REVA good idea for a newbie?

[Marty]

Hi everybody.

I'm a new member...although been lurking around for a few days. Recent events (a foot surgery that really didn't go well) have me looking for an at-home job that will provide income.

I don't have any RE experience and was wondering if I could make myself marketable by obtaining certification? I have my eye on the cert. from NAR, mainly because they're reputable and recognized by everyone in the RE field.

I do have office admin experience...although not a whole lot. I was the office admin for a law office for two years. Not really considering virtual assisting for the legal field though because that road seems to have a lot of obstacles. Most attorneys around here still view paralegals as nothing but secretaries so virtual workers would probably really rock their world.

Your thoughts and opinions will be greatly appreciated.

[reneeshupe]

Hi and Welcome,

My personal recommendation is to stick with what you know at least as you are starting out. You'll have a learning curve when starting your business and if you choose to add on a new skill set at the same time it can add to everything else you will be doing.

If you offer services based on skills that you currently have and then build a plan to work into offering Real Estate Assistant services might be a more feasible plan.

My two cents...

Renee

[Your Virtual Wizard]

Great advice from Renee...

Add services as your business evolves. It is best to stick with what you know which will allow your business to grow while building confidence and a good reputation. If you start as a REVA without experience and just certification and find the business does not move forward, it opens up for discouragement.

Many of the skills a real estate office/agent/broker needs are 'regular' administrative skills and not necessarily specific to real estate.

Janine

[Kerans VA]

Hi Marty,

I would have to agree with Renee. Starting a new business tends to be rather overwhelming and adding training for a new skillset might be an added stress better avoided. There is also the chance that you obtain the real estate certification and then discover potential clients want a REVA who has had previous experience. As a real estate paralegal, I would also venture to say that not all attorneys view paralegals in the manner you have described.

You might consider marketing yourself to offer general admin services and outline your additional office experience as an example of your specialized skillset. I think your time would be better spent concentrating on marketing your new business rather than investing in additional training at the start. Good luck with your new biz, it's an exciting time!

[Marty]

Thanks for the helpful advice, everyone I think I'll do as you suggest and start with offering basic office skills and then branch out from there. Guess it was a matter of me trying to run before I was even walking.