The Ultimate Guide to Hiring a Real Estate Assistant: Local, Domestic, or International?

Bringing on an assistant can be a game-changer for your real estate business, helping you manage transactions, streamline workflows, and free up time for high-priority tasks. But not all assistants are the same. 

From local assistants who work on-site to remote domestic and international options, each type offers unique benefits and trade-offs. Choosing the right assistant isn’t just about cost - it’s about aligning their capabilities with your specific business needs. 

Let’s explore these three types of assistants in detail to help you find the perfect fit for your team.

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Local Assistants: On-the-Ground Support

A local assistant works in-person with your team, offering direct support for a variety of tasks. However, this proximity comes at a cost. 

Pros:

• In-Person Support: A local assistant can handle tasks that require a physical presence, such as preparing homes for showings, delivering documents, or managing on-site client interactions.
• Local Expertise: They often have a deep understanding of the community, market trends, and neighborhood features, making them invaluable for client-facing roles.
• Real-Time Communication: Face-to-face interactions allow for quicker clarification of tasks and smoother collaboration.

Cons:

• Higher Costs: Local assistants typically demand higher wages, and there may be additional expenses like office space, travel reimbursements, or equipment.
• Limited Talent Pool: Your search is restricted to candidates within commuting distance, which can reduce the number of qualified applicants.
• Schedule Constraints: Local assistants are bound by standard working hours, which may not always align with the unpredictable demands of real estate.

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Where to Find a Local Assistant

1. Referrals from Your Network
   Start by reaching out to agents, brokers, or colleagues in your area. They may know someone with real estate experience who’s looking for a new opportunity.
2. Real Estate-Specific Groups and Job Boards
   Use platforms like local real estate Facebook groups, LinkedIn, or sites like Indeed. Specify “local real estate assistant” in your job posting to target the right candidates.
3. Community and Local Resources
   Post flyers or ads in community hubs like libraries, colleges, or local business associations. These venues often connect you with detail-oriented individuals who are familiar with the area.

Pro Tip: There are talented Real Estate Agents who haven’t found their groove in real estate and may prefer the assistant role over sales. Don’t be afraid to approach agents in your office who may be interested in this opportunity. 

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Remote Domestic Assistants: Local Knowledge, Virtual Flexibility

Remote domestic assistants bring a strong understanding of U.S. real estate practices, language, and culture, making them well-suited for client-facing tasks and transaction support. They offer many benefits of local assistants without requiring in-person availability.

Pros:

• Cultural and Language Familiarity: Strong understanding of U.S. real estate terminology, compliance rules, and client expectations.
• Cost-Effective: More affordable than local assistants while still offering high-quality support.
• Flexible Support: Ideal for tasks like transaction coordination, lead management, and marketing, all handled virtually.

Cons:

• No In-Person Availability: Limited to digital and phone-based tasks, which can be a drawback for roles that require physical presence.
• Higher Cost Than International Options: While more affordable than local assistants, they still command higher rates than international hires.

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Where to Find a Remote Domestic Assistant

1. Freelancer Platforms
   Websites like Upwork, Fiverr, or Freelancer.com are great places to find experienced remote domestic assistants. Look for profiles with real estate-specific experience and strong client reviews.
2. Real Estate Virtual Assistant Services
   Many companies specialize in providing trained remote assistants for the real estate industry. Examples include MyOutDesk and Virtual Assistant Talent, which screen candidates for you.
3. Referrals from Real Estate Networks
   Tap into your network of agents, brokers, and transaction coordinators to find someone with proven experience. Personal recommendations often lead to reliable candidates.
4. Social Media and Professional Groups
   LinkedIn and Facebook groups focused on real estate professionals can connect you with assistants who understand the industry. Post a detailed job description to attract serious applicants.

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International Assistants: Cost-Effective Virtual Support

International assistants offer an affordable option for managing real estate tasks, often working from countries like the Philippines, India, or South Africa.

Pros:

• Highly Affordable: International assistants typically charge significantly lower rates than local or domestic options, making them ideal for budget-conscious teams.
• Large Talent Pool: Access to a wide range of candidates skilled in administrative support, lead generation, and technical tasks.
• Scalable Support: Their cost-effectiveness makes it easier to hire multiple assistants if needed.

Cons:

• Time Zone Challenges: Differences in time zones can delay responses or require adjustments for asynchronous communication.
• Cultural and Language Barriers: While many are fluent in English, slight language differences or unfamiliarity with U.S. culture can impact client-facing interactions.
• Learning Curve for U.S. Real Estate Practices: Additional training may be needed to familiarize them with compliance rules and industry-specific processes.

Where to Find an International Assistant

1. Freelancer Platforms
   Websites like Upwork, OnlineJobs.ph, and Fiverr are excellent resources for finding international assistants. Look for candidates with high ratings and experience in administrative or real estate-related tasks.
2. Real Estate VA Agencies
   Companies like MyOutDesk and Virtudesk specialize in providing pre-trained international assistants familiar with real estate processes. They handle screening and onboarding, saving you time.
3. Referrals from Industry Peers
   Many real estate professionals have successfully worked with international assistants. Reach out to your network for recommendations or testimonials about reliable hires.
4. Virtual Assistant Marketplaces
   Explore dedicated VA marketplaces like TaskBullet or Pepper VA for candidates with diverse skill sets tailored to administrative support, lead management, and transaction coordination.

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Combining the Perfect Assistant with Nekst

Whether you need in-person support from a local assistant, virtual help with domestic expertise, or cost-effective solutions from an international assistant, the key is to find the right fit for your business needs. Each type of assistant brings unique strengths to the table, and with clear expectations and proper onboarding, they can help you manage transactions, streamline workflows, and focus on growth.

To maximize your assistant’s efficiency, pair them with tools designed to simplify real estate processes. Nekst’s Real Estate Transaction Management Software is the perfect companion, offering features like Automated Real Estate Workflow Tools, Real Estate CRM and Workflow Integration, and Automated Real Estate Follow-Up Tools. Whether your assistant is local, domestic, or international, Nekst keeps everyone on the same page by centralizing tasks, deadlines, and client communication.

With Nekst, you’ll empower your assistant to work smarter, not harder, and ensure nothing falls through the cracks - no matter where they’re located.