Technology is changing faster than many agents can keep up with. From maintaining websites, social media profiles and pages, marketing listings, and keeping appointments with buyers and sellers, it can be a struggle to get it all accomplished.

How are agents finding the time to get it all done?

Having team members that can handle some of the time consuming tasks is what it takes to be the best of the best. Many agents are turning to Real Estate Virtual Assistants as a middle of the road option between hiring a full time, on-site assistant, or going it alone.

What are the Benefits of Using a Virtual Assistant?

Below are some of the benefits that can distinguish the difference between an in-office assistant and a virtual one.

  • The VA is an independent contractor, not an employee, so there is no need to figure out IRS issues or employee hassles
  • VA’s work remotely in fully-equipped offices that the VA maintains so you won’t have to worry about space or equipment
  • VA’s are familiar with real estate specific software, apps, and marketing platforms like Trulia and WordPress.org, so no training is necessary unless you work with proprietary systems
  • VA’s are tech-driven, mobile professionals and know their way around computers and other high tech devices and apps

What Can I Delegate to a Virtual Assistant?

If you struggle with the thought of delegating and don’t know where to start, a good VA can help you brainstorm new strategies and streamline current systems and processes. It’s best to start with small tasks or projects and add-on once you feel comfortable. Tasks and action plans that are easily streamlined, tasks that you don’t like, or do well are often the best choices.

Below are some sample tasks that are frequently delegated to real estate virtual assistants.

  • Manage and optimize your Listing Coordination/Marketing on all your online sites like Trulia, making sure to maximize features like number of photos, Open Home announcements and virtual tours
  • Assist with seller reports, market reports and market data
  • Assist in content creation ideas and research for your blog and social media marketing sites
  • Execute the posting and management of your content on your sites
  • Monitor and edit your profiles and pages on social media sites
  • Assist in Transaction Management; keeping your inspections, appointments and documents organized for you
  • Design, manage and maintain your website and/or blog
  • Create, manage and maintain your email marketing, email lists, and subscribers
  • Design and create your offline marketing collateral like postcards, flyers and brochures
  • Manage the vendors and various accounts to streamline costs, renewals, and shop for the best service professionals
  • Arrange travel and conference attendance, and assist in debriefing you of all the new ideas you would like to implement

If you are struggling with how to make yourself more productive and effectively use all the new tech tools, you may want to consider partnering with a virtual assistant and outsource some of the time-consuming tasks that prevent you from working on the most profitable areas of your business.