Realtors have a very demanding and versatile job that, much like their clients who are looking to purchase or sell properties, forces them to constantly be on the move. Oftentimes, realtors conduct client meetings in public places like coffee shops, restaurants, or wherever it’s most convenient for their clients. They also work long hours that typically fall outside of the typical Monday-Friday, 9-5 realm. That means that they always need to be available to meet with clients, close deals, and schedule property showings.
Since realtors are always on-the-go and are very rarely sitting at a desk working in a physical office, it doesn’t make much sense for brokerages to lease office space on a monthly basis. Renting a virtual office is a much more valuable use of a realtor’s time, money, and resources for a number of reasons.
The Importance of Virtual Offices for Real Estate Agents
Virtual offices offer a wide range of advantages and freedom that you normally wouldn’t get from leasing an office space for a set or indefinite period of time. The most obvious reason for renting a virtual office in this line of work is that it affords you the freedom and flexibility to essentially come and go as you please.
Since you’re not tied a specific lease agreement or term, you don’t always need to conduct business from your physical office location to justify renting out the space every month. Plus, you still get all of the same perks as renting a physical office space without the obligation of having to use it every single day.
For those times when you do need to conduct business or hold private client meetings in a physical office, you can easily access the space you need when you actually need it. All you have to do is book the space at least 24 hours in advance so that the office space rental company can prepare it for your meeting or work session.
The best part is that you can rent the space on an hourly, daily, weekly, monthly, or yearly basis depending on your needs and the needs of your fellow realtors.
How Realtors Can Benefit from Virtual Office Rentals
Aside from the major convenience factor, there are a whole slew of other important and useful benefits of virtual offices for realtors.
Having a Professional Business Address
Regardless of the type of business you work in, it’s always important to have a designated business address. Whether it’s just to print a physical location on your business cards or to hold meetings, having a physical office where you can conduct business-related tasks whenever you need to presents an unmistakable professional image to your colleagues in the industry and your clients.
It also gives you a designated space to put your head down and get some work done when the hustle and bustle of public spaces poses too much of a distraction.
Receptionist Services
Despite the fact that realtors typically provide clients and associates with their personal cell phone numbers so they can be reached at any time, it also helps if you have an office number where people can leave a message for those times when you can’t be reached. Having receptionist services projects a more professional image if there’s someone manning the front desk to greet your clients and offer them refreshments when they arrive for a meeting.
Communication Services
As mentioned, virtual offices come equipped with a professional and well-trained administrative and receptionist staff. They’ll learn everything there is to know about your business, help you manage your schedule, communicate with clients and associates when you’re unavailable, and relay messages to you at your earliest convenience.
Unlimited Access to Meeting and Boardrooms
Renting a virtual office means that you’ll also get unlimited access to meeting and boardrooms whenever you need them. Booking in advance increases your chances of getting the meeting room that most suits your needs. Whether you need it to hold a meeting, a conference, or for a special work-related event, meeting and boardrooms come in a variety of sizes and configurations to accommodate you.
Most office space rental companies will also provide comprehensive catering services for special events.
Cost-Effective Services
Virtual rental office packages come with a broad range of flexible services that are comprehensive and cost-effective. You can choose the package that best suits your business and fits within your budget. Upgrades and add-ons can be made at any time as your business continues to diversify and grow. Rather than paying separately for each individual service, you get everything combined in a neat package deal and a low payment depending on when and how often you choose to use the accommodations.
Mail Acceptance and Delivery Services
Even though e-mail and digital communications have dominated the real estate industry, in a lot of cases snail mail is still extremely relevant and useful. Some clients might still prefer that you correspond with them via mail and physically send their documents to them rather than using e-mail.
Wi-Fi and IT Support
With that said the majority of your business dealings as a realtor most likely depend on having reliable Wi-Fi access at all times. Whether you’re conducting business from your desktop computer, mobile device, or tablets, the Internet is an essential communication tool that realtors constantly need. From uploading, revising, and editing listings, to using social media as a marketing platform and keeping in touch with other industry professionals, virtual offices give you uninterrupted Wi-Fi access and complete IT support as part of your package.
Virtual Office Rentals for Canadian Realtors
Innovative Professional Offices provides realtors with virtual and brick-and-mortar rental office spaces in both Ottawa and Mississauga. Our comprehensive services give you the tools you need to conduct business from virtually anywhere in Canada and abroad. To learn more about how we can help you grow and manage your brokerage, please feel free to contact us.
