Would love to collect some comments about how any of you use virtual (or non-virtual) assistants. I think I could use one, but don't understand the scope of their work. for instance, do they generally work in the actual office you occupy? Do the brokers in your office have to agree? Is there insurance involved? What is a typical hourly rate? (in Calif. would be most useful). Are there any great stories about how VA's are utilized in a powerful way?
Virtual assistants are a wonderful addition to any real estate office. They can do anything a "non-virtual" assistant can do, except that which requires physical locality. Virtual assistants can answer phones, follow up with your leads, do transaction coordination, fill out forms, make flyers, arrange closings, coordinate open houses etc. A virtual assistant can do anything any unlicensed assistant can do for you - virtual or non-virtual. Virtual assistants are independent contractors, so insurance or other employee taxes and benefits are not a factor. I can't say what your broker would do, but many brokers not only support their agents having virtual assistants, they are hiring them also! Check us out at http://www.teamdoubleclick.com/real_estate_agent.html
I am a Virtual Assistant and have been for several years. It's impossible to answer all of your questions in this forum, but you can find a handy little e-book at www.vasecrets.com
This is wirtten by a "real-life" team of VA (me) and Coach (my client). We tell you how working with a VA works, how to interview them, what questions to ask, where to find a VA, what you should know before hiring a VA, what costs to expect and how you save money by having a VA. We've interviewed the president of one of the leading VA Certification schools in the country. She really tells all!
I hope you find it very informative for you and your colleagues. I highly recommend that you get the inside scoop before hiring your VA.
I didn't think we were supposed to promote our services on this forum, but since the other 2 have, I'll put in my own plug. I've been a REALTOR for many years, and now am a Virtual Assistant, so bring a great deal of knowledge and experience to this profession. Check out http://www.virtualbusinessolutions.com/. My web site provides a Needs Assessment and answers a lot of questions about what a VA does and how you need to organize your business to use one most effectively.
Here is a list of 80 duties a VA can accomplish, and I'm sure others can add to it:
1. Confirm client appointments 2. Reminders of client appointments 3. Directions to appointments 4. Keep online calendar updated 5. Complete daily paperwork 6. File backup 7. Coordinate travel arrangements 8. Thank you cards, gifts 9. Holiday greetings 10. Order office supplies 11. Purchase supplies 12. Note transcription 13. Prepare presentations, proposals, seminars 14. Prepare and mail letters 15. Database management 16. Database creation 17. Direct mail 18. Fax broadcast 19. email campaign 20. Mail merge 21. Upload database from other software 22. Create brochure 23. Create business cards 24. Create price list, product list 25. Create flyer 26. Create listing presentation 27. Create ebooks 28. Create enewsletter, print newsletter/blog 29. Create web site copy 30. Create/edit training manuals 31. Set up voice mail system 32. Respond to voice mail 33. Respond to eFax 34. Respond to email 35. Create autoresponders 36. Internet research 37. CD duplication 38. CD distribution 39. Manage lead generation submissions 40. Manage client appointments 41. Manage subscription list 42. Organize newsletter/blog articles 43. Research newsletter/blog articles 44. Link exchange 45. List blog, newsletters on web sites 46. Post blog, keep up to date 47. Post business in onine directories 48. Market ebooks 49. Web site maintenance 50. Create web site 51. Promote web sites 52. Article marketing for promotion 53. SEO using keywords and local content 54. Monitor web site statistics 55. Monitor web links 56. Monitor ad program 57. Write ads 58. Place ads 59. Track ad results 60. Handle customer requests 61. Create and place press releases 62. Follow up customer satisfaction 63. Background checks for employees 64. Write help-wanted ads 65. Track Performance Reviews 66. Sort resumes 67. Prepare and send welcome package 68. Event planning 69. Organize client list, responses, touches 70. Listing presentations 71. Create Home Book 72. Market Analysis 73. List home on MLS, web sites 74. Transaction management 75. Marketing campaigns 76. Put local content into web sites 77. Create database of FSBOs, expireds 78. Create campaigns for FSBOs, expireds 79. Make showing appointments 80. Get feedback on showing appointments
When you get used to an assistant, you'll wonder why you ever tried to do business without one!
Disclaimer: ActiveRain Corp. does not necessarily endorse the real estate agents, loan officers and brokers listed on this site. These real estate profiles, blogs and blog entries are provided here as a courtesy to our visitors to help them make an informed decision when buying or selling a house. ActiveRain Corp. takes no responsibility for the content in these profiles, that are written by the members of this community.
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Hi Maggie,
Virtual assistants are a wonderful addition to any real estate office. They can do anything a "non-virtual" assistant can do, except that which requires physical locality. Virtual assistants can answer phones, follow up with your leads, do transaction coordination, fill out forms, make flyers, arrange closings, coordinate open houses etc. A virtual assistant can do anything any unlicensed assistant can do for you - virtual or non-virtual. Virtual assistants are independent contractors, so insurance or other employee taxes and benefits are not a factor. I can't say what your broker would do, but many brokers not only support their agents having virtual assistants, they are hiring them also! Check us out at http://www.teamdoubleclick.com/real_estate_agent.html
I also have a blog at http://teamdoubleclick.com/blogs/Palmatier/
I'd love to talk to you! Plus, I'm a former Sonoman - I know, why would I ever leave! I kick myself all the time. ; )
Ruthie Palmatier
Virtual Staffing Consultant
Owner, Boise Idaho Sales Office
888-827-9129 ext. 87