I want to get into real estate by being a part-time assistant to an experienced agent. I am wondering what kind of duties they will expect of me. What can I do for them before I get my license? How about after I am licensed? How are assistants usually paid? Are they on a commision split with the agent? Thanks

1.Depends on what state your in as to what you can and can't do.

2.If you visit your state website for the local real estate commission they will usually list a section for what unlicensed assistants can do and what licensed assistants can do.

Pay and terms will vary depending on who you work for and are not reulated by the r.e. commission.

Your relationship with your "boss" will be unique, depending on your personality and skillset and your boss's needs. Duties range from being simply an "in-box" to being nearly a partner in the business. If you don't have experience, you might have trouble getting in the door; busy real estate agents might not have the time (or patience) to train you, even if they say they will!

First, take a little time and get some training. If you’re brand new and don’t know how to work your local MLS, take a class or pay another agent to teach you. Make sure you know a desktop publishing program or two (e.g., Microsoft Publisher). Visit open houses and observe how the agents behave. Take a contracts class offered by the local board of Realtors . Learn Top Producer or another contact management program. Know how to take and process digital photos. Read books about real estate. The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Success as a Real Estate Agent is a good one. In other words, take the initiative to learn this stuff yourself.

(Some of the above activities will require a license.)

Finding a broker to work for is a matter of networking. Successful real estate agents are too busy to make a concerted effort to find help. You will probably have to pretty much show up under her nose with a plan and a smile. Most overwhelmed agents I know all say they’d love to hire an assistant, but they just can’t seem to get around to it. You might try making an appointment with the managing brokers of a few offices; they might know if there is someone in the office who would be interested in your services.

I’ll tell you what will increase your street appeal to a potential broker/employer - if you have a large circle of friends you’d be willing to share with him and let him add to his SOI - now that’s worth something. However, if you intend to set off on your own in a few years, this is obviously a bad idea. If you’re not willing to let your broker prospect to your SOI, just be sure to negotiate a referral fee if you bring in business yourself.

Unless you really have something special to offer an agent, don’t expect much in the way of compensation at first. Without any on-the-job experience, you may have a lot to prove to a Top Dog or Top Dog Wannabe before they’re going to be willing to make much of a financial commitment to you. If you’re willing to work on commission only, you can probably negotiate a better deal for yourself. If you want a guaranteed salary, you will probably be offered an hourly rate just slightly higher than what the office receptionist makes.

Good luck!