Special offer
William Feela, Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.  (WHISPERING PINES REALTY)

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Rainmaker
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Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR ® e-Pro CRS RCS-D Vets
Big Block Realty 858.232.8722 - La Jolla, CA
CEO of Vision Drive Realty - Coastal San Diego

To each their own, but I couldn't disagree more. My production doubled, then tripled with an assistant. Plus, I don't do any $15.00/hour work, I only do $150.00 /hour work. A surgeon doesn't prep not clean the operating room, he/she doesn't open nor close the patient either, they just walk in and perform surgery. The Rolling Stones do not set up their gear nor do they stand out front and sell tickets and t-shirts. Tiger Woods doesn't carry his own golf bag. I see a pattern here.

 

Feb 24, 2017 07:27 PM
Ambassador
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Fred Griffin Florida Real Estate
Fred Griffin Real Estate - Tallahassee, FL
Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker

 If I pay them $15 or $20 per hour while I am making $100 to $200 per hour, it's worth it.

Feb 24, 2017 05:52 PM
Rainmaker
2,462,840
Anita Clark
Coldwell Banker Access Realty ~ 478.960.8055 - Warner Robins, GA
Realtor - Homes for Sale in Warner Robins GA

My assistant does things I do not have time to accomplish as well as working with the majority of my buyers so she helps me work less hard, not more. She is invaluable to my teams success. Not sure I could put a price tag on that. 

Feb 24, 2017 05:57 PM
Rainmaker
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Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

I work on my own and don't refer out very often since majority of my clients are repeat and referral clients... and I'm not about to refer them to anyone. I outsource services to free up my time... professional photographer, closing coordinator, etc.

Feb 25, 2017 04:36 AM
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Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

With most of my assistants I have found that they enable me to be more productive.

Feb 24, 2017 08:15 PM
Rainmaker
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Tony and Suzanne Marriott, Associate Brokers
Serving the Greater Phoenix and Scottsdale Metropolitan Area - Scottsdale, AZ
Haven Express @ Keller Williams Arizona Realty

Fred Griffin nailed this one!

Feb 25, 2017 03:34 AM
Rainmaker
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Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Andover, MA
Andover, MA: Andover Luxury Homes For Sale

William Feela - of course, yes. When we do some $10/hr job, that's what we are saving! We can do activities that lead to higher $/hr for us, for our business.

Feb 24, 2017 11:04 PM
Ambassador
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Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

There are plenty of tasks that take time that can be done by someone else. It's a business choice to allow you to focus on what you do best.

Feb 24, 2017 10:59 PM
Rainmaker
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Joe Pryor
The Virtual Real Estate Team - Oklahoma City, OK
REALTOR® - Oklahoma Investment Properties

I outsource rask throughout the world so it is all contract labor.

Feb 24, 2017 05:48 PM
Rainmaker
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Annette Lawrence , Palm Harbor, FL 727-420-4041
ReMax Realtec Group - Palm Harbor, FL
Making FLORIDA Real Estate EZ

If one does not see additional help, whether it is an assistant or team, as a force MULTIPLIER, they will be unable to achieve the possible best outcome.

You, plus (additional help) should equal three times current GCI.
Generally, it is not until an agent approaches 30 closing a year they must address this issue. Preferably a plan was developed at 20 and implemented at 25.

Let me give an example of force multiplier.

At your fingertips is the ability to advertise on the Internet and install 'chat' on your websites. If an assistant were able to respond to inquiries immediately, would that not build your appointment schedule and the number of listing, clients and closings? Agents pay BOOMTOWN BIG DOLLARS for their concierge service.

Feb 25, 2017 05:43 AM
Rainer
259,005
Mick Michaud
Distinctly Texas Lifestyle Properties, LLC Office:682/498-3107 - Granbury, TX
Your Texas Lifestyle is Here!

Certainly one way to do it.  If you have an office of 3 or more agents, it is an investment in your business and time.

Just my perspective.

 

Feb 24, 2017 06:17 PM
Rainmaker
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Michael J. Perry
KW Elite - Lancaster, PA
Lancaster, PA Relo Specialist

They don't have to be full time and you delegate the activities you prefer not to do

Feb 24, 2017 05:31 PM
Rainmaker
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Anthony Acosta - ALLATLANTAcondos.com
Harry Norman, REALTORS® - Atlanta, GA
Associate Broker

It is a personal preference William Feela 

Feb 25, 2017 10:39 AM
Rainmaker
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Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

I do not have an assistant.

Feb 25, 2017 03:16 AM
Rainmaker
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Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

William,

We each have different ways of working.  A

Feb 24, 2017 10:18 PM
Rainmaker
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Inna Ivchenko
Barcode Properties - Encino, CA
Realtor® • GRI • HAFA • PSC Calabasas CA

I agree with Keller who says that you should focus “exclusively” on “the high-return, high-leverage business of listings” by “taking and marketing listings.” 

Feb 24, 2017 09:40 PM
Rainmaker
599,274
Nathan Gesner
American West Realty and Management - Cody, WY
Broker / Property Manager

A good assistance will increase your income and easily pay for themselves.

Feb 24, 2017 09:16 PM
Rainmaker
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Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, CRS
Fathom Realty Washington LLC - Tacoma, WA
South Puget Sound Washington Agent/Broker!

I see both sides of the issue 

Feb 24, 2017 07:55 PM
Rainmaker
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Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

I have had TCs a couple of times, and now an assistant, still worth it.

Feb 27, 2017 09:28 AM
Ambassador
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Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

Oh, it pays in dividends, William Feela!

Feb 25, 2017 09:39 PM
Rainmaker
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Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties
Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN
The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

It depends are what your assistant does for you, Bill. I am more select in my clients so only need an assistant parttime. I have great systems in place that I didn't have years ago when my assistant worked 5 days a week.

Feb 25, 2017 06:58 PM
Rainmaker
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Sybil Campbell
Fernandina Beach, FL
Referral Agent Amelia Island Florida

I agree with you William.

Feb 25, 2017 05:21 PM
Rainmaker
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Ryan Huggins - Thousand Oaks, CA
https://HugginsHomes.com - Thousand Oaks, CA
Residential Real Estate and Investment Properties

If you have tasks that will keep your assistant busy and you have the production to support one, then why not.  You need to have the business to support them first though.

Feb 25, 2017 01:27 PM
Rainmaker
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Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Do what is best for your personal needs. 

 

Feb 25, 2017 11:42 AM
Rainmaker
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Lynnea Miller
Bend Premier Real Estate - Bend, OR
Premier Real Estate Service in Central Oregon

Good question, William Feela .  I think this answer is based on what you wish to do with your business. Do you want to continue to build it and take more market share? Or just be content with where you are. There is a cost analysis as well - when taking on an assistant may cost you more money than additional money you earn through the added help. Your idea of referring business may be the perfect solution for where you are in your career.

Feb 25, 2017 11:39 AM
Rainmaker
4,936,705
Will Hamm
Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO
"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

My assistant keeps me working harder.

 

Feb 25, 2017 11:38 AM
Rainmaker
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Kasey & John Boles
Jon Gosche Real Estate, LLC - BoiseMeridianRealEstate.com - Boise, ID
Boise & Meridian, ID Ada/Canyon/Gem/Boise Counties

Really the point of having an assistant is to leverage your time.  This can come in all shapes, sizes and forms and doesn't necessarily mean hiring a 9-5 office assistant.  I hired an independent contractor assistant to do a long laundry list of projects that were one time projects.  She worked for me for a year and a half and got a bunch off my plate.  The other day there was a question of "who cleans your office" and a bunch of the answers were "I do!"  I have housekeepers that come clean my office and my house, which shores up time to do other things rather than scrubbing my toilets. Some people hire part time social media people or copy writers.  A buyers agent or showing agent can save time by being out with clients.  I have even looked into having someone cook and make meals for me and my family.  Honestly I'd rather do paperwork than cook, so that would be helpful leveraging for me.  I think the key is to find the things that weigh you down or that you don't want to do.  That doesn't necessarily mean hiring a salaried employee that you call an assistant. -Kasey

Feb 25, 2017 09:16 AM
Rainmaker
4,800,082
Gabe Sanders
Real Estate of Florida specializing in Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales - Stuart, FL
Stuart Florida Real Estate

For some, I know it pays off very well.  It does depend on your volume and style as well as the quality of the assistant you hire.

Feb 25, 2017 08:13 AM
Ambassador
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Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

Life is not a one-size-fits-all proposition.  What works for one does not work for another. We do what works best for us.  My team of professionals allows me to focus on what I need to focus on. The business runs smoothly. Clients are happy. That is what matters to most to me.

Feb 25, 2017 08:09 AM
Rainmaker
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Sandy Padula & Norm Padula, JD, GRI
HomeSmart Realty West & Florida Realty Investments - , CA
Presence, Persistence & Perseverance

Since we have never employed an assistant; can't speculate, but I can see how overhead reduction can result in fewer headaches.

Feb 25, 2017 08:00 AM
Rainmaker
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Harry F. D'Elia III
WEDO Real Estate and Beyond, LLC - Phoenix, AZ
Investor , Mentor, GRI, Radio, CIPS, REOs, ABR

I agree we must have a pa

Feb 25, 2017 07:04 AM
Rainmaker
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Vern Eaton
Askov, MN
Realtor 651-674-7449

Bill, good thoughts.

I find that in my rural area it would be hard to increase   business because the lower population so an assistant would not help me at all

Feb 25, 2017 06:58 AM
Rainmaker
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Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

I've never had an assistant.... at the point where I had too much work for one person, and I didn't want to "up my game," I created a team.... worked incredibly well....

Feb 25, 2017 06:36 AM
Rainmaker
1,466,207
Michael Setunsky
Woodbridge, VA
Your Commercial Real Estate Link to Northern VA

William Feela An assistant can pay for them self doing the administrative jobs an agent doesn't have to do so they can be out in the field listing and selling real estate.

Feb 25, 2017 06:28 AM
Rainmaker
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Jennifer Mackay
Counts Real Estate Group, Inc. - Panama City, FL
Your Bay County Florida Realtor 850.774.6582

Yes, the right one saves lots of time and when trained correctly will make their own salary

Feb 25, 2017 05:57 AM
Rainmaker
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Nancy Robinson Ranked #6 in MI
Century 21 Town and Country - Royal Oak, MI
#11 Century21 Realtor in the US, #16 in the World

If you can find the right Ad Min, your production will increase and your work load will decrease.  You do not work harder.  

Feb 25, 2017 05:36 AM
Rainmaker
4,882,355
Richard Weeks
Dallas, TX
REALTOR®, Broker

It depends on your business, maybe you just need a virtual or part time assistant and not a full time assistant.  Calculate what your $ per hour worth, does it make sense to pay someone to do things that need to be done that do not require a license.

Feb 25, 2017 05:17 AM
Rainmaker
1,844,301
Lyn Sims
Schaumburg, IL
Real Estate Broker Retired

Well, I never had thought about the fact that YOU have to keep them busy for the 6 to 8 hours. So on top of keeping yourself busy, you're also trying to do that. Planning for 2 - sometimes it was hard.

But, they are taking the task load off your back that's not really $$ producing activities.

Feb 25, 2017 05:15 AM
Rainmaker
4,572,283
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

There are many different ways of conducting a business.  It depends on the individual.  Having an assistant(or not) and your method of choosing who to work with(or not) is your choice.   And mine too.   

Feb 25, 2017 05:00 AM