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Have you used a virtual assistant? If so...do you pay by hour or project? What do you ask the VA to do....MLS, contracts, faxes....assuming the VA is an agent? I need just a little help....maybe 5 to 10 hours a week.... and maybe more some weeks....less others.....
FEEDBACK PLEASE!
Great question and I'm looking forward to the answer. I too could use someone to be updating my listings in my website, following through on some things that would allow me to be with customers more and a lot less stressed.
Hm...since no other agents have replied yet, do you mind if I prod the question by asking what requirements you ask of the assistant?
- Are VAs always licensed agents? Or are there other relevant certifications?
- is it possible that a freelancer might be able to handle some of these tasks for you? Assuming of course that they have suitable experience and professionalism.
- is it possible that some tasks could be handled by telecommuter? I'm just curious because I've seen people with editorial and professional office experience looking for freelance jobs (e.g. Craigslist, perhaps Monster as well) and wonder if someone like this couldn't fit the bill for you, at least temporarily. Someone who works part-time as a paralegal, for example, might
like to pick up some more hours doing this kind of work.
Just some ponderings while I'm waiting for the agents to weigh in
It doesn't look like anyone has responded so I thought I would post some general information about real estate virtual assistants. I am an NAR Certified Real Estate Virtual Assistant and unlicensed. We are trained to handle specific real estate related tasks and most of us know the real estate specific technology inside and out. This allows us to provide quality services to real estate professionals and only charge for the time that we are actually working on a task or project. Our training is done on our own time, we use our own computer equipment, software, office machines, pay our own taxes and benefits. This leaves the client only having to pay for the job that they want done and the time it takes to do it.
The tasks that we can't legally do are mostly related to direct buyer and seller interaction and negotiating, which are usually the things that agents like to do for themselves anyway or they wouldn't be in the industry. We can do everything from preparing the listing presentation, so all you have to do is grab the file and go, straight through the closing and follow up afterwards. Once the listing has been signed the file can be turned back over to us for entering into the MLS, ordering the VT and pictures and carrying out all the tasks through the time a buyer is secured. Once the buyer has been found the file can be turned back over to us to handle the adminstration of the transaction.
As you can see, there are many tasks that we can do to help free up the agents time so they can be out listing and selling property. Some agents choose to have an assistant handle all of their administrative work and others choose certain tasks. We may only handle the marketing portion of listings or we might handle the listing marketing, lead generation and contact management, it's a matter of preference and how much the agent wants to turn over to the assistant.
Rates vary by assistant and depend on the type of services the agent is looking for. Agents who want ongoing assistance usually pay for a set number of hours per month and the assistant devotes those hours each month to assisting that agent. Others may only want help with creating their listing presentations, neighborhood books, website, marketing pieces, etc. and usually pay on a per project basis, this is usually a higher rate than if they paid a monthly retainer fee.
If you are considering using the services of a virtual assistant you should do your homework before hiring one, put together a list of questions that are important to you, ask for references and make sure that you have a contract signed before making any payments. Professional VA's have these things and willingly offer them. We also know that most agents aren't familiar with how to work with a VA and we will take the time to explain our processes and procedures and what is expected from the other. Communication is key when working with a virtual assistant and you should absolutely have a weekly follow up phone conversation so everyone knows where you have been and where you are going in your business.
If I can answer any other questions, offer more insight or help in any way please don't hesitate to send me an email or give me a call. I offer a free, no obligation phone conversation and would be happy to answer any questions. If you would like to receive a sample of my task/services list I would also be happy to send that. Good Luck!
I have one that I highly recommend. You can DM me if you'd like her info. I'd post it on here, but can't due to forum rules of advertising. She's very reliable and has a full understanding of agents needs. She use to work at one of our offices up front, but had to relocate due to her husband being in the military.
Have you used a virtual assistant? If so...do you pay by hour or project? What do you ask the VA to do....MLS, contracts, faxes....assuming the VA is an agent? I need just a little help....maybe 5 to 10 hours a week.... and maybe more some weeks....less others.....
FEEDBACK PLEASE!
I've been looking at them as well. One company in particular has come very well recommended... Most of their assistants are licensed but it is not a requirement. Some of the duties are database cleaning up, mailings, transactions coordinator, phone calls.. marketing, helping to create marketing pieces. Much of the work is paid by the hour... If assisting with listings or on hte buyer side, there is a cost per file.
Hope that helps...
Oh, and one company in particular is about ready to have them become a preferred vendor. Pretty cool!
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