Commercial | non-licensed Finder's Fee

I could be wrong but...

1- Unless you're a licensed real estate salesperson in NY, you cannot be compensated for real estate transactions. In short, I believe it's illegal.

2- There is no separate license for commercial real estate salespersons in NY.

V65

What if the owner hires thehill as a personal assistant?

In the strictest sense, it would still be viewed as a real estate transaction if OP is doing the same activities as described. Practically speaking? Most people would probably get away with it. But I'm not a lawyer so I would suggest speaking with one. At a minimum, OP would be able to find out what the worst case scenario is.

Bottom line is that this is in the realm of "unlicensed" practice of _______________. This could be for lawyers, doctors, etc... Any field where a license is required but the person doesn't have one. Can one get away with it in practice? Probably, but I would still speak with a lawyer so it doesn't end up as SNAFU for all parties.

V65

there's a reason for state licenses.
insures culpability and defines professional parameters.
Hair cutters must be licensed.
Fisherman...

perhaps there is a fee you could collect for 'marketing' the property.
better check with the re sheriff

If you're a licensed attorney, you do not need a separate real estate license.

Here's the link to the Jan 2011 version of licensing law:

http://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=cache:FLuwZIYxSvwJ:www.dos.state.ny.us/licensing/lawbooks/RE-Law.pdf+penalty+for+practicing+real+estate+without+license+in+ny&hl=en&gl=us&pid=bl&srcid=ADGEESiyLTe2jafIS_zn2R2N5lbRECq_ATWVvfYufnmKhdJoD6IGE9k5nvFNYNQWTkv4qCQFrCjTUElZa6PFai_y0gYUQrm10UQ3dFnqi4BtcV0W8YUURy4hBrdb7VCTx8ZmMPNOQ4QC&sig=AHIEtbQTMb639E738mC1NLMF9FR4ey4YVQ&pli=1

It looks like practicing real estate without a license is only a misdemeanor here in New York, not a felony, so I don't think that implies much in the way of jail time. I'm out of my depth here, but I think the max is maybe only 6 months? Does anyone know?

Other thing, the members of the public you interact with might be able to sue you successfully in civil court once they find out, which they will if they go very far into a deal or possible deal. Because remember there are licensed attorneys on both sides, normally, and very few attorneys are going to want to risk their own neck so you can make a little cash. So somehow you're going to have to get the buyer to go along with you.

Now, the really interesting thing would be a potential buyer who is also a NYS attorney....

But, hey, you know, why not go for it. Maybe you can get a job as an LPN next time.