For real estate agents, time is money. Real estate assistants, also called personal assistants, help their bosses maximize earning potential by taking on administrative duties, freeing up real estate agents to take on more listings, offer more services to clients and build their business. The types of duties assistants can perform may depend on the state in which they work and whether they are licensed or unlicensed.
According to the National Association of Realtors, real estate assistants can perform duties such as:
- Show properties
- Place listings
- Hold an open house
- Go over legal documents with buyers and sellers
- Writing ads
- Send mailings to potential new clients
Unlicensed real estate assistants are generally limited to clerical duties, although the duties for them may also vary by state. In 2015, the National Association of Realtors reported that 54 percent of personal assistants in the United States were unlicensed and 46 percent were licensed.
Salary Information for Real Estate Assistants
Earnings for real estate assistants vary depending on the size of agency and compensation structure, the types of tasks being performed, and whether they are employed full-time or part-time. According to the National Association of Realtors, in 2015 about 53 percent of personal assistants were employed full-time and 47% were employed part-time. Licensed real estate assistants may be compensated on commission, which allows them to share in the profits of a successful real estate company.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, administrative assistants who work in the real estate agent and brokers industry had a mean annual wage of $31,580 in 2015. Administrative services managers, who may oversee an office staff at larger real estate firms, had a mean annual wage of $88,180.
Real Estate Assistant Courses
Dedicated real estate assistant programs may last a couple days and cover basics such as real estate listings, contracts and legal forms, and showing properties. These short programs can lead to a certificate, but generally aren't sufficient for licensure.
Licensed real estate assistants must meet the same requirements as real estate agents, including passing a state examination. Many also complete a real estate degree program to learn the fundamentals of finance, law, business administration, marketing and property management, among other topics.
Sources:
- Field Guide to Personal Assistants, National Association of Realtors, http://www.realtor.org/field-guides/field-guide-to-personal-assistants
- Licensed Personal Assistants: To Be or Not to Be?, Illinois Realtors, http://www.illinoisrealtor.org/node/3365
- 2015 Member Profile, National Association of Realtors, https://www.texasrealestate.com/uploads/files/general-files/Profile2015.pdf
- Offices of Real Estate Agents and Brokers, May 2015 National Industry-Specific Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates, Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/naics4_531200.htm
- Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2016-17 Edition, Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, http://www.bls.gov/ooh/office-and-administrative-support/secretaries-and-administrative-assistants.htm