A Question For All of The Real Estate Virtual Assistants Out There....

[lidiagriffin]

Can you tell me a bit about how you got your first client? What training did you take beforehand and what you picked up along the way? I am very interested in specializing in Real Estate, but do not have and industry specific knowledge - trying to work out what is the best way to get my feet wet .

Thanks!

[nottsf]

Lidia,

Thanks for asking about this, I have the same question!!! Just to add to this, would someone be able to answer the same for me with a Canadian view (I know right now US vs Canadian markets are in different situations right now).

Thanks
Jennifer

[SAGreene]

Check out ureatc.com. Excellent training by an extremely knowledgeable REVA. I decided to niche in real estate (with no previous experience in the industry) shortly after becoming a VA and took her courses and learned a ton.

[VBP]

I always recommend trying to get some training under one's belt before offering services that you don't have experience in. I do not have experience as a REVA, but I heard about a few good training programs, including the one mentioned above. I know that other VA organizations offer that type of training, but I do not have any experience with them. I would be interested in hearing from member REVAs and what types of training they had taken also.

[lidiagriffin]

Thank you all for the feedback.

Doreen - I have to say I love your website. The post-it note concept is really innovative and sharp.

Lidia

[VBP]

Thank you all for the feedback.

Doreen - I have to say I love your website. The post-it note concept is really innovative and sharp.

Lidia

Thanks! I appreciate the feedback!

[Kerans VA]

Two organizations I would suggest checking out would be IREAA, which offers industry-approved certification and also has a Canadian branch and Active Rain, an online network which is very popular with REVA's.

Hope that helps!

[lidiagriffin]

Kate - thank you or your response!

I actually joined Active Rain this weekend - it's wonderful and great resource so thanks for the recommendation.

I looked on the IREAA website and I am planning on taking their 'beginners' course.

Thanks again or your feedback.

[kimhughes]

hi there,

If you are starting out as a real estate virtual assistant with no previous experience I highly recommend to get all the training, certifications, etc., you can. Real Estate agents look for these designations because they can relate because they themselves have to have certain designations and know how involved it is to obtain them. This shows them you are serious about your business and you take pride!

Impressive website is a must!

I would start local and offer the brokers of the office to give a presentation during one of the weekly sales meetings. Ton of ideas I can share with you on this area, if interested.

I would recommend sub-contracting with another real estate VA to get your feet wet and some experience. Great way to determine which services you enjoy and want to focus on in your business.

[lidiagriffin]

Thanks to all for your answers. I just wanted to post back with a bit of an update......I have been AWOL....but for a good reason.
I signed up with the IREAA and just completed one of the courses. It was very informative, gave me lots (and I mean LOTS) of links for further information ....highly recommend it.