10/10/2026
🏡 REAL ESTATE ASSISTANTS:
LICENSED VS. UNLICENSED — KNOW THE DIFFERENCE!
There’s often confusion about what a real estate assistant or transaction coordinator can legally do. The answer depends on whether the individual holds an active real estate license and is properly affiliated with the supervising brokerage.
Both licensed and unlicensed assistants play valuable roles in keeping real estate transactions organized and running smoothly. However, their permitted responsibilities are not the same.
📋 WHAT AN UNLICENSED REAL ESTATE ASSISTANT CAN DO
An unlicensed assistant can provide valuable administrative and transaction support, including:
✅ Coordinate inspections, appraisals, walkthroughs, and settlement appointments.
✅ Assemble closing documents and help organize transaction files.
✅ Enter listing information and changes into the MLS as directed.
✅ Prepare flyers and marketing materials for review and approval by the licensee and supervising broker.
✅ Type information into contract forms at the direction of a licensee, subject to the required review and approval.
✅ Follow up on loan commitments after a contract has been negotiated.
✅ Schedule showings for a licensed agent, open houses, and client appointments.
✅ Communicate administrative updates, deliver documents, and perform general office duties.
🚫 WHAT AN UNLICENSED ASSISTANT CANNOT DO
An unlicensed assistant cannot perform activities that require a real estate license, including:
❌ Show properties independently to prospective buyers or tenants.
❌ Negotiate offers, counteroffers, commissions, or other transaction terms.
❌ Explain or interpret contracts, listing agreements, leases, or other real estate documents to clients or the public.
❌ Answer substantive questions about property features, title, financing, or transaction terms.
❌ Recommend whether someone should buy, sell, lease, or accept particular terms.
❌ Solicit clients for a specific property or independently provide real estate brokerage services.
❌ Receive compensation based on real estate activity, such as a percentage of commissions or compensation tied to listings or sales.
❌ Represent themselves as a licensed real estate professional.
🏡 WHAT ABOUT A LICENSED REAL ESTATE ASSISTANT?
A licensed assistant who holds an active Maryland real estate license and is properly affiliated with the supervising brokerage may perform licensed real estate activities within the scope of that license and the brokerage’s authorization.
Depending on their role and the transaction, these activities may include:
✔️ Conducting property showings.
✔️ Communicating with clients about property features and transaction details.
✔️ Presenting and negotiating offers and counteroffers.
✔️ Explaining real estate forms and transaction procedures within their professional role.
✔️ Assisting with buyer, seller, landlord, and tenant representation.
A license does not eliminate the need for broker supervision, compliance with applicable laws, or adherence to brokerage policies.
⚖️ THE BOTTOM LINE
Administrative support is not the same as providing licensed real estate services. The title “real estate assistant” or “transaction coordinator” does not determine what someone may legally do—the individual’s license status, brokerage affiliation, assigned responsibilities, and applicable regulations do.
These distinctions matter for consumer protection, professional accountability, and keeping transactions compliant.
📌 Maryland real estate professionals: Know the rules, understand your role, and make sure your brokerage has clear policies in place.
For the official Maryland Real Estate Commission guidelines, visit:
https://www.dllr.state.md.us/license/mrec/mrecdodonts.shtml
Real estate brokers are required to exercise reasonable and adequate supervision over the provision of real estate brokerage services by any other individual acting on behalf of the broker. Md. Code Ann., Business Occupations and Professions §17-320(c). Real estate brokers are similarly responsible...
