As we all know, the spring and summer seasons tend to be some of the most busy for the real estate professional. With listings rolling in, prospective buyers eager to find that perfect property and each client at different stages of the real estate process, most of you are probably very happily busy and maybe even wondering if it's the right time to begin searching for some extra help. Whether you're just looking for a Real Estate Virtual Assistant team to handle your website and social media presence or you're seeking something more in-depth and all-encompassing, finding the ideal help can be quite the project in itself! Here are just a handful of tips to keep in mind when searching for a Real Estate Virtual Assistant - Whether that may be someone who acts as your "right hand" and manages all listing coordination or just some general marketing assistance!
- Ask for references. This should come as no surprise and should, of course, be the norm when seeking any kind of help for your office, whether its a Real Estate Virtual Assistant, an office manager, an additional real estate professional and beyond. Asking for both personal as well as professional references should give you a pretty well-rounded view of the person in question, from their general character to their work ethic. Don't be afraid to ask the questions that are important to you - Is this person timely? In what capacity did they work alongside their reference? Are they positive and seeking a career, or moody and a clock-watcher? The answers to these questions will ensure that you feel just as comfortable working with them!
- Ask for samples/a portfolio. This is particularly important when hiring someone for marketing duties. Nearly all marketing professionals have some sort of portfolio or, at the very least, a cache of samples of work that they've completed. By asking for a few samples from their portfolio, you'll be able to very easily determine their professionalism and organization as well as their skill level in certain key tasks - Such as graphic design, copywriting, web design, marketing campaigns and more.
- Do a background check. While you can hire companies to conduct background checks for your new hires, it does come at a price - But so does your peace of mind, especially knowing the sensitive information that your new assistant may have access to. This includes real estate contracts, clients' personal information, financial data and more. Especially essential if you plan to have this be an in-office position and occasionally have your assistant in your clients' homes, put your mind at ease and have any new hires consent to a background check before officially coming on board.
- If hiring virtually, do your online research. If you're hiring a virtual assistant or an outside organization, be sure to do your online research first to ensure that they are reputable and reliable. Is their website professional and does it offer easy-to-find contact information for questions and concerns? Are they listed on Yelp!, Angie's List or other business review websites? What is their Better Business Bureau rating? Does they have a strong social media presence? Doing a bit of research will ensure that you find a good, professional organization rather than a fly-by-night company or one that doesn't quite offer what you're seeking.
Whether you're considering hiring your first Real Estate Virtual Assistant or you're a seasoned pro, it can be difficult to find good, dependable people! Luckily, in today's day and age, doing business has become more transparent. Don't be afraid to ask questions and take your time in vetting candidates to ensure that you find the right match. The real estate business is your passion and your livelilhood, so be sure to find the team members that will assist in realizing your professional goals.
Megan Quinn
Copywriting Specialist
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