Did you know that a
leasing agent acts like a landlord for property owners? They are responsible for showing properties in the most professional manner.
They also must explain the amenities and features included in the property. You would struggle to rent out your property without the best leasing agents.
They are the ones who advertise available properties using tons of promotional materials. Your leasing agent is someone who has a lot of knowledge of the property market status.
Here is everything you need to know about hiring leasing agents in San Francisco and why this is so important.
How to Hire a San Francisco Leasing Agent
Working as a leasing agent can be challenging. These are people who have to find creative solutions to the most unique problems and challenges.
For instance, if you are looking for the perfect space or are working hard to lease a very pricy location, it helps to know specific tips and tricks about the market to get an edge.
However, many property owners are busy people who do not have time to study and research every aspect of the rental market.
This is where leasing agents and rental agents come in. Here are the best tips to help you hire a San Francisco leasing agent.
1. Are They Organized?
Being organized is one of the most essential leasing agent traits. This is because they must meet residential demands to assist potential renters. It is no secret that a leasing agent will be asked a lot of questions about different areas of
San Francisco.
They must also stay organized by keeping a contact list of various companies in their business area. Without being organized, a leasing agent could mess things up badly.
For instance, it would look very poor if leasing agents pushed places that did not allow pets to families with dogs. Having a list of local businesses is also helpful when assisting clients.
Your leasing agent should be able to provide contact information for services or locations that people may ask about.
For example, if someone asked a leasing agent where the best restaurants in the area are, they should have this information to provide a lot of helpful options.
2. Do They Give Good Advice?
Leasing agents must be honest with clients. They need to be seen as trustworthy, especially since prospects will ask many questions and have needs.
If a leasing agent does not appear to be someone you can rely on, there is no point in hiring them.
Potential residents will ask tough questions every now and then.
Therefore, a leasing agent needs to answer these questions honestly. They must also provide solutions and tips that potential renters can use.
3. Do They Network?
Leasing agents must always be networking with other agents and potential residents. This is the best way to gain new insights and knowledge while developing their careers.
Your leasing agent should appear proactive by hanging out business cards, attending agent conferences, owning attractive social media profiles, and engaging with the local community.
They can also stay on top of trends thanks to information they hear from others in their network. This way, they can cut their prospects and clients the best deals with a friendly and trustworthy personality.
4. Do They Dress for Success?
Leasing agents must put together the
best outfits to help appeal to particular residents and clients.
They must look professional and be prepared for the business day. This is because a leasing agent must treat every interaction like a professional business meeting.
They should look their best and exude a lot of confidence. Otherwise, you may hesitate to trust them with complex contracts if they cannot look after themselves.
5. Do They Solve Problems?
The best leasing agents should be expert problem solvers. This way, they can always deal with leasing properties to various renters with different selling strategies.
Even if a leasing agent has problems finding places for the right people, they should come up with helpful ideas to offer the perfect solution. You never want to hire someone who is not motivated or gives up too quickly.
For example, if you have a strict deadline to find the perfect space, your leasing agent should proactively think outside the box to help meet your timeline. If they take too long to get back to you or come up with a solution, they may not be the best agent to fulfill your property needs.
6. Do They Follow Up?
Following up with potential residents in San Francisco is crucial. This is the best way a leasing agent can prove they are dedicated to the profession.
After they show a prospect the living space they want to lease, does your leasing agent consider emailing or calling the potential renter back the next day to ask how they feel about the property?
When clients have had time to think about the properties they have seen, a leasing agent should jump at the chance to follow up with them. If the client does not like the living space, your leasing agent should follow up by saying they have other apartments to show the prospect.
They should also make an attempt to ask what the renter did not like about the last property they viewed. This is valuable information that your leasing agent should gather for you.
Even if they cannot match the client’s criteria and do not hear from them again, it helps to reach out to the client in a few months to ask if they are still looking. The agent can then send links and photos for other properties to try and reel potential renters back in.
7. Time for Emails and Calls
Responding to emails and phone calls is necessary for a leasing agent to be successful. They must act as the primary source of communication between potential renters and clients.
This means they must set aside a couple of hours daily to reply to emails and phone calls. Understandably, leasing agents get busy when they need to schedule property visits and client meetings.
However, there is no excuse not to reply to calls and emails. Always find a leasing agent that responds to you quickly to show that they are well organized and dedicated to the job.
8. Do They Make Checklists?
Leasing agents are extremely busy people. After all, they need to go around showing many properties to potential renters on behalf of the landlords.
Your leasing agent should keep a checklist or to-do list that consistently keeps them organized to fulfill their weekly job responsibilities.
At the beginning of the year, they should write out all their meetings, property showings, and deadlines. Organizing this information in a checklist can ensure that the agent understands essential duties.
9. Training and Development
Leasing agents should always continue training and development to continuously improve their knowledge of leasing. They should also practice their selling techniques because the market is constantly changing.
Whether they take classes online or read books, you should ask about your leasing agent’s training and qualifications.
It also helps to practice selling skills by writing a training manual for your specific area of leasing. This can help keep track of essential area information like local businesses and guides.
10. Closing Techniques
Leasing agents in San Francisco should practice closing techniques to complete leasing agreements. Working as a leasing agent can sometimes involve similar messages being sent to residents and clients.
However, your agent should take the time to tailor these messages. Then they can be personalized to each person to increase receptiveness and appeal.
Your agent may also get more responses if they have the best closing techniques with personalized messages.
11. Did They Ask For feedback?
When working on viewings or apartment presentations, does your leasing agent ask for feedback after their performance? Feedback is an incredible tool to help with learning.
It can significantly boost a person’s selling and communication skills. Your leasing agent should be proactive in adjusting their sales pitch. Then they can be more directed and focused on potential renters to close deals efficiently.
Otherwise, the agent may practice outdated skills that do not bounce well with clients. Finding a more practical approach when talking to potential residents is essential.
Therefore, your leasing agent in San Francisco should go out of their way to improve their skills by asking for feedback. Then you can always feel confident knowing that they can handle the demanding job.
Hire a Leasing Agent Today
Now that you know the top 11 tips for hiring a leasing agent, it’s time to do your research. Always look for top-rated leasing agents in your area.
Feel free to pick their brains about their knowledge and selling skills. After all, you deserve to have the best person representing your property to potential renters.
Your leasing agent should always be organized with their checklist and show that they reply to messages and calls timely to close deals.
Contact us today, and we can show your properties to the best renters to ensure you get the maximum benefits of your investment.
