leasingprofessionals Top 10 Habits of Exceptional | leasing

We all know that leasing apartments can be a challenging and rewarding job, but there are some leasing agents who stand out and consistently exceed expectations. These exceptional agents are more than just rental agents -- they are master negotiators, salesmen, and may even be considered an integral part of the community. In order to be at the top of their game, leasing agents must cultivate a series of habits which will help them stay ahead of the competition and provide superior service to their residents. Read on to find out the top 10 habits of exceptional apartment leasing agents.

1. Knowing the Lease: As a leasing agent, you must be familiar and comfortable with the property’s lease terms and policies. A strong knowledge of the lease and all its details will allow you to better protect residents’ legal rights and advise them on the best options for their particular situation.

2. People Skills: Being a leasing agent is not just about renting out apartments, it’s also about getting to know prospective residents and building a relationship with them. Consequently, agents must have sharp interpersonal skills, so they can not only communicate well with residents and other stakeholders, but can also act with poise and respect in difficult situations.

3. Understanding Your Market: Being an expert in the local real estate market is key for leasing agents looking to land residents for their property. They should be well versed in the market’s trends, rental prices, and rental competition, so they can tailor offers accordingly.

4. Listening: An exceptional leasing agent should always strive to be a great listener - they should take a genuine interest in the people they meet and reflect that interest in the conversation. Openly hearing and acknowledging residents’ needs, desires, and goals will build trust and ensure customers are satisfied.

5. Multi-tasking: Apart from being a good listener, leasing agents must also be able to organize and prioritize their work. They need to be able to handle multiple tasks in a timely manner, and juggle administrative duties, customer-facing projects and maintenance requests with ease.

6. Empathy and Patience: As the front line of customer service, leasing agents must be able to put themselves in residents’ shoes and relate to their situations, all while retaining a level of professional courtesy. Exercising patience in heated situations and understanding residents’ frustrations can help turn a negative into a positive experience.

7. Proactivity: Exceptional agents are never waiting for something to happen -- they are proactive in their approach and think several steps ahead. Being a step ahead of everyone else and having solutions to potential problems before they occur will help agents to stand out in a competitive market.

8. Going the Extra Mile: Making a great first impression is an essential resident-winning tactic. Taking the time to answer all the questions posed, offering additional resources, and hosting introductory tours to showcase the building are all great ways to show residents why they should make your property their home.

9. Honesty & Integrity: Residents rely on agents to be straightforward and truthful in all their interactions. Keeping promises and standing by one’s word sets leasing agents above their peers and creates trust and loyalty in customers.

10. Keeping up With Technology: Most of us know that technology is the way of the future, and this holds true for the real estate industry as well. Being tech savvy and up to date on the latest platforms, products, and practices will help leasing agents provide efficient, modern solutions to their residents.

With these habits in mind, leasing agents can set themselves apart and strive to become industry elites. By putting their residents first and providing outstanding service, they can turn their goals into tangible successes.

Positive thinking can help leaders foster a sense of empowerment and create a culture of innovation, collaboration, and growth.