What Unlicensed Real Estate Virtual Assistants Can Do In Vermont!

The use of unlicensed assistants can be a blessing or a curse for real estate professionals, depending on how they play their cards. On one hand, the services of a virtual assistant are much more affordable than those of a personal assistant, and the former can save his or her employer a great deal of time and effort, just like the latter.

On the other hand, however, the Vermont Real Estate Commission regulations in force specify clearly that certain activities are not to be performed by unlicensed personnel. Here is what an unlicensed real estate virtual assistant can not do in Vermont:

1. Show properties to potential clients or organize open houses on his or her own.
2. Answer questions regarding closings, financing, insurance or giving any information that has not been already published by the licensee.
3. Negotiate prices or other closing terms.
4. Lead people to believe that he or she is a licensed professional, distribute business cards with their name and contact information, act on behalf of the licensee without the latter’s prior consent.

Here are the things that an unlicensed personal assistant is allowed to do:

1. Assist the licensee in organizing and advertising for open houses, under the latter’s strict supervision and ask visitors for their contact information.
2. Answer calls, take messages and schedule meetings on behalf of the licensee.
3. Obtain and centralize public information for the licensee.
4. Design and distribute advertising materials, but only under the licensee’s supervision and with the latter’s approval.
5. Prepare closing documents and have them revised or approved by the licensee.
6. Duplicate keys and schedule potential inspections, maintenance work or repairs on the properties, but only at the licensee’s request, after having informed the latter on the costs.