Outsourcing in real estate: What’s in it for real estate companies?

What is outsourcing in real estate?

Outsourcing in real estate means handing non-core tasks, like admin work, marketing, and lead generation, to a third-party provider so agents can focus on closing deals.

• It cuts costs and frees up agents to sell more.
• Common tasks include admin support, marketing, and customer service.
• You can hire through freelance platforms or BPO providers.

In recent years, outsourcing in real estate has become a common way to do business more easily. As the market grows more complex, more firms use outside help to stay ahead. So they can keep pace with tough competition.

The real estate industry is highly competitive. There is constant demand from buyers and sellers alike. It is also very technical. For example, selling a property involves legal and regulatory rules. On top of that, owners must manage staff, resources, marketing, and bookkeeping.

What is real estate outsourcing?

Real estate outsourcing is the process of giving non-core tasks to a third-party provider. In short, it means passing jobs like property management, lead creation, marketing, and admin support to firms that do them well.

Agencies that hire virtual assistants gain an edge over rivals. Because repetitive tasks are delegated, owners can focus on closing deals. As a result, they save on resources and labor costs versus in-house teams.

The goal is simple. Real estate outsourcing helps firms focus on core work while lowering costs, boosting speed, and improving service. There is also a broad range of providers, like SixEleven, that offer outsourced real estate solutions. For a fuller overview, see this guide to real estate outsourcing.

Investment property and real estate markets

At first, investing in real estate can feel scary. There are many factors to weigh, such as commercial prices and fair housing laws.

Commercial real estate is a hard market to navigate. Prices depend on location, size, and condition. So buyers must do careful research first.

Fair housing rules aim to end discrimination in buying and renting property. In fact, this applies to every step, including offers, financing, and advertising.

Real estate assistant vs. local real estate agents

Businesses can hire a real estate assistant or a local real estate agent for general duties. A real estate assistant mostly handles admin roles. However, they can also take on more complex tasks.

What does a real estate assistant do

A real estate assistant mostly does admin tasks, such as:

• Setting appointments
• Updating property listings
• Answering inquiries through phone and email
• Delivering client documents
• Filing documents
• Preparing reports
• Recording business expenses
• Ordering supplies
• Contract management
• Document interpretation and advice
• Client information research
• Delivery of documents for signature

What does a local real estate agent do?

A local real estate agent knows the region where you want to buy or sell. So they understand the market and the communities. As a result, they can help you make a smart choice. In addition, local agents can flag what makes an area popular and whether it may rise in value.

Virtual assistant for realtors

Hiring an in-house real estate assistant can be costly and hard. Besides salaries, firms also pay for professional fees tied to a license. On top of that, they cover workspaces and supplies. Because these workers are licensed, they must also meet regulatory rules.

So why not hire a virtual assistant instead? Real estate virtual assistants from providers like Cloudstaff can do more than admin work. For example, some are certified accountants, graphic designers, and marketers. In addition, there is no need to rent office space or buy tools, since most work is done online. Many firms also outsource property management tasks this way.

Tasks to outsource

Real estate virtual assistants usually handle duties such as these. For a wider list, see the tasks a real estate VA can handle.

Digital marketing

Real estate agencies today use digital marketing to promote their services. So outsourcing this to a VA gives them a better campaign and strategy.

Graphic design

Visual work also matters in promoting a business. So hiring a graphic designer keeps websites and campaigns clean and useful for clients.

Customer service

Most VAs can also handle customer service. As a result, agencies can offer strong support when they outsource this task. So client concerns get answered by email, phone, or social media.

Bookkeeping and accounting

Agencies should track profits and expenses closely. They must also file taxes and other compliances on time. So delegating accounting to a VA helps balance finances and avoid penalties.

Lead generation

Most importantly, real estate firms must generate sales. So lead generation is key. VAs cannot promote a property like an agent can. However, they can help through outbound calling and market research.

Screen monitoring

Many firms still worry about tracking remote staff, especially VAs. So some prefer local hires who come to the office each day. Luckily, screen monitoring tools now exist. With these, employers can track activity, website logs, and attendance. They can also capture desktop screenshots as proof of work.

Collaboration

Employers also track progress through collaboration software. For example, they can assign daily tasks with tools like Asana and Trello. Meanwhile, Slack keeps chat streamlined. For calls, teams use tools like Skype and Microsoft Teams.

On-demand document sharing and editing is also easy. For instance, teams use Google Workspace and Microsoft 365. As a result, working with a VA stays simple and flexible.

Payment

Payment platforms now make paying VAs fast and easy. Payoneer, for example, allows cross-border payments without extra charges. So employers can send funds even without a bank account. As a result, there are no more currency conversion fees or transfer hassles.

Hiring real estate virtual assistants

Thanks to the internet, VA staffing is now easy for realtors and agencies. So employers can hire through freelance platforms or virtual assistance companies. Each option suits different needs.

VA platforms

VAs on these platforms are freelancers or full-time remote workers. Depending on the service, firms can hire them short-term or long-term. Here are some popular VA platforms.

FreeeUp

FreeeUp provides pre-vetted VAs in web development, marketing, accounting, and customer service. Once you sign up, the system matches you with a qualified applicant. Then you run the hiring process.

Upwork

Upwork lets employers browse available VAs. They can also post projects and wait for proposals. After hiring, work and payment run on the platform for a safe deal.

Fiverr

Fiverr uses a “bucket system” for buyers. So they “buy” a VA’s service, often starting at $5. Depending on the deal, the VA may set an hourly or fixed rate.

OnlineJobs.ph

OnlineJobs.ph has a huge database of VAs from the Philippines. It is not a usual freelance platform. Instead, it stores VA profiles and highlights updated ones. As a result, employers can find strong English speakers with ease.

PeoplePerHour

True to its name, PeoplePerHour lets employers hire VAs at an hourly rate. What’s more, the platform lets them hire and manage many workers at once. So transactions stay streamlined and secure.

Virtual assistance companies

Business process outsourcing, meanwhile, gives a more professional route to hiring VAs. These workers sit in a controlled office and earn regular salaries and benefits. In addition, BPO firms provide the tools for the work. This includes workspace, desktop, phone, internet, and IT setup. Firms that need call support can also tap real estate call center services.

Outsource Accelerator

Outsource Accelerator is the leading marketplace for BPOs. It aims to promote outsourcing to the world. So it encourages real estate firms to try it. The company lists hundreds of providers and thousands of resources, including articles, videos, and a podcast. To learn more, check out the Top 40 BPO companies in the Philippines guide.

Frequently asked questions

What tasks can you outsource in real estate?

You can outsource many non-core tasks. For example, admin work, marketing, lead generation, and bookkeeping. As a result, agents get more time to sell.

How much does real estate outsourcing cost?

Costs vary by role, provider, and location. However, offshore VAs often cost far less than in-house staff. So many firms save on labor and overhead.

Is it safe to hire a remote real estate VA?

Yes, it is safe with the right tools. For instance, screen monitoring software tracks work and attendance. So employers keep full visibility.

Should I hire a freelancer or a BPO provider?

It depends on your needs. Freelancers suit short-term tasks. Meanwhile, BPO providers offer full support, tools, and long-term staff.

Which country is best for real estate outsourcing?

The Philippines is a top choice for many firms. It offers skilled, English-speaking talent at a fair cost. Still, other regions can work too.

Key takeaways

• Outsourcing in real estate frees agents to focus on closing deals.
• Common outsourced tasks include admin, marketing, and lead generation.
• Virtual assistants cut costs since most work is done online.
• You can hire through freelance platforms or BPO providers.
• The right tools keep remote work safe, tracked, and productive.