Ask Texas REALTOR®

Q   I’m finally at a point where I think I could benefit from hiring an assistant, but I don’t really know where to look. Do I take an ad out in the employment classifieds? Help!

A   The first step is to decide what you want the assistant to do. That will determine whether you should look for a licensed or unlicensed assistant. The law restricts unlicensed assistants’ activities to tasks that lean toward the administrative side. For example, an unlicensed person cannot call prospects to ask if they want to buy or sell a property, cannot show a property, and cannot negotiate a listing agreement. The Texas Real Estate Commission has more information on the use of unlicensed assistants on their Web site, www.trec.state.tx.us (search on the words unlicensed assistant).

One good source of licensed assistants is new licensees. This mutually beneficial relationship gives you someone with real estate knowledge (albeit limited) and provides the assistant with a mentor. You can check with local real estate schools to see if they can refer candidates to you. You might also identify a licensee who’s looking to stay in the business but cut back to a part-time schedule. Ask around–not just in your firm–if friends, family, and acquaintances know anyone who fits your bill. One more possibility is to share an assistant with another agent. If none of these actions produce results, try the classifieds.

If you’re looking for an unlicensed assistant, word-of-mouth queries to everyone you know is again a good idea, as is a classified ad. You also can contact job-assistance offices of local colleges and local employment agencies.

Before you do any looking, be sure you know exactly what tasks you want your assistant to perform and what skills that person should have, then clearly communicate that in your search.

Have a question about finances, licensing, technology, marketing, or other real estate issues? Ask Texas REALTOR® by sending e-mail to texasrealtor@texasrealtors.com or fax to 512/370-2390. Not all questions can be answered.

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