Real estate agents are no strangers to peak seasons. They might not directly be in the hospitality industry, but real estate agents go through high and low seasons all the time. There are times when properties are lining up, meetings are scheduled for the next week and you don’t have a moment to sip tea. And then, there are periods of low pressure when you can go to a pool game, head for a swim, enjoy the sun, make coffee a gazillion times and watch a movie on Netflix, all during the same working day.
If you’re going through one of your peak season periods, think about what you do during a typical day. Now, while you’re at it, think of just how much is directly related to brand building, securing connections, showcasing your skills and acquiring new customers? How much of what you’re doing in a typical day eventually ends up making you money?
If, at the end of this contemplation, you find yourself wasting time on repetitive, unprofitable and time-consuming activities, then you, my friend, are in real need of a temp assistant to come and save your day.
Why Hire a ‘Temp’ Real Estate Assistant?
A temp real estate assistant frees you up from a number of duties that you would otherwise be wasting your time on. They eventually help you focus on details and work activities that you can actually shine in, like networking, building client relationships and prospecting new clients.
Now, before we go to the different kinds of temp assistants available, and how assistants in general spruce up your business, let us look at why you should go for a temp assistant, rather than a full-time one!
Help When You Need It
One of the most important reasons to bring in temp assistants, especially for real estate agents, is to have reinforcement during peak periods of productions. Whether it is pre-holiday season, when people want to move in to new houses before the holidays hit or whether it is just a productive period of economic stability, you might need an assistant for a short term peak period, rather than for the entire duration of your business.
Temporary assistants can cover the additional work that comes up during this period, without the otherwise long term commitment that you would have to be ready for with full-time workers. You will also appreciate this help at the right moment, as the last thing you want is to burn out right during peak season.
Lower Costs
Hiring a temp assistant through a temp staffing agency specializing in real estate staffing can work wonders for you. You don’t have to go through the additional costs of recruiting, advertising your job search and training employees to match your expectations.
You also don’t have to worry about quick termination or severance pay when you no longer require the services of your temp assistant. The assistant will be available for as long as you need them. Once you don’t require their services anymore or when the peak season has gone by, you can go back to your old ways as quickly as you entered this new arrangement.
Handle Special Projects
You just roped in a contract to sell that special property in a hotspot area and want to do your best to impress other sellers and form connections where it matters. Now is the time to have an assistant by your side, so that nothing goes wrong and you’re smoothly able to build an impression in the eyes of future customers.
If you search at the right place, you might end up finding someone just as skilled as you want.
Types of Real Estate Assistants
The specific duties required from a real estate agent can vary based on their experience and the title of their position. There are different types of real estate assistants available to fill up for different job roles.
Virtual Assistants
Virtual assistants are quite the rage today, due to their ability to work without requiring desk privileges. They work from their home and manage the tasks above for you. However, since they aren’t present in person, the scope of what they do is also pretty limited.
Showing Assistant
A showing assistant is basically a temp administrative assistant with a valid real estate license of their own. This gives you amazing bang for your buck, as they can handle real-life client experiences, including showing your property around and building connections for you. Who wouldn’t want that?
Benefits of a Real Estate Assistant
If you’re thinking of hiring a temp assistant in the real estate market, then you would be pleased to know about the benefits they can provide you:
Increased Productivity
Temp assistants in the real estate market can help you improve your productivity and distribute the tasks between each other. Real estate agents never turn down a client, and you can now do so without the worry of the work that comes with a new client.
Increased Professionalism
Ask your clients and they will let you know what they think of real estate agents that don’t answer the phone, don’t respond and don’t interact on social media – unprofessional is the word. If you want to appear professional, you should have someone pick up and answer your phone at all times. Be the real estate agent that is always available.
Reduced Stress Levels
Real estate agents are always under a lot of stress. From juggling different clients at one time to ensuring the optimal impression, they can be overpowered by stress and anxiety. An assistant can significantly help reduce this stress through the quality of their work and the consistency of their services. You can even take an afternoon off, and have your assistant answer the phone and handle some other tasks, as you relax and catch up on some healthy alone time.
How Do You Find An On-Demand Real Estate Assistant?
You can find a on-demand real estate assistant from a number of platforms online. However, none can be as reliable and as smooth as OktoHub. We help you connect with established real estate agents in your area and form a long-term commitment with them.
