Finding the right real estate VA requires more than just scanning résumés—it means selecting someone who understands the unique needs of real estate professionals and brings specific skills to the table.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through a step-by-step process to hire a qualified Real Estate VA who can boost productivity, streamline tasks, and help grow your business.
Key Takeaways
Before starting the hiring process, take time to outline the exact tasks you need support with. The term “Real Estate Virtual Assistant” can cover a wide range of roles, so defining specific responsibilities ensures you hire someone with the skills you need.
Here are some common tasks real estate VAs can handle:
Knowing the responsibilities upfront helps you create a clear job description and set expectations.
Real estate is a specialized field, and a qualified VA should have specific skills that align with industry demands. Here are some essential skills to look for:
Familiarity with Real Estate CRMs: Whether it’s Salesforce, HubSpot, or a real estate-specific platform, familiarity with CRM systems is crucial. A real estate VA doesn’t need to be familiar with every CRM; what’s important is that they understand the features and know how to use them. You can find a complete list of real estate CRMs in this blog.
Understanding of Real Estate Terms: Real estate has its own language, filled with terms and processes unique to the field. A VA with real estate knowledge can communicate effectively with clients and manage paperwork without needing constant clarification. To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of real estate terms you can review whenever you’re unsure about a term.
Marketing and Social Media Expertise: Many VAs assist with digital marketing, including social media management, email campaigns, and online advertising. Familiarity with platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn is often valuable, especially for promoting property listings. You can read here the importance of social media for real estate marketing.
By prioritizing these skills, you can ensure the VA will be able to support your operations smoothly and efficiently.
Clear, professional communication is essential in real estate. VAs often serve as the first point of contact for clients, so it’s important to hire someone who can communicate confidently and effectively. Here’s how to assess this skill:
Interview Evaluation: Conduct an initial interview to gauge their communication style and responsiveness. Ask situational questions that simulate real client interactions.
Written Skills Test: If email communication is a major part of the role, consider giving a short writing test to see how they handle client inquiries and follow-ups.
Effective communication skills ensure that your clients feel understood and valued, fostering a positive business relationship from the start.
Experience in the real estate field or a related industry can give a VA a huge advantage. Look for candidates who have worked with real estate agents, brokers, or property managers, as they’ll have a better understanding of the workflows and challenges unique to real estate.
Request References: Ask for references from past employers, especially those in the real estate or related industries. A good reference can provide insight into the VA’s work ethic, reliability, and compatibility with real estate tasks.
Portfolio Review: If they’ve managed social media, client communications, or marketing materials, request examples of their work. A portfolio can reveal their proficiency in handling tasks like listing creation, social media campaigns, or lead management.
Hiring a VA with proven experience ensures you’re bringing someone on board who can adapt quickly and bring value from day one.
Real estate VAs often work on an hourly or project-based rate, though some agents prefer a monthly retainer for ongoing support. Here’s a quick look at payment options:
Discuss payment terms and any potential commission-based incentives upfront to avoid misunderstandings and ensure a smooth working relationship.
Once you’ve found a candidate who meets your criteria, finalize the hiring process with clear documentation:
A structured onboarding process ensures a smoother transition and helps the VA start contributing value to your business right away.
Hiring a Real Estate Virtual Assistant can be transformative for your business. By clearly defining your needs, evaluating relevant skills, and using a structured hiring process, you can find a VA who not only meets your expectations but also enhances your productivity and client service.
Ready to elevate your real estate business? Contact Amazing VA Partner today to connect with skilled Real Estate VAs who understand your industry’s needs.
Ben Solayao, CEO of Amazing VA Partners, brings 11 years of experience as a top-tier C-Level Executive Assistant. He is also a certified accountant and bookkeeper, known for his commitment to excellence in executive support and financial management.
A Real Estate Virtual Assistant (VA) can assist with a variety of tasks, including managing listings, client communication, transaction coordination, social media marketing, and administrative support like scheduling and email management. Their responsibilities vary depending on your specific needs.
To ensure a VA is qualified, look for real estate industry experience, proficiency with CRM systems, and knowledge of real estate processes. Conduct interviews, request references, and consider giving a small trial project to assess their skills.
Most Real Estate VAs do not need a real estate license unless they are performing tasks that legally require one, like negotiating deals or signing contracts. Always check your local regulations to be sure.
Start with a clear contract outlining responsibilities, payment terms, and confidentiality agreements. Then, provide an onboarding plan with access to necessary systems and a schedule for performance reviews to ensure they understand your processes and can contribute effectively.
Yes, many Real Estate VAs are skilled in lead generation, such as managing CRM systems, reaching out to leads, and handling follow-ups. They can help expand your client base while freeing up your time for high-priority tasks.
Use project management tools like Asana, Trello, or Monday to assign tasks and track progress. Schedule regular check-ins to review performance, provide feedback, and ensure they’re aligned with your business goals.
Prioritize qualifications such as real estate experience, CRM proficiency, strong communication skills, and familiarity with property marketing if it’s relevant to your business. These qualifications ensure your VA can handle real estate-specific tasks effectively.
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