There are a lot of ways for a real estate agent to get ahead in their career. One of the best ways for many agents to do that is through the use of a real estate virtual assistant. That gives them the opportunity to do more, while a trusted professional handles some of the tasks they agent might have previously taken on. But there may be a bit of a learning curve for the agent and the assistant, so it’s important to focus on open communication, along with training and support. Here’s what to consider.
What a Real Estate Virtual Assistant Does
A real estate virtual assistant does nearly everything an in-office assistant would do, but they don’t have to be located in the same building. Technically, they don’t even have to be in the same city, state, or time zone, although proximity can sometimes make things easier. For example, a real estate virtual assistant who lives half a world away might have trouble with deadlines because they could fall during late-night hours in their particular time zone.
Another important point for proximity is that having a real estate virtual assistant in the same state means they’re much more likely to be familiar with the details of real estate transactions in that state. That could lower the risk of problems, and make it easier for the agent and assistant to work together more easily, right from the beginning. However, an agent shouldn’t turn down working with a really good assistant just because of where that assistant might be located. Everything will be handled virtually, after all.
Training for Virtual Assistant Duties is Important
Because every real estate agent is a unique human being who may have particular ideas about how they would like things done, there’s some training for virtual assistant duties in most cases. Even for an assistant who has worked for other real estate agents, it’s important to make expectations and goals clear. By working together on any areas where more training might be needed or miscommunications are happening, the agent and the assistant can both feel more comfortable with their working relationship.
When an agent hires a virtual assistant, they’re going to choose someone who has specific training for working as an assistant in the real estate space. That’s different from other types of virtual assistants, who might work with a number of different kinds of companies and professionals. Because there are a lot of details and requirements that go into how real estate is handled, training for virtual assistant positions in the real state industry is a very important part of finding an assistant who is a good fit.
The Value of Real Estate Outsourcing
There is a lot of value to real estate outsourcing, for both the agent and the assistant. Agents can focus on the customer and client sides of their business, while the paperwork and other details can be up to their assistant to complete. That gives agents the opportunity to do more of what they do best, which is bring in listings and sell homes to buyers. If they’re not spending a lot of time in their office doing paperwork, they can be out showing homes, working with sellers, and interacting with the community.
Making a name for themselves in the real estate business is important for agents. That’s especially true if they’re just getting started, trying to grow their business, or moving into an area where there are already a lot of other, established real estate agents. But it’s not just the agents that are benefiting from this arrangement. The real estate virtual assistant is also getting big benefits, because they can work from home, live where they like, and still make sure they have plenty of opportunities to make a living.
Real estate agents who want to advance their goals and do more with their careers have many ways to do that. Education and training can help, as can getting to know the local area and its residents. But agents should also consider hiring a real estate virtual assistant, so they can have the help and support they need to continue developing their career.
Author’s bio:
Stephen Atcheler is an entrepreneur in the Real Estate space. He has grown multiple businesses including a Real Estate Agency, an online Real Estate Advertising business, and now, currently the founder and driver of the fastest growing Real Estate BPO in the Philippines. If you would like to connect or get in touch with Stephen, he is very active on LinkedIn and always happy for a new connection.
