Advice on hiring an assistant?

[Cheryl C.]

I have had a few of part-time assistants in the past few years. All moved on to full-time jobs. My current asssitant obtained a full-time job and can only work 1 day a week. This is fine for bill-paying, filing, ect., but leaves no time for other things and offers me no flexibility in having someone available to meet contractors, tenants, etc. I'm advertising for an additional assistant. I've been contacted by an individual who is a part-time re agent. I'm thinking that this could work well (depending on the individual) due to mls access and sentri-lock as well as commision aspects. All things being equal - what do you guys think about having an agent onboard?

Also, what checks would you/do you run on your assitants? Mine has access to financials, etc. and it is a cause for concern. Do any of you have your assistant handle personal errands as well?

[Karen Margrave]

Just out of curiosity, doesn't it bother you to undercut the American economy by sending jobs to other countries? As the name of my company implies, I buy 1st American (on products and materials) before anything else. You'd be surprised how many jobs we can create in America by everyone doing this one small thing.