Building a Real Estate business takes a real commitment, mentally and physically. There are always some tough decisions to be made when deciding the right vehicle to use to send your business to the next level of success. Hiring an assistant, either remote or on-site, is one of the toughest. On one hand, you know that you need one. On the other hand, is it the right move or are you just better off doing it all yourself?
Hiring an on-site assistant has simply become the least desirable way to go from many different standpoints:
• Many hours of training - with no guarantee that the knowledge will stick
• Providing equipment/software/office space
• Employment taxes/benefits/vacation & sick pay
Enter the Real Estate Virtual Assistant. The REVA is an experienced assistant with an entrepreneurial mindset. An established REVA will be able to provide multiple references and knowledge portfolio. Choosing this route gives the agent the benefit of an assistant and the peace of mind to know that their business is being held in capable hands. So, why haven't you done it??
• Fear of not being in control - with any business owner, handing over major responsibilities is a very tough thing to do
• Lack of time - hiring any assistant is a time consuming activity
• Money
• Lack knowledge of the hiring process of a REVA - just seems like too much work
Ok, now that we know why you haven't, let's take a look at these points and show you why you should.
Control Issues - Any REVA will be able to relate to this. One of the many benefits of an experienced REVA is their exceptional communication skills. In today's technologically advanced business world, there is never a reason to miss a communication. A REVA not only has access to all of these avenues but is knowledgeable and can help the agent decide the best way to always stay in touch. With the right REVA, there will never be a time when you won't be fully aware of every action being taken, the difference is that you won't be doing this yourself; you will be out listing and selling while your business grows.
Time Issues - The bad thing about the mindset of "I can do it in less time than it will take me to teach someone else" is that if you change nothing; nothing changes. The right REVA comes equipped with all the knowledge needed and as more knowledge is available, your REVA will find it and learn it, it is what we do. The only type of training you will be responsible for is any agent-specific plans. Once you overcome this issue, you have gained time, not lost it.
Money - This is a big deal! The main question that only you can answer is what dollar value have you put on your time? Have you even really given this much thought? If you haven't then this is an absolute must whether you hire an assistant or not. Knowing what your time is worth will put the money issue in perspective. Once you have a dollar value on your time, grab a pen and paper. Figure out every hour you spend on (or really should spend if you had the time) a closing, sufficient marketing, lead management, listing presentations, BPO's, FSBO marketing, client communications, website development, agent blogs, the list goes on. Now take the items that you currently do and put a price on it, next look at all the things you can only wish to do because you don't have time, what is that worth? Could you get more listings if you had all these systems in place running without you? Could you get more ratified contracts? Think about the results! As said before.............only you can put a value on your time.
How? - This is not nearly as difficult as it sounds. Make a list of the "must have " services, then add a "wish list" of services. Next, find a reputable REVA Directory (not just a VA directory) such as http://www.virtualcas.com/ or http://www.revaprofessionals.com/. You will then submit an RFP (Request for Proposal) for your "must have" list. You will then be contacted by those REVA's who are qualified to meet your needs. Interview, Interview, Interview! You will find one that meets all of your needs and will most likely be able to help you develop a plan to get your "wish list" as an added bonus!
I will promise you one thing....once you have overcome the obstacles that have held you back from hiring a Real Estate Virtual Assistant, the only question that will always remain is "Why didn't I do this sooner??"
Sandi Logan is the owner of Logan Real Estate Support. Sandi's Real Estate Virtual Assistant Team provides Transaction, Listing and Marketing Coordination services to Agents & Brokers around the country.
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