Good times or Bad
Leasing prowess makes a difference

When was the last time you shopped for an apartment.  As senior management it is easy to get away from the front lines.  “I don’t have to do that anymore” echoes threw the corporate office.

In the course of generating the Sunrise Multifamily Market Report we literally talk to thousands of front line rental agents.  We request the same information in the same way from each, so the comparisons are easy to make.  Most interactions fall into a few categories.

The “newbie”: This person just started as a rental agent.  They have received no training and very little information.  We even had one person who did not know what an amenity was.  At best they can give you rental rates.  How they ever manage to rent an apartment is a mystery.

The “can’t be bothered”: This person doesn’t want to give any information about the community as if it was a secret.  They try and get off the phone as quickly as possible, won’t volunteer any information unless asked directly.

The “professional”: This person has the information they need at there fingertips.  They have been well trained and rehearsed there sales presentation so it is flawless.  They are a pleasure to talk to and you feel that they want your business.

The “nobody out there”: This person doesn’t seem to exist.  Nobody answers the phone or returns messages that are left.  The office never seems to be opened or staffed.

The collateral paperwork also seems to match the phone experience.  Some properties have nothing, some provide copies of copies of copies, and some provide professionally prepared marketing pieces that look great.

You never get a second chance to make a first impression.  In today’s fast paced environment that usual means the first impression of your property is either on the phone or the Internet.  So if the rental experience at your property is not up to par, you will never see the prospect.