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When is it time to hire an assistant?

By
Real Estate Agent with HomeSmart Real Estate AZ Broker BR030809000

When is it time to hire an assistant?

 

www.phoenixpropertyshoppe.com


Do you ever feel like you're going in 10 directions all at once?
  Or perhaps the feeling is more like so many people are 'tugging' on you to get this done or get that done and the real question is who or what comes first?
 

Since the real estate market has heated up in the Phoenix Metro area I've been hearing a number of real estate agents say they just can't keep up with everything. They ask me what should I do? Help!!

 

First I tell these real estate agents that being so busy is a good problem!

 

And then I say......hire somebody to help you! Delegate!  And while you're doing this make sure that your systems and processes are stream-lined. A good assistant can help you put a plan in place - and keep it in place while you're out doing what you do best - helping people buy and sell real estate.

 

But I can't afford it? Well if you really feel that way then what I suggest it that you set aside two hours every morning before the phone starts ringing or you get on the internet.  We all know how much time people are spending wasting online.  Yes there is value to all the social media activities! But trust me on this one.... you must draw the line to your online time if you want to build a successful real estate business.


Stay FOCUSED on your files and get a check and cross check system in place.
 Once you do so it's not so difficult to know exactly where each file is at because you have a system in place. Follow the same process time after time.  And while you're at it make sure all your files are located online so that you have access to them anytime anywhere. Got it?  Any questions? 

 

 

*******************************************************  

 

Real Estate and Working with my Clients is my Passion!
 
 

wwww.phoenixpropertyshoppe.com

 
I take my clients trust in me very seriously. I'm known for 'telling' it like it is, not what folks might want to hear or  think it should look like. Now that may sound kind of tough, but think about it, in the long run if you want to buy or sell a home you need to know the real facts in order to make a wise choice.


If you want the truth and the whole truth, I am the 
Phoenix Real Estate Broker for You.


When you are ready to buy or sell a Phoenix Area Home, I will be your advocate, guide, and fierce negotiator. I will work hard to make your buying or selling a home as smooth and stress-free as I possibly can - even if it's a short sale.  Guaranteed.

 


Call me and we'll create a plan of action to buy a home or sell your home! 

 

Sincerely,

 

Anna 'Banana' Kruchten

Broker/Owner

602-380-4886 

 

                                   

 
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Comments(20)

David Burrows
Classic Realty - Fairfax, VA
No Pressure, Just Seriously Devoted to Real Estate

I recently employed the help of an Assistant and I've done so with NO regrets! Wow, what a difference it makes - Positive Difference!

May 02, 2012 03:18 AM
John McCormack, CRS
Albuquerque Homes Realty - Albuquerque, NM
Honesty, Integrity, Results, Experienced. HIRE Me!

Good morning Anna -

My assistant (wife / Debbie) says she needs an assistant.  She always adds not complaining just saying.  We love to be busy and you're right at times we can get stretched thin so do as you said and hire an assistant.  Excellent post and advice and now Suggested my friend.

John

May 02, 2012 03:30 AM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten
HomeSmart Real Estate - Phoenix, AZ
602-380-4886

David good for you - you will be glad for years that you did so!

John - your wife works hard!  Busy is a good thing and no complaints with my team as well.  Asking for help and support when needed is the sign of a smart agent/broker!  Thanks!

May 02, 2012 04:19 AM
Bryan Robertson
Los Altos, CA

I went a long time without an assistant and regretted every minute of it.  Having support to handle the "details" gives me the time to get things done that drive revenue.

May 02, 2012 04:35 AM
Ellen Caruso
Daniel Gale Sotheby's International Realty - Glen Head, NY

Anna, those are great strategies and ideas....I multi-task so often its hard to get  it all done. I'm for getting help when I need it.

May 02, 2012 04:43 AM
Kathy Sheehan
Bay Equity, LLC 770-634-4021 - Atlanta, GA
Senior Loan Officer

Anna, that advice is right on the money!  The key is finding the right assistant for what you need.

May 02, 2012 04:58 AM
Cheryl Thomson REALTOR Ret Army
United Real Estate DC Metro Region (703.216.5635) cheryltee47@gmail.com - Prince William, VA
Associate Broker in Northern Virginia

I agree Anna, when business becomes overwhelming, time to get help, your children could help.

May 02, 2012 06:11 AM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten
HomeSmart Real Estate - Phoenix, AZ
602-380-4886

Bryan - exactly and there are countless details to keep track off. We know our job!

Ellen even the best mulit-taskers need help - speaking from experience!

Kathy - it is critical to find the 'right' assistant with the skill set required for what one needs.  That isn't always that simple.

Cheryl - the kids used to help with small things (mailings) but not a chance I'd let them loose on files or making arrangement. Ohhhhhh I'm smiling thinking about what that would have looked like!

May 02, 2012 06:19 AM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign


Anna- You could probably do a survey and find that the most successful people know when to delegate. And, you're right, we have to set a timer on how much of our time is spent with social media. 

May 02, 2012 06:57 AM
Roger D. Mucci
Shaken...with a Twist 216.633.2092 - Euclid, OH
Lets shake things up at your home today!

Good advice Miss Banana..............hope to see you at the awards ceremony today.  You're missing a good time.  Have your assistant finish up for you and join us.

May 02, 2012 09:37 AM
Lou Ludwig
Ludwig & Associates - Boca Raton, FL
Designations Earned CRB, CRS, CIPS, GRI, SRES, TRC

Anna

When your being pulled in ten directions, it's time for a sales assistant.

Good luck and success.

Lou Ludwig

May 02, 2012 09:46 AM
Sharon Lord
Maracay Homes - Peoria, AZ
New Home Advisor

Anna - I feel like I'm being pulled in 10 different directions EVERY DAY!!  I hired Nathan (my husband) to help with the business in Jan '11, and having an extra body has helped tremendously - never be afraid to ask for help!

May 02, 2012 10:20 AM
Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!
Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374 - St. George, UT
St. George Utah Area Residential Sales Agent

Anna, Definitely hire an assistant before you start pulling your hair out...life is better when you are free to continue to bring business in rather than taking care of the small stuff!

May 02, 2012 10:56 AM
Charles Stallions
Charles Stallions Real Estate Services - Pensacola, FL
850-476-4494 - Pensacola, Pace or Gulf Breeze, Fl.

One the best things I ever done was hire an assistant and build the team I have.

May 02, 2012 11:19 AM
Debbie Gartner
The Flooring Girl - White Plains, NY
The Flooring Girl & Blog Stylist -Dynamo Marketers

Anna - You are so right.  I just hired another part time person for 20 hrs a week.  Hoping it allows us to generate more biz so I can afford full time which will be a win win for both of us.

May 02, 2012 08:42 PM
JoAnn Moore
The Mortgage Market of Delaware - Georgetown, DE
Home Loans in Delaware

Great advice Anna. There may be other areas where people are wasting time. It may help to draw up a chart in 15 minute time intervals for the day and fill in each section for a week. Then at the end of the week, tally up the minutes into categories; prospecting, showing homes, etc. This helps put things into perspective.

And yes, systems are key. Most all transactions have the same basic steps. Checklists can help with that. 

May 02, 2012 09:47 PM
Belinda Spillman
Aspen Lane Real Estate Colorful Colorado - Aurora, CO
Colorado Living!

Great blog Anna.  At these times when real estate is so crazy we do find ourselvves juglling lots of bananas in the air.  Working as a team works well as we can each deal with issues independantly.  If you can't keep up, an assistant is a great idea or more time management. 

May 03, 2012 01:54 AM
Lottie Kendall
Compass - San Francisco, CA
Helping make your real estate dreams a reality

So true, Anna. My Virtual Assistant helps keep ME on track at times, as well as my business. And my on-site Assistant cheerfully spends her time at inspections, meeting movers, etc. I'd be lost without her. Suggested post!

May 03, 2012 02:10 AM
Fred Carver Real Estate Consulant
Retired BC Realtor - Victoria, BC
Accredited Real Estate Consultant

Hi Anna...there have been many times lately i could have been happy to have help...As the market improves an assistant will be on my list.

May 03, 2012 11:11 AM
Joy Daniels
Joy Daniels Real Estate Group, Ltd. - Harrisburg, PA
If you are busy you can't afford to NOT hire an assistant. I now have several and 2 of the agents on my team each have one. They are priceless!
May 08, 2012 10:43 AM