Real Estate VA Resume Hacks: Skills That Will Have Employers Knocking
When I began my journey as a Virtual Assistant (VA), it wasn’t the usual path. I didn’t land the role through a conventional interview and polished resume; instead, I was referred by a colleague. Although I enjoyed a good hourly rate and a great managerial position, my interest in exploring opportunities in the real estate industry grew. However, when a new opportunity arose, I was faced with a daunting question: "Do you have a resume?”
At that moment, while I had a resume, I had to admit it was far from updated. I was completely stumped and didn’t know where to begin. I kept asking myself questions like, "Should I just copy someone else’s format?" or "Should I list my experiences in plain text?" It was overwhelming, and I wasn’t sure how to make it truly reflect who I am and what I’ve accomplished. Friends and co-workers suggested using templates or tools like Canva, but I wasn’t sure if they would help me stand out in a crowded field. I took their advice and began by using a Canva template to outline my experiences and the software and tools I was familiar with. However, I quickly discovered that my resume wasn’t making an impact or it wasn’t catching anyone's attention. I submitted it to various hiring managers throughout early 2023 but didn’t receive any invitations for interviews. It wasn’t until I reviewed other candidates' resumes that I saw the issue clearly: although my template was different from theirs, our resumes all had a similar, generic vibe. I started asking myself: Am I just listing broad descriptions of my roles without really showcasing what makes me stand out? Maybe I should highlight my strong communication skills - or would emphasizing my adaptability make a bigger impact? These could be the key factors that set me apart from other candidates.
A pivotal piece of advice came from Molongski, a content creator who helps virtual assistants secure clients. He often says, "You have just one chance to impress a client during a discovery call.” This insight made me realize that a resume should serve the same purpose – delivering a clear and compelling snapshot of your unique value. It should not only showcase your experience and skills but also highlight what differentiates you from others, making potential clients or property managers eager to learn more.
Ready to elevate your real estate virtual assistant resume? We’ll explore why emphasizing key skills such as organization, attention to detail, customer service, property management, negotiation, scheduling virtual tours, and research skills can set you apart as a top candidate in the competitive real estate industry.
Understanding the Role: What Does a Real Estate Assistant Actually Do?
The role of a real estate virtual assistant (VA) is essential for keeping real estate operations running smoothly. They excel in handling routine tasks such as calendar management, appointment scheduling, document preparation, data entry, email management, and client relations. They also manage real estate and financial transactions, support lead generation, and provide excellent customer service, enhancing efficiency and effectiveness across all administrative functions.
In addition to these tasks, performing detailed market research is an important part of the job. By analyzing market trends, property values, and competitor activities, they provide valuable insights for strategic decision-making. Their expertise in database management and data entry, alongside their use of CRM software and scheduling virtual tours, helps keep client and lead information current, which is essential for tracking interactions and improving outreach efforts.
Top Resume Skills for Real Estate Virtual Assistants
Administrative Skills
- Calendar Management: Expertise in organizing and managing appointments, meetings, and deadlines.
- Document Preparation: Proficiency in drafting, editing, and formatting documents such as contracts, listings, and reports, a critical aspect of administrative tasks.
- Email Management: Ability to handle high volumes of emails, prioritize messages, and maintain organized inboxes.
Real Estate Knowledge
- Transaction Coordination: Understanding the process of real estate transactions, from listing to closing, and the ability to manage all related tasks.
- Market Research: Skills in analyzing market trends, property values, and competitor activities to provide actionable insights.
- MLS (Multiple Listing Service) Experience: Familiarity with using MLS platforms for property listings, updates, and searches.
- Negotiation Skills: Strong ability to negotiate terms and conditions in real estate transactions, ensuring favorable outcomes for clients and stakeholders.
Customer Service
- Client Relations: Strong communication skills to maintain and nurture relationships with clients, ensuring satisfaction and repeat business.
- Lead Management: Expertise in tracking and following up on leads, ensuring a steady flow of potential clients.
- Problem-solving: Ability to address client concerns promptly and effectively, providing solutions that enhance client trust.
Communication Skills
- Written Communication: Strong ability to compose clear and professional emails, reports, and other documents.
- Verbal Communication: Effective in conveying information over the phone or through video calls, ensuring clear understanding.
Marketing Support
- Real Estate Marketing Skills: Proven ability to develop and implement marketing strategies tailored to the real estate industry, enhancing property visibility and attracting potential buyers or renters.
- Social Media Management: Experience in creating and managing social media content specifically for real estate listings, driving engagement, and building a strong online presence.
- Content Creation: Expertise in crafting marketing materials such as property descriptions, blog posts, and newsletters that resonate with the target audience and effectively promote real estate properties.
Time Management & Organization
- Prioritization: Strong time management skills with the ability to handle multiple tasks and projects simultaneously, ensuring all deadlines are met.
- Task Management: Use of tools and techniques to keep track of daily responsibilities and long-term goals.
Computer Skills – or Tech Savvy
- Property Management and CRM Software: Experience with Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems to manage client information, interactions, and follow-ups. (AppFolio, OwnerRez, Guesty, Microsoft Office, etc.)
- Data Entry & Database Management: Accuracy in entering and maintaining data, ensuring up-to-date and reliable records.
- Virtual Tour Scheduling: Skills in organizing and scheduling virtual tours of the properties using relevant software tools.
How to Make a Real Estate Assistant Resume Stand Out?
To capture the attention of hiring managers, tailor your real estate virtual assistant resume to each specific job application. Carefully review the job listing to identify which experiences, skills, and qualifications the employer values most. The key is customizing it for each application to highlight the qualities and expertise that align directly with the role. Emphasize your strong administrative capabilities, familiarity with office equipment and/or real estate software tools, and your ability to multitask effectively.
How to Choose the Right Format for Your Real Estate Assistant Resume
Whether you’re just starting out in real estate virtual assistance, advancing in your career as a real estate manager, or aiming for senior-level roles, the first step in crafting your resume is knowing which sections to include:
- Header: Include name, contact information, and a LinkedIn profile, if available.
- Summary/Profile: A concise personal statement that highlights qualifications and career goals.
- Work Experience: A comprehensive overview of relevant employment history.
- Skills: A tailored list of key competencies aligned with the job requirements.
- Education: Academic background, along with any relevant certifications.
The format you choose is as important as the sections you include in your resume - this is where your marketing skills come into play. How you present yourself can make a significant difference. Hiring managers often prefer resumes that are easy to scan and quickly grasp. Placing your most recent job titles and achievements near the top can make a strong impression. If you’re new to the real estate field and have limited experience, opting for a functional or combination resume format may be a better fit.
To find the format that works best for you, let’s explore the details of each option:
Functional
Highlights skills and accomplishments over work history, ideal for:
- Career Changers: Emphasizes transferable skills for a new role (e.g., project managers highlighting communication and problem-solving skills).
- Entry-Level Candidates: Focuses on strong skills or relevant internships.
- Non-Traditional Paths: Great for those with employment gaps or varied backgrounds (e.g., event planners showcasing organizational skills).
- Freelancers/Consultants: Emphasizes skills and achievements over job titles (e.g., IT consultants leveraging tech expertise).
Chronological (Reverse Chronological)
Lists work experience from most recent to oldest, ideal for:
- Consistent Work History: Best for those with clear, progressive job histories (e.g., a real estate VA aiming for a management role).
Combination (Hybrid)
Blends functional and chronological formats, ideal for:
- Experienced Professionals: Highlights both skills and experience (e.g., a Senior Real Estate Manager targeting a Director role).
- Career Changers with Relevant Experience: Shows past roles that support the new field (e.g., a Marketing Manager applying for a real estate manager role).
- Candidates with Gaps: Emphasizes skills to bridge employment gaps (e.g., a parent returning to work).
While these are the common resume formats being widely used, the XYZ format can also be particularly effective for real estate virtual assistants. By focusing on specific actions, measurable outcomes, and the context of achievements. For example, instead of saying "coordinated client communications," you might say, "Coordinated client communications (X) for 20+ properties (Y), resulting in a 15% improvement in response time (Z). This method showcases the tangible value provided, making a resume more compelling. To know more about this resume format, visit this link.
Real Estate Virtual Assistant Resume Samples
There are countless resume samples and templates available online, but here are a few specific options to help you get started, whether you’re new to the field or looking to advance your career.
For Entry Level
Here’s a template created by Kimberley Tyler-Smith, a senior hiring manager with over 20 years of experience. This template is designed to help you build a strong resume for an entry-level position: Entry Level Resume Sample
For Mid-Career
An ideal mid-career resume template (from Resume Genius) showcases your work experiences and skills relevant to the role you’re targeting such as a Real Estate Manager : Mid-Career Resume Sample
For Senior Level
A senior-level or executive resume should emphasize your core competencies and extensive experience: Senior Level Resume Sample
Top Resources for Making a Good Resume
- LinkedIn Career Advice: They offer free articles and tips on resume writing and profile optimization.
- Indeed Resume Resources: Provides free resume samples, templates, and writing tips for various roles
- Resume Genius: Free templates and writing tips, with some advanced features available through a paid subscription.
- Canva Resume Templates: They offer free, customizable resume templates along with user-friendly design tools.
- Resume.io: Provides a selection of free and customizable resume templates, along with tools for creating professional resumes. Some advanced features may require a subscription.
- VisualCV: Basic resume creation tools available for free; premium options cost extra.
Bringing Your Resume Together
As you polish your resume, remember that excelling as a real estate virtual assistant requires more than just listing your credentials. It’s important to highlight your expertise in property management within the real estate industry and your ability to build strong client relations. Showcasing your resume skills and professionalism through carefully chosen experiences will help you stand out. By choosing the right format and customizing your resume for each role, you'll significantly improve your chances of catching the eye of hiring managers and potential clients.
