TC vs. REVA vs. Listing Coordinator—these three real estate support roles often get mixed up, but they’re actually very different. Each one plays an important part in helping agents stay organized, compliant, and client-focused.
In this guide, we’ll break down what each role really does, how they overlap, and which might be the best fit for your skills (or the right hire if you’re a real estate agent).
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Table of Contents
What Is a Transaction Coordinator (TC)?
A Transaction Coordinator (TC) manages the administrative side of real estate transactions from contract to close. Think of them as the project manager of the deal. Their job is to keep everything moving smoothly, ensure deadlines are met, and make sure compliance boxes are checked.
Core Responsibilities
- Reviewing contracts and disclosures for accuracy
- Tracking key deadlines (inspection, appraisal, financing, closing)
- Communicating with agents, clients, lenders, title companies, and attorneys
- Coordinating signatures using e-sign platforms like DocuSign, Dotloop, or Skyslope
- Submitting paperwork for broker compliance approval
- Preparing a closing file for the agent’s records
Why Agents Hire TCs
Agents are typically juggling multiple deals at once. By offloading the paperwork and coordination, they can focus on showings, negotiations, and lead generation.
For aspiring professionals, the TC role is often a great entry point into real estate because in most states you don’t need to be licensed, and you can build a steady business model. However, you still need to verify not just with your own state but also with the agent’s brokerage, since requirements vary. If you’re coming from an admin background, here’s a great resource to help you explore this path: How to Transition from Admin Assistant to Transaction Coordinator.
What Is a Real Estate Virtual Assistant (REVA)?
A Real Estate Virtual Assistant (REVA) is broader than a TC. While TCs focus on transactions, REVAs can support agents in multiple areas of their business.
Common REVA Tasks
- Managing email and calendar
- Social media scheduling and content creation
- Database and CRM management (updating leads, sending campaigns)
- Creating marketing materials like flyers, postcards, or listing presentations
- Handling client follow-up (past clients, sphere of influence)
- Light transaction support (depending on their skills)
Key Difference
A REVA’s role is highly customizable. Some specialize in marketing, others in admin tasks, and some even blend into transaction coordination. The trade-off is that REVAs often require more training and systems because their work spans many categories. This is why agents often compare a transaction coordinator vs virtual assistant when deciding who to hire, since the level of specialization is so different.
Why Agents Hire REVAs
Agents who are overwhelmed with both business tasks (emails, scheduling, CRM) and marketing tasks (content, social media, design) often look for a REVA to free them up. It’s less about compliance and more about overall productivity.
What Is a Listing Coordinator?
A Listing Coordinator focuses on the front end of the transaction—everything that happens when an agent takes a new listing and gets it ready to go on the market.
Core Responsibilities
- Inputting property details into the MLS
- Scheduling photography, staging, and open houses
- Preparing listing agreements, disclosures, and seller forms
- Coordinating sign and lockbox installation
- Creating flyers, brochures, and digital marketing for the listing
- Updating the agent on listing status and feedback from showings
- Submitting the listing paperwork for broker approval after reviewing it and making sure everything is complete and compliant
Key Difference
Unlike a TC, who jumps in after a contract is signed, the Listing Coordinator is all about marketing prep and seller-side management. Some real estate teams hire a Listing Coordinator in-house, while solo agents often outsource these tasks.
Comparing the Roles Side by Side
| Role | Focus | Typical Tasks | Who Hires Them |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transaction Coordinator (TC) | Contract to close | Paperwork, deadlines, compliance, communication | Agents with multiple deals in escrow |
| Real Estate Virtual Assistant (REVA) | General support | Admin tasks, marketing, CRM, social media | Agents needing all-around help |
| Listing Coordinator | Pre-market prep | MLS input, photography, staging, marketing, compliance review | Agents with consistent listings |
The biggest difference between TC and REVA comes down to focus: TCs manage compliance and contracts, while REVAs provide a broader mix of admin and marketing support.
Which Role Is Right for You?
If you’re exploring this as a career—or deciding who to hire for your real estate business—here’s how to think about it:
- Choose TC if… you love organization, attention to detail, and process management. You thrive on structure and want to specialize in transactions.
- Choose REVA if… you enjoy variety and are open to handling both creative and admin tasks. You’re flexible and want to offer customized support.
- Choose Listing Coordinator if… you’re marketing-minded and like working with sellers, staging, and presentation.
For many professionals, these roles aren’t mutually exclusive. You can start as a REVA and later niche down to TC or listing coordination. Or you can blend services, offering TC + REVA support as your unique package.
How to Choose the Right Real Estate Support Role (Step‑by‑Step)
Use this quick decision guide to pick the best fit for your skills and goals.
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Clarify your work styleTC Prefer structure, checklists, and repeatable workflows.REVA Enjoy variety across admin + marketing tasks.Listing Coordinator Like listing prep and marketing execution.
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List your strongest skillsTC Deadlines, document accuracy, compliance, communication hub.REVA CRM upkeep, email, content, social media, light design.Listing Coordinator MLS input, scheduling media, flyers, open houses.
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Match duties to strengthsTC Contract‑to‑close checklists, signatures, timelines, files.REVA Inbox + calendar, campaigns, social scheduling, client follow‑up.Listing Coordinator Staging/photos, signs + lockbox, disclosures, broker packet.
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Choose your client experienceTC Own the transaction from acceptance to closing.REVA Be a flexible business/marketing partner for the agent.Listing Coordinator Lead the listing launch and seller‑side coordination.
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Validate tools & workflowsTC DocuSign, Dotloop, Skyslope; ListedKit, Open To Close, AFrame, DocJacket.REVA Follow Up Boss, Go High Level, KVCore; Canva; Later/Buffer; Mailchimp; Kit.Listing Coordinator MLS platform, ShowingTime, Canva/Adobe.
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Decide and take your first actionTC Create a contract‑to‑close checklist and timeline board.REVA Draft a simple services package with 2–3 deliverables.Listing Coordinator Build a listing‑launch checklist and vendor roster.
Note: In most states, licensing isn’t required for these admin/marketing roles, but always confirm with your state and the agent’s brokerage.
Tools Used in Each Role
Transaction Coordinators:
- Compliance/e-signature: Dotloop, Skyslope, DocuSign
- Task management: ListedKit, Open To Close, AFrame, DocJacket
REVAs:
- CRM: Follow Up Boss, Go High Level, KVCore
- Social Media Tools: Canva, Later, Buffer
- Email Marketing: Mailchimp, Kit
Listing Coordinators:
- MLS platforms
- Canva or Adobe for marketing materials
- ShowingTime for scheduling
Career Growth Opportunities
- TCs often scale into independent businesses, handling multiple agents and growing into agencies.
- REVAs can branch into specialized services like marketing packages, CRM consulting, or operations management.
- Listing Coordinators often move into team operations roles or marketing director positions within brokerages.
FAQs About TC vs. REVA vs. Listing Coordinator
1. Can one person do all three roles?
Yes—but it’s a lot. Many start broad and then niche down. It’s usually best to specialize to avoid burnout.
2. Do you need a license to be a TC, REVA, or Listing Coordinator?
More states and brokerages don’t require a license, but this varies. These roles are typically administrative and marketing-focused, not sales—but you must do your due diligence and confirm both state and brokerage requirements.
3. Which role is most in demand?
Transaction Coordinators are always in high demand because every real estate deal needs compliance and paperwork management.
4. Can you do these roles virtually?
Yes. TCs, REVAs, and Listing Coordinators can all work remotely with the right systems and tools.
5. Who earns more: TCs, REVAs, or Listing Coordinators?
It depends. TCs often have consistent per-transaction fees. REVAs set hourly or package rates. Listing Coordinators can charge per file if they’re independent or be paid hourly/salaried if in-house. Everything really depends on the fee structure, services provided, and whether you’re working independently or as an employee. Independent roles typically have no earning cap.
6. Which role is best for someone coming from admin work?
All three roles are a strong fit for professionals with an admin background. The best option depends on your personality and preferences. If you’d like to find out which role is right for you, take my free quiz and watch this video: What Type of Virtual Assistant Should You Be? Explore Real Estate Roles + Quiz!.
7. Can you switch from one role to another?
Absolutely. Many professionals evolve their services over time based on demand, skills, and interest. I personally offer TC + LC services, and I also provide REVA support for select clients. It’s not only possible—it’s common.
8. Do agents ever hire more than one of these roles?
Yes. A busy agent may hire a Listing Coordinator for prep, a TC for contracts, and a REVA for ongoing marketing.
Final Word
At the end of the day, the difference between a Transaction Coordinator, Real Estate Virtual Assistant, and Listing Coordinator comes down to focus and specialization.
- TCs = contract to close
- REVAs = general admin + marketing
- Listing Coordinators = listing prep
If you’re looking for a career in real estate support, start by asking yourself: Do I want to manage deadlines, handle marketing, or focus on sellers? Your answer will guide you toward the right fit.
And if you’re an agent, knowing which role you need can save you time, money, and frustration.
Want to launch your own TC business? Check out my free webinar: 3 Principles to Launch Your TC Business on Your Own Terms (Without Endless Research). And if you’re ready for a step-by-step roadmap, my Transaction Coordinator Course will walk you through everything you need to build a thriving business.