Unlicensed Assistants
Two items. Iowa gives this its own place on the outline because rule 481-2007.13 prints an unusually detailed list of permitted and barred activities, and because section 543B.7A(3) carves out a genuine rental exception that surprises candidates.
The Rule and Who Supervises
Rule 481-2007.13 provides that when a licensee affiliated with a broker engages support personnel, both the firm or designated broker and the affiliated licensee are responsible for supervising them, with the affiliated licensee bearing primary responsibility. Unless the support person holds a real estate license, they cannot perform any act of a licensee identified in sections 543B.3 and 543B.6, and may perform only ministerial duties that need no discretion or the exercise of the licensee's own judgment. Personal assistants are support personnel. Someone actively licensed with one firm cannot work as support personnel for a licensee of another firm; an inactive licensee may, but cannot do anything requiring a license. The brokerage must implement a written company policy authorizing the use of support personnel and specifying the duties they may perform, and give copies to both the licensee and the assistant. A broker is not held responsible for inadequate supervision where the unlicensed person violated the broker's specific written policies, reasonable verification procedures existed, the broker tried to prevent or mitigate the damage on learning of it, did not participate, and did not avoid learning of it.
Permitted Activities
Rule 481-2007.13(4)"a" permits answering the phone and forwarding calls, submitting listing data to a multiple listing service, checking on loan commitments after a contract is negotiated, assembling closing documents, obtaining public records, having keys made, writing advertisements for the licensee's and broker's approval and placing them as directed, recording and depositing earnest money, security deposits and advance rents and other bookkeeping, typing contract forms as directed, monitoring personnel files, computing compensation checks, placing signs, ordering routine repairs, acting as courier, scheduling showings, inspections, the mortgage application, the walk-through and the closing, scheduling an open house, performing physical maintenance, and hosting an open house for a tour attended by licensees only. At a public open house the assistant may accompany a licensee as host - opening the door, distributing prepared material, having prospects sign a register, and walking through for security - but must not answer questions about the material aspects of the house or its price and terms.
Barred Activities and the Rental Carve-Out
Rule 481-2007.13(4)"b" bars cold calling or otherwise contacting the public to secure prospects; independently hosting open houses, kiosks, home show booths or fairs attended by the public; preparing promotional material without the licensee's and broker's approval; showing property for sale independently; answering questions on title, financing or closings beyond time and place; answering questions about a listing except price and amenities expressly provided in writing by the licensee; discussing or explaining a contract, listing or agreement with anyone outside the firm; negotiating any compensation, management fee or referral fee; discussing terms and conditions with the owner; collecting or holding deposit money or anything of value; giving advice or recommendations about a sale or purchase; and holding oneself out as licensed or affiliated with a firm. Rule 481-2007.14 limits nonlicensed personnel to passing information to another licensee, and only information the employer licensee gave them. Rentals are different: section 543B.7A(3) and rule 481-2007.13(4)"a"(23) to (26) let a nonlicensed employee of a broker advertise and list property for rent, show it, collect rent and deposits, procure prospects, and complete and execute form rental agreements under chapters 562A and 562B.
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State-specific details
State exam facts
- State regulator
- Iowa Real Estate Commission (DIAL)
- Exam vendor
- PSI
- Scored questions
- 115
- Time limit
- 180 minutes
Who regulates real estate brokers in Iowa?
The Iowa Real Estate Commission, now within the Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (DIAL), licenses brokers and salespersons. The Commission contracts with PSI to deliver the exams.
What experience do I need before the Iowa broker exam?
Iowa Code § 543B.15(7) requires 24 months as a licensed salesperson actively engaged in real estate (or substantially equal experience) plus 60 contact hours of Commission-approved broker education completed within the 24 months before the broker exam — on top of the salesperson pre-license course.
How is the Iowa broker exam structured?
PSI bulletin 120 sets the broker exam at 115 scored questions in 180 minutes: a 75-question national portion scored to 80 points (pass 60 points, 120 minutes) and a 40-question Iowa portion worth 40 points (pass 30, 60 minutes). Both portions must be passed. The national portion is scored by points because some national broker items are worth two points.
Sources: https://dial.iowa.gov/licenses/other-professional-licensure/real-estate-licensees, https://test-takers.psiexams.com/api/content/bulletin/120
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