Category Archive
The following is a list of all entries from the Uncategorized category.
Canada Freelance Writing Opens Their Doors
Well its finally happened, Canada Freelance Writing has finally opened their doors to the public! This website has been in development for quite some time and now people can subscribe. I’ve been waiting for this for quite sometime as the Canada Freelance Writing team has been preparing their ideas for over a year now.
Within this site you’ll be able to get a better understanding of how to be a successful writer in the freelance world and in the near future they’ll be expanding their information even further. It is worth the $20 a month to become a registered user and have the ability to ask the professionals questions.
I myself have joined and feel you should too! http://www.canadianfreelancing.com
Software and Web Based Programs a Real Estate Assistant Should Know
You should have a general knowledge of many of the generic software programs that are utilized throughout many businesses. Some of these include:
- Microsoft XP Operating Systems
- Microsoft Outlook
- MS Word, Publisher, PowerPoint, Excel
- Adobe Reader & Distiller (conversion of files to PDF)
- Time tracking software
You will also want to get knowledge of some of the real estate software’s that are available. You will not have to know all of the programs for real estate are first, but eventually you will need to learn how to utilize them which will eventually bring in more business to your company also.
The IREAA organization will be able to provide you with online course to assist in the learning of some of these programs:
- Top Producer 7i: most utilized database in real estate
- Online Agent: 2nd in place for real estate database software
- VisualTour.com: virtual tour software on of the most popular available
- Imprev: marketing materials for multimedia and printed
- Expresscopy.com: mailing program for postcards
- #1 Experts: template websites
- Agency Logic: template websites
- Rainmaker Ecentral 4: online & offline materials for marketing, and template websites
- RealProSystems: online drip marketing and stealth websites
Which is Better – Independant Contractor or Employee Status
For employees they tend to be those who work for a salaried income working specifically for one agent/company. This way tends to be more favoured as there is a steady income and in some cases the chance of receiving benefits, which could include health insurance.
There are some real estate assistants that may prefer doing things as an independent contractor. By doing this you will have the ability to work for several agents and have your own business receiving direct growth.
Reading the real estate dictionary will be a great idea for you to complete. This is a required thing to do with this course and you will be tested on it as well.
A Real Estate Assistant’s Office
The personal office of a VA can cause your work to be great or horrible depending on the environment that it is located in. You want to ensure that the equipment and systems that you have can meet the necessary needs for the work you are going to be doing or this could cause you to not be able to perform all tasks that are requested.
To do your job efficiently and effectively there are many items that you’ll require. When you work on-site you’ll usually have everything that you’ll require, but if you’re a VA you will need to get these items on your own. Some of the items that you could find yourself needing include the following:
- A desk
- Computer with up to date software
- Fax machine (online/stationary)
- Business telephone (not for personal use)
- Voice mail
- Printer
- Computer generated calendar and database
- Filing cabinet(s)
- Internet (AOL not recommended for use)(avoid free email servers i.e. hotmail, yahoo, Gmail, etc.)
- High speed Internet (if available)
Primary Responsibilities of a Real Estate Assistant
As a real estate assistant you will be taking on many responsibilities that you will find yourself doing every single day. Some of these can include the following:
- Confidentiality
- Discretion
- Listening skills
- Organization
- Sensitivity
Many real estate agents’ demand assistants who can do all of the above, but they can be difficult to find.
Confidentiality is very important when you are working in real estate. You will be receiving confidential information about your client that they may not want into someone else’s hands or mind so you must never violate the confidentiality act.
When you can listen to instructions carefully and develop notes with the computerized database you’ll be a great assistant, which are in high demand. Every agent will conduct their business differently so be prepared for a new experience with each real estate agent you work for. Have every agent’s policies and procedures easily accessible for any questions or concerns you may have, as they will differ with each agent.
Non-Licenced Real Estate Assistant’s
There are some assistants that don’t actually have their real estate license meaning than they will have to be extra careful in the information that you’ve provided to these non-licensed members that are apart of the public that have transactions with your clients.
In a later course called ‘Risk Management’ you will become much more familiar with what non-licensed real estate assistants will be unable to do. One useful thing to know now is that an unlicensed assistant does not have the authority to give out information based on a property that an agent has up for sale. If it happens that someone in the public requests some information on a property you will have to take that question to the licensed agent and have them answer the question for you, making the process longer then it would be if you had your real estate assistant license.
Role of the Real Estate Assistant
Assistants have been used for many years in the real estate business, but with the growth of the Internet this role has expanded greatly. The Internet has allowed real estate agents to build their clientele even further.
An assistant can generally take on just about any task imaginable. You could be an on-site assistant, office manager, virtual assistant, and licensed/unlicensed assistant. You could also be part time or full time hours as an employee.
With the amount of real estate agents needing qualified assistants this position is in high demand. The role that you end up taking on for the real estate agent doesn’t really matter as long as you meet their demands. You must know the business and be able to perform marvellously. With real estate industries you must avoid errors and bad business practises just like any other business in the world.
Real Estate Designation
For the designations there are several that are supplied on the Real Estate Designation list that real estate agents have the ability to earn. When you want the ability to maximize your value when you are a VA or real estate assistant you will want to become familiar with all of these designations including what specialty it represents in real estate.
You will also want to know the organization that the client is apart of and the renewal dates for their designations, which usually tends to be done on a yearly time frame. Acquiring their individualized designation information will be useful including the designation number, access codes for web sites, and much more.
