• Virtual assistants are helping agents with an array of administrative tasks.
  • Although virtual assistants are cheaper than full-time, in-person counterparts, you'll need to consider whether it's a good move financially before you decide to take the plunge.
  • While it’s great to have help at any point in your career, it’s not financially smart to pay someone for work that you have enough time to complete.

Thinking about jumping aboard the virtual assistant bandwagon? As our recent article outlined, virtual assistants are helping agents with an array of administrative tasks.

Although virtual assistants are cheaper than full-time, in-person counterparts, you’ll need to consider whether it’s a good move financially before you decide to take the plunge.

First, decide whether you truly need an assistant. While it’s great to have help at any point in your career, it’s not financially smart to pay someone for work that you have enough time to complete. Ask yourself the following questions before looking for an assistant, regardless of their location:

  1. Has your marketing schedule fallen behind by weeks — or even months? Marketing is the key to real estate exposure, and failing to keep up with your social media presence, online reputation and general advertising tools can severely limit your ability to close deals. When that’s the case, hiring an assistant makes sense because it will directly help you to improve your marketing and bring in more business as a result.
  2. Do you miss appointments due to scheduling errors? There are a million apps on the market you can install on your smartphone to help you keep organized, but an overpacked personal and professional schedule can still cause slip ups.
  3. Are your listings fresh? Stale listings are more difficult to sell, especially after they’ve hit the 90-day mark. A qualified assistant can help you revitalize your old listings and figure out the necessary steps to get them more exposure.
  4. Do you fail to follow up? Buyers and sellers sometimes need a little push, but aren’t going to call back unless you make a case for yourself. Or, have your assistant keep the lines of communication open for future relationships.

Email Jennifer Riner.

Show Comments Hide Comments
Sign up for Inman’s Morning Headlines
What you need to know to start your day with all the latest industry developments
By submitting your email address, you agree to receive marketing emails from Inman.
Success!
Thank you for subscribing to Morning Headlines.
Back to top
Only 3 days left to register for Inman Connect Las Vegas before prices go up! Don't miss the premier event for real estate pros.Register Now ×
Limited Time Offer: Get 1 year of Inman Select for $199SUBSCRIBE×
Log in
If you created your account with Google or Facebook
Don't have an account?
Forgot your password?
No Problem

Simply enter the email address you used to create your account and click "Reset Password". You will receive additional instructions via email.

Forgot your username? If so please contact customer support at (510) 658-9252

Password Reset Confirmation

Password Reset Instructions have been sent to

Subscribe to The Weekender
Get the week's leading headlines delivered straight to your inbox.
Top headlines from around the real estate industry. Breaking news as it happens.
15 stories covering tech, special reports, video and opinion.
Unique features from hacker profiles to portal watch and video interviews.
Unique features from hacker profiles to portal watch and video interviews.
It looks like you’re already a Select Member!
To subscribe to exclusive newsletters, visit your email preferences in the account settings.
Up-to-the-minute news and interviews in your inbox, ticket discounts for Inman events and more
1-Step CheckoutPay with a credit card
By continuing, you agree to Inman’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

You will be charged . Your subscription will automatically renew for on . For more details on our payment terms and how to cancel, click here.

Interested in a group subscription?
Finish setting up your subscription
×