What Do Real Estate Virtual Assistants Do?

What is a Real Estate Virtual Assistant (VA)?

In real estate, things move fast. The industry is affected by the economy, so when there’s a downturn or inflation is high, it can be tough for businesses to keep up. Along with this, real estate agents often spend too much time on tasks that don’t directly bring in money, like paperwork and scheduling. This is where a real estate virtual assistant (VA) can help.

But what exactly do they do? It really depends on what you need. Some virtual assistants handle things like answering emails or updating calendars. Others focus on generating and managing leads. Basically, a real estate VA can take care of any task that doesn’t require them to be physically present, letting you focus on meeting clients and closing deals.

What Does a Real Estate VA Do?

A real estate virtual assistant, also known as a REVA, is a remote worker who helps real estate professionals with various tasks. They can assist with administrative duties, marketing, managing real estate transactions, and other business support tasks.

Benefits of Hiring a Real Estate VA

According to reports, the global real estate market is expected to grow significantly in the coming years. That’s great news, but it also means the competition will be fierce. Hiring a virtual assistant could give you an edge. Here’s why:

Save Money

Hiring a real estate VA is much cheaper than hiring an in-house employee. You can cut staffing costs by up to 80% while still getting the help you need. Since VAs work remotely, you also save on things like office space, equipment, and utilities. Just provide some training, give them access to your systems, and they’re ready to work.

More Time for What Matters

Many real estate agents spend a lot of time doing tasks like writing emails or scheduling. On average, people spend 13 hours a week on emails alone! When you add other routine tasks, it leaves less time for the important stuff, like meeting clients. A VA can take care of those time-consuming tasks so you can focus on growing your business.

Access to a Bigger Talent Pool

When hiring a VA, you’re not limited to candidates who live nearby. You can choose the best person for the job from anywhere in the world. Many VAs have diverse backgrounds and a wide range of skills, bringing fresh perspectives and solutions to your business.

Tasks a Real Estate VA Can Handle

Real estate VAs can help with a variety of tasks, depending on your needs:

Administrative Tasks

These include data entry, managing your calendar, preparing real estate listings, and handling client information.

Business Support

A VA can also help with customer service, answering inquiries, and even managing your emails and phone calls.

Marketing

Marketing is crucial in real estate, but it can be time-consuming. A VA can handle social media management, content creation, graphic design, email campaigns, and more.

Real Estate Support

A VA can also assist with setting up meetings, lead generation, client follow-ups, and property research. They can even help with loan processing or tenant screening.

Tips for Working with a Real Estate VA

Hiring a VA can increase your productivity and lower costs, but you need to plan carefully. Here are some tips for making the most of your virtual assistant:

List the Tasks

Before you hire a virtual real estate assistant, make a list of tasks you want them to handle. This will help you find the right person and make the recruitment process easier.

Get Your Business Ready for Remote Work

Make sure your business is set up to work with someone remotely. This means using cloud storage for your files and learning how to communicate effectively with tools like email and messaging apps.

Screen Carefully

Take your time to find the right VA. Conduct interviews, assess their skills, and make sure they’re a good fit for your business.

Onboard Your VA

Once you hire a VA, have a clear onboarding plan. This includes giving them access to the tools they need and providing training on your processes. Regular check-ins and feedback will also help ensure they’re meeting your expectations.

Maintain Good Communication

Keep communication open and provide feedback regularly. This will help your VA improve and ensure you’re both on the same page.

Final Thoughts

A real estate VA can be a game changer for your business, helping with essential tasks so you can focus on closing deals and growing your business. However, hiring and working with a VA requires careful planning. By following the tips above, you’ll be well on your way to a successful partnership with your virtual assistant.