The Role and Uses of Real Estate Virtual Assistant

One of the newest jobs to make a very strong presence in the world of real estate is that of a Virtual Assistant. A Virtual Assistant is an innovative thinker, problem solver and professional "go-to" professional for many services. These professionals are often underpaid, suffering from poor working conditions, and not well respected.

It's time to change that narrative! In this post we will explore:

*What exactly a VA does 

*Challenges VA’s face in the industry 

*Expert advice on how to be successful as a VA in this competitive field while maintaining integrity and meeting personal needs 

The Role of a Virtual Assistant in the Real Estate Industry

Virtual Assistants (or VAs) are often considered to be the life-force behind many real estate firms. In fact, they are often the "glue" that holds a firm together (that and extremely strong coffee!)

Roles vary widely, including:

*Weekly reporting and reminders. Some VAs are responsible for creating weekly reports on rental units and their current state of repair or troubleshooting; others keep track of an agent’s calendar and send alerts on new listings or open houses. Some help keep track of important information such as mailing addresses, email addresses, phone numbers for clients, etc.

*Billing and scheduling. Some VAs help keep track of a client’s account for billing, invoicing and collecting payments or callers to schedule appointments. Others may be responsible for checking property taxes (both yearly and quarterly) or compiling information from various listings that need to be sent to a client.

*Researching customers' needs. Some VAs are responsible for researching an agent's clients' needs, reviewing the details of new listings, and submitting the right information on their behalf. Others tackle the more tedious tasks of finding data on MLS listings, researching public notices such as rental inspection reports, or making calls to confirm leads with realtors.

*Email and phone follow up. VAs are often responsible for emailing leads, following up with potential clients, or calling to confirm appointments.

There are countless additional roles that a VA takes on. Perhaps the most important role is that of being a problem solver, working as an extension of the agent’s own brain and providing solutions to problems as they arise. As you can see from the list above, there is no shortage of opportunities for an enterprising Virtual Assistant!

Challenges Virtual Assistants Face in the Real Estate Industry

As with any field there are certain challenges that come along with being a Virtual Assistant in the real estate industry. Below are some of the more commonly noted challenges.

*Working conditions. Often Virtual Assistants work in low-cost workspace separate from the main workplace and in a different location. For example, Las Vegas, NV Real Estate Agents or Brokers working with a VA in another city (and possibly state) would need to be able to trust that information is being sent online and not physically transported across state lines. This issue can be further complicated by multiple listing services that do not allow all real estate agents equal access to their information when working remotely.

*Lack of appreciation for work performed. Because the nature of the work is so varied and many times involves following up on tasks that are not assigned, Virtual Assistants often wonder if anyone notices a consistent pattern of excellence. They may feel under appreciated as some clients receive an additional level of service that others don't have time for, or because others fail to notice the time and effort it takes for VA to complete their tasks, which can be very time consuming.

*Lack of security in employment. Many VAs are not paid well due to various challenges they face in the field. Many do not have employment contracts and so if terminated can be replaced at the whim of their employer.

*Jane Doe Syndrome. The most common issue faced by Virtual Assistants nationally is a lack of understanding of their rights as employees, especially with regards to time reporting and overtime. As a result they find themselves working long hours in an effort to meet deadlines, which could lead to burnout or even illness that could drastically impact the quality of their work.

*Vast Knowledge Gap. There is a large knowledge gap that a VA needs to overcome in order to be successful. It can take several years for the VA to accumulate enough experience with the real estate industry in order for them to truly be at the level where they are needed most; i.e., knowing when and how best to use various tools, systems and resources.

*Inadequate training. Many real estate firms don't provide adequate training to VAs, especially in the areas of learning to read real estate contracts and fees, understanding how to effectively learn about all of the various tools and systems available to them; how to connect with their clients and make sure that their services are being recognized as part of their firm's success.

Advice for Success in the Real Estate Industry as a VA

What a VA needs, above all else, is a good mentor who can show them around and give them the tools they need to get started successfully in this challenging industry.