People with experience in customer service and sales make excellent leasing agents. Furthermore, they must possess knowledge about the real estate market and pricing trends; participate in community events; network with local real estate professionals and develop strong professional relationships.
College degrees aren’t necessary, but many employers prefer candidates with real estate licenses – prelicensing courses can help prepare you for this job!
Education Requirements
Entering into a career as a real estate leasing agent offers the unique opportunity of operating at the intersection of sales, customer service and property management. In this client-facing role, leasing agents showcase properties while understanding tenant needs before closing rental agreements that benefit both owner and tenant. It is essential to possess an in-depth knowledge of real estate law, market trends and interpersonal communication in order to become effective leasing agents.
Aspiring leasing agents should go beyond meeting basic education requirements to increase their chances of landing an agent position in this competitive field. While a high school diploma may suffice for some jobs, an associate or bachelor’s degree in business administration, real estate, or another relevant field can be invaluable; programs in such programs often cover topics like property law and marketing that are essential components of leasing agent roles.
Some states also mandate leasing agents obtain a real estate broker’s license, with each jurisdiction’s process for doing so differing. This typically includes taking prelicensing courses, passing an exam, and gaining on-the-job experience. To begin this journey, enroll in a comprehensive prelicensing package such as Colibri Real Estate’s Prelicensing courses; these packages feature expert instruction, exam prep assistance and access to an expansive library of professional resources tailored specifically for each state.
Individuals with experience in customer service roles may find transitioning to leasing agent work easier, as these roles require them to develop an in-depth knowledge of customer needs and desires. Furthermore, these individuals may already possess strong persuasion skills essential to this position – their sales track record should demonstrate this readiness while networking within real estate circles is another great indicator. In order to gain experience quickly without taking traditional routes into this field. Alternatively, shadowing experienced leasing agents is another option available to those facing barriers to traditional pathways into it.
Job Duties
Real estate leasing agents are professionals who work on behalf of property owners to market and lease homes, offices, and commercial spaces. Responsibilities may include showing properties to potential clients, screening tenants for suitability and negotiating lease agreements as well as marketing, advertising and customer service support. Leasing agents should be adept multitaskers able to respond swiftly when inquiries come up.
A good leasing agent requires extensive knowledge of the local property market and can effectively negotiate rental terms. They must possess strong sales and negotiation abilities as well as provide superior customer service to prospective clients; applicants with previous customer service roles in hospitality or call center industries often make excellent leasing agents.
Leasing agents provide many essential services, including marketing properties in multiple locations and platforms, scheduling viewing appointments of the property being promoted, meeting with prospective tenants to review it in person, conducting background and credit checks on them as well as keeping records of applications and inspections; often working on commission basis and receiving a percentage of total rent paid by tenants.
Leasing agents must have the ability to answer inquiries and explain complex information clearly and easily, and evaluate and satisfy each applicant’s unique requirements while meeting deadlines.
Furthermore, it is imperative that real estate professionals possess excellent interpersonal skills. Since they interact frequently with clients and customers, it is necessary that they can listen closely before responding in an accommodating fashion. They should be able to sell properties to clients by outlining the benefits associated with each unit they present for sale.
No college degree is necessary to become a leasing agent; indeed, many who possess degrees in other fields end up filling this position. It is, however, crucial that leasing agents stay current with industry trends and laws by subscribing to real estate publications or attending seminars/workshops as well as keeping an up-to-date portfolio of past properties with customer testimonials for potential landlords to view.
Salary
Real estate leasing agents typically receive their salaries on a commission basis, meaning that their salaries depend on how many leases or sales they complete. Their average earnings range between 5-6 percent of property’s value; this may differ depending on each agent’s contract with their employer and overall compensation structure of their company.
Real estate agents working for large companies often see larger commissions due to the more money that the company earns than if they worked at smaller apartment complexes; larger firms tend to have streamlined processes which enable them to better manage employee time and energy than smaller firms with fewer administrative structures.
Real estate and leasing agents typically must meet monthly quotas of sales or leases completed, otherwise their employers could take action, punishing or even forcing them out of their job. If this quota is missed, employees could face severe punishment from their employers including being removed from employment altogether.
Real estate leasing agents can increase their salary in several ways, including increasing education levels or moving into new positions or gaining managerial experience. Increased pay can be especially advantageous when it comes to earning commissions and sales – many people find working as leasing agent more lucrative than being traditional real estate sales agent jobs.
Work Environment
Real estate leasing agents typically enjoy a varied work environment that may include both in-person meetings with prospective renters as well as phone and email conversations with them. Leasing agents typically operate within commercial or residential property management settings ranging from luxury apartment complexes, office buildings and retail spaces – as well as marketing properties, conducting tours and negotiating lease terms; in some instances background checks on prospective tenants might need to be run prior to signing their lease contract – keeping a wait list if applicable.
As a leasing agent, it is crucial that you remain informed on industry trends and property laws in order to stay compliant with legal standards while providing timely and effective service to clients. Leasing agents should also possess excellent organizational and record keeping abilities as well as knowledge of property management software systems.
Another key responsibility of leasing agents is handling objections from future residents, which may range from questions about property features or pricing issues to worries over neighborhood safety. Any objection raised should be taken seriously to avoid an obstacle from closing the lease agreement; thus, leasing agents must receive training in identifying and addressing them so as to provide future residents with all of the information necessary to make informed decisions about where to live or work.
Leasing agents must possess strong interpersonal communication skills. Since they interact daily with prospective and current renters, it’s crucial they maintain professional and friendly interactions at all times – especially within apartment complexes where leasing agents may be the first people prospective renters encounter when touring properties – having an enjoyable experience can set the foundation for how future residents view their community.
Are You Looking to Become a Leasing Agent? Step One is Acquiring a High School Diploma or its Equivalent (depending on state). Some states also require licensing which often involves passing an exam and taking courses before becoming licensed as a leasing agent. Or gain experience through working as Salesperson/Property Manager before becoming one!