Any Real Estate Virtual Assistants?

[lisa007]

Hi Everyone,

I have some questions on working with clients who are realtors. There's a possibility that I might pick up some as clients in my local area. I'm familiar with the RE industry, but have not ever actually worked for a realtor. A lady I know in town is a broker and has a number of people working in her office. I was telling her about my VA work and she said I know there's people in my office who could use a VA. I gave her some of my brochures and she's going to pass them around.

It actually all happened rather quickly and I wasn't really prepared to answer questions, but she started asking me about what I could do for her being that it was virtual. As my mind raced, I said well, I can do flyers, brochures, write letters, and bulk mailings. Anyway, to make this as short as possible, I started thinking if others ask me I need to have some firm answers as to what I can actually do.

So, my question is: what type of "task" can you actually do for them that are virtual besides the ones I've mentioned above? I hate to be tongue-tied when talking to people.

Cheers,

[Tess]

Hi Lisa,
I'm not an RE VA *but* I was interested early on in my practice about what kinds of specialties they offer, as an industry, so I ran a Google search and went through numerous sites to see what each practice offered - maybe doing the same will help you get a better idea of what is expected of a real estate virtual assistant?

And hopefully, someone who does specialize in that area can pitch in here too with a more specific reply

[lisa007]

Thanks Tess, great idea! I will do that search now

[Modern Marketing Support]

Hi Lisa,
I'm not a REVA either but I have heard of the drip campaign. You might also check out this site for real estate VAs http://www.revanetwork.com/

[Kathryn]

I'm not a VA *yet*, but I plan on targeting realtors and lenders, as the majority of my background is real estate lending.

I haven't yet worked out all the details as far as the realtor part, but here's what I've been thinking about:

Calendar management: Realtors spend a good deal of time coordinating with the buyer, seller, escrow agent (or lawyer, depending on the state), and lender to ensure that everything closes on time.

Follow up thank-you's, after the deal has closed

Research: using real property records to obtain property owner's names and addresses, then sending mailings

I have a few more ideas, but I'm at my 9-5 job now, so I can't type too much. I'll pop back in later!

[lisa007]

Thank you Shari I'll check that out.

Kathryn, I'm a 9-5 too, I know what ya mean, but I usually have little to nothing to do here so I read the forums! Thank you for those ideas. I'll keep researching and start putting a list together

Have a great day!

[Kathryn]

You're welcome! Since I'm going to be targeting realtors also, I'm helping myself at the same time!

Another idea: creating & maintaining online listings & virtual tours. Many real estate offices have one person dedicated to this, (my sister-in-law used to do that) but with today’s economy, those positions may have been eliminated.

[Office Goddess]

The Realtor I work for has me make up boiler-plate flier formats for him that all he has to do is insert the pictures and descriptive text. He also sends me mailing lists and I handle his various mailings for him. He either emails me postcard info and I set up the cards, or he emails me letters that he wants printed (at Kinkos), stuffed, and mailed for him off the lists.

Hope that helps!

[lisa007]

Thank you again. Yes, this has been a big help! The boiler-plate idea sounds good. I can suggest that to this lady I know.

[Kathryn]

Hi Lisa,
I'm not a REVA either but I have heard of the drip campaign. You might also check out this site for real estate VAs http://www.revanetwork.com/

Thank you for this link!

[onthedottyping]

Hi

Thanks for the link - we do work for some estate agencies - they find VA services very useful as it gives the staff more time to go out getting more properties on etc.

Samantha

[CreativeAgentVA]

Hi Lisa~

I have been a Professional Real Estate VA for about 5 years, so I'm hoping I can shed light on this niche for you.

Basically, services for real estate professionals are broken down into a couple different categories:

Listing/Marketing Coordination (all online, website marketing and print marketing of selling properties, and various tasks the are involved)

Transaction Coordination (keeping track all paperwork and inspection deadlines required to close the sale of a property once it is in contract.)

Leads/Database/CRM Management (keeping track of all contacts, contact categories, managing leads and inputting them into the proper databases and assigning marketing campaigns or keep-in-touch campaigns using a wide variety of programs or email drips)

I added a very detailed article under the article section specifically for Real Estate VAs and a nice list of potential services, that should give you some ideas too

Working in real estate as a VA is an awesome niche! Feel free to contact me if you need any help!


Laura Monroe, PREVA

[lisa007]

Hi Laura,

Wow, thank you soooooo much! that is awesome. I don't feel so in the dark anymore. I at least have some "idea" of how to organize and start I'm not one to tell people, oh sure I can do that...but truth is I'm clueless! Now I wait and see what comes my way.

Cheers,

[beyondtheoffice]

Have you had any experience working with Realtors before? Realtors can be a tricky bunch to work with. Prior to opening my VA practice, I supported local real estate offices for about three years, and there are lots of things to be careful of as a non-licensed assistant. Check with your local state licensing authority or board of Realtors to see what you are legally allowed to do as a non-licensed assistant. Generally OK tasks are assisting with marketing (all ads must be okay-ed by agent before submission to any media), mls listing maintenance, contact management, and most of the things you mentioned in your original post.

Hope this helps...

Terri Orlowski
beyondtheoffice

[lisa007]

Hi Terri,

No, haven't worked for any. As of today, I haven't gotten any calls yet, so nothing may come of it, but those are good points to ponder and think about. I'm still researching. Thank you for the insight.

Blessings,