Have you decided it's time for a virtual assistant? Or are you considering streamlining your processes with a remote team member who can free up your time so you can focus on growing your real estate business?
You've made a great call! However, before you start the search, it's essential to understand what a virtual assistant can do and some of the critical hard and soft skills to look for in your next remote team member.
This blog will look at eleven top skills you should consider in your next remote assistant, plus an easy way to find quality remote workers to help grow your real estate business today!
What Is the Role of a Virtual Assistant?
A virtual assistant traditionally worked similarly to an executive assistant providing administrative support to business leaders and businesses.
However, thanks to flexibility and training, remote teams can undertake various tasks, including marketing (blog posts, scheduling), data (entry, management), email management, and much more.
A virtual assistant can be full-time or part-time and is paid only for their work hours or a specific task. Therefore, remote employees are not entitled to traditional company benefits offered to employees.
In addition, remote workers work from home or a remote office and are flexible in the time and hours they can offer.
11 Top Skills a Real Estate Virtual Assistant Should Have
While they can't be expected to have every skill below, a remote worker should be able to wear a few different hats and multitask across differing job assignments. Take a look at eleven of the must-have skills in your next remote assistant.
1. Decision-Making Skills
Real estate virtual assistants should be able to work with autonomy, prioritize tasks, and use out-of-the-box thinking to manage their workload. Due to time zones and differing scheduling, you might or might not be in contact with a remote assistant during your regular work hours. So a remote assistant with a high capacity for decision-making should be one of the leading indicators of a successful collaboration.
2. Attention to Detail
A significant part of a virtual assistant role is working with time and date-sensitive tasks and multitasking (often for several companies). A top remote worker should be meticulous and clearly understand your systems and procedures.
3. Communication Skills
Good communication is the basis of a successful relationship between a virtual assistant and the contracting real estate business. Establish communication guidelines and check oral and written communication skills as a virtual assistant may take phone calls, answer client emails, and more. 
4. Passion for Learning New Things
The world of business and real estate is constantly shifting with new developments in prop-tech and marketing. Due to this, you'll want remote members who are capable, passionate about the industry, and keen to improve their skill base.
5. Computer Skills
A VA position is a technology-first job. Therefore, a leading VA should be, at minimum, proficient in the top productivity and workplace collaboration technology such as Google Suite and Office. They also need good skills to work on a computer throughout the workday.
6. Social Media Management
For many real estate businesses, social media is a central pillar of the marketing effort. Today, remote assistants can provide marketing support such as scheduling content, cross-promotion, and creating content.
7. Time Management
Organization and time management are fundamental skills to look for in a remote assistant. This is primarily due to the real estate industry's shifting deadlines and time sensitivity.
8. Project Management
Tied in with time management is the capacity to help ensure deliverables are on time. A virtual assistant should be able to take on a project and help deliver all outcomes through high-level project management skills. In addition, they should be skilled in project management platforms and technologies.
9. Customer Service
Virtual workers are often in customer and client-facing positions. This means dealing with sensitive materials, managing high-pressure situations, and understanding the needs of various stakeholders. Part of customer service is a courteous disposition and a high grasp of verbal and written communication.
10. Self-Motivation
Self-motivation is crucial as remote assistants work remotely. They should have a high level of discipline, the ability to concentrate on tasks, and the capacity to meet tight deadlines.
11. Reliability
Reliability is essential in a world where it is hard to find employees who show up. You don't want a VA who bails out mid-project. To overcome this, you can ask for references and letters of recommendation.
Find a Capable Remote Team Member Through VPM Solutions
One of the top ways to find a virtual assistant skilled in the areas above is to use virtual assistant websites, and one of the leading sites is VPM Solutions!
VPM has thousands of qualified virtual assistants trained in real estate and property management. With our Talent Match service, you can enter your requirements and be matched with the top team members that fit the bill.
By outlining your search criteria before reaching out to potential virtual assistants, you're putting your business on a one-way track to success. With thousands of specialty-trained remote assistants, it's easy to find a skilled virtual assistant who'll be a perfect fit for your real estate business!
Download "The Real Estate Virtual Assistant Hiring Kit" for more resources to find your next VA!
