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The real estate industry moves fast. Whether you’re a solo agent or managing a large firm, there’s always something to do — client calls, property listings, paperwork, marketing, and more. It’s no wonder that many professionals in this sector find themselves overwhelmed.
According to an REB survey, more than four in ten (or 43%) of real estate agents are often stressed about their workloads. Most respondents shared that they struggle to find balance working in the industry.
That’s why there are Real Estate Virtual Assistants. By offloading some of these time-consuming tasks to skilled and specialized pros, you free yourself to focus on what really drives your business forward.
This guide will dive into the myriad benefits of having a virtual assistant on your team and how this decision can streamline your operations, boost your productivity, and elevate your business to new heights.
A real estate virtual assistant (REVA) is a remote professional who specifically handles tasks within or related to the industry.
They support agents, brokers, and property managers by taking on responsibilities that would otherwise consume valuable time. This can range from admin work like scheduling and data entry to more specialized roles like managing listings and coordinating marketing campaigns.
What makes a REVA so effective is their understanding of the unique demands of the real estate sector. They’re not just general virtual assistants (VAs) — they know the market and can handle the particular needs that come with industry transactions.
With the right REVA, you’ll find your workload lightened. Having one can let you focus on high-impact activities like closing deals and building client relationships.
Here are some more reasons why having a real estate virtual assistant can be a welcome addition to your operations:
Time is your most valuable asset in real estate, and a REVA helps you protect it. By outsourcing time-consuming tasks, you get more hours in your day to focus on selling properties and connecting with clients. Moreover, The Close revealed that 81% of home sellers only contact one agent. That’s a lot to keep track of when you’re just one person (yet you’re lucky to have many clients).
A VA can help you take over tasks like calendar management, appointment scheduling, and follow-up emails. This lets you manage your time better.
Let’s say you’re dealing with 10 clients at once. Each client requires updates, phone calls, and paperwork. Handling all that on your own could easily take up your entire week. With a REVA, you can hand off those time-draining tasks, allowing you to work more strategically.
Hiring a full-time, in-house assistant can eat into your labor budget. Particularly when taking office space, salary, and benefits into account. A virtual or offshore alternative allows you to cut those costs significantly. Since they work remotely, you don’t have to worry about office overheads or full-time wages.
According to ZipRecruiter, the average salary for a full-time real estate assistant in the U.S. is $48,610 per year. A dedicated VA, however, typically works on an hourly or project basis, which can save you thousands of dollars annually. You only pay for the time you need, making it a highly cost-effective solution.
Clients who buy and sell properties expect timely responses and clear updates on their transactions. With a virtual assistant, you can stay on top of client communication without the stress of managing it all yourself.
A REVA can respond to client emails, schedule meetings, and ensure that no inquiry goes unanswered. It gives your business a more professional and polished appearance, as clients will always feel well-informed.
Marketing is crucial for generating leads and staying relevant in a competitive market. But it’s also incredibly time-consuming. That’s where a VA can make a huge difference. From managing social media accounts to coordinating email campaigns, they can help ensure your marketing efforts are consistent and effective.
If you’re trying to build your online presence, a REVA can handle tasks like posting on social media, creating content for your website, and running email campaigns. They can also track marketing metrics, helping you identify what strategies are working and where improvements are needed.
Clerical work is the backbone of any real estate operation, but it doesn’t need to be your responsibility. A virtual assistant can handle a wide range of admin tasks, including data entry, contract management, and bookkeeping. It clears your schedule while keeping everything on track without slipping up any details.
If you have a backlog of paperwork or need help with organizing client files, an offshore assistant can take care of it. They can also manage your CRM system, keeping client information up to date and ensuring that you never miss a follow-up.
Scaling your business means taking on more clients, but it also means more work. A REVA helps you manage that workload without burning out. They act as your support system, handling the day-to-day tasks so you can focus on growth.
For instance, you’re expanding into new markets or taking on more listings. A VA can help with research, property comparisons, and coordinating showings. This support makes it possible to handle more work without feeling overwhelmed.
One of the biggest advantages of hiring a real estate virtual assistant is the access to specialized skills. Whether it’s managing your MLS listings or optimizing your online marketing campaigns, an industry-specific VA often comes with the expertise you need to succeed.
Let’s say you’re not familiar with SEO (Search Engine Optimization) or digital marketing. An outsourced assistant with expertise in those areas can help you optimize your website and improve your search engine rankings. This kind of support allows you to compete with larger firms that may have in-house specialists.
Staying ahead is critical in a competitive industry like real estate. By outsourcing tasks to a virtual assistant, you gain a strategic advantage. While other agents are weighed down by admin work and marketing efforts, you’ll have the freedom to focus on high-level tasks like networking, negotiation, and closing deals.
With the extra time you gain from hiring a REVA, you can invest in building stronger client relationships, attending industry events, and exploring new business opportunities.
The real estate market can be volatile, with fluctuations that impact workload and priorities. This means when you work in this sector, adaptability is key to staying successful. A VA gives you the flexibility to adjust your operations quickly, whether you’re dealing with a sudden influx of clients or a shift in the market.
If the market suddenly becomes more competitive, you can quickly ramp up your marketing efforts with the help of your offshore assistant. Or, if you need to focus on a new property development, your REVA can handle the details while you concentrate on the big picture.
A happy client is a repeat client, and good reviews can drive more business your way. One of the key benefits of having a real estate virtual assistant is their ability to boost customer satisfaction.
They can handle queries promptly, send regular updates, and address concerns faster than if you were juggling everything yourself. This leads to more satisfied clients who are likely to recommend your services to others.
Hiring a virtual assistant opens up the opportunity to work with professionals from around the world, bringing fresh perspectives and unique skills to your business. Unlike local hires, you aren’t limited by geography. This means you can choose from a broader pool of highly qualified candidates who may offer specialized expertise or knowledge of emerging markets.
For example, if you’re expanding your real estate business into international markets or targeting foreign investors, a REVA from that region can provide invaluable insights and help you navigate cultural nuances.
As a real estate professional, it’s easy to feel like you need to be ‘on’ 24/7. However, working long hours and constantly managing tasks can lead to burnout. A dedicated VA helps you regain control over your schedule by taking on the smaller tasks that pile up. With their help, you can focus on the bigger picture and enjoy more personal time.
Now that you see the immense value a real estate virtual assistant can bring to your business, it’s time to take the next step. STAFFVIRTUAL makes it easy to recruit the perfect REVA for your needs. Whether you’re looking for someone to handle admin work, marketing, or client communication, we connect you with experienced, reliable virtual assistants who understand the real estate industry.
With STAFFVIRTUAL, you don’t have to go through the hassle of hiring, training, or managing an assistant or a team. We can do the hard work for you, ensuring you get talent that fits seamlessly into your business. Schedule a call with us to learn more!
Sources:
43% of Agents Admit To ‘Often’ Stressing About Workload | REB
80 Real Estate Statistics, Trends & Insights for 2024 | The Close
Salary: Entry Level Real Estate Assistant (Sep, 2024) US | ZipRecruiter