Business

4 Real Estate Technologies That Can Help People During the Coronavirus-Induced Recession

Published

4 years ago

December 18, 2020

admin2

The recession has officially hit the United States. Although some still deny the recession, the economy disagrees. Even though initial lockdowns have been lifted, millions of businesses have already closed their doors for good thanks to the last round of shutdowns. With California about to enter yet another lockdown, it’s only going to get worse.

Many people will need to find cheaper housing and possibly share a home with others. However, finding an affordable place to live is challenging. Oddly, rents are rising in certain areas despite the recession. For people who live in cities with rising rent, it’s hard to find affordable options. However, technology is making it a little easier.

In addition to essential property management applications that landlords use to communicate with tenants remotely, here are four technologies that can help people find affordable housing during this recession.

3D property tours

Even when people aren’t under stay-at-home orders, many are hesitant to drive long distances because gas costs money. Gas might be cheap compared to what it was last year, however, even cheap gas is expensive for someone who has lost part of their income.

Many people who have lost part of their income can still afford to pay rent. They just need to find a smaller house or move to a cheaper location. Offering 3D property tours on your website for potential tenants can be a huge help for those who can’t drive or don’t want to drive to see a property in person.

Another way a 3D property tour helps is by narrowing down potential tenants without having to meet with them first. People can see far more in a 3D tour than they can in 2D photos. Potential tenants might spot some deal breakers in a 3D tour, which means real estate agents don’t have to waste their time scheduling a showing, only to find out their prospect doesn’t like having a small step leading from the kitchen to the family room.

There are many 3D property tools on the market, but one of the easiest tools is the 3D tour app from Zillow. Al you need is an iPhone or a 360-degree camera to take some panoramic shots and the app puts all the photos together to create the 3D tour.

Homeshare

For San Francisco residents who need to rent smaller spaces for less money, Homeshare is making that possible. Homeshare divides luxury apartments into smaller units that rent at a lower price than the entire apartment. The company divides luxury apartments into 100-square-foot sections that cost around $1,300 per month.

The 100-square-foot units have sleeping areas sectioned off with privacy curtains, but otherwise it’s like sharing an apartment with roommates. The living room, bathroom, kitchen, and closets are all shared spaces.

Most people would consider $1,300 a ridiculous amount of money to pay for 100 square feet of living space, but in San Francisco, that’s cheap. For those used to paying $4,000-$6,000 per month, being able to jump into a $1,300 unit without leaving the city they love is a blessing.

Bungalow

For those open to renting a room from someone, Bungalow helps people find a shared living situation without having to try their luck on Craigslist. All the houses listed with Bungalow are vetted by the company and roommates are matched based on shared interests and similar living preferences.

The best part about Bungalow is that the landlord can handle the lease agreement and rental payments through the app. Unlike finding a room to rent on Craigslist, if you don’t like the home you move into, you can move into another Bungalow listing without penalty within the first two weeks.

Divvy Homes

Divvy Homes helps renters who want to buy their home to save money long term.

The services provided by Divvy Homes fall under the category of rent-to-own, but there are several key differences. When a client finds the dream home they want to buy, Divvy Homes purchases that home and then rents it to the client. While the client is renting their dream home, Divvy Homes helps them build their wealth to cover the down payment, all while they live in the home they are going to purchase.

Everyone should be saving money on rent if possible

The recession is here and nobody knows how long it will last. If you’re paying too much rent, consider downsizing until the recession is over. You never know what’s around the corner. If you don’t reduce your rent expenses now, you might regret not saving money sooner.

Business

Top 5 Virtual Assistant Companies to Watch in 2025

Published

7 days ago

January 23, 2025

Matthew Wiles

Running a successful business in today’s fast-paced world requires a sharp focus on growth, strategy, and efficiency. However, managing the day-to-day operations can often become overwhelming. That’s where virtual assistant (VA) companies come into play. These companies specialize in providing skilled professionals who can handle everything from administrative tasks to customer service, marketing, and beyond, allowing entrepreneurs and small business owners to focus on what they do best.

With so many VA companies on the market, choosing the right one can be a challenge. To help you navigate the options, we’ve compiled a list of the top 5 virtual assistant companies to watch in 2025. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a startup founder, or a busy professional, these companies offer top-tier solutions to meet your needs.

1. Assist World – The Gold Standard in Virtual Assistance

At the top of our list is Assist World, a U.S.-based company renowned for its personalized approach to matching clients with virtual assistants. Assist World goes beyond the typical “one-size-fits-all” model by taking the time to understand your unique needs and connecting you with highly skilled VAs who align perfectly with your business goals.

What Makes Assist World Stand Out?

Personalized Matching: Assist World matches clients with virtual assistants based on their specific requirements, ensuring the right fit every time.
Comprehensive Onboarding Process: The company’s seamless onboarding process streamlines communication and ensures VAs hit the ground running.
Client Success Management: Dedicated client success managers oversee the relationship, providing ongoing support and ensuring smooth operations.
Flexibility and Scalability: Assist World caters to businesses of all sizes, offering flexible plans that can scale as your business grows.

Who Is It Best For?

Assist World is ideal for entrepreneurs and small-to-medium businesses seeking a reliable, high-quality VA service that delivers consistent results.

Pricing:

Pricing is customized based on your needs, making it accessible for a wide range of budgets. Schedule a free consultation to learn more.

2. Time Etc – Affordable and Efficient

If affordability is your priority, Time Etc is a strong contender. This VA company specializes in administrative tasks and offers services at competitive rates. With a team of experienced professionals, Time Etc focuses on helping clients boost productivity without breaking the bank.

Key Features:

Dedicated VAs with extensive experience.
Transparent pricing with no hidden fees.
Focused primarily on administrative and organizational tasks.

Who Is It Best For?

Time Etc is a great choice for solopreneurs and small businesses looking for cost-effective virtual assistance for basic tasks.

Pricing:

Plans start at $29 per hour, with discounts available for bulk hours.

3. Belay – A Leader in Remote Executive Assistance

For those in need of executive-level support, Belay is a premier option. This company specializes in matching clients with highly skilled remote assistants who can handle complex tasks such as calendar management, bookkeeping, and project coordination.

Key Features:

Focus on executive and specialized assistance.
Rigorous vetting process for VAs.
Excellent client support.

Who Is It Best For?

Belay is ideal for CEOs, executives, and high-level professionals who require top-tier assistance.

Pricing:

Premium services come at a higher price point, starting around $2,000 per month for part-time support (45 hours a month). For 85 hours a month, pricing sits around $3,800.

4. MyOutDesk – Virtual Assistants for Real Estate

Real estate professionals, take note: MyOutDesk is the go-to VA service for your industry. Specializing in real estate operations, MyOutDesk provides skilled VAs who can handle lead generation, transaction coordination, and CRM management.

Key Features:

Expertise in real estate processes.
Comprehensive training programs for VAs.
Proven track record with top real estate agents.

Who Is It Best For?

Realtors, brokers, and real estate teams looking to streamline their operations and focus on closing deals.

Pricing:

Pricing starts at $1,750 per month for full-time assistants.

5. Boldly – Premium Virtual Assistant Services

If you’re looking for high-quality, premium VA services, Boldly is worth considering. This company offers subscription-based plans that provide access to experienced VAs skilled in a variety of disciplines, including marketing, customer service, and project management.

Key Features:

Highly experienced professionals.
Flexible subscription plans.
Focus on long-term client relationships.

Who Is It Best For?

Businesses and individuals willing to invest in premium services for comprehensive support.

Pricing:

Plans start at $39 per hour, with monthly subscriptions available.

How to Choose the Right Virtual Assistant Company

When selecting a VA company, consider the following factors:

Your Business Needs: Identify the tasks you want to delegate and choose a company that specializes in those areas.
Budget: Assess how much you’re willing to invest in virtual assistance and find a provider that aligns with your budget.
Flexibility: Look for companies that offer scalable plans to grow with your business.
Support: Choose a company with excellent client support to ensure smooth communication and problem resolution.

Why Assist World Is the #1 Choice

While all the companies on this list offer excellent services, Assist World stands out for its personalized approach, exceptional client success management, and flexible solutions, and most importantly, their fair pricing. At Assist World, prices generally fall between $1,500 – $2,000 a month for a full-time dedicated executive assistant. With a proven track record of helping businesses thrive, Assist World is the ultimate partner for entrepreneurs and small businesses ready to scale efficiently and effectively.

Ready to take your business to the next level? Schedule a free consultation with Assist World today and discover the difference a high-quality virtual assistant can make.