L e as i n g During the
Pandemic In light of the coronavirus pandemic, the Multi-Housing industry has reinvented itself and pivoted to some very unique ways to continue helping people find their new homes and retain current community members. At the same time, owners and managers have leasing goals they must meet. Prospects who were previously interested in the community may no longer be able to move forward with leasing due to: job loss; being placed on furlough; or, helping family members with finances. If they were relocating from out of state, the States’ Stay at Home orders may hinder their being able to move or the position they were relocating for may no longer be offered. Also, community members who submitted their sixty day Notice to Vacate may rescind their notices so they can stay in place. They may find it difficult to hire moving companies and other people that would have helped them are not able to do so during this time. Here are some solutions and new processes the Multi-Housing industry is implementing: Virtual Leasing During this coronavirus pandemic, most Multi-Housing community leasing offices are closed so there are no on site/in person tours being conducted. Going fully virtual had been gaining momentum in the Multi-Housing industry; the coronavirus pandemic has effectuated a quicker transition.
- Author Roxxie Eggert
Platforms being used include: leasing over the phone; FaceTime tours; Zoom; sharing 3D virtual tours/ renderings, property videos and sending virtual tours of exact apartments. In order to be successful, it is important to keep in mind the comfort level of the person you are communicating with as some may not be as knowledgeable about technology. Being able to customize your approach with prospects that want more one on-one-discussion vs. information in emails or videos online will result in more leases. The goal is to have enough information available via phone calls, online and videos so the future community member will have full confidence to move forward with applying and moving in to the community without an in person tour of the community or the apartment. Self-Guided Tour The self-guided tour has gained popularity and during this pandemic, a prospect can visit the community without leasing staff and have access to pre-determined apartments that have hardware installed for entry. There are systems usually in place where the prospect has to scan the front and back of their ID and take a selfie before the door access code will work. Either during the tour or after the tour, any questions can be answered by the leasing professional so the lease may be closed.
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