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namadminservices · #1 (**permalink**) 06-25-2012

Okay, you guys. Still planning (bits and pieces).

So I was talking to a good friend of mine and I was telling her that I knew planning a business was hard but not THIS hard. But then as I was discussing with her what I was doing, a lighbulb came on in my head...like BING!

. My town (Oxford, Mississippi) has about 97 real estate agents, and that's just what is listed in the yellow pages. 97 real estate agents... 97 seperate real estate agents. This town is known for its real estate.

I am set on having this as my target market because of the plethora of opportunities; however, I don't know where to start.

I have no experience working in that particular field (my expertise is in the colleges/universities field, but I want to try something different). None at all. I don't know what forms they use, what programs, what they do day-by-day.

What are you all's experiences with working with REAs?

Canary Admin Services · #2 (**permalink**) 06-25-2012

I can't comment in a US way as I am from Europe but in the real estate market, timing is crucial and depending on the services you are going to offer so is some know-how as you could lose a potential sale if you aren't sure about what you are doing.

I have worked in real estate for the past 10 years and it mainly requires a working knowledge of legal, tax, customer services etc but again, it depends on the services you wish to offer. If you have never been involved in this trade, my advice would be to take a course so that you can learn the business before approaching local estate agents.

I really enjoy real estate and it is also my niche market so if you choose this route I hope you learn to love it as well. Good luck!!

Your Virtual Wizard · #3 (**permalink**) 06-25-2012

Nadia,

The category you posted in Real Estate Virtual Assistants has addressed this question and can offer some great advice.

I also suggest you take a look at this thread. It has exactly what you are looking for. Working with a Realtor Advice

You will find that agents want either specific admin tasks much the same that any small business owner wants completed...help with social media, blogging, website updates, etc. And/or they want help with their listings, showings, appointment setting, transaction coordination and experience in MLS websites.

You can still target RE agents for the specialties you do have but some will want experience in the programs they use to market homes.

I think you need to itemize exactly what it is you do best and then see if those skills are applicable to the businesses you want to target. Also, you will want to have a website up which reflects the message you want to send to real estate agents. You want to go where they go so do check out all the real estate sites such as Trulia, Realtor.com and Zillow.com. You can also see what's going on in the real estate world by reading and learning about the current market. Try Active Rain http://activerain.com/

Some states do require a license to perform certain tasks so you will want to research your state's requirements for assistants. Do check the VAF forum link I provided. I believe that information is listed there as well.

Janine

leedrozak · #4 (**permalink**) 06-26-2012

Nadia,

Each agents needs will differ. Most in my area need help with the transaction coordination. Since you are entirely new to the field I would contact a few agents and ask them where it would be beneficial to them to have the help.

Like Janine suggested, go to the RE section of the forum as many questions will be answered there. However I would also find out the types of programs that agents in your area use and become familiar with them. There are a few REVA teaching programs out there however I do not know the cost or what they include. You could check those out as well.

namadminservices · #5 (**permalink**) 06-27-2012

Thanks so much you guys for all of the helpful suggestions!!

Good looking out for someone that still had milk behind her ears! LOL

Mary Jansen · #6 (**permalink**) 07-06-2012

Nadia, As you would expect, the forum came through with excellent advice. Having many years of experience in the real estate and mortgage field, I will add one suggestion. I would have added transaction co-ordinator had Lee not beat me to it.
You may want to go to MLS meetings, if your area has them. This will give you a chance to look over the attendees and pick out someone to interview. Ask for a card or pick up a brochure. Call that person and set up an appointment.
The real estate industry has a language of its own. Many Realtors will want someone who is assertive enough to interface with their clients. It is a very different world than you are used to. Once it gets in your blood, it is very difficult to get out.
Best wishes to your success.

namadminservices · #7 (**permalink**) 07-09-2012

Originally Posted by Mary Jansen

Nadia, As you would expect, the forum came through with excellent advice. Having many years of experience in the real estate and mortgage field, I will add one suggestion. I would have added transaction co-ordinator had Lee not beat me to it.
You may want to go to MLS meetings, if your area has them. This will give you a chance to look over the attendees and pick out someone to interview. Ask for a card or pick up a brochure. Call that person and set up an appointment.
The real estate industry has a language of its own. Many Realtors will want someone who is assertive enough to interface with their clients. It is a very different world than you are used to. Once it gets in your blood, it is very difficult to get out.
Best wishes to your success.

I know. This is an extremely different field. Don't remember mentioning it before, but my experience in administrative is dealing with community colleges and universities, you know the school aspect. However, I would love to try something different. One thing I am a little skeptic about is the fact that some may try and limit me (i.e. they may not want me to work for competition). That's when I draw the line.

angjones · #8 (**permalink**) 07-09-2012

Hi Nadia,

I do agree that you should take a course if you are really interested in the real estate field. You should also check to see if you need to be licensed in your state. People will try anything, but you can't let that stop you from reaching you goal.

kmgoldman · #9 (**permalink**) 08-29-2012

Hi Nadia,
I have been a REVA for 12 years! I love the real estate industry because it is wide open! There are hundreds of thousands of Real Estate Agents world-wide and only a handful of qualified real estate virtual assistants. I can send you more information if you would like!