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Welcome VAs!

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Education & Training with Inman News

 Hi All~ We have had alot of new members join in since the New Year, and I wanted to say welcome to you all! BUT...I'm dying to get to you all better!  I'll admit, I've been scouting websites to to get to know you, but would love to get to know YOU, your businesses, and all that~  I recognize some of your names from other affilliations. I am a VA who still has so much to learn I would love to hear about your experiences! How long have you been in business and how did you decide to get into real estate?

So anyway, there is NO leader in this group..this is YOUR group, so its open forum! Blog ON!

 

 

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Comments(30)

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Courtney Fontenot
Alpha Prosperity Management - Missouri City, TX
NAR Certified REPA, REW

Hi Sandi,

Welcome to the group and to Active Rain. I look forward to reading more about your success in the business.  

 

Jun 09, 2007 05:56 AM
Darlene Gonzalez
D. Victoria Virtual Assistance - Hopatcong, NJ

Hello Everyone,

My name is Darlene. I am somewhat new to the VA arena.  I have been spending the last few months taking all the steps needed to get my business up and running. I became involved in Real Estate when I was employed as an  Office Administrator for a real estate office. I had actually always had an interest in Real Estate, but until then, I never really did anything about it. Now, it is kind of in my blood!

I plan on offering many services to my clients, including listing management for agents, however, I also have a great interest in the non-profit sector.

I look forward to getting to know you all!

Darlene

Jan 22, 2008 05:49 AM
Renae Bolton
Marketing 4 Realtors - Garfield Heights, OH
I'm your Professional Real Estate Marketing VA!

Good morning everyone!

My name is Renae and my partner, Tina, and I operate Marketing 4 Realtors. I started my business part-time in 1995 and then went full-time in 1998. I've been going strong ever since and loving every minute of it!

My traditional background was as an Executive Administrative Assistant, which I did for approximately 9 years prior to going full-time into business for myself.  In 2003, I was excited at the opportunity to attend the NAR convention in Las Vegas and have been working exclusively with REPs since that time.

We primarily focus on lead management and listing coordination.  Our efforts all converge on the primary purpose of marketing - the agent and their listings.

Great to "meet" everyone!

~Renae - Market 4 Real!

Jan 23, 2008 02:14 AM
Anita Messica
Virtual Assistant 2U - Plano, TX
VA
My name is Anita, from Plano TX. Working with appraiser and lenders. Happy to be part of this group on AR.
Mar 02, 2008 01:36 AM
Laura Monroe
Inman News - San Francisco, CA
Dir. of Industry Engagement & Social Media
Hi Anita! Welcome to AR. Looking forward to getting to know you! How long have you been a VA..?
Mar 02, 2008 05:38 AM
Anonymous
Anonymous
It been about 5 years now but only since the begining of this year is when I've used the term VA and started my own business. I'v worked with lender, appraiser and a construction company. Laura, you are a real gem, Thank you.
Mar 02, 2008 07:46 AM
#16
Kim Desroches-Noel
Kim Noel Business Solutions - Toronto, ON
CCVA, REW

Hi Everyone,

My name is Kim and I started practicing as a VA in 2006 part time.  I have finally made the "blind leap of faith" to full time as of July, 2008.  I am very new to AR, but so far it seems like an amazing site with so much information.  This is definetly the place to be for support and encouragement. 

Just wanted to say this group for VA's is an incredible idea.....THANK YOU!

Kim Desroches-Noel

Kim Noel Business Solutions
www.kimnoelsolutions.biz

Jun 19, 2008 02:48 AM
Elena Malfi
Re/Max Tri County - Hamilton, NJ

Hi Laura and Everyone...
My name is Elena and I have worked as a real estate assistant in NJ for the past 6 years.  I am about to delve into virtual assisting and have found all the VA groups on Active Rain to be really helpful.  I have a question for those of you who offer database management - how exactly do you work that out?  Even if you have a great program like Top Producer, your client might be using a different system.  Sorry if that's a stupid question - I am very well versed in database management ON SITE, I am just trying to figure out how practical it would be to do that remotely.  I could see handling marketing campaigns from a database, but doesn't the client have to get in touch with you each time they have a new contact?  Thanks for any advice and nice to meet you all!

Jun 23, 2008 02:34 AM
Diana Ennen
Virtual Word Publishing - Margate, FL

Hi

I'm Diana Ennen.  I've had several real estate clients over the years, but decided I'd like to try and focus a little more in this area now.  It's such an exciting niche. I just recently discovered Active Rain. I've been in business for a while since 1985.

I'm so looking forward to meeting everyone.  It's great to see so many familiar faces.

Diana Ennen

Jul 25, 2008 10:30 AM
Nancy Johnson
databposolutions - Nashvle, TN
BPO Specialist

Hi

 

I'm Nancy Johnson.  I worked in a Real Estate office that only did BPOs and learned a lot.  When the broker I was working for relocated to another state, I decided to try being a VA.  I am still new to this and learning a lot.   I specialize in BPOs and have been an Active Rain member for a little while. 

Jul 25, 2008 01:53 PM
Courtney Fontenot
Alpha Prosperity Management - Missouri City, TX
NAR Certified REPA, REW

Hi Diana and Nancy,

Welcome to the group. I know you will find it very helpful and a lot of fun as well.

Diana, are you the same Diana that wrote the book on Virtual Assistants? If you are, you did a marvelous job with the book. WhenI was starting out as a VA I got your book and found it very helpful and informative. 

Jul 28, 2008 02:03 AM
Anne Marie Malf
Malfi Marketing Solutions ~ for real estate professionals - Yardley, PA
Real Estate Marketing Consultant/Virtual Asst, Bucks County,PA

Hello Laura and everyone, 

Just joined Activerain and very excited about sharing and learning more from this group.  For the past 2 years I have been assisting many local realtors in Bucks County and recently decided to extend my services in a bigger way - AR and the Internet.  I have used Activerain for awhile now - posting blogs for realtors, and finally decided to blog for myself.  I come from a background of sales and marketing management and look forward to growing my business even more with the wealth of information, networking and resources on Activerain and from a group like this.   I have read so many of the great blogs out here and looking forward to chatting with all of you. 

Aug 24, 2008 03:37 AM
Tracie Mason
Agent Assistant Network - Seattle, WA
Holton, Coach & Virtual Assistant

Hello everyone!  I'm a VA in Seattle, WA and I'm originally from Decatur, AL.  My formal education is in Merchandising and Marketing. 

My background is Marketing and Coaching & Training.  I worked for HouseValues for two years.  First as a Coach and then I moved up into the training department where I produced webinars and training calls.  HV is where I first learned about VAs. 

I launched my VA business in May 2006 because I've always been an entrepreneur at heart.  And because I saw so many agents struggling to balance their business and family, as well grow their business and manage their technology.

I knew I had found my calling.  I'm a details person, so this is a great business for me. 

Thank you to everyone for sharing!  And thank you Laura for founding this group!  I'm glad to be a part of it! 

Sep 11, 2008 03:54 PM
Jennifer Langer
JL Assists - Santa Rosa, CA

Hello all!!

My name is Jennifer and I am a Real Estate Virtual Assistant located in Sonoma County, CA.  I have been in the Real Estate industry for 10 years as an assistant, a transaction coordinator, an office manager, and a Realtor! 

I currently hold my CA Real Estate license, a REPA certifcate from the National Association of Realtors, and a CRESS certificate from IVAA.  I opened my VA business in September 2007 because I enjoy the Real Estate industry but wanted a little more flexibility in my schedule.

I too have seen so many agents struggling with their personal/professional lives because they cannot afford to take the time to hire an assistant, train them, purchase equipment and office space for them to use, and pay their payroll taxes on a regular basis.  I knew there had to be a better way!

My VA practice specializes in listing management including website uploads, flyer creation, and MLS input and also transaction coordination. 

Thank you for founding this group!  It should be a great way to get in touch with those agents who need a little extra help!

Visit my website to learn more about me and my practice:  www.JLAssists.com.  "Virtual Assistance for Productive Real Estate Professionals!"

Dec 22, 2008 02:31 PM
Heather Chavez
Second Self Virtual Assistance - Caldwell, ID
Real Estate Virtual, Assistant (928) 692-3235

Hi, Laura.  I'm a virtual assistant with Second Self Virtual Assistance.  Pamela Cendejas opened her doors in 1997 and hasn't looked back since.  After spending years and years in customer service in one form or another for various industries, it seemed like a natural progression to a VA when a position opened up in Pam's company in 2003 and have watched the company grow and blossom into what it is today.  I have been very happy working as a VA.  I like the creative aspect of working on web pages for clients as well as the customer service aspect we provide the most.  I also like that it allows me the freedom to spend more time with my 14-year-old son, who needs me more than ever now that he's in high school.

Second Self was founded on the idea of "When there just isn't enough of you to go around" and we stand by it.  We are there when clients don't have the time, energy or education enough to pursue the best for themselves and their brand.

We have been very fortunate to have the company grow, even in hard times.  And there are lots of interesting things on the horizon.  I really think that 2009 will be a banner year for Second Self and look forward to what the year will bring.  I also look forward to learning all I can from other Virtual Assistants who have been doing this much longer than I have.  So, thank you for this opportunity.

Feb 15, 2009 04:19 AM
Manuel Sanchez
Century 21 Estro - Cerritos, CA

Hi Laura, I'm Thoa Trask, new to VA working part time with my Realtor Manuel Sanchez in Southern California.  I have 10 years of experience in Mortgage Industry.  And I am looking forward to learn Real Estate Virtual Assistant and to get to know you.

Have a wonderful day.

Thoa

May 26, 2009 05:55 AM
Serita Diana
List 2 Close Assistant
Real Estate Virtual Assistant

Hello Everyone!

My name is Serita Diana and I am new to the VA business, although not to real estate. I was a real estate agent for 3 years before stepping into the administrative aspect of real estate for 2 years. I left a job I loved to stay home with my son in 2007, and was ready to enter the workforce again now that he is in preschool. The prospect of staying home with my 3 kids while still being a contribution to the real estate community is something I am looking forward to! I can't wait to hear about all the exciting things all of you are doing, and hope to report some of my own!

Dec 13, 2009 09:52 AM
Markelle Harden
Classy Inbound - Charlotte, NC
Digital Marketing Specialist

Hello! I'm the owner/operator of A Virtual Genie, and we've been in business since 2006. I know it's been a while since you started this post; but what can I say, I'm always contacting Realtors, and just recently discovered the advantages of networking with VA's!

I love the real estate industry, it's so innovative and ever-changing. Realtors are entrepreneurs, just like VA's, so it's a good fit!


My company started after I left the industry as a Realtor in 2006 to start the process of moving from Arizona to South Carolina. I knew I did not want to begin my Realtor career all over again in a new area; but I also knew I was too experienced to sit in an office all day with a 'ceiling' on my income! It's been interesting to say the least. We started primarily as transaction coordinators, and now we handle marketing and listing tasks. Realtors have fewer transactions these days, and they are not as comfortable handing over the reigns on their closings.

 

I look forward to getting to know more about all of you and learning from you!

Mar 19, 2010 12:18 AM
Dale Newberger
Austin, TX

I have my Texas Real Estate License (inactive, because I'm not sponsored by a Broker), and I've been researching the Real Estate Assistant business for some time. I'm just about ready to start my own Real Estate Virtual Assistant (REVA) business, and this looks like a great place to network, and get ideas.

Right now I'm in the process of getting my WordPress.org site set up. I'm using BlueHost.com, and now I'm researching Themes, Banners, and Logos  — there are so many to choose from and at so many different prices. And, I almost forgot, I do need to write the blogs — the most important step.

Laura — thank you for starting this group, and I hope to see more Texas REVAs join this group.

Aug 07, 2011 01:22 AM
Martina Boeger
My REVA Time, LLC - Conroe, TX
Your Real Estate Virtual Assistant

Hello All!  I just got my REVA business up and running....My REVA Time!  I am concentrating on the administrative/lead follow up for Realtors.  I'm excited to be part of this group and look forward to getting to know you all. 

Aug 19, 2015 03:09 AM