What is the Description of a Leasing Consultant?
Leasing consultants are generally employed by developers or real estate owners to contract real estate rentals. Leasing consultants can assist in the rental of commercial or residential properties. As leasing consultants provide the public with their first impression of a property, it is imperative that they possess excellent sales and customer service skills.
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Education and Employment Opportunities
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While leasing consultants might enter the industry from varying professional backgrounds, a basic knowledge of business administration is imperative for success in the field. Similarly, a passion for marketing and a proven sales record are the leasing consultant's most valuable assets. When hiring a leasing consultant, companies look for a proven sales record, impeccable organizational skills, and a welcoming appearance. There is no specific degree associated with a position in leasing, though a real estate license may be required in some states.
Required Skills
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As with all sales positions, customer service and trust are essential to closing the deal. A leasing consultant must possess excellent communication and customer service skills. Leasing consultants must also be comfortable working under pressure and lingering deadlines. Leasing consultants must be able to multitask and, similarly, they must be highly organized. Time is the leasing consultant's most valuable commodity and they must use it wisely. Computer knowledge is imperative to tracking leads and sales.
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Job-Related Duties
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The primary goal of a leasing consultant is to lease units. To that end, leasing consultants are required to meet sales goals and ensure maximum occupancy. A beautiful building or apartment unit does not rent itself. The leasing consultant must assist the management in marketing the community. Marketing activities may include presenting on the community, placing newspaper and radio advertisements, and co-marketing with practitioner tenants.
Closing the Back Door
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A leasing consultant cannot reach maximum occupancy if turnover, or move-out rate, is high. To reduce turnover and maintain consistent, long-time, renters, the leasing consultant must develop relationships with tenants. If a leasing consultant is approachable to tenants and maintains a high level of customer service, the tenant is much more likely to report an issue to the consultant rather than moving out or failing to renew a lease.
Earning Potential
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A leasing consultant's earning potential will depend largely on size of the rental and occupancy rate. Residential leasing consultants are often offered salaried positions while commercial leasing consultants may work on a commission structure. Base salary and commission based on occupancy goals is also common.
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References
- Photo Credit apartment lease sign image by Aaron Kohr from Fotolia.com
