What Should a Real Estate Agent Hire First? (Buyer’s Agent vs Assistant)

Quick Answer

Most top-producing real estate agents should hire an operations assistant or transaction coordinator before hiring a buyer’s agent. Without structure and systems in place, adding another agent often increases the workload rather than reducing it.

If you're a top-producing agent who thinks the next move is hiring a buyer’s agent, here’s some advice you may not want to hear: that’s not the next step.

Making that move too soon is one of the most common and costly mistakes I see derail talented agents who are genuinely ready to grow.

The Instinct That Gets Agents Into Trouble

Here’s the pattern I see constantly.

An agent reaches 25, 30, maybe 40 transactions a year. They’re talented, they’re driven, and they are completely maxed out.

So the logical conclusion feels obvious: bring on another agent and get someone to take buyers off your plate.

But that’s where things usually start to break down.

Adding a buyer’s agent without the right structure underneath it is like building a second floor before you’ve finished the foundation. It costs more than it produces, and it happens faster than most agents expect.

At that level of production, your job should really be five things: following up with leads, meeting new people, advising clients, negotiating, and closing deals. Everything else pulling you away from those five things is not your job. And if you’re honest, you’re probably still doing most of it.

The Real Shift: From Realtor to Business Owner

This is the mindset shift I walk every growth-ready agent through.

A realtor asks:

“How do I get this done?”

A real estate business owner asks:

“Who should be doing this—and what system makes it happen consistently without me?”

That’s not a personality trait. It’s a skill. And it starts with one hire—the right one.

Why This Works (The Leverage Shift)

Consider the math:

• A buyer transaction can take 28–40 hours

• A listing might take 4–9 hours

• A well-built operational system runs continuously without you

That’s the difference between:

• working harder

• and building leverage

The goal is not to add another producer.

The goal is to remove yourself as the bottleneck.

The Objections I Hear

Most agents push back with:

• “I can’t afford an assistant.”

• “I don’t do enough volume yet.”

• “What would they even do?”

Here’s a better way to look at it.

For one week, track everything you do.

Then ask:

• Does this require my license?

• Does this require my relationships?

• Does this require my expertise?

• 
  

Or could someone else handle it with training and systems in place?

Most agents are surprised by how much of their day has nothing to do with why clients hired them.

The Affordability Reality

Take your net GCI and look at 20–25%.

That is your real reinvestment range. Not a luxury, but a business operating principle.

If you want a clearer breakdown of what roles are paying right now, you can download our 2026 Real Estate Salary Guide here.

Where to Start This Week

The action is simple: start paying attention. Notice everything you're doing that isn't leading, advising, or closing. Write it down. That list is your hiring roadmap.

Most agents don't need more people selling. They need the right structure underneath them first.

Final Thought

Most agents do not need more people selling. They need the right structure underneath them.

Get that right, and everything else becomes possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the first hire for a real estate agent?

Most agents benefit from hiring an operations assistant or transaction coordinator before hiring a buyer’s agent.

Should I hire a buyer’s agent or assistant first?

In most cases, an assistant comes first because they create the operational foundation that supports additional agents later.

How much should I pay a real estate assistant?

A common reinvestment range is 20 to 26 percent of net GCI, depending on business structure and workload. (You can also view current ranges in our 2026 Real Estate Salary Guide.)

When should a real estate agent hire a buyer’s agent?

Once systems are in place, consistent lead flow is in place, and operational support is already handling backend work.

Next Steps

If you’re thinking about hiring this year and want clarity on what role to hire first, what to pay, and how to structure your team the right way, there are two ways to connect.

You can schedule time with Erin to talk through your situation and get guidance on what makes sense for your business right now.

Or, if you’re just starting to explore hiring, you can download our 2026 Real Estate Salary Guide. It breaks down current compensation ranges, bonus structures, and role expectations for administrative and leadership positions in real estate.

Both options are designed to help you make smarter hiring decisions before you commit to your next move.

About the Author

Erin Meierotto is Director of Recruiting at Pro REA Staffing, a boutique retained search agency exclusively focused on building and supporting real estate teams since 2008.