Tag Archives: Real Estate Virtual Assistant

20 Ways to Touch Your Database This Year!

  By Patty | May 1, 2018 - 10:40 am | ,
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Don’t lose another opportunity to touch your database this year. Trying figure out how to keep your database thriving? Use these great holidays as a chance to stay in front of your clients all year long!

Call AnotherMe Virtual Assistants today to find out how we can help you with marketing!

New Year’s Day – January 1st, 2018                    Independence Day – July 4th, 2018 

Valentine’s Day – February 14th, 2018               Halloween – October 31st, 2018 

Daylight Savings – March 11th, 2018                   Thanksgiving – November 22nd, 2018 

Memorial Day – May 28th, 2018                           Christmas – December 25th, 2018 

Tired of the traditional holiday postcards & emails? Here are a few interesting  and fun holidays that your clients will enjoy! Get specific- if you have a client who loves beer, send them something funny they will relate to and remember. Not creative? Let AnotherMe help you design a postcard/email!

National Margarita Day – Feb. 22nd, 2018          National Dog Day – August 26th, 2018

Pi Day – March 14th, 2018                                     Drink Beer Day – Sept. 28th, 2018 

Earth Day – April 22nd, 2018                                  Make a Difference Day – Oct. 27th, 2018

Cinco De Mayo – May 5th, 2018                            Veteran’s Day – November 11th, 2018

National Donut Day – June 1st, 2018                  Small Business Saturday – Nov. 24th, 2018

National Ice Cream Day – July 15th, 2018              Ugly Sweater Day – December 21st, 2018

Want more holiday ideas? Check out http://www.holidayscalendar.com/

What are you waiting for? Your clients want to hear from you!

Don’t have the time? Call today!

Realtors Beware – Sellers Are Watching and Listening! 

  By Patty | April 25, 2018 - 10:31 am | ,
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With today’s technology advancements, there are many ways to keep an eye on your home while your away. However, many sellers are using new technology to listen in on buyers while their home is being shown. If you search for hidden cameras on Amazon.com, I am sure you will be stunned at the variety of options there are. From phone chargers to picture frames, it’s safe to say you are possibly being watched during your next showing!

Here are a few ways to tell if there are cameras in the home you are showing to your clients:

1. Use a RF detector.

These detection devices are pretty neat! They can pick up on active recording devices in a home. AKA, if you are being watched or recorded in real time, this device will know! They run around $100 and you can easily purchase one on Amazon. Keep in mind, if there is a recording device that runs off of a SD card instead of Wi-Fi, it won’t pick that device up.

2. Use your eyes!

This is one of your easiest options. A lot of homeowners have devices that stand out in plain sight or they are very obvious. Keep this in mind when showing that perfect house to your buyer and remind them to take the negotiation conversation outside!

3. Use a flashlight

Most of us have flashlights on our phones and they are a great way to look for cameras as well. Turn your flashlight on and pan around the house with it. You’ll be looking for a reflection. If you find one, you may have just found a hidden camera lens.

So, your best bet to protect your buyers interest when showing homes is to keep quiet when you are inside! You never know if you are being watched. Remind your clients to keep their comments to themselves when they are looking around and once you’re outside, let the comments flow!

Top 5 Reasons Realtors® should recommend Simplisafe!

  By Patty | March 26, 2018 - 10:11 am |
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Here at AnotherME our clients and their customers are very important to us and that includes your safety!                                                      Recently, we’ve been hearing amazing reviews about the company SimpliSafe and their DIY Home Security System. With even more bells and whistles than the top security companies out there, SimpliSafe is a product we highly recommend to our clients and here are the top five reasons why!  

1. No Contracts

With SimpliSafe, you are not locked in to a contract. You have the option to cancel your $14.99 monthly subscription to their 24/7 Home Security Monitoring at any time! Plus, they are so confident you’ll love your new DIY Security System, they will give you a full refund including return shipping within the first 60 days if you don’t!

2. Easy Setup

Unlike the security system industry competitors, SimpliSafe comes in a box shipped directly to your home for you to set up in minutes! That’s right, no annoying appointments with pushy salesmen, no tools and no stress! All you have to do is open the box, plug in the base station, mount the sensors and you are ready to protect your home!

3. 24/7 Alarm System Monitoring

With your monthly subscription, your home is protected around the clock! When a sensor detects a possible break-in, your system will sound off and alert SimpliSafe’s 24/7 Security Monitoring Center. Unless you cancel the alarm when the security specialist calls you, the police will be sent to your home right away!

4. Top Notch Technology

From water sensors that alert you of potential leaks to freeze sensors that tell you when your homes temperature has dropped below 41 degrees, you choose to protect your home in any way imaginable! You can also control your system from your phone, your computer, or a key fob! SimpliSafe products auto-update, work on wi-fi and the batteries hardly ever need to be replaced. The sensors are even pet-friendly; you seriously can’t go wrong with a system like this!

5. A la Carte Components

While you can choose from their pre-built packages ranging from basic ($229) to the all-inclusive “Haven” package ($489), you have the option to customize your own system! You’re required to have the base station and the wireless keypad and from there it’s up to you to add the features you want and need. Whether you have a tiny house or a mansion, SimpliSafe’s Build a System option is perfect for you! 

To learn more about the SimpliSafe DIY Home Security System, check out their website for reviews and more details at https://simplisafe.com/

5 Reasons Why You Need a Real Estate Virtual Assistant

  By Patty | July 13, 2012 - 8:54 am | ,
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With all the advances in communications and technology (smart phones, tablets, websites, cloud technologies and more) we have the ability to communicate with  anyone… at any time, in any place.  The Jetson’s of the future are here and now in the Real Estate Industry!  Today, Virtual Assistants who specialize in Real Estate can deliver seamless service and support from anywhere in the country using these tools and technologies.  It’s a match made in “the cloud” for mobile real estate agents who are working from home and on the go.

Here are 5 reasons why it pays to hire a professional Real Estate Virtual Assistant:

One-Stop Shopping
AnotherME provides a team of specialists; whether you need support in just one part of your business or a whole team of assistants to support you!  Real Estate VA’s know and understand the specific tasks associated with Listing Coordination, Closing Coordination/Transaction Management, Database Management, Just Listed/Just Sold Postcards and even Social Media Support (like setting up your profiles, setting up tools for managing social media sites, and research information for blogs and writing blog posts) plus so much more.

 

Cost Effective
How much time are you spending on “detail work” on your to-do list? Why invest in payroll, benefits, insurance, etc. when you could be delegating that money to building your business. AnotherME Real Estate VA’s are contracted professionals, not employees. You pay for work completed (not for idle time, vacations, sick leave or absenteeism). There’s no need to make room in the office for an extra person.  Real Estate VAs are motivated to do their best for you at all times because their business success depends on your satisfaction.

 

Customized Support for Your Needs
Whether you need Postcards mailed, a Listing Package, or help with your Closings, a VA can perform these duties. Why spend hours on paperwork that can be done by a VA with Real Estate experience when you could be building your clientele or, more importantly, spending time with your family? Do not miss out on that baseball game or recital to finish that closing by midnight. Know that it was already done by a competent professional, your Real Estate VA.

 

Focus on Your Strength
Why waste time on tasks that are not your primary objective? Successful Real Estate agents find and hire the right people for the right job; that’s called Leverage! Have the peace of mind that your deadlines will be met by a VA who knows the Real Estate industry and is familiar with Real Estate programs and websites (MLS, Top Producer, ePropretySites, RealBird, Wise Agent, Realtor.com just to name a few).

 

Why a VA and not a Temp or a $10/hr Teenager

The VA takes the role of a temp and elevates it to the status of a Team Player. Having a Real Estate VA eliminates problems with staffing solutions and here’s why:

  •  Temps are seeking full-time employment not short term assignments
  •  Temps are a transient solution to long term needs.
  •  Temporary solutions can be expensive ones
  •  It takes too much time and money to train a temp.
  •  Temps are not committed to the success of your business
  •  Most Temps are interested in the paycheck and not the tasks

 

Knowing you have a competent professional handling the administrative tasks vital to your real estate business gives you more time to focus on your clients, thereby finding their dream home creating success for your business. Delegating administrative tasks to an experienced AnotherME Virtual Assistant gives you more time to grow your business and generate profit.

 

 

Image Credit: forum.bodybuilding.com

Blogging – Where Do You Start?

  By Patty | February 21, 2012 - 4:13 pm | ,
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We think the folks at CopyBlogger are awesome!  We read their blog quite often and sometimes we post their articles on our Facebook Page!  But they have outdone themselves with this cool InfoGraphic.

It’s based on one of their blog posts titled 21 Ways to Create Compelling Content When You Don’t Have a Clue.  I’m sure you’ve feel this way sometimes, and so have we!  Now we can share with you our little secret from CopyBlogger – and you’ll know what to do next time you’re not feeling creative or have a little writer’s block!

Enjoy the graphic and let us know your favorite tip!

 

22 Ways to Create Compelling Content - Infographic
Like this infographic? Get more content marketing tips from Copyblogger.

 

 

4 Tips for Working with a Virtual Assistant

  By Patty | January 30, 2012 - 7:42 am |
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Working with a Virtual Assistant doesn’t mean you “dump it and forget it.”  Having a great virtual working relationship is really no different than having a great working relationship with an on-site team member. It takes time, communication, and a little bit of effort!

Here’s what we at AnotherME know to be true for our successful clients and how you can make sure your virtual working relationships will be successful too!

1)  Understanding your big WHY behind the what.  A virtual assistant is a trusted member of your team. (or they should be)  They are not little robots or time clock punchers. Typically they are the “get the job done” – results oriented types versus work my hours/week and go home.  It’s important for them to know the WHY of this new project or program you are asking them to complete or set up on their behalf.  Everyone likes to have meaning in what they are doing.  Understanding the WHY makes your VA feel a part of the team and gives them the framework to find and offer suggestions or improvements to what they are working on.

2)  A virtual working relationship must start with mindset of TRUST.  No one is perfect! Admit it, you’ve had your share of mistakes, typos, delays, etc.  It’s easy to point the finger when your virtual team member slips and doesn’t meet your expectation or when they miss a deadline. When that happens, it’s time to TALK with your virtual assistant – no emails that can be misunderstood.  Actually get on the phone and find out what happened…if your directions were clear and understood or if the task was not within their skills/abilities. Assume the best in your VA first; not the worst.  By doing so, you can develop a culture of trust and a sense of ownership and “team.”

3)  Virtual working relationships can be long lasting and productive – sometimes better than an on-site working relationship.  It’s a FACT.  More and more savvy realtors are opting for working with a Virtual Team where the strength of a relationship isn’t measured by proximity.  Do you really need someone sitting in your office and taking up space to work on programs and websites that are all internet based?

4)  Use technology to get face to face. Phone calls, texts and emails are great, but consider a monthly or quarterly chat with your virtual team members via Skype.  Include your buyer’s agents or other office staff so that everyone can be part of the experience.

The best virtual relationships take time and some effort.  By implementing the four ideas listed above and leading your virtual team like you would an on-site team, you will develop a results oriented, efficient and successful business!

 

Image Credit – traffikmarketing.com

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Trinity, Is There Really a “Matrix”? Yes, Neo, It’s Called QR Codes!

  By Patty | November 4, 2010 - 10:38 am | ,
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Have you all heard of the latest technology being developed today for those people with mobile devices? It’s called a QR Code.  This is a marketing bonanza for real estate brokers and agents to direct potential clients to websites, videos, contact information, virtual tours or music in just a few seconds!

What is a QR Code? Basically, it’s a lot like the barcodes you are familiar with today, but a QR Code is a two-dimensional matrix which can be scanned by a smartphone or a mobile phone with a camera to download all the information it contains!

Have no idea what I’m talking about or how it could possibly relate to the real estate industry? Take a look at the following video featuring numerous ways QR Codes can open up those windows of opportunity! After the video, if you would like to read more about QR Codes, read my new post Jump Into the Marketing Matrix with QR Codes! on ActiveRain.com.

If you have questions about building your Social Media Marketing… but just don’t have an extra 2 or 3 hours to do it each month, call Patty Keller at AnotherMe 770-414-9393 for a personal quote for your business!  Don’t Worry About It!  A Real Estate Virtual Assistant can do this Internet stuff for you!

Ask about our Nardigras Discount!

Top 4 Ultimate Facebook Marketing Failures

  By Patty | October 12, 2010 - 12:06 pm | ,
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Are you familiar with the myriad of ways you can commit Facebook Marketing Failures?  Facebook is a great social media marketing tool that can drive your business into the future or collapse it around your ankles if you don’t pay attention to what you are doing.

Have you botched up the way people view your business because of bad Facebook techniques? Let’s take a look at the Top 4 Ultimate Facebook Marketing Failures.

1. Fail to Create a Facebook Fan Page.
According to Susan Payton, the Managing Partner of Egg Marketing & Public Relations, an Internet marketing firm specializing in blogger outreach, social media, and PR, “If you’re a business owner, you really need to set up a Fan Page, or else you risk being left behind as more businesses shift to social networks like Facebook.” Not sure how to create a Facebook Fan Page? Here is a link to Susan’s article on Mashable.com entitled “HOW TO: Set Up a Winning Facebook Fan Page.”

2. Post a Picture of You and Your Kids as Your Profile Pic.
Why would you post a photo of your family and pets on your business Fan Page? Potential clients and businesses want to see YOU not your kids and the family pets. This should be a no-brainer.

3. Tag Indiscriminately.
This can be a dangerous tool in the hands of the indiscriminate professional. Be extremely careful who you tag and for goodness sake, take a look and see what they are doing in the photo. For example, don’t tag someone in a photo where they are picking their nose!

4. Use Bad Grammar.
It’s really tacky and bad form for a professional to post an update to Facebook and misspell words or use bad grammar. It only leaves the reader with the thought of how stupid you look. Read your updates before you post them.

If you would like to read more, take a look at Joel Chue’s article on “Facebook Marketing Mistakes You Need to Avoid.”

Photo courtesy of Oliver Lindner



Agents! End the Spin and Win!

  By Patty | October 7, 2010 - 1:49 pm |
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Are you stressed…burned out? Are you juggling too many balls in the air at once? Are you starting to resemble a “Plate Spinner” from a circus act? Do you find yourself running from one project to another to keep everything moving and everyone happy? Is it getting harder and harder to maintain peak performance without dropping the ball? Do you have a clue how much your time is worth?

This economy is forcing us all to do more with fewer resources and the result is our businesses are suffering, not only from the economic downturn but from our inability to keep the plates spinning. Agents, it’s time to end the spin and win! It’s time to hire a Real Estate Virtual Assistant!

What exactly is a Real Estate Virtual Assistant?

In a nutshell, Real Estate Virtual Assistants are independent specialists who outsource their services and are only paid for the time they spend on the specific task. It appears that as the “unemployment rate” for full- or part-time assistants has increased, the “employment rate” for Virtual Assistants has increased. The reasons for this are simple…

1. You only pay for the time spent on the task. This doesn’t include bathroom or smoke breaks, lunch or any other time spent doing something else besides the job at hand.

2. Real Estate Virtual Assistants (REVAs) specialize in real estate-related functions, such as website design, social media, marketing, closing coordination, email traffic, mail-outs, drip campaigns and many other services.

3. You don’t pay for health insurance, unemployment insurance or state and federal taxes.

4. You only use a REVA when and for as long as you need them.

5. REVA’s have all of the latest technology at their disposal including computers, fax machines, scanners, etc. all at no cost to you!

Don’t wait until all your plates start crashing to the ground and your business begins to lose momentum. Call me, Patty Griffin Keller at AnotherME™ (770.414.9393), and I will be happy to answer all your questions regarding the professional and courteous services we can provide for you. In the meantime, please visit our website at AnotherME.com.

Photo courtesy of bark

Stumped for New Marketing Ideas?

  By Patty | September 30, 2010 - 11:50 am | ,
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Let’s face it. Some of us are marketing gurus, but the majority of us can’t find our way out of the proverbial box. Do you find yourself stumped for new marketing ideas? Have you run the gamut on ways to stay in touch with your clients? In these tough economic times when sales are down or barely existent, it is important to remain visible in your community. Here are a few fresh approaches to get you thinking about your next step forward.

1. Monthly Newsletter. Are you sending out a digital newsletter to your clients? If not, you are missing a shot at spreading news about seminars, new listings, tips on decorating, ideas on how to spruce up your home’s curb appeal and on and on. There are several different websites who offer easy and very affordable ways to create a newsletter and allow you to utilize your client database to email it. Take a look at ConstantContact.com, VerticalResponse.com or EPaperFlip.com. These sites can get you started on a fast and inexpensive new marketing venture!

2. Get Involved with Local Schools. Have you thought of placing an ad in the team program or yearbook at a local school? This is a great way to sponsor school sports teams or events in your community while making yourself and your business highly visible.

3. Refrigerator Magnets. Actually this is my absolute favorite! I can’t tell you how many times I have referred to my refrigerator to find a Real Estate Agent, electrician, plumber or handyman. It’s a great marketing tool and provides a quick resource for people.

4. Handy Candy. Keep a supply of candy bars on hand to give to potential clients who come into your office. Simply hole punch your business card and tie it to the candy bar with a length of curling ribbon. It’s cute and easy, plus who doesn’t love something sweet every now and then?

5. Be Noteworthy. Choose one client each day from your database and drop them a handwritten note with your business card in it. Just let them know you are available if they need you.

6. Start a Blog, and do all of that Facebook and Twitter stuff. Of course, that’s a little time consuming because first you have to figure out what all of that means… but we can help you with that!

Of course, these are just of few of the many ways you can market yourself and your business. Get creative. Host a “Lunch and Learn” with other agents and collectively “brainstorm” for new ideas.

Do you have an idea you would like to share?

Photo courtesy of  Ben Pollard