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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Residential Leasing Agent

💰 $45,000 - $65,000+ (Commission & Bonus Dependent)

Real EstateProperty ManagementSalesCustomer Service

🎯 Role Definition

As a Residential Leasing Agent, you are the face of our community and the driving force behind its success. This pivotal role blends sales, marketing, and customer service to attract and secure new residents while ensuring current residents feel valued and at home. You will be responsible for the entire leasing lifecycle, from generating initial interest and conducting compelling property tours to executing lease agreements and fostering a vibrant community atmosphere. The ideal candidate is a charismatic and results-oriented professional with a passion for real estate and a genuine desire to help people find their perfect home. Your success will be measured by your ability to meet and exceed leasing goals, maintain high occupancy rates, and contribute to a positive, thriving residential environment.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Retail Sales Associate or Manager
  • Hospitality Professional (Front Desk, Concierge)
  • Customer Service Representative

Advancement To:

  • Senior Leasing Agent / Leasing Manager
  • Assistant Property Manager
  • Property Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • Corporate Housing Specialist
  • Real Estate Agent (with licensure)
  • Resident Services Coordinator

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Manage the entire leasing process from lead to move-in, meticulously tracking all prospect interactions and follow-ups within the CRM system to ensure a seamless and professional experience.
  • Conduct dynamic and persuasive tours of the property, model units, and community amenities, effectively articulating the value proposition and lifestyle benefits to prospective residents.
  • Respond to all incoming leads (phone, email, walk-ins) in a timely and professional manner, providing accurate information and building rapport to convert inquiries into scheduled tours.
  • Master and maintain an expert-level knowledge of the property, including floor plans, pricing, amenities, and current availability, as well as the surrounding neighborhood and local market competitors.
  • Qualify prospective residents by collecting and verifying rental applications, running credit and background checks, and ensuring all documentation adheres to company policies and Fair Housing guidelines.
  • Prepare, explain, and execute all lease-related documents and contracts, ensuring accuracy and full comprehension by the new resident before obtaining signatures.
  • Develop and implement creative outreach marketing strategies to generate qualified traffic, including building relationships with local employers, businesses, and real estate brokers.
  • Assist in creating and managing engaging content for the property's social media channels, online listings, and website to enhance online presence and attract leads.
  • Perform daily inspections of the tour route, model apartments, and common areas to ensure they are immaculate, market-ready, and presentable at all times.
  • Drive the lease renewal process by proactively engaging with current residents, communicating renewal offers, and negotiating terms to maximize resident retention.
  • Achieve and exceed monthly leasing goals, occupancy targets, and resident retention benchmarks set by management.
  • Address current resident questions, concerns, and service requests with empathy and efficiency, acting as a liaison to the maintenance and management teams to ensure swift resolution.
  • Plan and participate in resident appreciation events and community-building activities to foster a strong sense of community and enhance resident satisfaction.
  • Conduct regular market surveys and competitive analysis to stay informed about local market trends, competitor pricing, concessions, and new developments.
  • Inspect vacated apartments to assess condition, report on necessary turnover work, and ensure units are made market-ready in a timely manner.
  • Maintain a deep understanding and strict adherence to all local, state, and federal Fair Housing laws and regulations.
  • Utilize property management software (e.g., Yardi, Entrata, RealPage) for processing applications, generating leases, and managing resident data with a high degree of accuracy.
  • Follow up with new residents post-move-in to ensure their satisfaction with their new home and the move-in process.
  • Contribute to a positive team environment by collaborating effectively with property management, maintenance, and other leasing staff.
  • Generate and present regular reports on leasing activity, traffic sources, conversion rates, and occupancy trends to the Property Manager.

Secondary Functions

  • Assist the Property Manager with administrative tasks, including filing, data entry, and processing resident payments.
  • Support the planning and execution of property-wide marketing campaigns and open house events.
  • Contribute to the community newsletter or resident communications portal to keep residents informed and engaged.
  • Gather resident feedback through surveys and direct interaction to identify opportunities for service and property improvement.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Property Management Software: Proficiency in platforms like Yardi, Entrata, RealPage, or AppFolio.
  • CRM Software: Experience using customer relationship management systems for lead tracking and follow-up.
  • Sales & Closing Techniques: Demonstrated ability to convert leads into signed leases and overcome objections.
  • Lease Administration: Knowledge of preparing and executing legally binding lease agreements and related addenda.
  • Fair Housing Laws: Solid understanding of federal, state, and local Fair Housing regulations.
  • Microsoft Office Suite: Competency in Word, Excel, and Outlook for communication and reporting.
  • Digital Marketing: Basic skills in social media management and online listing services (e.g., Apartments.com).
  • Market Analysis: Ability to research and understand competitive properties and market trends.

Soft Skills

  • Exceptional Communication: Articulate, persuasive, and clear verbal and written communication skills.
  • Customer-Centric Mindset: A genuine passion for delivering outstanding service and building relationships.
  • Interpersonal Acumen: Ability to connect and build rapport with a diverse range of people.
  • Resilience & Positivity: Maintains a positive attitude and effectively handles rejection or difficult situations.
  • Organizational & Time Management: Ability to multitask, prioritize a high volume of tasks, and meet deadlines.
    -Negotiation & Persuasion: Skilfully influences outcomes and finds mutually beneficial solutions.
  • Problem-Solving: Proactively identifies issues and provides thoughtful, effective resolutions.
  • Goal-Oriented & Driven: Self-motivated with a strong desire to achieve and exceed sales targets.
  • Professionalism: Impeccable presentation and a high degree of integrity and professional conduct.
  • Team Collaboration: Works effectively with colleagues to achieve common property goals.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED required.

Preferred Education:

Associate's or Bachelor's Degree.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Business Administration
  • Marketing & Communications
  • Hospitality Management

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 1-3 years in a sales or customer-facing role.

Preferred: 1+ year of direct experience as a Residential Leasing Agent is highly preferred. Experience in property management, hospitality (hotel front desk), high-end retail sales, or other roles with a significant sales and customer service component will be strongly considered. NALP (National Apartment Leasing Professional) credential is a plus.

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