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Praful Thakkar, Andover, MA: Andover Luxury Homes For Sale (LAER Realty Partners)

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Rainmaker
1,543,623
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

Use the Buffini & Company hiring plan in the members area.

$15.00/hr is what I paid before I went virtual.

FYI your assistant is an employee, so setup payroll and taxes, etc. accordingly...serious changes in 1099 vs W-2 rules with the new tax laws.

Consider a temp agency or VA.

Jun 18, 2018 06:49 PM
Ambassador
2,684,009
Fred Griffin Florida Real Estate
Fred Griffin Real Estate - Tallahassee, FL
Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker

   If they are a salaried employee, meet with an attorney who specializes in Employment, and/or a CPA who can advise you on taxes and withholding.  Hire them "at will" so that you can fire them if you need to, without facing a civil suit.  If it is their full time job, pay them a living wage.

Jun 18, 2018 08:56 PM
Ambassador
6,393,154
Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

I have been in hiring mode all of this year, adding members all over the teams, including a few admins.

  • The KPA and DISC are good tools to help with a little extra insight into candidates.
  • Dont make it all about money, if that is their only priority then they may not be the best candidate. 
  • Those who are more interested in learning and advancing toward higher positions or performance pay are more likely to further your teams goals.
Jun 18, 2018 08:52 PM
Rainmaker
4,572,117
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Parked, reading and learning. 

Jun 18, 2018 07:08 PM
Rainmaker
5,104,931
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

I gave up on them years ago... but I will recommend that you hire slow and fire fast. And make certain you don't violate any tax or employment laws. Hiring an unlicensed assistant can be more headaches than they are worth from a liability standpoint.

Jun 19, 2018 03:50 AM
Ambassador
5,048,883
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Thomas J. Nelson, Realtor, ePRO, CRS, RCS-D has some good ideas. I would be VERY clear on what you want that person to do and be very aware of the right style, personality and skills set that is needed. Where will they work? How many hours?

Jun 18, 2018 07:29 PM
Ambassador
5,229,945
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

The best advice is pay them well for your area and be sure you hire a licensed assistant. Congrats on the hire too, Praful!

Jun 18, 2018 09:17 PM
Rainmaker
670,301
Matthew Klinowski, PA
Downing Frye Realty - Naples, FL
Naples Golf Guy | Find Your Dream Lifestyle

I hired my wife, cheap labor 

Jun 18, 2018 07:22 PM
Rainer
509,449
Susie Kay
Ultra Real Estate Dallas Fort Worth - Plano, TX
North Dallas Specialist

Small base pay and additional every time you have a closing. In this case she/he is more motivated to help you.

Jun 18, 2018 06:53 PM
Rainmaker
5,772,575
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Each market is different in terms of pay scale, and it would be a good idea to hire someone with a license.  A

Jun 18, 2018 09:39 PM
Rainmaker
2,220,323
Anthony Acosta - ALLATLANTAcondos.com
Harry Norman, REALTORS® - Atlanta, GA
Associate Broker

You have great answers here.

Jun 18, 2018 08:47 PM
Rainmaker
3,986,258
William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

Trust and spme real estate background would be a plus

Jun 18, 2018 07:30 PM
Rainmaker
3,416,038
Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

I have tried it and although always works well at first, i find that if i am not there, right up on everything... it is not done to they way or how i want. It may start out good but i find it more work to review then to just to do it myself first. Maybe i have not found the perfect person. I offered great pay, bonuses and commission too

Jun 19, 2018 05:50 AM
Rainmaker
1,502,998
Ryan Huggins - Thousand Oaks, CA
https://HugginsHomes.com - Thousand Oaks, CA
Residential Real Estate and Investment Properties

Make sure you have enough work and that that work is spelled out.  Consider consulting with an HR company about payroll and what signage you need in your workplace.

Jun 18, 2018 09:54 PM
Rainmaker
1,525,616
Sybil Campbell
Fernandina Beach, FL
Referral Agent Amelia Island Florida

Good question!

Jun 18, 2018 08:08 PM
Rainmaker
1,311,397
John Juarez
The Medford Real Estate Team - Fremont, CA
ePRO, SRES, GRI, PMN

All I can say is hire talent. We have GREAT admin help hired by our Team Leader and COO. I don't have to worry but I derive the benefit.

Jun 18, 2018 07:04 PM
Rainer
54,940
Jordan Ayan
The Lifestyle Collection - Scottsdale, AZ
Luxury Market Expert, CLHMS,Million Dollar Guild

I have an autographed picture of Candice Bergman (Murphy Brown).  If you read the inscription (and ever watched the show), you will understand why you don't want my answer to this question.

Jun 19, 2018 05:58 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

I would have a trial period before setting up a contract.

Jun 19, 2018 05:50 AM
Rainmaker
3,071,489
Tony and Suzanne Marriott, Associate Brokers
Serving the Greater Phoenix and Scottsdale Metropolitan Area - Scottsdale, AZ
Haven Express @ Keller Williams Arizona Realty

Hire a licensed assistant and pay them an appropriate portion of each commission.

Jun 19, 2018 05:33 AM
Rainmaker
2,781,153
Richie Alan Naggar
people first...then business Ran Right Realty - Riverside, CA
agent & author

Ability to follow instructions, finish what was started and take initiative is the focus. Then, training, resourcefulness and desire to act consistently. Precaution is not the right approach. Compensations should be a base salary with incentives for bonus, splits and innovation

Jun 19, 2018 05:27 AM
Rainmaker
5,216,381
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Chicago, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

The easiest way is to use the services of an employee leasing company who can take care of all the administrative duties.

Jun 19, 2018 05:19 AM
Rainmaker
7,835,407
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Hire the smartest person you can find and be generous with the compensation.

Jun 19, 2018 04:33 AM
Rainmaker
4,434,127
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

I have not hired any assistants.

Jun 19, 2018 04:15 AM
Rainmaker
4,272,548
Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, CRS
Fathom Realty Washington LLC - Tacoma, WA
South Puget Sound Washington Agent/Broker!

Talk to Katerina Gasset 

Jun 18, 2018 09:45 PM
Rainmaker
3,988,007
Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties
Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN
The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

The person needs great computers skills and organizational skills. I would also want someone that is flexible and doesn't need much supervisor. Navigating social media would be a plus.

Jul 09, 2018 04:32 PM
Rainmaker
544,014
Dave Halpern
Dave Halpern Real Estate Agent, Inc., Louisville, KY (502) 664-7827 - Louisville, KY
Louisville Short Sale Expert

Make sure the assistant is not crazy.

Jun 25, 2018 04:38 PM
Rainmaker
5,868,472
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

I used one inside my office, and was not pleased.  I continue to do all my own work.

Jun 22, 2018 07:30 AM
Rainmaker
763,883
Tony Lewis
Summit Real Estate Group - Valencia, CA
Summit Real Estate Group Valencia & Aliso Viejo

I would call, text and email at different times of the day and also have others do the same to see how responsive they are.  Communication is key to real estate and life.

Jun 19, 2018 10:20 AM
Ambassador
3,345,091
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

I am of no help here.  More headaches than it is worth for me.  

Jun 19, 2018 08:08 AM
Rainmaker
4,882,355
Richard Weeks
Dallas, TX
REALTOR®, Broker

Get a copy of "The millionaire real estate agent" by Gary Keller.  He has some great information on building a team.  

Jun 19, 2018 07:51 AM
Rainmaker
1,712,676
Joe Pryor
The Virtual Real Estate Team - Oklahoma City, OK
REALTOR® - Oklahoma Investment Properties

Depends on what their responsibilites are. We pay monthly plus a per contract closing bonus.

Jun 19, 2018 07:03 AM