Real Estate Assistant: A Day in the Life

Many real estate agents have highly successful and productive business' and are in need of an experienced assistant or someone who has a little knowledge of how a real estate office works. These top producers may consist of a single individual or a team--either way, someone has to do the paperwork. Agents prefer to work outside of the office, constantly drumming up business and the assistant stays behind the scenes answering the phones and checking the email.

A day in the life of a real estate assistant--You never know what your day may bring. You could be behind the desk preparing marketing material, planning and hosting an event such as a luncheon or open house, or helping a busy agent throw together a contract while the clients are patiently waiting in the next room.

Be prepared to "mail merge". Mail outs are common in the real estate industry. Postcards announcing Just Listed and Just Sold blanket neighborhoods the agents are "farming"; an area they are focusing on with marketing material. Be prepared to design these cards using Microsoft Publisher. If you have never used this program it would be a good idea to have someone show you or try it out for your self. FYI - If you see a postcard in your mailbox from a realtor, take note of their marketing strategy--it could come in handy for ideas later on down the road.

Contracts and Forms-There are tons of forms used in real estate besides the standard single family home contract. You will most likely learn this part on the job, but a helpful tip to the beginner--The agent will show you how they want the forms filled out--make a copy and highlight where information was input so that you can refer to it when you draw a blank--Don't be afraid to pull archived files of closed properties to see how it has been done in the past, this will help get a feel for how your agent works.

Flyers/Brochures--Your agent probably has a flyer template that they have used for a period of time "Branding" in this industry is very important. When a potential client views a marketing piece it should have a familiar look--that way they "know" who the agent is just by seeing the format--Don't decide to get too creative here--Keeping the same layout but improving it is good--make sure you don't completely change their identity. If they have not established an identity, you should discuss with your agent about establishing one.

Photography-Always take a lot of photos, always use the best photos, go back and take more photos if the ones you took turn out bad. Take photos from every angle fo the room, almost always have a window to show more than just a blank wall. After I'm done taking photos I have at least 30-40 photos of a medium sized home if not more. Use a tripod--When using a tripod you can look thru the view finder to see what the photo will look like, pan the room, if you see something standing out, now is your chance to move it--come back and take a second look--if it's clear of anything that will detract from the room, snap it--take a few more just in case the focus was off.

Descriptions-Use full sentences to describe a home to it's fullest. Refrain from talking in realtor code. Example: 3/2/2 New A/C, Big bckyrd, Mster down, kit/din, frm liv. TRY THIS Incredible brick home with 3 bedrooms, two full bathrooms, and a 2 car garage. Gourmet kitchen and formal dining room open to the family room warmed by a wood burning fireplace. The luxurious downstairs master suite features a private bath with a garden tub, separate shower, dual vanity and a big walk-in closet. (this is a short example, don't stop here--go the extra mile with each room to create the perfect description)

Phone Etiquette--Your agent is not always in the office--be prepared to take messages. Always ask for a name and a number so the agent can return the call. You really should not give out a lot of information on a property if a potential buyer calls--the agent will want to follow up and basically recruit this buyer--so act dumb if you have to and tell them the agent will get back to them as quickly as possible. I generally refer to a meeting or appointment they are attending-whether they are or not. Go ahead and pull the information on the property they were calling about and have it ready when you call the agent to give them the message. Try to get an email address as well so that the MLS information or additional photos/brochure/etc. can be sent to them

Contacts--If your agent gives you a number to someone, hold on to it. If it's an A/C repairman, plumber, title company, insurance agent, etc. Keep a list because I can guarantee you that agent will ask you down the road for that number. If they use it once they will want to use it again. Use a rolodex or excel file etc. to keep track. Make sure you have the name and what type of work they do plus who referred them if applicable. A lot of times your agent will say "Who was the tile guy that so and so told us about?"

Pay--Assistants can expect to make as little as $7.50 an hour, but move up can be very quick. $12.00 an hour is average got experienced assistants. Licensed assistants can make as much as $18.00 an hour or more. Bonus' are an extra plus depending on the agent you work for.

Being a real estate assistant is the perfect job for those who love to multitask and enjoy a competitive atmosphere!