How Successful Realtors Use Virtual Assistants

Top Agents Increase Their Business and Income by Hiring a VA

Mar 13, 2009

Successful realtors are using virtual asistants (VAs) to increase both their productivity and bottom line. A VA can provide one time, specialized, or ongoing services.

Real estate agents are using virtual assistants for almost every aspect of their business. Just like agents have teams, VAs often have a team of experts so that the agent gets the best trained person to assist with a specific task.

A Virtual Assistant Provides Value

"Today's real estate professionals are more aware that today's sellers expect more," says virtual assistant Kim Hughes, Kim Hughes & Company. "They are realizing that the knowledge and experience of a virtual assistant who specializes in real estate are tremendous assets to their business."

What exactly is a virtual assistant? Hughes explains that VAs are independent contractors who provide administrative support or specialized business services from a distance, through the internet, fax, telephone, or other method of communications.

Hughes says VAs offer ideas to help them market better, communicate with their clientele better and save them money by working on tasks and projects by time. "Agents see the value in having a real estate virtual assistant take them to the next level in their business," Hughes observes.

Agents are also realizing that by using a VA , their overhead may be reduced because they do not have to provide office space or equipement for her to use. The VA is hired for specific tasks so there is no wasted employee time.

What Can a Real Estate Virtual Assistant Do for Realtors

A virtual assistant can work as a listing coordinator, direct marketer, open house coordinator, database manager and submit information or listings to real estate sites. Agents also use VAs for social networking sites and blogs, posting listings and information about the community.

Crystal McCall, CRS, real estate consultant in Ocala, FL, has used a VA for years. "Long ago I learned that I need to concentrate on selling real estate," she said. "And I needed to let techies take care of the thing that I need to grow my business on the internet."

McCall has used her VA for a variety of tasks such as following up on leads, redesigning her web site, scheduling closings, and assisting with her blogs. She says a VA can assist with many everyday taks that are needed to have a successful web presence.

How to Find a Virtual Assistant

As with most service industries, the best way to find the right fit is to ask successful realtors for references and then interview the VA. You can start with a small task such as designing a postcard campaing or enhancing realtor.com listings. See how the process goes and how the response time is. Then you can commit to more tasks if the process is smooth or interview a different assistant.

Real estate laws vary by state and define what any assistant can do for a licensed agent. Check with your state real estate commission to make sure the activities being performed by a virtual assistant fall within their legal guidelines.

With technology constantly evolving, keeping ahead of the competition becomes more difficult for any agent . Using a virtual assistant has proven to be a sound business decision for successful realtors across the country. Explore the options available to see if it will work for you.

The copyright of the article How Successful Realtors Use Virtual Assistants in Business Management is owned by Rosalie Thompson. Permission to republish How Successful Realtors Use Virtual Assistants in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.