Yep! It happened! I threw out a question on my Twitter stream to @Mizzle asking about a property flyer headline written by a client that I questioned as a possible ethics code violation. Her immediate reply:
I let my client know that I thought it might be a violation, and she quickly realized her mistake and had to remove the headline from the MLS as well. Whew!
This was another example of why Active Rain & Twitter can be incredibly valuable tools. @mizzle is Mariana Wagner and has written a wonderful series on Understanding the REALTOR (R) Code of Ethics as well as being a trainer for Keller Williams. If you haven't read her series I suggest you do, AND if you are a virtual assistant for real estate agents, I HIGHLY suggest it as well. Seeing her in my Twitter stream, I knew exactly who to ask for advice.
So while I'm thankful for Mariana's help, all this brings me to another point:
Delegating tasks to a real estate virtual assistant is one of the best things you can do for your business. We can cut down costs and allow agents more free time to pursue leads and more business.
But although delegating can be a wonderful way to increase business, working together closely on details and accuracy falls upon the agent LEGALLY to make sure that work is double checked for accuracy. The smallest things can end up COSTING your business if you are not careful. So just remember when delegating to an assistant to make sure your eyes are the last eyes that advertising goes through before hitting the submit or send button. I have learned these lessons with the help of clients and the real estate community and it has helped my business.
Make sure your VA has an understanding of some basic ethics and feel free to direct them towards that education. Many will not undertake it themselves.
Laura Monroe | Real Estate Virtual Assistant
| Copyright 2008
I am the CEO of Creative Agent Solutions.com. My team and I assist real estate professionals in implementing online marketing strategies, Wordpress, social media, and business systems to catapult exposure and dominance in their marketplace, while focusing on productivity and the bottom line.
Copyright 2010 Laura Monroe | Real Estate Virtual Assistant
Creative Agent Solutions.com 916.343.3823
On top of the Code of Ethics, there is the bigger issue of HUD becoming involved and prosecuting for familial status discrimination. The COE is a concern, but Federal and State prosecution for Fair Housing violations can make the Code violation seem minor.
Eric~ Oh yes, and yet another reason for an assistant and agent to work together for this type of education. Thanks!
Stacie~ Thanks, you bet.
Ross~ It has been very helpful to me, both the combination of Twitter and AR friends...
Yes, thanks for posting!
-Tre
Laura: Good information. Discrimination in all forms is a big one!
Tre~ Thanks for stopping by:)
Frank~ So true, and it would be a nightmare to pegged for something knowing it was preventable,
Donna~ It was a small comment, almost unnoticeable..but shouldn't be used
Hey Laura! Fabulous post. Once again you have knocked it out of the park with some valuable information about balancing VA and Agent responsibilities. Great job as usual.
Ciao!
Renee~ You ROCK too!!! Call me anytime your 18 year old needs help:)
Jennifer~ Hey Girl! You know how it is too...keep us on our toes:)
Jennifer~ I'm the real estate VA above, and although "policing a VA" is a strong word, if following up on your listings (which is your legal responsibility) is what you might call it, I guess that works. In this case though, it was me "policing" for my client and she was thankful I caught it...it goes both ways..and that is what being a partner is. IMHO:)
Pam~ Twitter was great in a pinch:) I follow the smart ones.
Laura...
Delegating? What's that? :)
Sorry. We seem to have control issues around here :)
TLW...ROAR!
TLW~ Ha!!! Yes I know you are not one to give up control easily:) You have even been known to break my widgets from time to time...YEP..you have control issues:-)
Bill~ Yes, this is a process that I'm still having to incorporate on a daily basis...sometimes in a rush to get things accomplished quickly the little things are really big!
LOL...
I was kinda hoping I left ya speechless with that one :)
Guess not :)
This is why I looooooooooooove you :)
P.S. You are so on my prank call hit list. LOL!
TLW...ROAR!
Laura,
I am unfamiliar with Twitter. Glad it helped you but what is it?
Laura...I saw your question on Twitter and that Mariana @mizzle answered it. Isn't it neat how we all help each other like that.
Congrats on the feature :)
Laura, I love your new photo....very nice!!! And this article is especially good. I have worked with a couple of VA's, and agree about keeping a close watch!! ;-) Congrats on your feature. ;-)
LOL I witnessed that exchange on Twitter. I wanted to chime in that all you need to do is mention "cul de sac" and people will understand. It is an euphemism for "yes there will be kids and lots of them." No need to mention anything else. The idea gets out. :)
kk
bettertwitter...TLW~ I'm hardly ever speechless...it's called ROAR! Wonder where I got that from? Prank call you say....? BRING it ON!!!
Jennifer~ It did come in very handy, but so do friends:)
Alan~ It's a great tool when used in moderation, and does take some getting used too..
Laura~ Twitter is an online social networking application that is similar to IM. You have 140 characters or less to say "what you are doing" You "follow" those people in your network or those that interest you, and you have followers as well. It's amazing how much info and friendship you can squeeze into 140 characters in real time.
Monica (@monimcg)~ It was a fleeting thought, but I'm glad I asked. It is really nice to be able too get to know those admire a little better...and pick their brains, lol!
Teri~ There are many issues that come up with working w/a VA huh? My only hope is to make my services better if I can learn from things that creep up from time to time:)
Christy~ I know! So crazy..I've learned how careful I must try to be in my work:)
Terry~ I don't know what I would do without my network really..I have learned so much from them.
Kristal~ The way we need to be careful on wording is sort of a new concept for me at least, so its helpful to know what it acceptable and not, so I turn to you pros:) I think we did end up using "Cul-de_Sac" in fact!
Bob & Carolin~ Yes, it has been helpful! Its a little hard to get used and can be addicting like AR..be careful:)
Wayne~ Thank you very much! I always try to be:)
Pam~ Yes, and we have to take it seriously as VA's as well:) Thanks for commenting!
Brad~ Its' kind-of fun to pop into Twitter isn't it...? Now you've got your handy guide to help decipher our codes:) MWA!
John~ Yes, I Love it..you guys are better than any desktop reference tool. I only hang with the best!
Jeff~ Ditto, I completely agree, it was hard to get used to, but now I'm getting it!
Doreen~ Thanks:)
Bo~ Go for it!
Missy~ Yes, it very quick which was perfect! She was in a rush to get it printed, but I didn't want to "undermine" her ad w/out a darn good reason!
Carolyn~ It does take getting used to. I've been there 3 months I think and am just now starting to feel the power.
Hi Laura - @mizzle is definitely a great resource for that kind of info if anyone has questions! And you're right about twitter being a terrific place to go for help, and fun, too! ;-)
Good info about the value of VAs - I toy with that idea once in awhile myself.
@acummings
Ann
I still have a ton to learn with all those codes you sent me...(thanks again) I'm still looking up MWA! :-) LOL! It is fun, useful, and even good for business...I can prove it.....just read your post! haha! :-)
Nice work, I will have to try that twitter!
I GET IT...I GET IT... I'M TWOARING AND ROARING!
Sorry to shout...I just get excited sometimes :)
P.S. Elderberry? Holy Crap...That ain't no coink-e-dinky :)
TLW...ROAR!
Thanks for the insight. I'm still trying to figure out if twitter is chaff or wheat. I guess it's who you twitter that counts.
Your story is why I love twitter so much! Off to check out that series on the COE!
Laura - so true! That's why it's best to work with a VA that specializes in your industry - we know those red flags.
Years ago, I alerted a client to the fact that his flyer violated state regulations - in this particular state, they charged $1,000 for each violation - that is, each copy of the flyer they could get their hands on!
Great job looking out for your client's best interests!