Question: More and more assistants are taking calls and providing substantive answers to other agents or members of the public who enquire about a specific property. Here is a quick reminder of what an unlicensed assistant can and cannot do.

Amswer: The Real Estate Board issued a few do's and don'ts for real estate assistants who are not licensed, but indicated that brokers should consult the Board's regulations and legal counsel when in doubt.

DO'S
1. Submit listings and changes to MLS
2. Follow up on loan commitments after contracts have been negotiated
3. Have keys made for listings
4. Compute commission checks
5. Place signs on properties
6. Act as a courier service
7. Schedule appointments
8. Record and deposit earnest money, security deposits and advance rents
9. Prepare contract forms (with approval of the licensee and supervising broker)
10. Prepare promotional materials and advertisements


DON'TS
1. Show property
2. Answer questions on listings, titles, financing or closings
3. Discuss or explain with anyone outside the firm a contract, listing, lease, agreement, or other real estate documents
4. Accept payment on the basis of real estate activity, such as a percentage of commission, or any amount based on listings or sales.