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Broker Assistant Duties and Responsibilities

A broker assistant’s list of duties varies not only from industry to industry but from employer to employer. However, most broker assistants perform a few of the same basic functions. Based on an analysis of job listings, these tasks are:

Maintain Client Accounts Any new information or documents received from a client will inevitably pass through the broker assistant’s hands. The assistant also takes care of basic correspondence, such as obtaining client signatures. They then input this material into a database or physical file, keeping everything organized for the principal broker.

Prepare and Proofread Documents While the principal broker often dictates the content of letters or presentations, the broker assistant acts as a second set of eyes, inspecting every document for accuracy. They help prepare a wide variety of materials, including but not limited to quotes, reports, proposals, and submissions.

Conduct Market Research From time to time, the broker assistant helps the broker research the market. In the insurance industry, this may mean identifying what the potential market is based on the insurance plan’s coverage, scope, and language. In real estate, this refers to researching the demographics and statistics of an area.

Create Marketing Materials As digital marketing expands, broker assistants increasingly find themselves updating social media accounts and websites. In real estate, broker assistants often design property brochures and market overview books.

Provide Basic Office Administration Most administrative tasks get delegated to the broker assistant, such as maintaining the office’s organization and the principal broker’s schedule. The assistant directs phone calls and emails and processes mail. They also schedule meetings and (in the case of real estate) property maintenance.

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Broker Assistant Skills and Qualifications

Broker assistants juggle many responsibilities in demanding environments while maintaining excellent attention to detail. Although college-level courses in finance, business administration, or real estate may be helpful, employers tend to be satisfied with a high school diploma. In addition, employers look for broker assistants with the following skills:

  • Industry-specific knowledge – there are many different terms, forms, and legal concepts within the real estate and insurance industries. A solid understanding of such terms will help broker assistants keep up with the fast-paced work environment
  • Office administration – the ability to perform basic tasks such as filing, faxing, or directing phone calls is essential
  • Proofreading proficiency – upholding a high standard of professionalism in all documents and correspondences is one of their primary responsibilities, therefore broker assistants must have a mastery of English grammar and usage
  • Organization skills – whether sorting client files or scheduling appointments, broker assistants need to have exceptional systems, workflows, and time management
  • Stress management – brokerages are often fast-paced environments with many variables and the potential for long hours. Successful broker assistants are able to deal with stress while maintaining a high quality of work
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Broker Assistant Education and Training

Many employers are willing to hire broker assistants with only a high school diploma and no experience. However, those wishing to advance in the field may consider getting a college degree and taking courses in real estate, finance, business administration, and related subjects. The licensure requirements of those working in brokerages vary from state to state. In some places, even broker assistants must have appropriate credentials in order to handle client materials. Although not guaranteed, some employers are willing to pay for training and licensure.

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Broker Assistant Salary and Outlook

A broker assistant performs many of the same duties as an administrative assistant. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), administrative assistants earn a median annual wage of $37,870. The lowest 10 percent earn less than $23,650, while the top 10 percent earn more than $62,870. Broker assistants may earn bonuses on top of this whenever the principal broker makes a successful sale. Changes in technology are taking over some of the duties previously performed by administrative assistants, such as filing and proofreading. The BLS projects that employment for this field will decline 7 percent through 2026, far below the projected 7 percent growth of all jobs.

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Helpful Resources

Ready to move forward in the real estate, insurance, or other brokerage industry? The following resources will not only prepare you for work as a broker assistant, but position you for advancement within the field:

National Association of Realtors – for those working in real estate, this is an authoritative source of information about the industry. The association also provides many options for continuing education, which would be useful for assistants looking to advance their position

American Agents Alliance – like the National Association of Realtors, this group offers education for those who would like to advance their careers in the insurance industry. They also host an annual convention, which provides opportunities for networking

Administrative Assistant’s and Secretary’s Handbook – this popular guide covers the gamut of administrative duties, from managing phone lines to creating graphics in Microsoft Office programs. For assistants with no prior experience in an office environment, this is where to begin

Be the Ultimate Assistant – author Bonnie Low-Kramen has spent over 30 years working with Academy Award-winning actress Olympia Dukakis and is a cofounder of New York Celebrity Assistants. For those working with high-powered or demanding employers, Low-Kramen’s insights are invaluable

Understanding the Insurance Industry – assistants new to insurance will find this book useful for building a solid foundation of knowledge about the industry, both in the life and nonlife sectors