Books and Resources to Start Strong
Before you invest in equipment, invest time in understanding the real estate industry and how virtual assistants create value within it. These books will give you the knowledge foundation you need to run a competent operation and speak credibly with real estate agents.
The Millionaire Real Estate Agent by Gary Keller
This book reveals how successful real estate agents actually spend their time and what tasks drain their productivity most. Understanding the agent’s world directly informs what services you’ll offer and how you’ll price them. You’ll see exactly why administrative work frustrates agents and why they’ll pay for someone to handle it.
Shop The Millionaire Real Estate Agent on Amazon →
Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss
Negotiation skills matter when you’re pitching your services, handling difficult conversations with clients, or setting rates. Voss’s tactical approach to negotiation is practical and immediately applicable. You’ll learn how to frame conversations so clients see the value in what you’re offering.
Shop Never Split the Difference on Amazon →
Getting Things Done by David Allen
As a virtual assistant managing multiple agents’ workflows and priorities, you need a personal system that prevents tasks from falling through cracks. Allen’s methodology is the gold standard for task management and will help you stay organized as your workload grows. You’ll also understand how to help your clients implement better systems.
Shop Getting Things Done on Amazon →
The Lean Startup by Eric Ries
You don’t need to buy everything at once or build perfect systems before launching. This book teaches you how to test your service offerings, measure results, and scale based on what actually works with real clients. Many VA businesses fail because they over-build before validating demand.
Shop The Lean Startup on Amazon →
Equipment You Need
Your equipment needs are straightforward. Unlike many businesses, you’re not building inventory or complex infrastructure. You need a reliable computer, internet connection, and tools for communication and document management. Most of your initial investment goes toward software subscriptions, not hardware.
Computer and Peripherals
- Laptop or desktop computer: You need a reliable machine that won’t crash during client calls or when managing documents. A new mid-range laptop ($800–1,200) is safer than used equipment that might fail unexpectedly.
- Second monitor: Running calendar, email, and documents simultaneously is standard work. A second monitor saves hours per week by eliminating window-switching.
- Keyboard and mouse: You’ll spend 40+ hours per week at your desk. Ergonomic equipment prevents wrist strain and carpal tunnel, which could end your business.
- Laptop stand: Proper screen height protects your neck and posture during long work days.
Shop laptop stands on Amazon →
Shop ergonomic keyboards and mice on Amazon →
Audio and Video
- Headset with microphone: You’ll be on video calls and phone calls with agents daily. A quality headset ($60–150) eliminates background noise and makes you sound professional.
- Webcam: Built-in laptop cameras are often poor quality. A dedicated webcam ($50–100) improves how you appear on client calls.
- Ring light: If you’re on camera regularly, lighting matters. A simple ring light ensures you’re clearly visible, not backlit or shadowed.
Shop professional headsets on Amazon →
Internet and Backup Systems
- High-speed internet (100+ Mbps): You cannot run this business on slow internet. Uploads, downloads, and video calls require reliable, fast connectivity. Upgrade your home connection if needed.
- Mobile hotspot/backup internet: If your main internet goes down during a client call, a mobile hotspot keeps you connected. This costs $25–50/month and protects your reputation.
- Uninterruptible power supply (UPS): A brief power outage can corrupt files and cost you a client relationship. A UPS ($60–120) keeps your computer running long enough to save work and shut down properly.
Storage and Backup
- External hard drive (2–4TB): Local backup protects against computer failure. Keep one at home and consider a second in a different location.
- Cloud backup subscription: Beyond external drives, cloud backup (like Backblaze or Carbonite) automatically protects your files continuously. Cost is $5–15/month.
Shop external hard drives on Amazon →
Furniture and Workspace
- Desk: You need a desk large enough for your computer, monitor, and paperwork. A standing desk ($200–400) is helpful if you want to alternate sitting and standing, but a regular desk works fine to start.
- Office chair: This matters more than your desk. You’ll spend most of your time in this chair. A supportive chair ($150–300) prevents back problems that could become chronic.
- Desk lamp: Good lighting reduces eye strain during long work days.
Shop ergonomic office chairs on Amazon →
What to Buy First vs Later
You don’t need everything immediately. Prioritize items that affect your ability to work reliably and appear professional to clients.
- Buy first (Month 1): Reliable computer, internet upgrade if needed, headset, webcam, office chair, external backup drive. These are non-negotiable for delivering service.
- Buy first (Month 2–3): Second monitor, UPS, mobile hotspot, desk lamp. These improve your productivity and protect against common problems.
- Buy later (Month 4+): Ring light, standing desk, upgraded keyboard. These are quality-of-life improvements that matter less than core reliability.
- Skip entirely: Expensive furniture, multiple monitors beyond two, video editing software. Your clients don’t care about these, and they don’t affect your service quality.
New vs Used Equipment
Buy new computers and hard drives. Used computers often come with unknown problems, battery degradation, or warranty limitations. For a business that depends on reliability, the $200–400 you save isn’t worth the risk of downtime or data loss. Hard drives have mechanical parts that fail unexpectedly after heavy use, so buy new.
Used office furniture is fine. You can find quality used chairs, desks, and monitors on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist at 30–50% off retail. Test them first, but furniture doesn’t fail like electronics do. If a used chair supports your back properly, it’s a legitimate cost savings. However, don’t cheap out on your primary chair—buy new if used options don’t fit your body properly.
Where to Buy
- Amazon: Fast shipping, easy returns, good pricing on most items. Use the links provided above.
- Best Buy: Good for computers, monitors, and electronics. You can see items in person and test them. Geek Squad can handle basic setup if needed.
- Costco: If you have membership, good prices on computers and office equipment with solid return policy.
- Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist: Used furniture, monitors, and office equipment. Negotiate and inspect before buying.
- OfferUp and Letgo: Mobile apps for local used equipment. Good for finding office chairs and desks near you.
- Newegg: Computer components and peripherals, often cheaper than Amazon for specific items.
- BH Photo and Video: Quality audio and video equipment, especially headsets and webcams. Knowledgeable staff if you need advice.
- Local computer shops: Support local business and get personalized advice on computer selection and setup.