Virtual receptionist vs. virtual assistant: which is right for real estate?

Running a real estate business can be a daunting task, and you need all the help you can get to keep it running efficiently. When it comes to hiring support staff, you have several options, including virtual assistants and virtual receptionists. But what’s the difference, and which one is right for you?

Meet the players: virtual assistant vs. virtual receptionist

Both virtual assistants and virtual receptionists can help you streamline your operations and take care of administrative tasks. But the similarities end there.

Virtual assistants: internal business operations

Virtual assistants are mainly focused on internal business operations and rarely interact with customers. They can help you with tasks such as:

• Booking appointments for your team
• Managing and responding to emails
• Office administration
• Data entry and management

Virtual receptionists: building customer relationships

Virtual receptionists, on the other hand, are responsible for building relationships with your customers and prospects. They are often the first point of contact that people have with your brand and can integrate seamlessly with your sales team to help you scale your business.

A virtual receptionist can:

• Provide a virtual call answering and forwarding service for new and existing customers 24/7
• Answer live chat messages from your website
• Qualify and convert leads by guiding customers through your sales process
• Book appointments, follow up on calls, and manage the diaries of your realtors

The added value of a virtual receptionist

While both virtual assistants and virtual receptionists can add value to your real estate business, a virtual receptionist can help take your business to the next level. Here’s how:

Out-of-hours call handling powered by people

In today’s digital age, the world of real estate never stops turning. Your customers are searching for your services at all hours, and they expect immediate answers. By providing a 24/7 call answering service or live chat option, you’re showing your customers that you understand their busy lives. You can be there for them when they need you most, whether it’s on their commute home, over the weekend, or during late-night research sessions.

A diary filled with qualified appointments

As a realtor, your time is valuable. Spending it with prospects who aren’t the right fit for your business is a waste of your resources. A virtual receptionist can help you make the most of your time by providing a deeper and tailored understanding of your clients. They can provide clear and specific answers for prospects when they call, and you can become an integral part of your lead qualification process to ensure that you’re only making time in your diary for customers who are the best fit for your services.

A reputation for exceptional client service

Excellent communication is crucial in the real estate industry. With so much competition out there, you need to make sure that you’re creating a positive and professional image in the minds of your prospective customers. With a virtual receptionist, every call is answered by a real person, who can deliver exceptional client service on your behalf at each stage of the customer journey.

Get started with SignMore’s virtual reception services

Choosing between a virtual assistant and a virtual receptionist depends on your business needs. While both can add value, a virtual receptionist can take your business to the next level by building strong relationships with your customers, providing out-of-hours call handling, and delivering exceptional client service.

If you’re ready to grow your real estate business and sign more deals, our virtual receptionists can provide the support you need. SignMore can seamlessly integrate with your existing sales process and team, providing valuable support day or night.