Hiring a real estate virtual assistant (VA) can save agents time, streamline operations, and boost productivity—but how much should you expect to pay? Rates vary based on experience, location, and services offered.
In this detailed FAQ guide, we break down the costs of hiring a real estate VA, factors that influence pricing, and tips for getting the best value.
1. What Does a Real Estate Virtual Assistant Do?
A real estate VA handles administrative, marketing, and transaction-related tasks, such as:
✅ Listing management (uploading properties, updating MLS)
✅ Lead generation & CRM updates
✅ Transaction coordination (contracts, deadlines, e-signatures)
✅ Social media & email marketing
✅ Calendar management & scheduling
✅ Basic bookkeeping & expense tracking
The more specialized the tasks, the higher the cost.
2. How Much Does a Real Estate VA Charge?
Pricing depends on experience, location, and workload. Here’s a general breakdown:
| Pricing Model | Average Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Hourly Rate | 8–8–25/hour | Short-term tasks, part-time help |
| Monthly Retainer | 300–300–1,500/month | Ongoing support (10-40 hrs/month) |
| Per-Task Pricing | 5–5–100/task | One-off projects (e.g., data entry, lead research) |
| Full-Time VA | 1,500–1,500–4,000/month | Dedicated, 40+ hrs/week support |
Key Factors Affecting Cost:
- Experience: Entry-level VAs charge less (8–8–15/hr), while specialists (transaction coordinators, marketing experts) charge $20+/hr.
- Location: VAs from the U.S., Canada, or Australia typically charge more (15–15–40/hr) than those from the Philippines or India (5–5–15/hr).
- Complexity of Work: Basic admin tasks cost less than specialized services like transaction management or paid ads.
3. Should I Hire an Hourly, Monthly, or Per-Task VA?
✅ Hourly VA
- Best for: Small, one-time tasks (e.g., data cleanup, CRM updates).
- Pros: Pay only for what you need.
- Cons: Costs can add up if overused.
✅ Monthly Retainer
- Best for: Ongoing support (e.g., lead follow-ups, social media).
- Pros: Fixed cost, consistent help.
- Cons: May include unused hours.
✅ Per-Task Pricing
- Best for: Specific projects (e.g., MLS uploads, blog writing).
- Pros: No long-term commitment.
- Cons: Can be expensive for repetitive tasks.
✅ Full-Time VA
- Best for: High-volume agents or teams needing dedicated support.
- Pros: Always available, deeply understands your business.
- Cons: Higher cost (1,500–1,500–4,000/month).
4. Where Can I Find a Reliable Real Estate VA?
Freelance Platforms
- Upwork, Fiverr, Freelancer (good for one-off tasks)
- Average Cost: 8–8–30/hour
VA Agencies
- Belay, MyOutDesk, Virtual Assist USA (vetted professionals)
- Average Cost: 12–12–35/hour
Real Estate-Specific VA Services
- Real Estate Bees, Virtudesk, 99 Calls (industry experts)
- Average Cost: 15–15–50/hour
Offshore VA Companies
- Philippines, India-based firms (cost-effective)
- Average Cost: 5–5–15/hour
5. How Can I Reduce Costs Without Sacrificing Quality?
✔ Start Part-Time
- Test a VA with 10–20 hours/month before committing full-time.
✔ Hire Offshore (But Vet Carefully)
- VAs from the Philippines or India offer great value but check reviews and communication skills.
✔ Use Specialized VAs for Complex Tasks
- A transaction coordinator VA (20–20–40/hr) may cost more but prevents costly mistakes.
✔ Automate Where Possible
- Use AI tools (ChatGPT, Zapier) for simple tasks to reduce VA hours.
6. What Hidden Costs Should I Watch For?
- Training Time: If your VA needs extensive onboarding, factor in extra hours.
- Software Costs: Some VAs require access to tools like CRM, MLS, or Canva Pro.
- Overtime Fees: If they exceed agreed hours, rates may increase.
7. Is a Real Estate VA Worth the Investment?
Yes! Here’s why:
- Time Savings: Free up 10–20+ hours/week for lead generation and closings.
- Scalability: Grow your business without hiring in-house staff.
- Cost-Effective: Cheaper than a full-time employee (no benefits, office space, or taxes).
Example ROI:
- If a VA handles $5,000/month in admin work, allowing you to close 1 extra deal/year, they pay for themselves.
Final Verdict: How Much Should You Budget?
- Basic Admin Support: 300–300–800/month
- Mid-Level (Lead Gen, CRM): 800–800–1,500/month
- Advanced (Transaction Mgmt, Marketing): 1,500–1,500–3,000/month
Pro Tip: Start small, track ROI, and scale up as needed.
Need Help Hiring a VA?
If you’re unsure where to start, book a free consultation with a VA-matching service or ask for referrals from other agents.
