How much does real estate virtual assistant cost in 2026?
- Dec 8, 2024
- 13 min read
Updated: Jan 22
Table of contents
Key Highlights
Real estate virtual assistant costs vary based on role specialization, geographic location, and engagement model, with US-based VAs typically charging $20-40 per hour and offshore VAs offering rates between $8-15 per hour.
Full-time real estate VAs (40 hours/week) cost approximately $3,200-6,400 monthly for US-based support and $1,280-2,400 monthly for offshore support, depending on role complexity and experience level.
Clearly define tasks, set priorities, and use time tracking tools to manage costs effectively.
Real estate businesses can benefit significantly from specialized virtual assistants who can handle tasks like property management, client communication, email marketing, and social media, leading to cost savings and increased revenue.
Success stories demonstrate how real estate businesses have achieved substantial cost reductions and efficiency improvements by partnering with VAs.
Businesses always look for ways to work better and get more done. One popular option is hiring virtual assistants. These experienced professionals have different skills and can help with many tasks from afar.
A common question is, "What does a virtual assistant cost?"
This blog post will explore what affects the cost of virtual assistant services in 2026. It will also help you think about how a remote team member can be a smart choice for your business.
Real Estate Virtual Assistant Cost (2026): Typical Rates by Role & Hiring Model
Understanding the specific costs for real estate virtual assistants helps you make informed hiring decisions. Below is a breakdown of typical rates by role type and sourcing model:
Real estate VA type | Typical tasks | US-based (hourly) | Offshore (hourly) | Monthly full-time equivalent* |
Admin / Transaction Coordinator support | Inbox management, scheduling, document processing, MLS updates, contract coordination | $20–$40 | $8–$12 | $4,000–$6,400 (US) / $2,500 (offshore) |
Lead Generation | Outbound follow-up, SMS/email campaigns, CRM updates, lead qualification, appointment setting | $25–$45 | $10–$15 | $4,000–$7,200 (US) / $2,500+ (offshore) |
Marketing support | Listing coordination, social media content, email campaigns, graphic design, video editing | $22–$42 | $9–$14 | $4,000–$6,720 (US) / $2,500+(offshore) |
*Monthly full-time equivalent assumes 40 hours/week (≈160 hours/month).
Key notes for interpreting these rates:
Assumptions: Monthly full-time equivalent assumes 40 hours per week (approximately 160 hours per month). Rates reflect 2026 market data for experienced real estate VAs with relevant software proficiency.
What changes the price: Specialization level (transaction coordination requires more real estate knowledge than basic admin), specific CRM/software experience (Salesforce, Follow Up Boss, kvCORE), coverage hours and time zone alignment, years of real estate industry experience, and whether management, training, or replacement guarantees are included in the service.
Sources & methodology: Rates reflect current market data from VA staffing platforms, real estate industry salary surveys, and offshore labor market benchmarks. ClearDesk pricing includes comprehensive recruiting, skills vetting, ongoing coaching and performance management, and replacement guarantees if a team member doesn't meet expectations, services that justify our rates compared to hiring freelance VAs directly where you assume all management and replacement risk.
Understanding the costs of hiring a virtual assistant
The cost of a virtual assistant can vary for many reasons. Virtual assistants are different from regular employees, they offer flexible ways of working and pricing.
Common models include hourly rates, fixed project fees, and retainer agreements.
This flexibility lets businesses pick what fits best. For small, clearly defined projects, paying by the project can save money. For ongoing work like social media management or customer support, hourly or retainer models often make more sense.
If you prefer predictable costs, At ClearDesk, we keep pricing simple with a monthly flat fee, no hidden fees or contracts, and your dedicated assistant works a full 40 hours per week.
The basics of virtual assistant pricing models
Virtual assistant rates vary based on experience, specialization, location, and the scope of services. Understanding the common pricing approaches helps you compare options and align costs with your needs.
Many VAs bill by the hour, which is useful for short-term or fluctuating workloads. Others offer monthly or annual subscriptions for clients who need consistent support. As noted above, ClearDesk simplifies this with a predictable monthly model, no hidden fees or long-term contracts, delivering cost stability and an ongoing, fully dedicated assistant working a full 40 hours per week.
Hourly rates vs. Subscription-based services
Choosing between hourly rates and subscription-based services depends on what you need and how your business works. Hourly rates give you flexibility. You can manage your budget based on their average hourly rate or the overall actual hours worked. This is helpful if your workload changes often or you need help for a short time.
On the other hand, subscription-based services make your costs easier to predict each month or year. This plan usually includes a specific amount of work or a set number of hours on a monthly basis. These VA services are great for businesses that need regular support.
Here's a simple breakdown:
Hourly Rates: Good for short-term projects, changing workloads, and trying out different VAs.
Subscription-based services: Best for ongoing tasks, steady budgeting, and dedicated support.
In-house staff vs. Virtual Assistant: A cost comparison
When evaluating the cost benefits of a real estate virtual assistant, it’s essential to break down the typical expenses of hiring an in-house employee versus outsourcing to a remote team member. Salaries are a big part of the cost of having an in-house employee. However, salaries are just a small part of total expenses.
Of course, there are hidden costs that can add up quickly. These include benefits, taxes, office space, and equipment, which can raise the costs a lot. In contrast, virtual assistants remove these extra costs. This makes them a good option, especially for small businesses and startups.
Let's compare key expense categories from our team at ClearDesk:
Expense Category | Full-time employee (On-site) per year | Full-time ClearDesk remote team member |
Salary | $55,000 (taxes included) | $30,000 (2,500+) |
Benefits (Healthcare, Retirement, etc.) | $8,125 | Not applicable |
Office Space and Equipment | $6,000 | Not applicable |
Total | $69,125 | $30,000 |
Comparison assumptions: This analysis compares a US-based, full-time administrative employee working on-site (40 hours/week) versus a ClearDesk offshore real estate virtual assistant providing equivalent administrative support remotely. On-site salary reflects mid-level administrative role in a mid-sized US market. Benefits calculated at approximately 15% of salary. Office space and equipment costs include desk space, computer, software licenses, and utilities. ClearDesk pricing includes recruiting, vetting, training, performance management, and replacement guarantees. Excluded from this comparison: payroll taxes (included in on-site salary figure), workers' compensation insurance, and paid time off costs.
The table highlights significant cost savings when hiring a remote team member compared to a full-time onsite employee:
Real Estate VA Cost Comparison by Service Level
The table highlights significant cost savings when hiring a remote team member compared to a full-time onsite employee:
Key Cost Savings
Salary comparison
On-site employees require significantly higher annual compensation.
Remote team members offer substantial cost savings.
This represents a significant reduction in salary expenses.
Employee benefits
On-site employees require substantial benefit packages.
Remote team members: Not applicable.
Complete elimination of benefit-related costs.
Office space and equipment
On-site employees require office and equipment investments.
Remote team members: Not applicable.
Complete savings as remote team members don
’'t require office infrastructure.
Hiring a ClearDesk remote team member can reduce expenses by over 61% annually, providing a highly economical solution for businesses, especially in the healthcare sector. This approach not only lowers overhead costs but also improves operational efficiency.
Salaries and benefits for in-house staff
Salaries for in-house staff depend on experience, skills, and especially where they are located. Big cities with a high cost of living often offer higher salaries.
Apart from salaries, benefits like health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and sick leave add a lot to what it costs to employ staff. These benefits are important for keeping employees happy, but they can be a big expense for employers.
Think about the job of an executive assistant. This role usually needs a lot of experience and skills. Because of this, the salary and benefits can be quite high. So, hiring an experienced virtual assistant versed on the tasks of an executive assistant could be a better choice for saving money.
Overhead costs associated with in-house employees
When you hire full-time staff, your costs go beyond just salaries and benefits. You also need to create a good work environment, which can be quite expensive. This includes paying for office space, furniture, equipment like computers and printers, utilities, and office supplies. These expenses can be tough for small businesses and startups with tight budgets.
On the other hand, virtual assistants work from home. This means you don't need office space, and you can save money on equipment. This big reduction in costs makes virtual assistants a smart choice for businesses of all sizes. They are especially useful for small businesses that want to run more efficiently.
Pricing structures for virtual assistants
Virtual assistant pricing plans can be structured in several ways, offering flexibility to accommodate diverse needs and budgets. Freelance virtual assistants often charge on an hourly basis, allowing clients to pay for the exact amount of time dedicated to their tasks.
Alternatively, some VAs offer package deals that bundle specific services at a fixed monthly rate. This pricing model is convenient for routine tasks like social media management, project management, or email marketing.
VA Pricing Model | Description | Example |
Hourly | Clients pay for the exact time spent on tasks. | Competitive rates per hour for administrative tasks |
Package deal | Clients receive pre-defined services at a fixed monthly rate. | Monthly rate for social media management |
Project-based | Clients pay a fixed price for the completion of a specific project. | Fixed pricing for designing a website landing page |
Subscription-based | Clients look for a virtual assistant company that will match them with their needed VA | This will depend on the extent of your need. See ClearDesk's pricing for your reference. |
Learn more about ClearDesk pricing on virtual assistant services
Key factors influencing virtual assistant costs
Many things affect the virtual assistant cost. Knowing these important details can help businesses choose wisely and balance their budget with the skills they need. Skills and specialization, location, and knowledge about the industry all play a vital role in setting prices.
By looking closely at these factors, businesses can find the best and most affordable options. This way, they can get good virtual assistance without losing quality. It ensures that the money spent matches their business goals.
Expertise and specialization level
Virtual assistants with experienced and special skills like a real estate VA usually charge more. This is normal. Just like in any field, if you want expert help, you often pay extra. VAs with advanced skills can ask for better pay because their knowledge is in demand.
For example, a virtual assistant who focuses on digital marketing may charge more than someone who provides basic administrative support. Also, those who have worked in fields like real estate or finance might know specific software and practices, which supports their higher rates.
Geographic location and its impact on rates
Geographic location is very important when it comes to virtual assistant rates. The cost of living changes a lot around the world. Because of this, virtual assistant salaries can differ as well. VAs who live in places where the cost of living is lower may charge less than those who live in areas with higher costs.
Currency exchange rates also affect overall costs. This can make hiring from countries with better exchange rates a smart choice. However, it's important to think about other things too. You should consider language skills, time zones, and cultural fit to make sure that working together goes smoothly and communication is clear.
The real estate industry and its unique VA needs
The real estate industry has special needs that virtual assistants can fill well. Real estate virtual assistants can handle many tasks. These tasks include managing properties and talking to clients.
These skilled VAs can take care of administrative tasks like setting up appointments, managing emails, and arranging property showings. This allows real estate agents to focus more on working with clients and closing deals. Their knowledge of real estate software and terms makes them very helpful to busy agents.
Analyzing the value of a real estate virtual assistant
Real estate virtual assistants provide great value. They help make operations easier and increase productivity. Focusing on administrative tasks like updating CRM with customers information and transaction details, these assistants makes it easier for real estate agents to navigate their work. This extra time can be used for important activities like networking, finding leads, and meeting clients.
Real estate administrative assistants take care of routine task list such as managing listings, scheduling appointments, and organizing paperwork. This makes the workflow smoother and more efficient. With this improved efficiency, real estate agents can work with more clients and focus on closing deals, which leads to higher earnings.
Essential tasks managed by real estate VAs
Real estate VAs help with many important tasks. They make work easier and more organized. Their main duties include:
Calendar management: They schedule appointments, set up property showings, and organize open house events.
Email marketing: They make and send email newsletters, property updates, and advertising materials to attract potential clients.
Customer support: They answer questions, give details about property listings, and resolve client issues quickly.
Social media management: They craft interesting content, handle social media accounts, and engage with potential clients online.
Data entry and management: They keep property databases updated, maintain client records, and create reports.
How real estate VAs drive cost efficiency and revenue
Real estate VAs help save money and increase sales. They are great at finding leads. These professionals use different methods to bring in potential clients, take care of leads, and help them through the sales process.
StealthAgents reported that virtual assistants enhance the efficiency of daily activities and can reduce operating costs for real estate firms by as much as 60% , allowing agents to focus on finalizing sales and nurturing client relationships.
By checking leads with information from the real estate agent, VAs make sure that agents spend their time with clients who are really interested. They handle online ads, talk to potential clients on social media, and check leads by making phone calls.
This targeted way of finding leads helps real estate agents use their time and resources better. As a result, they can get more sales and make more money.
Reducing operational costs with VAs
Outsourcing some tasks, especially those that take a lot of time or are done often, can help businesses save money and reduce stress to your in-house employees. For example, there are specific tasks that a real estate VA can take over.
Tasks like data entry, calendar management, email handling, and customer support can be taken care of by skilled virtual assistants. This gives in-house teams more time for important business activities.
Flexibility and scalability offered by virtual assistants
Virtual assistants provide businesses with exceptional flexibility and opportunities for growth. Unlike traditional employees, VAs can be hired on an as-needed basis, allowing businesses to scale operations without committing to full-time staff. This is particularly beneficial for companies with fluctuating workloads or seasonal demands.
Additionally, virtual assistants bring a wide range of specialized skills, enabling businesses to quickly onboard experts for specific projects. This adaptability not only helps businesses stay agile in a dynamic market but also fosters innovation and long-term growth.
Success story: How ClearDesk matched the right real estate virtual assistant
This success story of a Massachusetts real estate company act as strong proof for other professionals in the industry. It serves as proof of the power of virtual assistance and how it can lead to similar success in a tough market.
In this section, we wanted to highlight how ClearDesk helped a top-performing real estate team in Massachusetts. They faced several operational hurdles that hampered efficiency and agent productivity. In this situation, they must look at their options on how to hire the right real estate virtual assistant for their business.
By hiring Rob, a skilled real estate virtual assistant from ClearDesk, the team was able to overcome these challenges and unlock new levels of success. From managing a high volume of transactions to streamlining administrative workflows, Rob's expertise made a transformative impact.
Below, we outline the specific challenges faced by the team and how Rob's tailored support addressed each one effectively.
Top challenges & solutions applied
Managing high deal volume across multiple agents
Challenge: Handling a heavy workload across six agents led to inefficiencies in deal coordination and communication.
Rob's Solution: Rob facilitated seamless coordination for 38 closed deals in five months, ensuring every transaction progressed efficiently while maintaining clear communication among team members.
Lack of centralized documentation
Challenge: Inconsistent processes due to the absence of a comprehensive listing manual.
Rob's Solution: Rob created a detailed listing manual, standardizing workflows and improving team-wide consistency.
Excessive administrative tasks for agents
Challenge: Agents were burdened with time-consuming admin work, detracting from strategic tasks.
Rob's Solution: Rob took over these tasks, including event and vendor coordination, freeing agents to focus on client engagement and sales strategies.
Hiring a virtual assistant like Rob not only helped this Massachusetts real estate team overcome operational challenges but also empowered them to focus on high-value tasks that drive growth. Virtual assistants bring specialized expertise and flexibility, making them invaluable across industries.
ClearDesk played a crucial role by understanding the team's unique needs and matching them with the perfect talent, ensuring long-term success. From initial consultation to ongoing support, ClearDesk demonstrated how the right partnership can transform efficiency and productivity for any business.
Ready to hire your own virtual assistant?
It is important to know the costs of hiring a virtual assistant . This helps you make smart choices for your business. Whether you look at hourly rates or subscription services, checking the financial benefits of hiring virtual assistants can help you lower costs and work better. Real estate businesses, especially, can gain from the savings and growth that real estate virtual assistants offer.
By looking at the value these assistants bring and learning from success stories in the industry, you can use their skills to help your business grow. There are several real estate virtual assistant companies like ClearDesk that can help you steer your direction into an improved workflow.
If you want to learn more, book a free demo or consultation today.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average cost of hiring a virtual assistant in the real estate industry?
The average pay for a real estate virtual assistant typically ranges from $20 to $40 per hour for US-based VAs and $8 to $15 per hour for offshore VAs. The rates may change depending on things like experience, role specialization (admin support vs. lead generation vs. marketing), location, and the specific tasks needed. Full-time ClearDesk real estate VAs (40 hours per week) generally cost between $2,500+ monthly for offshore support.
How can I ensure that the cost of a virtual assistant is justified by the services provided?
To justify costs, you should clearly explain the tasks. Set goals that you can measure and keep an eye on how the virtual assistant service affects your productivity and business results. Check their performance often and ask for feedback to make sure they provide helpful services.
Are there different pricing models for virtual assistant services?
You can find virtual assistants who use different pricing models. Some popular choices are hourly rates, monthly fees for a specific range of services, or set prices for a single project. Freelance virtual assistants often adjust their prices to meet different needs of their clients. At ClearDesk, we offer full-time VAs who work exclusively for you 40 hours a week.