Real Estate Assistant?

Question

I have been a receptionist for a big real estate company for almost 2 years now. A few agents have decided to partner and are interested in me as an assistant. Also, once the merger is complete they will be ready to negotiate pay and are hoping to match my current hourly pay, with a closing bonus. In my opinion the assistant job will be more demanding than my current one of answering phones and watching the paint dry. My questions are...

Should I ask for a job description before negotiating pay?

What should I watch for as far as illegal practices?

If they do a job description, what should I expect to see on there?

Right now they are paying me for side jobs, yesterday I was aked how much would I charge to transfer a mailing list from one database to another. I wasnt sure so I asked a few questions about the database and so on. For this particular job should I have a set price or request hourly pay & how much is reasonable?

Answer 1

As for pay, I would have no idea. Look around to see if there are other agents with assistants, talk with the assistants and see what the going rates are.

As for your duties, this would differ from state to state. Check with the state Realtor commission to see if there are a list of duties you are allowed/not allowed to do.

Must of your duties should be to schedule and follow up on appointments. Schedule inspections. Closings. Keeping the files straight and ensuring that everything is done in a timely fashion (in accordance with the contract). In fact, that's pretty much about it.

You're basically a personal assistant for the administrative work. Any basic questions about a listing your "boss" has you may be able to answer, once talking about money gets involved, you may have to get there phone# and pass it on.

No legal talk. No answers to concerns, etc.

Hope that helps.

Answer 2

Yes - get a job description, but be prepared, for this role it should be long and vague - which is actually good the fuller your days are the more you will learn - just be sure the partners are open to your questions to enable your success in new tasks.   If you are getting paid the same as now to start off this good opportunity, take it - just be sure that your agreement includes a one year review with a minimum 4% increase or better based on your performance and capacity to contribute as their new operation grows.  As per side jobs while they are setting up and you are still in your old role, think how long it will take you to do the job and charge like a contractor - not sure of your area but to type, min. $15/hour.  If they don't use you this is the predicament they will be in.  As per legalities, under most partnership agreements the individuals take on the responsability personally so I am sure this will be fine.  Good luck.