When is it really time to make a hire in your real estate business? I remember the days when I was juggling endless phone calls, paperwork, and client meetings, all while feeling like I was slowly drowning in the details. It wasn’t that I didn’t love real estate—oh no, it’s the part that lights me up! It was the constant hustle, the nagging feeling that I was sacrificing my passion for the chaos of everyday tasks. If you’re nodding along, wondering whether you’re stuck in a similar cycle, you might be ready to take that leap and bring someone onboard.

Recognizing the Overwhelm

Have you ever found yourself so consumed by administrative tasks that you barely have time to serve your clients or focus on your next big opportunity? I’ve been there. There’s a moment when you start to feel that your business isn’t running you—it’s the other way around. That sinking feeling isn’t just stress; it’s a wake-up call. When you’re spending more time managing your inbox than nurturing relationships, it’s a sign that the current structure isn’t sustainable.

The Telltale Signs

So, how do you know it’s time to hire? Here are a few signs that might resonate with you:

• Your Schedule is Overflowing: You’re booked solid with tasks that aren’t directly contributing to revenue. It’s like trying to fill a bathtub with the faucet on high—eventually, something’s got to give.
• Client Connections Are Suffering:  When you’re so buried in paperwork that your clients feel the impact, that’s a major red flag. Your clients need the best version of you, not a version that’s stretched too thin.
• You’re Constantly in “Firefighter Mode”:  If every day feels like you’re putting out fires rather than building strategic moves, it’s time to reassess your workload.
• Growth is Stalling:  If you’re not hitting new milestones or expanding your business because you’re busy just keeping up, then you’re likely doing too much yourself.

My Journey to Delegation

I used to believe that success meant wearing every hat and doing every little task personally. I thought if I wasn’t handling everything, I wasn’t truly in control. But here’s the thing: controlling every aspect of your business can actually hold you back. I reached a point where the joy of closing deals was overshadowed by the constant pressure of administrative overload. That’s when I realized something crucial: if I wanted to build a thriving, sustainable business, I needed to invest in myself—and that meant hiring the right help.

The moment I decided to delegate was like stepping into a breath of fresh air. I started small, hiring an assistant to manage the routine tasks, and soon, I found myself with more time to focus on what I love: connecting with clients, strategizing growth, and yes, even enjoying the journey. Trust me, the extra hands didn’t just lighten the load—they amplified my potential.

Practical Steps to Know When to Hire

If you’re feeling that familiar sense of overwhelm, here are a few actionable steps to help you decide if hiring is right for you:

• Audit Your Day: For one week, track how you spend every hour of your day. You might be surprised to find that a significant chunk is consumed by tasks that someone else could handle.
• List Your High-Value Activities: Identify the activities that directly generate income and build relationships. If routine tasks are eating into that time, it’s a clear indicator that you should delegate.
• Calculate the ROI: Think about what hiring help would mean financially. Yes, there’s an upfront cost, but consider the potential for increased revenue and, more importantly, your personal well-being.
• Reflect on Your Passion: Ask yourself—are you still in love with the core of your business, or are you bogged down by minutiae? Your energy and enthusiasm are your greatest assets, and if they’re waning, it’s time to reallocate your focus.

Embracing the Investment

Hiring isn’t just about offloading work—it’s an investment in your future. Imagine having the freedom to pursue new listings, develop innovative marketing strategies, or simply enjoy a better work-life balance. The best agents aren’t necessarily the ones who hustle non-stop; they’re the ones who know when to leverage the right support to elevate their business.

Think of it as nurturing a relationship. Just as you wouldn’t carry the entire weight of a relationship alone, you shouldn’t shoulder every aspect of your business either. Sometimes, handing over the reins on the small stuff can actually bring you closer to your ultimate goals. It’s about creating a partnership where both you and your team are aligned and energized—each playing to your strengths.

A Final Thought

If you’re sitting there, feeling overwhelmed and questioning whether you’re doing enough, remember that it’s okay to ask for help. Recognize the warning signs, take a deep breath, and consider that hiring might just be the strategic move that propels your business to new heights. You owe it to yourself and your clients to show up as your best, most passionate self—not as someone who’s drowning in details.

So, if you’re ready to reclaim your time, refocus your energy, and truly let your passion shine, it might be time to take that leap. Evaluate your workload, reflect on your goals, and if the signs are there, invest in your growth by making that hire. Your future self—and your business—will thank you.

Now, take a moment to think about your current day-to-day. What tasks could someone else handle for you? What could you achieve if you freed up your time to focus on your true strengths? It’s time to let go, delegate, and step into a more abundant, fulfilling version of your real estate journey.

— Lacey Newman is a founding coach of The Helm and the creator and coach of Elevated Agents  You can learn more about her here.