Can You Be a Virtual Real Estate Agent? How It Works

When you think about careers that can be done virtually, real estate doesn't immediately come to mind for most people. But in fact, many of the responsibilities and functions can be done remotely. Here's how to be a virtual real estate agent.

Can you be a virtual real estate agent?

If you’ve ever wondered whether you can build a thriving career as a virtual real estate agent, the quick answer is yes. 

Thanks to new technology, flexible brokerages, and virtual office solutions, agents can now serve clients from anywhere while maintaining a professional image that streamlines communication and inspires trust.

Here is an overview of how to be a virtual real estate agent: what they actually do, why this approach is growing fast, and how you can successfully make the transition.

What does a virtual real estate agent do?

A virtual real estate agent performs the same core duties as a traditional agent, helping clients buy, sell, or lease property, but operates primarily online.

Instead of commuting to a physical office, virtual agents rely on:

● Video meetings for client consultations and team collaboration

● Digital marketing tools to promote listings

● Cloud-based software to manage leads and contracts

● Virtual offices and meeting rooms for on-demand professional space

The result is often lower overhead, greater flexibility, and the ability to reach clients across wider regions.

Benefits of becoming a virtual real estate agent

Shifting to a virtual setup offers several advantages including:

Lower costs

No office lease. No commuting. No local overhead. Using a virtual office instead of a traditional workspace can save thousands of dollars annually and these saved funds can be reinvested in marketing or technology.

Greater flexibility

Work where and when it suits you. Many virtual agents build their schedules around client needs, family life, or travel.

Wider market reach

You’re no longer limited by geography. Virtual tours, e-signatures, and remote closings allow you to serve clients statewide and beyond (if your licenses allow).

Professional image—anywhere

A virtual office allows you to list a premium business address in major markets, access meeting rooms when clients prefer face-to-face interaction, and add live receptionist services to handle incoming calls professionally.

How to become a virtual real estate agent

Transitioning to virtual doesn’t happen overnight. But with a proactive, flexible mindset, you can make the move confidently. Here’s how.

Step 1: Get properly licensed

You’ll need a valid real estate license for the state(s) where you plan to operate. Each state’s requirements vary, so check with your local real estate commission.

If you plan to serve multiple states, you may need additional reciprocal licenses.

Step 2: Develop digital skills

To thrive as a virtual agent, sharpen your tech and marketing toolkit:

● Video conferencing

● Virtual tour platforms and 3D listing software

● CRM and transaction management tools

● Social media scheduler and digital advertising software

Investing in the right tools ensures your online client experience feels seamless and professional.

Step 3. Build a strong online presence

Your digital presence is your storefront. Pay particular attention to:

● Curating a professional website with updated listings and contact info

● Maintaining active social media channels

● Collecting positive online reviews and testimonials

● Securing a professional business address

Step 4. Join or start a virtual brokerage

Many real estate firms now operate entirely online, offering cloud-based brokerage support, team collaboration tools, and shared resources.

Alternatively, you can start your own virtual brokerage. Just make sure you meet your state’s brokerage licensing rules and set up proper digital infrastructure.

Step 5. Embrace a remote mindset

Virtual success requires proactive communication and consistent follow-through. Without in-person meetings, it’s essential to stay organized, maintain regular touchpoints with clients, and use automation tools for reminders and follow-ups.

A remote-first mindset is about accountability, professionalism, and trust.

Use virtual support to scale

As your business grows, you don’t have to do it all alone. A real estate virtual assistant can help with scheduling, lead management, or marketing tasks freeing you to focus on closing deals.

So, can you be a virtual real estate agent? Absolutely. With the right technology, mindset, and professional infrastructure, you can build a flexible, scalable, and profitable career from anywhere.

About Robyn Roste

Robyn Roste is a professional writer living and working in Abbotsford BC Canada. Her personal blog about freelance writing(http://robynroste.com) is listed in The 100 Best Websites for Writers in 2020 by The Write Life.