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July 2003
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Licensed to sell?

The Real Estate License Act makes it a crime for an unlicensed person to perform activities that require a license. Makes sense. All you need to know, then, if you employ unlicensed office staff or assistants, is which activities require a license. Aah, if only it were that simple. Here are a few questions to judge your knowledge of what people without licenses can and cannot do in real estate.

The answer follows each question, so scroll slowly if you wish to read a question before revealing the answer.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  1. True or false? When an unlicensed assistant performs an activity that requires a license, both the assistant and the broker or salesperson who employs the assistant can be charged with a crime.


    True.

     

  1. True or false? As long as an unlicensed assistant discloses the name of the broker or salesperson for whom he works, he may make phone calls to identify prospects wishing to buy or sell property.


    False.

     

  1. Which of the following is prohibited for unlicensed assistants at an open house?

    a) Acting as host
    b) Showing visitors the property
    c) Both a and b


    b.

     

  1. True or false? The person in a brokerage who signs the checks must be licensed.


    False.

     

  1. True or false? An unlicensed assistant may assist in processing information to be submitted to a mortgage lender.


    True.

     

  1. True or false? An unlicensed office manager may review contracts and give advice to agents regarding how to make a specific offer more attractive.


    False.

     

  1. True or false? An unlicensed office manager may provide training to agents.


    True.

     

  1. Which of the following may an unlicensed assistant lawfully perform?

    a) Entering MLS information as directed by a licensee
    b) Typing a contract as directed by a licensee
    c) Both a and b.


    c.

     

  1. True or false? While property managers who rent or lease property for a property owner generally must have a real estate license, on-site apartment managers are exempt from licensure.


    True.

     

  1. True or false? An unlicensed assistant may call a FSBO for information as long as the assistant does not solicit the listing.


    True.

 

Illustration © Artville.

 

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