How to hire a real estate broker associate

How to hire a real estate broker associate, step by step

Here's a step-by-step real estate broker associate hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a real estate broker associate job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new real estate broker associate
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you start hiring a real estate broker associate, identify what type of worker you actually need. Certain positions might call for a full-time employee, while others can be done by a part-time worker or contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   A real estate broker associate's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, real estate broker associates from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   This list presents real estate broker associate salaries for various positions.

   Type of Real Estate Broker Associate	Description	Hourly rate
   Real Estate Broker Associate	Real estate brokers and sales agents help clients buy, sell, and rent properties. Although brokers and agents do similar work, brokers are licensed to manage their own real estate businesses... Show more	$29-53
   Realtor	A realtor is responsible for processing real estate transactions and assisting clients with their concerns and inquiries about a specific property. A realtor should always work for their clients' best interests, ensuring that proposals work within the client's specified budget and property goals... Show more	$12-25
   Broker	Brokers can either be a firm or an individual acting as an intermediary between a securities exchange and an investor. They often provide services to individual investors and traders who cannot engage directly with security exchanges, which only accept orders from their members... Show more	$32-109

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Purchase Agreements
   • Real Estate
   • Market Trends
   • Real Estate Market
   • Business Development
   • Client Relationships
   • Property Management
   • Real Estate Sales
   • Comparative Market Analysis
   • Residential Real Estate
   • Real Property
   • Open Houses
   • MLS
   • Residential Properties

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Leverage an extensive business network to locate properties before they appear in the MLS, giving clients a competitive advantage.
   • Perform pricing, BPO and competitive market analysis.
   • Utilize MLS system, create CMA's; interface with title and mortgage companies to assure stream line closings.
   • Provide CMA's, and BPO's assist in appraisals and surveying, provide complete concierge and relocation services.
   • Stabilize operations and financial performance of underperforming properties, directing investors in maximizing value and/or divesting assets to optimize ROI.
   • Draft probate petition documents and administer probate estates.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your real estate broker associate job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. A real estate broker associate can vary based on:

   • Location. For example, real estate broker associates' average salary in missouri is 58% less than in new york.
   • Seniority. Entry-level real estate broker associates 46% less than senior-level real estate broker associates.
   • Certifications. A real estate broker associate with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in a real estate broker associate's salary.

   Average real estate broker associate salary

   $83,167yearly

   $39.98 hourly rate

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   Entry-level real estate broker associate salary

   $61,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 15, 2025

4. Writing a real estate broker associate job description

   A real estate broker associate job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. To help get you started, here's an example of a real estate broker associate job description:

   Real estate broker associate job description example

   Northmarq - Phoenix, AZ
   
   NORTHMARQ - WHERE THE BEST COME TO THRIVE
   
   Northmarq is entering a new era, and a landmark career opportunity is waiting for you. Northmarq is independent, and fiercely so. We have the freedom to do things the right way. To hire the very best. To give them the resources to thrive. We do it because that's what we believe. Northmarq is not held back by principles, we're propelled by them. We and our clients are growing fast because we're providing something rare and valuable: easy access to the industry's best talent, an agile and collaborative style, and vast resources to execute flawless deals for our clients and partners. Northmarq was voted by Real Estate Forum as one of The Best Places To Work In Real Estate!
   
   Northmarq is seeking an Associate Broker to join its Investment Sales team in the Phoenix, AZ office. This individual will be a strong, supporting member of Northmarq' s growing investment sales team assisting and working alongside senior brokers that will essentially be a mentorship and afford the individual an opportunity to work with experienced Producers who are at the top of the industry in their market. This position will provide the AB the potential to obtain the skills necessary to become a Producer/Broker, while working closely with a Senior Producer or Managing Director as their Mentor/Coach for a period of 1-2 years in the Associate Broker program. If you are interested in this opportunity, Northmarq is committed to dedicating the time and energy towards accelerating your career, providing you the tools and assisting in your development as part of the Associate Broker program.
   
   * Questions about the position, please contact Maria Sather in Human Resources with Northmarq.
   
   Position Responsibilities:
   
   * Marketing to new and/or under-marketed clients, with a goal of generating new business.
   * Creating and building AB's individual Business Plan, that will include, as a minimum, a detailed plan on Relationship Building and Learning the Business.
   * Responsible for understanding and also preparing underwriting packages for investment real estate.
   * Responsible for learning the real estate market and sub-markets of Phoenix, including getting to know brokers, title company employees, insurance agents, and others who can contribute to general market knowledge and marketing success.
   * Responsible for learning about deal structure, in all aspects of the prospecting and listing process
   * Ability to establish priorities and support the "Mentor/Coach" and objectives for the local office.
   
   Timeline of the AB Program (timeline is based on the individual):
   
   1st Year:
   
   * The AB will assist the office's lead underwriter by learning company templates, interpreting owner's financial statements, performing rent and sales surveys, and developing pricing skills. Additional learning at this time includes how physical attributes of properties affect values.
   * Database management, updating the office's database with recent sales, ownership, and contact information. Develop a knowledge base of local market conditions, ownership, and sales inventory.
   * Prospect calling to prospective purchasers, leading to calling owners to prospect for listings, initially with the support and coaching from their MD or Senior Broker (mentor/coach).
   
   2nd year: The AB will follow the same program as outlined in 1st year, expanding their market reach, and improving their market knowledge and skills, with daily activities closely monitored by the Managing Director or other senior broker (mentor/coach).
   
   What We're Looking For:
   
   * Investment Sales experience preferred, CRE internship considered
   * Relationship building and sales skills are essential, with demonstrated results given significant consideration.
   * Negotiation and influencing skills needed, with an ability to resolve issues that may arise on a deal.
   * Knowledge of commercial real estate underwriting techniques, understanding of the financial characteristics of multifamily property types, and ability to understand and advise clients in complex decision-making processes.
   * 4-year college degree, preferred degrees will include finance, marketing, real estate, business promotion, general business, but any degree program will be considered.
   
   Demonstrated Professional & Technical Competencies to Include:
   
   * Ability to work independently and stay motivated
   * Strong work ethic and willingness to work extended hours when necessary
   * Ability to handle multiple projects and assignments; able to prioritize and meet deadlines
   * Effective verbal and written communication skills
   * Strong Problem-solving and solution finding skills to reflect level of responsibilities
   * Ability to maintain sensitive and confidential information
   
   Required Professional Certifications or Licenses: The candidate must hold a current valid real estate license in the state where they will work prior to starting the program or obtain one within the first 90 days of beginning AB the program.
   
   Northmarq offers a highly competitive benefits package including: medical, dental, vision, paid time off, 401K match and an annual discretionary contribution based on business performance, paid parental leave and adoption assistance, education assistance, volunteer paid time off, charitable contribution match and so much more!

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are a few common ways to find real estate broker associates for your business:

   • Promoting internally or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to meet candidates with the right educational background.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to recruit passive job-seekers.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your real estate broker associate job on Zippia to find and recruit real estate broker associate candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Recruiting real estate broker associates requires you to bring your A-game to the interview process. The first interview should introduce the company and the role to the candidate as much as they present their background experience and reasons for applying for the job. During later interviews, you can go into more detail about the technical details of the job and ask behavioral questions to gauge how they'd fit into your current company culture.

   Remember to include a few questions that allow candidates to expand on their strengths in their own words. Asking about their unique skills might reveal things you'd miss otherwise. At this point, good candidates can move on to the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new real estate broker associate

   Once you've selected the best real estate broker associate candidate for the job, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, this letter should include details about the benefits and perks you offer the candidate. Ensuring that your offer is competitive is essential, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and you should be open to discussion. After you reach an agreement, the final step is formalizing the agreement with a contract.

   It's also good etiquette to follow up with applicants who don't get the job by sending them an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   To prepare for the new real estate broker associate first day, you should share an onboarding schedule with them that covers their first period on the job. You should also quickly complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Finally, Human Resources must ensure a new employee file is created for internal record keeping.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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