5 Qualities to Look For In Your Leasing Staff

By Alicia Geigel on April 28, 2018

Regardless of the job position you have, when hiring a staff, you most likely will look for qualities that reflect your own. It’s human nature to want to have a staff that embodies the same characteristics and work ethic as you, since you have a specific idea of how you want the job done within your business/company. Landlords and property managers are no unique case to this and typically will seek employees that are similar in work style and ethics. Though as a landlord you might be aware of these qualities, it may be hard to actually look for them in others since they come so naturally to you.

When hiring a leasing staff, you may be asking, “what qualities should I look for to make the best possible staff?” Though some of the qualities may seem obvious while others may not, it’s always simpler and more helpful to have a guide to assist you in the hiring process. Are you looking for more help as a landlord within your company? Are you actively seeking not just one new employee but a full staff? Unsure of what to look for in potential candidates? Check out these top five great qualities to look for when hiring a leasing staff!

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1. People, not Money Bags: Its an unfortunate reality in our society that whenever someone sees an opportunity to earn money, they take it no matter the circumstances. Though a money-driven attitude isn’t necessarily bad, it becomes problematic when it is at the expense of others. For the majority of landlords and property managers, this is not the case, but for some, customers could mean less. These money-hungry landlords tend to neglect the customer in many ways, whether it’s through cutting corners in replacing amenities or by being unforgivable and even punishable toward customers with financial problems.

When looking for a leasing staff, you’ll want people who view customers as people, not opportunities for money. Once the value is taken away from the customer and put into their money, they no longer become people, but targets. According to the staff at PropertyManagerInsider.com, “The greatest leasing consultants in the world are different because they seek to understand the customer’s wants, needs, and goals. They truly believe their product and service will help the customer.”

2. Selling Value: Hand-in-hand with valuing customers is the second quality to look for which is selling value. When hiring a staff, you’ll want employees that have the customers’ best interests at heart, selling them the best-valued property within their wants, desires, and limitations. An employee who doesn’t consider these specific wants/needs/limitations once again, does not place value on the customer, but rather the money they’ll be getting from them. Selling a property of value to a customer not only requires a respect for the customer themselves, but it also demands a respect for the job as part of a leasing staff.

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3. Communication Skills: Though this quality may seem obvious in any occupation, excellent communication skills is a necessity as part of a leasing staff. When looking for potential employees, keep track of qualities like personality, smiling, body language, and energy. This may seem silly as some of the traits can be measured subjectively, however, you will want people to have passion for their new job, which can be measured by their mood, body language and energy. If they aren’t happy around you, they most likely won’t be happy around customers which will only bring negative consequences to you and your business.

4. Transparency: Being transparent is a very important facet of being a part of a leasing staff, and goes hand-in-hand with qualities 1 and 2. As a landlord seeking employees, you’ll want to measure how your applicants feel about integrity and honesty with not only you, their boss, but also with customers. In a blog by MultiFamilyInsiders.com affirms this by stating “A property management firm that hides the details from you is not a company you want working for you. Look for a firm that is transparent or someone who is willing to show you the details if you ask.” The same applies to your future employees — accountability and integrity is key.

5. Leadership: Once again, though the quality of leadership may seem obvious, it is important to look for leadership qualities in potential employees. For your business to thrive, a staff that takes initiative, works outside the box, and contributes without being reminded is not only a necessity, but also a serious burden off your shoulders.

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The hiring process as a landlord or property manager can be tedious, as you want to selectively pick the perfect candidates for your staff. Though it may take a while, the right employees will come your way and demonstrate their ability to work well in your business. As always, good luck!

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