How should I pay a showing assistant?

Are you feeling overwhelmed with the number of buyer clients you’re juggling, or maybe struggling to find the time to show all those homes? If so, you might want to consider working with a showing assistant. But before your hire one the question is: How do you compensate one fairly?
What Is a Showing Assistant?
First, let’s clarify what a showing assistant actually does. A showing assistant is a licensed agent who works with you to represent your buyers. They’ll facilitate all (or most) of your client showings, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your business, such as client meetings, offer negotiation, and additional lead generation. This model has been a game-changer for many top-producing agents because it helps maximize time, boost income, and improve the overall experience for their buyers by providing greater availability for home showings.
3 Compensation Models for Showing Assistants
When it comes to compensating your showing assistant, there are three primary models to consider, each with its own set of pros and cons:
1. Flat Fee Per Transaction
The first option is a flat fee per transaction. With this model, you negotiate a fixed amount that the showing assistant will receive each time they conduct a showing or close a transaction. This method is predictable, which makes budgeting easier for you as the agent. It’s also straightforward for your showing assistant, as they know exactly how much they’ll earn for each showing.
This model works best if you’re looking for a clear, low-risk compensation structure. However, it may not provide as much incentive for the showing assistant to create a premium level of service for your premium buyers.
2. Percentage of Gross Commission Income (GCI)
The second option is to compensate your showing assistant based on a percentage of the gross commission income (GCI) that you earn from the sale. This model ties their compensation directly to yours, creating alignment on levels of service.
However, this model does come with some level of income variability for your assistant. Your showing assistant’s income can fluctuate depending on how many deals you close or the commission amount for each transaction. Additionally, lower price range buyers may receive a lower level of service from your showing assistant.
3. Base Salary Plus Bonus Commission
Lastly, some agents opt for a smaller base salary for their showing assistant, combined with a smaller bonus commission that’s a percentage of the transaction’s sale price. This model offers more stability than the percentage-based model, ensuring that the showing assistant has guaranteed income while still incentivizing them to perform well.
This hybrid approach strikes a balance between predictable compensation and motivating them to be actively involved in closing deals. It may be the right choice if you want to ensure your showing assistant feels financially secure while still rewarding high performance.
Which Compensation Model Is Right for You?
Choosing the right compensation model really depends on several factors, including your financial situation, your risk tolerance, and the individual needs of your showing assistant. At The Chabris Group, for instance, some agents use the flat fee model, while others prefer a percentage of GCI. Both methods have their benefits, and it all comes down to finding what works best for your showing assistant and your business.
Should I Be a Showing Assistant?
If you’re interested in learning more about how the showing agent model can work for you, or if you’re looking to bring on a showing assistant, don’t hesitate to reach out. In fact, some agents at The Chabris Group started off as showing assistants and later transitioned to full time agents. This can be a great way to start your career by learning from and earning with a top producer as you start to build your business. In fact, if you are in greater Cincinnati and are interested in becoming a showing assistant, reach out here.