Introduction
If you’re growing your real estate business, the next step is often hiring support. But should you hire an in-person assistant—or work with a virtual assistant (VA)? This FAQ-style post compares the two options, breaking down costs, communication, training, and security to help you make the best decision for your workflow and goals.
Main Section with Detailed Breakdowns
1. What’s the Cost Difference Between a VA and a Local Assistant?
- Virtual Assistant (VA): $10–$45/hour depending on skillset and scope
- In-Person Assistant: $18–$35/hour + payroll taxes, benefits, desk space
VAs are typically contract-based, meaning no employment taxes or benefits. Plus, many offer task-based packages, saving money for smaller workloads.
2. How Does Communication Work With a VA?
Most VAs are fluent in email, Slack, Trello, and Zoom. Key strategies:
- Set preferred response windows (e.g., “reply within 4 hours”)
- Use shared project management tools to assign and track tasks
- Have a weekly check-in call to review open projects
With the right systems, remote communication becomes seamless.
3. What About Accountability? How Do I Know Work Gets Done?
VAs often use:
- Task trackers (Asana, ClickUp)
- Shared Google Sheets or CRMs
- Daily or weekly recap emails
You’ll get better accountability from a structured remote VA than from a lightly managed local hire.
4. Can I Scale a VA’s Hours Up or Down?
Yes—one of the biggest benefits. You can:
- Use 10 hours/week one month, 30 the next
- Pay only for completed deliverables
- Pause services when the market slows
This flexibility is hard to match with W-2 employees, who rely on steady hours.
5. What About Training and Oversight?
- VAs: Often self-trained and come with real estate experience
- In-Person Assistants: May require full onboarding and daily management
Hiring a VA with niche experience (e.g., TC support, CRM management) saves you time and speeds up ROI.
6. Is My Client Data Safe With a Remote VA?
Data security depends on protocols, not proximity. Safeguard your workflows by:
- Using NDAs
- Providing access via password managers
- Limiting sensitive data to cloud-based systems with admin permissions
Reputable VAs treat your business like their own and follow compliance protocols seriously.
Agent Tips
When to Choose a VA:
- You need part-time help
- You want to delegate marketing, CRM, or admin tasks
- You don’t want the overhead of hiring or managing an employee
When to Choose In-Person:
- You need a physical presence at showings or events
- You prefer spontaneous, real-time collaboration
- Your team uses paper-heavy or in-office systems
Why It Matters
Choosing between a real estate VA vs in-person assistant isn’t just about budget—it’s about finding the right support model for your business stage. VAs offer scalability, specialization, and freedom. In-person help offers immediacy and hands-on collaboration. Knowing the pros and cons of each helps you grow smarter and serve clients better.
Detailed Analysis and Insights
Hiring Trends: Over 60% of U.S. real estate teams reported using VAs in 2025—up from just 42% in 2022.
Retention Insight: Teams using VAs with structured task systems had 30% fewer missed deadlines and smoother marketing execution.
Cost Efficiency: Agents using part-time VAs saved an average of $1,200/month vs hiring full-time in-house support.
FAQs
Q: What can’t a VA do that an in-person assistant can?
A: VAs can’t physically stage homes, deliver lockboxes, or attend in-person events. Everything else? Fair game with good systems.
Q: How do I find a reliable real estate VA?
A: Referrals, LinkedIn groups, and platforms like Upwork or VA agencies are good starting points. Look for real estate experience.
Q: Can I try a VA part-time before committing?
A: Absolutely. Most VAs offer trial projects or monthly packages. Start small, test the fit, and grow from there.
Helpful Resources
- Upwork Real Estate VA Directory
- How to Use Asana for Remote Teams
- VA Contract & NDA Templates (Nolo)
- Rebillion’s Real Estate Blog
Conclusion & Call-to-Action
Choosing between a real estate VA vs in-person assistant depends on your workflow, team size, and long-term goals. With clear systems and communication, VAs can offer powerful, flexible support—without the overhead. For more tech-driven tips and dedicated virtual-assistant support, head to Rebillion’s Real Estate Blog and discover how Rebillion.ai can keep you productive on the go.
