Owning properties for investment purposes can be a great way to build income and wealth. But if you’re struggling to manage them all, or you find that you need to focus on other areas of life, a real estate virtual assistant could be exactly what you need. That way you have someone to help you manage your properties, and you can turn your attention to other investments or needs in your life.
But what should you look for, and how can an assistant really help you? Here’s what to consider before hiring one…
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What is a Real Estate Virtual Assistant?
A real estate virtual assistant is an assistant who works online, instead of in person. They have specialised knowledge in the property sector, allowing them to provide stronger insight and support. If you hire someone who doesn’t have the same level of knowledge, it can be more difficult for them to fully help you in the way you need them to. By choosing a virtual assistant with real estate insight, though, you can have confidence and peace of mind in letting them provide you with help and support.
A lot of real estate agents and investors are concerned about hiring a virtual assistant because it’s not the same as having someone there in person. However, there are a lot of good reasons to choose someone who’s virtual, instead of choosing someone local. You can work with a person in your state or geographic area if you want to, or you can choose someone in another part of the world. That helps you get the best fit for the job, instead of limiting your pool of candidates based on who can come into the office.
Is Virtual Assisting a Better Choice?
As you start your search for a real estate virtual assistant, consider that you can get big benefits by going virtual. For example, you’ll save on costs because you won’t have any overheads. You don’t need a space for your assistant to work in, or a desk and chair for them to use. Instead, you can simply interact with them online, giving them the opportunity to work from anywhere, and giving you the chance to spend less money while getting more value for the amount you do spend on your virtual assistant.
Additionally, you can see bigger benefits for your properties when you choose a real estate virtual assistant, because you can spend more on the upkeep and maintenance of the properties while still making a profit. Your assistant can help you determine when you need to make updates and remind you when maintenance is necessary. They don’t need to be in the same location to do that, as long as they have access to property records and tenant maintenance requests.
Does Real Estate Knowledge Really Matter?
Real estate knowledge definitely matters when you’re choosing a virtual assistant. Not only do you want to make sure your assistant won’t overstep and do something they aren’t allowed to do without a licence, but you also want someone who doesn’t need a lot of training. The less training your real estate virtual assistant needs, the faster they can take over a lot of tasks for you and let you focus on other things. You also want to feel confident with what they’re doing, and that’s easier when they have good knowledge.
Working with your virtual assistant to be sure of what they know is important. You don’t want to treat them like they aren’t prepared for the job, but you definitely want to make sure they can handle the tasks you’ll be giving them. Before you assign them to their jobs and start working on your own tasks, be sure they’re comfortable and ready to go. That way, you can feel secure and have peace of mind. You can also give them more to do if they’re comfortable with real estate right from the beginning.
What Specifics Should You Look For?
Among the things you can do to find the right real estate virtual assistant is specific. You want to find an assistant who’s a good fit, but you also need to make sure you’re being clear about the job duties. That way, any assistant you’re considering can say yes or no to the job if it’s offered to them. You might find someone who’s a good fit, but it’s possible that they won’t really meet your needs. Making sure everyone understands the goals and requirements of the job can avoid problems right from the start.
You also want to make sure you’re specific about the kinds of properties you have, what they need, and the tasks at hand. Your assistant should feel comfortable with everything they’re being asked to do, and you should feel comfortable with their knowledge. Then you can both work toward a good relationship that will help you accomplish more and keep your properties in good shape. You want to get all the benefits you can from your virtual assistant, and they should have a good experience working with you, as well.
How Can You Choose the Best Assistant?
Choosing the best assistant is often easier if you work with an agency. That way, you have a real estate virtual assistant pool to choose from. You can look for specific experience with different kinds of properties, and also look for certifications, knowledge bases, personalities, and other factors. That gives you a better chance to find the right assistant on the first try, which can help you move forward with your property goals faster.
As you look for an assistant, make sure you choose one who fits your goals. You’ll be more likely to see success and have a good working relationship with that assistant if you take your time when hiring one. It can be tempting to hire the first assistant you talk to so you can get help and support, but finding the right assistant is well worth the time and effort.
This article is written by Stephen Atcheler. Stephen is an entrepreneur in the Real Estate space. He has grown multiple businesses including a Real Estate Agency, an online Real Estate Advertising business, and now, currently the founder and driver of the fastest growing Real Estate BPO in the Philippines. If you would like to connect or get in touch with Stephen, he is very active on LinkedIn and always happy for a new connection.
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Millie is a perfectionist with a passion for property and writing articles. You’ll find her researching the latest housing trends and the newest up and coming areas worth investing in. Read more about Millie here.
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