How do you choose a virtual assistant?  Carefully!  As an agent, a Virtual Assistant (VA) is an extension of your team.  From the moment you first contact the VA, you should be evaluating their professionalism and timeliness.  After all, this is a person that might have interaction with your buyers/sellers.

Other things to look for:

1.  Knowledge --  It takes more than just an interest in real estate or a certification from a two day class.  Although these are great to have, what is the VA's actual experience doing the task you wish to delegate.  How long has the VA been in business?

2.  References -- Can you speak to current and/or past clients to gain valuable insight into your peer's experience with this VA?

3.  Samples -- If you are seeking assistance with flyers or virtual tours, ask for samples of the VAs work.

4.  Technology -- Is the VA familiar with the technology/programs that you use? 

5.  Availability -- Does the VA work full time, M-F during business hours?  Does the VA have a team that can handle workload during family emergencies and/or vacations?

As most Virtual Assistants specialize, a great way to find a VA is a referral from another VA!  Just like agents do referrals, VAs do too!

The VA that is a right fit for you team will be an amazing asset!  You will see benefits and your business will thrive as you focus on the core aspects of real estate -- and leave the administrative functions to others!

It's that "magic time" for my cell phone contract to be renewed.  Trying to choose the right phone can be stressful!  So much information and so many options!

In the past, I've had a TREO 650 (which I did not like.. by the way) and several "regular" phones including a Razor, etc..  My problem with the TREO is it crashed often and the sound quality for the phone was poor at best.  After going through 2 TREOs in less than a year (both of which crashed and never did come back on)...I'm  not in the market to try another TREO.  As a Virtual Assistant leading a group of great team members nationwide, I need a device that is portable and makes me accessible to my team members at all times via phone and email.

So..which phone do you use and what do you like best about it? 

With foreclosures on the rapid rise in some parts of the country, many agents are venturing into the field of REOs.  Listing REOs translates into an "explosion" of paperwork for an agent. Solution...hire a Virtual Assistant!

Don't hire just any Virtual Assistant, but a VA that understands the unique needs of the REO industry.  Virtual Assistants can assist with

1. Invoicing and tracking reimbursements
2. Submission of monthly marketing reports
3. BPO data entry
4. Closing Coordination

As an agent, you should interview the prospective VA that you are thinking of hiring.  Ask some probing questions ....  Does the VA understand REO terms? (ie ..cash for keys).  What is the VA's ability to handle the spikes in volume?   What is the VA's turnaround time for BPOs?  Does the VA have a background in real estate?  Check references.

Finding a knowledgeable VA will mean you, as the agent, will spend less time training and more time focusing on listing and selling homes.  A good VA can be an asset to your business!

Cathryn Jones

Assistants For Agents, LLC
www.assistants4agents.com

 Virtual Assistants for today's top real estate agents nationwide

direct:  888-740-5869
fax:  866-461-6846
email:  cjones@assistants4agents.com