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How Do You Choose a Virtual Assistant?

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!

Posted by Cathryn Jones on 07/25/2008 03:17 PM

Comments (4)

virtual assistant, real estate va, real estate virtual assistant

Post is included in group: Real Estate Virtual Assistants Group
Post is included in group: The National REO Brokers Association
Post is included in group: REO REALTORS

4 Comments on How Do You Choose a Virtual Assistant?

JUL

2008

Cathryn,

This is a great post – I hope other VAs will chime in to give some advice on what Realtors should be looking for when selecting a VA to work with.

I think that there are some key hallmarks of a professional VA. Outside of the standard things that you might ask about (e.g what is their background/experience, what services do they specialize in), you might also want to consider the following:

What professional memberships/certifications do they hold?
Do they take part in ongoing training to update their skills?
What is their risk management policy (e.g what steps have they taken to ensure that your business is not adversely impacted in the event of them having an emergency such as a power outage)?
What is their privacy policy? What happens to your information?
General professionalism (e.g time tracking systems, testimonials, formal business email account and phone line, etc).

Does anyone else have any pointers?

SEP

2008

Cathryn and Lidia - I think you ladies did a great job in covering the major pointers. I would also add that agents should spend time talking with the VA to make sure they will work well together. Like any business associate or partner, the agent has to make sure the VA will compliment them. So hire a VA who loves to do the things you hate.

You can have the best agent and the best VA in the world, but if it isn't a good fit then it won't work for either of you.

I agree with Tracie. I just met with a client today and they were so surprised to hear me asking questions about what they like about their business, don't like - things they like to do/don't like to do and by the end they realized I was trying to determine how I could fit into their business plan and if we were a good match. I think equally important for VA's is to determne the work style of the client - can they delegate and not micromanage is an important one. All the best to you all! ~Anne Marie

SEP

2008

Great post! While they are all great points, I personally think the 2 most important things on that list are references and availablity. Agents need to do their due diligence when hiring an assistant of any kind, virtual or in-house. A good reputable REVA will have a list of references and they will have testimonials on thier websites with links to that agent. Availability is crucial! I have aquired 2 very good clients simply because their previous REVA would take vacations without notice or take a day off without notice. I specialize in the REO market and there has to be someone here during all business hours as we never know what may come up and many times it needs to be handled immediately. Thanks again for the pointers!!

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