Chapter 15: Using Real Estate Assistants Summary
Unlicensed assistants perform purely administrative tasks, such as directing phone calls, filing documents, preparing certain documents, creating newsletters and maintaining a client database. They may not perform any activity which requires a real estate license.
Licensed assistants - technically licensed salespersons. Responsibilities:
- Performing office administration - a good filing system is critical and should include cross-referencing and indexing components.
- Updating data;
- Assisting with appointments - an assistant can prepare folders containing all the appropriate documents for an agent to take on listing or selling appointments.
- Communicating with clients - sending holiday and birthday cards, creating and mailing newsletters.
- Assisting with technology;
- Coordinating escrow - an assistant can talk to the escrow officer to find out what documents have been returned and are outstanding or if all contingencies have been removed and if all conditions have been met.
Why become an Assistant
- Don’t have the personalityit takes to pursue potential clients and persuade them to list or buy property.
- Lack the confidenceneeded in this overwhelming profession.
- Finances. Because real estate is commission-based, a licensee might not be able to support his or her family without a steady paycheck coming in.
Getting an Assistant Position – your resume is critical. It should include:
- Previous job history and Education.
- People skills - Dealing well with others is critical in real estate.
- Background in real estate - Stress any real estate experience you have had.
- Technical skills - typing, filing, telephone work, customer relations, and computer and Internet use.
Part-time Assistants generally work from 20 to 24 hours per week and receive an hourly wage.
Full-time Assistants can expect to work 35-40 hours per week and usually receive a weekly salary, plus benefits.
Independent Contractors pay their own taxes rather than having the broker deduct them. They are supervised only minimally and set their own schedule.
