Using a Virtual Real Estate Listing Assistant

By
Services for Real Estate Pros with Lisa M. Jackson and Associates, LLC

Although real estate virtual assistant have been around for quite some time, the concept of a real estate virtual listing assistant is relatively new. For anyone not familiar with a virtual assistant, a virtual assistant is a business owner who specializes in providing support services from home. Many choose specialized services or a niche such as real estate, social media marketing, product creation, etc.

A few of the benefits of using a virtual assistant are:

•    Only paying for actual time worked
•    No sick or vacation time
•    No unemployment or other taxes
•    No need for additional office space or equipment

A real estate virtual listing assistant can assist listing agents with the day to day tasks that do not produce income directly. These assistants specialize in assisting listing agents. And since most listing agents are already stressed and strapped for times between listing presentations and appointments etc., some have opted to use a listing virtual assistant.

Some of the tasks that a listing assistant can help you with are:

•    Creating marketing material
•    Developing prelisting materials
•    Listing presentation materials
•    Photographing the property
•    Submission to the MLS
•    Submission to craigslist and other real estate listing sites
•    Creation of a hosted property site
•    Website blog and social media posting
•    Creating of the virtual tour
•    Placing lockboxes posts and signs
•    Complete follow-up tasks after showings and open houses

In addition, some listing virtual assistants are also qualified to handle other marketing and administrative tasks, if necessary.

The purpose of this type of assistant is to allow the agent to focus on the tasks that allow him or her to generate money and obtain listings such as listing appointments. The pricing for this type of services starts at $125.

It seems to me that this may be a great idea for listing agents to remain focused and to keep their eye on their goals.

So what are your thoughts on a virtual listing assistant?
Would this be a service that would benefit you?
Would it be worth the investment to you?
Do you think this type of virtual assistance will become more common?

Comments (3)

Lisa M. Jackson
Lisa M. Jackson and Associates, LLC - Fredericksburg, VA
Affordable Solutions for Today's Agents

Michael,

I totally agree. At my church, I am training foster children who are about to turn 18 and be homeless so that that they can be able to support themselves when they are released out on their own with no one to turn to. Appreciate the comment though and I'm sure the kids appreciate it to. You have a very blessed day!

Jul 19, 2010 04:13 AM
Suzanne McLaughlin
Sabinske & Associates, Inc. (Albertville, St. Michael) - Saint Michael, MN
Sabinske & Associates, Realtor

Oooh, Michael...that was a little harsh. She's good to go now.  And, the thought process is good. 

Jul 19, 2010 04:14 AM
Lisa M. Jackson
Lisa M. Jackson and Associates, LLC - Fredericksburg, VA
Affordable Solutions for Today's Agents

Suzanne,

The rudeness doesn't bother me. The fact that the girl who I am training to support herself before she turns 18 seeing it does. As he was posting I was telling her how to do it without ending up with the coding in it.

Foster children who turn 18 are turned out to the world when they turn 18 with no means to support themselves and no resources.

Jul 19, 2010 04:18 AM