I talked about education in one of my last blogs - http://activerain.com/blogsview/21063/Will-the-Real-Estate

This is obviously a topic that all agents struggle with as they balance the demands of paperwork versus clients.  Managing their business versus growing their business. Devoting the time for further education versus selling or listing real estate.

Mary McKnight wrote "I don't think every Realtor should become a web designer, but becoming tech savvy is a must."

Toby Boyce wrote "Real Estate is very similar to any other "venture". Those that are truly interested in making it, will do what they need to do to make it.  I am fortunate, I have a Web background. But, as a new agent, I think there are a lot of things that are more important to know than how to market myself on the Web. How about marketing myself period?"

Pierre Calzadilla wrote "We take it upon ourselves to teach and provide these classes because it is important to teach agents/brokers how to market on-line"

Lenn Harley  (sorry Lenn - your comment didn't provide me a link for you) wrote: "Web design and SEO are complicated.  Why do folks think they have to do it themselves??? Sell some real estate, but some good web site design services and let the experts do what they do. Selling real estate is more profitable."

Randy L. Prothero (R), CRS, GRI wrote: "The question should not be when is the Real Estate Industry going to teach new agents.  The question is when will new agents wake up and get training?" 

Tony Marriott, Associate Broker, CRB, CRS said it the best, in my opinon: "I think a team of specialists is the answer.  Someone with the skill set to quickly, accurately and efficiently keep the web marketing aspect of the business in high gear may not have the skills needed to close a Seller on a listing, or work with a Buyer.  It's important that the agent knows how to drive the car, but doesn't need to know how the engine works."

To the rest of you who felt strongly enough to comment, thank you - you can read their comments at: http://activerain.com/blogsview/21063/Will-the-Real-Estate

I applaud those of you who feel it's important to take the time to become knowledge about all facets of  the real estate industry. I also applaud those of you who would rather focus on their clients and hire someone to handle details. The wonderful thing about this world is that it takes all kinds of thinking and of styles to make the world go 'round!

Whichever tenet you prescribe to, remember there is one single answer to when you need answers and no time to find them.  Real Estate Virtual Assistants - think of us as your virtual "dictionary" or "encyclopedia", or better yet, your virtual "right-hand".  Even if you don't have time to read through the following list now, please print it out for later reference - you'll be glad you did.

Top 20 Reasons for Utilizing Real Estate Virtual Assistant Services

1. You save time and money by having your Real Estate Virtual Assistant handle details so you can focus on your clients.
2. They have their own office, supplies, equipment - no overhead for you.
3. Professional Real Estate Virtual Assistants, by virtue of their chosen profession, have the necessary technological skills and self discipline to successful manage a business.
4. You get expert, experienced professionals ready to step in with very little learning curve, if any, to conduct business focused entirely on building YOUR business.
5. Real Estate Virtual Assistants quickly become your "virtual" right hand.
6. Because we are self-employed, we work hard - providing premium service is the ONLY way we stay in business.
7. Because we are self employed contractors, you do not have the overhead such as health insurance, payroll, vacation benefits, etc. you would have with a staff employee.
8. Rather than maintaining more staff than you need, or worry about interviewing and training new employees if you happen onto a business period, you utilize Real Estate Virtual Assistants only when you need them.
9. Should you need additional help for any given project, experienced Real Estate Virtual Assistants will already have proven reliable assistants to step right up to the task. No hiring/firing/layoff worries.
10. As opposed to a Virtual Assistant, who may spread their time between several different industries, a Real Estate Virtual Assistant works only in all matters regarding Real Estate.
11. We are interested in your business success - as noted in my own motto for my company, Diversified Data Solutions, L.L.C. - "If You Don't Succeed, I Don't Succeed".
12. We love what we do, so we do it well.
13. Real Estate Virtual Assistants often become "specialists" which allows them to step in and work productively from Day One.
14. Because they are specialists, you can use more than one Real Estate Virtual Assistant and cover every aspect of your business.
15. Because Real Estate Virtual Assistants network with each other, we can refer you to other reliable REVAs who have the specialties you need.
16. To create or enhance your online presence
17. To handle your lead management program
18. To act as your marketing director
19. To write articles to further publicize you and your business.
20. For Transaction Coordination