Home : Blogs : Darla Jensen : Darla's Blog

Is it time to add a Buyer's Agent, or get an assistant?

When there's no longer separation between real estate and family life, it seems to me it's time to either add a Buyer's Agent to my business, or get an Assistant. For those of you who have been in this predicament, I would appreciate some advice. Thanks, Darla

Posted by Darla Jensen on 08/07/2008 07:25 PM

Comments (6)

growing your real estate business

6 Comments on Is it time to add a Buyer's Agent, or get an assistant?

AUG

2008

Darla- I am a full time agent, and so is Nestor. We own our own company. I am also a full time coach for agents and a full time homeschool mom. You can read my profile before you decide to take my advise.

You must first hire the assistant. Then you get the buyers agent. ALWAYS!!!

Katerina, thank you for the advice; I'm taking it!!!

It depends on what is taking up the most of your time. I would try a part time or full time assistant. Adding a Buyer's Agent can be very time consuming, especially if it is one that is new to the business, is a lot of work (training). But if your goal is to grow your business go for it. You will eventually need both.

Does your office have a closing coordinator? I got an assistant right away but I felt a lot more responsible for keeping the business going since not only was my family relying on but so was an employee.

I totally agree with Nestor & Katerina on getting an assistant first. If you get an assistant, that should free you up to do all of the money making activities and let them do the secretarial work.

Good luck! It is always tough when you are in between your comfort zone. Sooner or later your clients and your family suffer. Oh yeah, and so does your mental health!

I would recommend sitting down and writing down everything you do each day, if its running errands, hire someone, if its paper work that is keeping you from your clients and family then hire the assistant. But if you have more buyers than you can handle then its time to add a B/A.

I have had a team of 12 since the 90's, when I started I had so many listings that I hired an assistant first, but before I knew it I needed some one to work the buyers, so I hired first a part time B/A and it grew from there. There is no real formula, it should be based on what you need to keep you dollar productive, up front, belly to belly with buyers and sellers and yet......have a life.

It is important you find out what you want to accomplish. remember a new B/A should bring in more money, not cost you in time and money and an assisitant should help you increase your business 20% or at least pay their salary. Good Luck!!!!!!

Thank you all for the great advice. This is my first week as a new member of Active Rain and I am thankful for somehow "falling into it". I know you have already made a difference in my business plan (and family life)!

Leave a response…

Name:

Email:
(optional)

Comment:

What does the graphic say?