Estate License in Texas |
Click here for the complete chart for all 50 states.
Step #4: Get Real Estate Assistant Certifications
To further advance your career, you will need a real estate assistant certification.
Certifications are to show potential employers that you’re the best one for the job.
More than that, these certifications will give you a better understanding of your tasks, as well as give you new skills you can add to the table.
Here are some certifications you can consider:
- The Real Estate Professional Assistant Certificate from REBI (approved by the National Association of Realtors)
- The Real Estate Professional Assistant Certificate from Champions School of Real Estate (approved by the National Association of Realtors)
- Professional Real Estate Assistant Training and Certification from REA University
Of course, there are so many other certifications out there — so go ahead and pick the one that suits YOU.
Step #5: Prepare Your Resume and Apply for a Real Estate Assistant Job
Now that you have everything you need…
- An associate or Bachelor’s degree (or even just a high school diploma)
- Some relevant experience
- A real estate license (if necessary)
- And real estate assistant certifications
It’s time to update your resume.
When it’s ready, you can go to potential employers and apply as a real estate assistant.
The majority of real estate assistants apply to real estate firms and brokerages. Others join construction and real estate development companies.
It’s up to you to decide where you want to place your assistance.
And if you get hired, CONGRATULATIONS!
You did it!
You can choose to stay there all you want — or you can use that experience to get an even higher real estate role.
Frequently Asked Questions About Real Estate Assistants
How Much Do Real Estate Assistants Earn?
According to Salary.com, real estate assistants in the US earn an average of $32,135 a year (as of May 2023). This can fall anywhere between $31,813 to $36,364 a year.
You may be able to earn more if you’re a licensed real estate assistant.
Sure, it doesn’t pay the best — especially when you consider other real estate professions.
However, you can use it as a stepping stone for a bigger role in the real estate industry.
What Skills Are Needed for a Real Estate Assistant?
Aside from the usual educational and professional background, employers are looking for the following skills and qualities from applicants:
- Know-how in multiple listing services (MLS)
- General knowledge of open houses and the creation of marketing materials
- Knowledge of purchase agreements and sales contracts
- Management of extensive databases and schedules
- Good interpersonal and negotiation skills
- Detail-oriented
- Good communication
- Hard-working
What Are the Pros and Cons of Being a Real Estate Assistant?
Here are the pros and cons of being a licensed real estate assistant…
Pros:
- Less administrative tasks are given to you
- You will be able to do more advanced tasks
- You can act as the realtor if they are not available
- More flexibility in your schedule (some licensed real estate assistants in the field are not required to clock in during usual office hours)
Cons:
- You need time to get a real estate license
- Can be more high pressure given the importance of meetings and negotiations you are part of
- Companies will require more certifications, which also cost a lot
And here are the pros and cons of an unlicensed real estate assistant:
Pros:
- Less educational and real estate experience required
- More opportunities to work closely with cross-functional teams, especially marketing and legal team
- There’s less pressure from external partners
Cons:
- Limited role or activities due to levels of confidentiality and complexity of the tasks
- Expected lower pay versus those with licenses
- Heavy on operational and administrative work
What Are the Activities that Only Licensed Assistants Are Allowed to Perform?
Here are some activities that only a real estate assistant with a license can perform:
- Give listing presentations
- Make cold calls and email leads
- Interview buyers
- Answer questions regarding transactions
- Show clients around a property
- Do personal prospecting
- Coordinate buyer seminar
- Communicate with out-of-towners
- Host open houses, kiosks, home shows, booths, and fairs
- Manage rental properties
Conclusion
And that is how to become a real estate assistant.
So before you begin, choose whether you want to be a licensed or unlicensed assistant.
Or whether you want to stay an assistant or move to a higher real estate role.
From there, you can start working on your educational and experiential “requirements”.
If you follow these steps, then it’ll be a lot easier to get hired by big firms or real estate agents/brokers.
Good luck!