It’s summer – prime rental showing season! Whether you are showing an occupied unit or a vacant unit, it’s always crucial to be improving your conversion rates and getting more leases signed. Here are some proven tips to help drive the ROIs of unit tours.
Pick Your Best Time
While it often depends on the potential renter’s schedule, try to slot your showing for the time of day when the property’s best-selling points will stand out. Does the property get morning or afternoon light? Do the tour when the natural light is best. Take into account cleaning schedules, as to not have to step around the maintenance people mopping the floors. If there is loud construction nearby, consider showing in the evenings or on the weekend.
Confirm Instantly
As soon as a prospective tenant makes an appointment to see the available unit, you should send a confirmation that reiterates the date, time and location of the tour as well as provides your contact details. Personalize it to make the potential renter feel special. Be sure to use their name in the email so it says something like, “Hi Mike, we’re so excited to show you Unit 501 at 21 Main St on Friday, August 12th at 9:30 a.m.” Also include and relevant information concerning parking, how long the tour typically takes and any other information they may need.
Text Reminders
It makes sense to send a text reminder to ensure your lead doesn’t forget their appointment. Text reminders have a higher open rate – as high as 98%. However, this is also an opportunity to sell them on the property by get them excited about the viewing. Instead of a basic bland reminder, why not add in a sentence like “and I know you’re going to love the view from our communal rooftop deck” or “we’ve just upgraded our on-site gym and pool area and I can’t wait for you to see it.” Something short and sweet, but enough to pique their interest in the property.
Have a Slick Handout
Make sure your prospective tenants all the relevant specifics about your rental property on a nice-looking handout. Handouts act as a solid take-home piece so your potential renter doesn’t forget the important features, what’s included with the rent, amenities, and deposit information. Many leasing managers include a “Top 10 Reasons You’ll Love to Rent Here” list in their one-pager that outlines the benefits of living in the unit and community.
Sell the Lifestyle
Prospects have to be able to see themselves living happily in your property. How will this apartment fit their lifestyle? Know the local community to be able to talk about nearby schools, restaurants or attractions that may interest your lead. If it’s a fast commute downtown or shopping option, be sure to mention it. Sketch out a profile of the neighbourhood and any community events. As you talk to your potential renter, try to figure out what amenities or building features most resonate with them.
Go Digital with the Paperwork
Use online applications, screening tools and leases, so you don’t have to worry about having applications filled out or leases signed at a showing. You can walk them through your process and answer any questions and concerns right away. It’s easy to instantly fill out the details about the available unit, add a guarantor if needed and capture all information while your prospect is excited about the property.
Follow Up
As you know, it’s essential to follow up each showing with a thank you, whether your potential renter completed an application or not. Use their preferred communication method, which often these days is text or email. Ask if they have any further questions about the unit and building. Or you can even mention something that came up during the showing, so they know the email is personal and you build a bond.
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