Business

5 Helpful Tips for Getting Started in Real Estate

Published

4 years ago

September 23, 2020

Not everyone is cut out for a career in real estate. However, for those who want flexibility, freedom, high income earning potential, and the ability to perform meaningful work on a daily basis, real estate is the perfect landing spot. Here are a few helpful tips you can use to get started:

Attend Online Real Estate School

Before you start your career as a real estate agent in Dayton Ohio, you have to get licensed. And in order to obtain your license, you have to follow the steps outlined by your state’s real estate commission.

All states have nuances, but the general requirements are the same across the board. You’ll need to take a real estate license course to prepare yourself for the required exams. Thankfully, you can take your 75-hour course online. (Some states require lengthier courses, so do your research to find out what you need to do in order to sit for the exams.)

Pass Both Exams

The next step is to pass your exams. This includes both the state and national exam.

The state portion of the test will evaluate your knowledge on specific regulations and laws in your state. Most state exams require you to answer 30 out of 40 questions correctly to pass.

The national exam is standardized. It covers a variety of topics, including fundamentals of real estate law, real estate contracts, agency law, appraisals, mortgages and finance, taxation, real estate mathematics, federal laws affecting real estate, etc. There are typically around 80 to 100 questions on this portion of the exam.

Find the Ideal Broker

Once you pass the exam and you have your license, you need to choose a broker. And this is where many new agents get tripped up.

“Too many new real estate agents think a real estate broker choice is primarily based on commission splits,” real estate professional James Kimmons writes. “It’s not all about the split, as the final in-your-pocket income has to do with many variable services provided by brokers.”

In addition to commission splits, you need to think about how you’ll obtain leads, what marketing and advertising expenses are covered, what the office costs are, mentoring and training, and your level of comfort with the broker (and other agents).

While a broker isn’t technically your boss, he or she can make or break your success early on in your real estate career. Take your time and choose wisely!

Build Your Network

Success in real estate is all about networking. While you might get lucky and find a broker who occasionally tosses you a lead or two, you’ll typically be responsible for bringing in all of your own clients. And the bigger your network the better.

Use every opportunity in your work and personal life as a networking opportunity. Whether it’s neighbors, friends, family, past work colleagues, or the parents of your child’s friends – the wider you cast your net, the more potential there is for success.

Wow Your Clients

Once you earn a client’s business, you need to do everything within your power to multiply it. And the way you do this is by wowing them to where they can’t help but refer you to their network of friends and family. But be strategic in how you do this.

“All too often, real estate agents try to impress their clients by using fancy terms or information which can end up making their clients feel uncomfortable,” Mashvisor mentions. “While it’s important to show that you’re knowledgeable and an expert in the real estate market, this alone is not enough. There are tons of other agents out there, so why should they pick you?”

At the end of the day, it’s all about building trust and coming across as authentic. People want to do business with people who they perceive as both knowledgeable and caring. There are plenty of knowledgeable agents, so set yourself apart by adding a human touch.

Build Your Real Estate Business

When you break it down into five simple steps, it makes the process of building a career in real estate sound easy. And while it’s definitely not easy, you don’t have to make it more complicated than it is. By following the path that others have already discovered, you can set yourself up to be successful for many years to come.

Business

Top 5 Virtual Assistant Companies to Watch in 2025

Published

2 weeks 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.