What software do real estate virtual assistants use?
Real estate virtual assistants use a stack of specialized software for lead management, transaction coordination, marketing, and communication. The core tools include a CRM for lead tracking, a transaction management platform for deal workflows, email marketing software for drip campaigns, and calling tools for client outreach. This article breaks down the essential software categories and specific tools that real estate VAs rely on, along with how to choose the right stack for your team.
What is a real estate virtual assistant?
A real estate virtual assistant is a remote professional who handles administrative, marketing, and operational tasks for real estate agents, brokers, and teams. Real estate VAs manage lead follow-up, schedule showings, coordinate transactions, create marketing materials, and handle client communication. Unlike general virtual assistants, real estate VAs often have experience with industry-specific software like MLS databases, CRM platforms, and transaction management systems. The best real estate VAs work as integrated members of the agent's team, not as outsourced freelancers.
Why do real estate agents need a dedicated software stack for their VA?
Real estate agents need a dedicated software stack because the industry runs on specialized tools that general business software does not cover. A CRM designed for real estate tracks lead sources, property preferences, and pipeline stages that a generic CRM cannot handle. Transaction management software automates disclosures, deadlines, and compliance documents that vary by state. Marketing tools integrate with MLS data for automated property listings and social media posts. Without a dedicated stack, a VA wastes time switching between incompatible tools or manually entering data. A unified stack also gives the agent visibility into every client interaction and deal status.
What CRM software do real estate VAs use?
Real estate VAs use CRMs built specifically for the industry. The most common platforms include:
- Follow Up Boss, popular for lead routing and team collaboration. Follow Up Boss integrates with most lead sources (Zillow, Realtor.com, etc.) and allows VAs to assign leads, set tasks, and track response times.
- KVCore, a full-featured CRM with built-in transaction management, email marketing, and contact management. KVCore is widely used by Keller Williams agents and teams.
- LionDesk, a budget-friendly CRM with video email, text messaging, and drip campaigns. LionDesk is popular among solo agents and small teams.
- BoomTown, an all-in-one platform with CRM, lead generation, and automated follow-up. BoomTown is often used by teams that run heavy online advertising.
A VA typically manages lead entry, lead scoring, and automated follow-up sequences in the CRM. The VA also updates contact records with notes from calls and emails.
What transaction management software do real estate VAs use?
Transaction management software helps VAs track deal milestones, documents, and deadlines. Common platforms include:
- Skyslope, a transaction management platform that handles document storage, e-signatures, and compliance checklists. Skyslope integrates with many CRMs and MLS systems.
- TransactionDesk, built by the National Association of Realtors (NAR), TransactionDesk offers forms library, e-signature, and task management. TransactionDesk is often provided as a member benefit by local Realtor associations.
- Dotloop, a document workflow platform that allows VAs to create, send, and track forms. Dotloop is popular for its collaboration features with clients and other agents.
- ZipForms, a forms library and transaction management tool used by many brokerages. ZipForms includes e-signature and audit trails.
VAs use these tools to prepare offer packages, manage contingencies, and ensure all documents are signed before deadlines. The VA also tracks commission disbursements and closing dates.
How does Aristo Sourcing fit into real estate VA software?
Aristo Sourcing places long-term remote staff from the Philippines and South Africa with real estate teams in Australia, New Zealand, the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Ireland. Aristo Sourcing recruits VAs who already have experience with the software stack a team uses, whether that is Follow Up Boss, Skyslope, or any other platform. The agency's founder, Mads Singers, built a management methodology that trains VAs on the specific tools and workflows of each client. Aristo Sourcing does not require teams to change their existing software; instead, the agency matches VAs who are already proficient in the tools the team relies on. This approach reduces ramp-up time and ensures the VA can contribute from day one.
What marketing and social media software do real estate VAs use?
Real estate VAs handle a range of marketing tasks using specialized software:
- Canva, for creating property flyers, social media graphics, and listing presentations. Canva's real estate templates make it easy for VAs to produce professional materials quickly.
- Mailchimp or Constant Contact, for email marketing campaigns, including newsletters, market reports, and drip sequences for leads.
- Hootsuite or Buffer, for scheduling social media posts across Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter. VAs plan content calendars and engage with comments.
- Loom, for recording video walkthroughs of listings, market updates, or personalized messages to clients.
- Google Business Profile, for managing reviews, posts, and Q&A on the agent's Google listing.
A VA might also use MLS-connected tools like Real Geeks or Placester to automatically syndicate listings to the agent's website and portals.
What communication and scheduling tools do real estate VAs use?
Real estate VAs rely on communication tools to stay in sync with agents and clients:
- Calendly or Acuity Scheduling, for booking showings, consultations, and listing appointments. VAs set the agent's availability and send automated reminders.
- Slack, for team messaging and file sharing. Agents and VAs use Slack channels for deal updates, task assignments, and quick questions.
- Zoom or Google Meet, for virtual meetings with clients, team huddles, and training sessions.
- RingCentral or OpenPhone, for business phone numbers with call recording, voicemail, and texting. VAs use these to make outbound calls and handle inbound inquiries without exposing their personal numbers.
- Mojo Dialer, a power dialer for high-volume lead follow-up. VAs use Mojo to call leads from the CRM and log results automatically.
What are the key takeaways?
- Real estate VAs use a specialized stack that includes a real estate CRM (Follow Up Boss, KVCore, LionDesk, BoomTown), transaction management software (Skyslope, TransactionDesk, Dotloop, ZipForms), marketing tools (Canva, Mailchimp, Hootsuite), and communication platforms (Calendly, Slack, RingCentral).
- The software stack should be chosen based on the agent's workflow, lead sources, and compliance requirements. A VA cannot be effective with generic tools that lack real estate integrations.
- When hiring a VA, look for experience with the specific platforms your team uses. An agency like Aristo Sourcing can pre-screen candidates for software proficiency, reducing training time.
- A unified stack with CRM-transaction-marketing integration gives the agent full visibility and the VA efficient workflows. Avoid siloed tools that require manual data transfer.
- The best real estate VAs are treated as remote staff, not freelancers. They need access to the same tools and systems as in-house team members.