I know that many of you are juggling a ton and are considering taking the leap to hire an assistant. Trust me, I get it. You’re hustling hard, closing deals left and right, and your calendar is starting to look like a puzzle that even Einstein would scratch his head at. It might be time to delegate some tasks and reclaim a few hours in your day for, you know, life.
So, let’s grab a coffee, take a breather, and chat about how you can expand your team without losing what makes your service special.
When to Hire an Assistant
This is a question of bandwidth and sanity. If you’re clocking in 60-80 hours a week and your to-do list is looking more like a novel, it might be time to bring in some help. The goal is to focus your efforts on areas that directly contribute to your business’s growth – and your bottom line.
The Right Fit
Your assistant can be a game-changer, and when you’re looking for one, think about the skill set that would complement your own. Are you buried under paperwork? Get someone detail-oriented. Need more face time with clients without burning out? Consider hiring a showing assistant. You want someone who can seamlessly take the mundane or time-consuming tasks off your plate and do them well.
The Showing Assistant Strategy
Now, this is a cool idea I’ve heard: hire a showing assistant. Someone who can do the legwork of property showings, freeing up your time to nail those listing presentations and negotiations. It’s a sweet deal for new agents too, because they get practical experience, a bit of cash, and mentorship under your wing. Plus, your clients get seven-day-a-week coverage – talk about VIP treatment! Of course, you’ll only do this once you’re truly tapped out on time and are drowning in client meetings.
Transaction Coordinator (TC) – A Must-Have or Not?
Here’s the thing: a good TC can save you up to 15 hours per transaction. That’s huge. And while some agents swear by having a TC from day one, others say it makes more sense to wait until you’re pushing about two deals a month. The math is simple – if dedicating around 10% of your time to admin work sounds like a nightmare, start interviewing TCs. Just remember quality matters. You don’t want to hire a TC you have to micromanage – that defeats the purpose, right?
Paying Your Team
This can be a sticky subject. You want to compensate fairly but also keep an eye on the books. For a showing assistant, ponder over a reasonable flat fee per showing, so they feel valued and you keep your costs predictable. Remember, if you devalue your team, you’re devaluing the service they provide to your clients, and that’s a big no-no.
Building Your Dream Team
Once you decide to expand your team, take the time to track your activities and decide what you’re good at, what you hate, and what requires a license or special training. Create a clear, detailed job description and have a solid training plan in place. Remember, clear communication is crucial in building a strong, effective team.
Hiring Tips
Slow and steady wins the race in hiring. Invest the time to find someone aligned with your values and customer service standards. Don’t be afraid to quiz potential hires on crucial aspects of the job to gauge their knowledge. Pay well for quality work – it’s an investment in your peace of mind and business’s success.
Final Thoughts
The beauty of real estate is that you can tailor your business model to your strengths, lifestyle, and personal preferences. There’s no one-size-fits-all, but taking the time to flesh out your team strategically can set you on course for smoother sailing ahead. And who doesn’t want that?
So go ahead, skim through those résumés, and start building a team that supports and elevates your business. Cheers to growth, balance, and continued success in your real estate ventures!
Remember, at the end of the day, it’s all about freeing up your time to focus on what you do best – making those deals happen and keeping your clients smiling. Good luck! 🏡✨