Senior Property Leasing Tips That Work!
January 25, 2012 by Chiccorra Connor
Filed under Leasing and Marketing, Tutorial
Senior Property Leasing Tips
Full blown marketing plans are a must have when it comes to leasing up senior properties. Senior properties can be challenging. Having a plan in place outlining a step by step process is the key to success.
Incorporate these proven methods into your senior marketing plans in exchange for great results.
1) Make the seniors your allies
This is how it is done:
Pick a few of the outgoing senior residents and make them your best friends (do a little checking around and make sure that they are trustworthy first). Make certain that they know that they are very important and are key players in making not only the property but
their homes even better. Talk to them and find out their ideas and make sure that you utilize some of them. Talk to the other residents as well. Send out a survey and determine if they are happy and if they will be staying with you for many more years to come. If not, find out why and fix the problems if any. If yes, show them appreciation and ask them to help you to help them turn their friends and family into their neighbors. Senior residents are usually happy that you are taking the time out to inquire about them and will do their best to maintain a long lasting relationship. That relationship includes making sure that everyone is happy!
2) Implement a coupon book.Think about it. A lot of seniors are on a fixed income and use coupons in their everyday life. They are always, like most of us of
all ages, looking for the best deal.
This is how it works:
Reach out to all of your area merchants and vendors and ask them to participate. They will need to pay a small fee that you determine and provide their artwork (you can charge them more if you design the coupon yourself). Explain to them that this is a way to generate business for their companies and that the cost is only pennies per customer. Compile all of the artwork from the merchants, vendor and a few free coupons off of the internet into a nice coupon book. Design a few different coupons for your property and include them in the book as well. Have them printed up (make sure that the cover identifies you as the developer so that people know that you are concerned about the community) and leave them with your sponsors, in stores and all of the other places that the seniors frequent. Before you know it you will start getting calls and tours from prospects. The only thing you will have to do is close the deal!
*Remember to include an expiration date on your coupons in order to create a sense of urgency. Each of your property coupons
inserted in the book should have a different expiration date*
**This marketing campaign should pay for itself if performed correctly and sister properties can join in too!
Good luck! Feel free to contact Occupancy Heroes Incorporated if you have any questions or need assistance.
www.occupancyheroes.com / 1-888-OHEROES / 704-944-3539
Overcome All Challenges
January 24, 2012 by Jeffrey Muhammad
Filed under Leasing and Marketing, Maintenance, Tutorial, Uncategorized
A word to the wise……
Nobody can claim to be a champion without a good challenger. When a challenge comes up in your life don’t shrink from it……
CONCUR IT!
Raincoats and Rentals
January 20, 2012 by Chiccorra Connor
Filed under Leasing and Marketing
RAINCOATS AND RENTALS
Times are improving but we all know that it is still raining on the rental industry.
We all know that recently national apartment occupancy rates went on the decline for the first time in over 5 years. Across the country, renters are choosing to stay in smaller, less expensive apartments instead of moving. High unemployment figures and smaller paychecks have helped bring apartment rents down.
Though rental income may not increase, costs still do. It’s more important than it ever has been to reach potential renters.
You wouldn’t go out in a downpour without a raincoat! Don’t weather a tough rental environment without help from a professional full-service leasing firm.
Now is the time you want results. You want guarantees – not empty promises.
We can keep you from getting soaked when the rains come. We are your single source for the services you need to boost your occupancy rates.
Our experienced Occupancy Heroes have a MINIMUM 94% closing ratio. They learn directly from me through intensive training – and are now my polished, professional leasing and marketing “army”.
RAINBOWS
While some companies choose to “run inside” during a shower by cutting back on things like advertising, those who succeed will know that it’s better to weather the storm.
“I do not think there is any other quality so essential to success of any kind
as the quality of perseverance. It overcomes everything, even nature.”
John D. Rockefeller
So, think of us your raincoat, you’ll face the weather with no worries.
Occupancy Heroes Inc. is exactly who you need now. We are committed to success and we produce extraordinary results. We specialize in all types of markets. And we do more than improve your occupancy rates: we provide marketing, training, compliance specialist, maintenance, cleaning and other supplemental services to give you a complete package and the best return on your investment.
We call our agents Heroes for a reason – they don’t shrink back from a challenge. They will provide you with SUPER results!
We’re here to help.
Occupancy Heroes Incorporated / 1-888-OHEROES / 704-944-3539
Your Attitude is Showing. Is it welcoming?
January 18, 2012 by Chiccorra Connor
Filed under Leasing and Marketing
Is it welcoming?
Your Attitude Is Showing...
Your units are spotless. The grounds are practically manicured. Every window, door and walkway is in good repair. There’s plenty of lighting for safety. The pool is sparkling clean and crystal clear. What else are prospective tenants going to see when they visit your property?
You!
And, if you’re not there personally, they will see your employees. And your staff is a direct reflection of you. This business belongs to you.
A recent survey asked tenants to rank the things they were looking for in their search for a place to live.
The appearance and attitude of the landlord and his or her staff
was the most important factor!
A potential tenant is the person who is going to provide you with monthly income, pay down your mortgage, and let you have all of the appreciation value. Remember this when you deal with them!
And, as the saying goes, you get what you ask for. Greet customers with a warm smile and a handshake. Let them know they are welcome. A good attitude will attract good tenants, just as someone who is rude or careless will attract a bad tenant.
Professionalism Speaks Loudly
A professional attitude can set the scene for your entire property. A well-trained staff will let prospective tenants know immediately what is expected of them. Good tenants will appreciate this – bad tenants will avoid it! Employees should be neat, well groomed, and in modest attire. Make sure they greet customers and are able to answer questions.
Have staff and forms organized, have a set procedure for showing the property, access paperwork quickly and easily, and a good tenant will feel comfortable and well taken care of. Tenants who are thorough, organized, clean and friendly will seek the same.
Take an Honest Look
Take a good look around the property. Now take a good look in the mirror.
With a well-maintained appearance, organization, professionalism, smiles and warm welcomes all around, you’ll surely like what you see. And so will your tenants.
Here’s a Top Ten list that is no joke! There are many reasons why renting is a better option than homeownership. Here are just ten of the best that you can share with your current and prospective tenants:)
January 13, 2012 by Chiccorra Connor
Filed under Leasing and Marketing
"Why buy when you can enjoy all of the perks of renting?"
1. Remind Renters that Apartments are Easy!
Compared to owning a home, renting is easy! Apartments dwellers escape the chores of yard work, the responsibility and expense of owning and maintaining equipment (those snow-blowers aren’t cheap!), and freedom from the property maintenance. You can assure them that you will take care of everything.
2. Rent is still cheaper than home ownership.
Urban city dwellers have already learned this. They can have a beautiful place, a terrific view and the convenience of walking to work for less than the cost of a condo!
3. There are costs hiding in homeownership!
Depending on their mortgage payment and other deductions, homeowners may not get a tax benefit for owning a house. And, with the cost of borrowing money, most homeowners spend the first five years of owning their home simply making payments on the interest! Renters don’t
need huge down payments, mortgage costs, and they don’t have the hassles of buying and selling.
4. Apartments are better places to meet people.
It’s a lot easier to get to know your neighbors and make friends when you see them in the halls everyday, or bump into them at the
mailboxes. Some homeowners never even see their neighbors!
5. With referrals, renters can even choose their neighbors!
Most companies offer payment for referrals or some other incentive. It’s a win-win for the renter. Homeowners don’t get THAT benefit!
6. More perks!
Many apartment complexes offer pools, spas, fitness rooms and clubhouses for gatherings. It’s rare that a home can hold as many people as a clubhouse – and apartment dwellers don’t have to clean the apartment if the party is at the pool!
7. Renters can share expenses.
Splitting the rent with a roommate or two is a great way to save money – not to mention you have someone to come home to!
8. Apartments provide flexibility.
Our society is a transient one. People seem to be constantly on the move — often due to changes in jobs or family situations. Renters can easily leave at the end of their lease contract without worrying about when or IF their house will sell and for how much.
9. There’s safety in numbers.
Apartment dwellers always have neighbors close by. Knowing someone is right across the hall when you need them can be very comforting.
Many complexes offer gated access.
10. Convenience.
Many of the amenities offered to today’s renters’ aim at making life renting more convenient than owning a home. The availability of laundry rooms and no-hassle utilities like cable and Internet access make for a stress free lifestyle.
Top ten reasons to use the experts at Occupancy Heroes: results, results, results, results, results, results, results, results, results, results!
You provide the space that meets renters needs and we’ll do the rest. Call us today to find out how we can help you!
www.occupancyheroes.com / 1-888-OHEROES / 704-944-3539
Preventative Maintenance Ideas for Management Firms and Property Owners
January 9, 2012 by Jeffrey Muhammad
Filed under Maintenance
After a tenant signs a lease and moves in, do you provide maintenance on an as-need basis or do you have any preventative measures in place? Practicing 
preventative maintenance when managing a property can help property owners, managers and even tenants avoid unnecessary expenses.
What are the most important preventive maintenance measures? For starters, when a tenant first moves into an apartment, the unit should be in a “move-in ready” condition based on industry’s standards. Upon signing a lease agreement, most tenants do a walk-through of the apartment to identify any issues and report them to management so that subsequent repairs can be made. These components are essential when dealing when preventing maintenance issues, but what more can a property manager do?
Here are top suggestions that will help you partner with your tenants to keep costs down and anticipate serious maintenance issues.
- Security Deposit: This sounds like a dreaded topic, but in truth, it’s far from it. The security deposit protects the owner’s investment and helps safeguard the tenant’s compliance. Setting the right dollar amount is an imperative preventive measure that can help keep your costs down plus motivate your tenants to assist with caring for your property.
- Watchful eyes: Helping tenants identify and report maintenance issues is critical with preventing maintenance issues. Provide tenants with a copy of an apartment maintenance overview which details how they should maintain their unit. Be sure and highlight certain problems to watch out for especially remind them which issues require a maintenance call.
- Utilities’ cost savings: Providing your tenants with cost saving tips to save on electricity or water can be a way to help quell expensive repairs with (HVAC) AC/heaters, plumbing and other appliances. For example, for AC/heaters, recommending changing air filters regularly and watching for proper ventilation can save the tenant money and alleviate a potential problem.
- Cleanliness: Written and verbal cleaning guidelines or sanitary expectations are essential when wanting to prevent serious maintenance issues like bug infestation. Offering your tenants discounts on a local or in-house cleaning service can be a simple way to ensure cooperation.
- Schedule bi-annual maintenance checks. Some property owners schedule brief maintenance checks in order to arrange proper upkeep. This helps both parties monitor potential problems and make quick or necessary repairs.
Creating preventative measures and instilling expectations with your tenants is your first step towards preventative maintenance. Following these suggestions can help you reduce maintenance costs for you and your tenants. For more information on some of the checklists, outlined above, please sign
up for our Occupancy Heroes newsletters. Or, if you’re in need of additional support with your maintenance projects, visit our Maintenance Heroes
section of our website.
Capitalizing on the growing renter market
December 23, 2011 by admin
Filed under Leasing and Marketing
Capitalizing on the growing renter market
With the economy still struggling to repair itself, many former or would-be homeowners are choosing to rent and thus providing multifamily investors with an ample opportunity to increase their return on investment. However, with the growing renter market, are you as a property owner doing everything possible to capitalize on this trend?
Below are some simple suggestions to help multifamily property owners evaluate and manage during this opportune time.
• What is your current occupancy rate? Have you taken a year to date evaluation? Doing so can help property owners understand the potential gain.
• As the demand for rental property increases, have you done a rent increase assessment? Determine your rate increase – whether across the board or per tenant – and communicate early the increase so that tenants know what to expect. Substantial increases to existing tenants aren’t recommended and in most cases aren’t legal. However, for new tenants, it’s an area of opportunity. Be sure and conduct research on competing properties to uncover their fees, rates and incentives.
• How “in demand” is your market? With the economy ever-changing these days, it’s best to monitor multifamily housing reports to determine the trending markets. This will help you discover what other communities are doing as well as provide critical data. Visit or bookmark key industry websites or publications to stay tuned to market changes. Here’s one example of recent market data from HomeVestors of America cited in the Wall Street Journal http://blogs.wsj.com/developments/2011/07/11/the-top-markets-for-rental-home-investors/
• Reinvest money gained back into the multifamily property. Take a percentage gained from the trend and make those costly repairs or renovations now so that you can maintain a competitive edge in your market. This will allow you to not only maintain occupancy but target additional renters willing to pay a premium for your unit.
Simple ideas like these plus much more can help you take your property investment to the next level. Want to know what more you can do? Call or email us for a free assessment.
Our Thoughts
March 16, 2011 by Jeffrey Muhammad
Filed under Leasing and Marketing, Maintenance, Uncategorized
Occupancy Hero Training – Arm Your Property with the Best
February 9, 2011 by Chiccorra Connor
Filed under Leasing and Marketing
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Did you know that professionaly training your property staff can be the most cost effective way to maintain your property year after year? How many times did you have a potential renter on the line and your staff was unable to close the sale? If you answer is more than once, it’s too many. The good news is, it’s usually not the staff, it’s their training. The leasing industry is tough and volatile at times, especially in a down turned economy. How do you change the culture in your environment and challenge your staff to obtain their goals…you train them with the best – Occupancy Heroes. A property with a well trained leasing team can make a big difference in ongoing sales. Over the years we’ve trained hundreds of our client’s property staff. And these clients are experiencing even greater returns because they’re retaining renters as well as their employees. We train your staff on how to achieve and maintain high occupancy rates the Occupancy Heroes way. Arming your staff with these valuable skills gets your team motivated and equipped for success. It also promotes accountability and empowers employees to drive and surpass your occupancy goals. Occupancy Heroes valuable training seminars are based on years of experience, case studies and industry standards. Our training courses range from one to three days and are usually conducted onsite. Our training curriculum includes:
And did you know clients that are signed up for a “lease up” agreement are eligible to receive FREE training? At the close of lease up, Occupancy Heroes offers an invaluable training service custom tailored to suit your property – free of charge. How’s that for extraordinary? For more information about Occupancy Heroes valuable property management training seminars, please visit the “Training” section of our website @ www.occupancyheroes.com . |
Top 5 Tips to Consider Before Signing with a Leasing Firm
February 9, 2011 by Chiccorra Connor
Filed under Leasing and Marketing
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We’ve seen it far too many times where a company promises the moon and doesn’t deliver. In the property management business, a little bit of research on a property owner’s part, can go a long way. Use these top 5 tips as a key before you sign that leasing contract.
Tracking success is critical in any business, but with a Leasing Company, it’s paramount. Before you sign with that leasing company, take the extra time to investigate their property leasing claims. Ask to see their close rates and specifically ask for client testimonials. These are tale tell signs of a successful firm. Also, make sure these stats are current – at least within a year’s timeframe. Remember, as a property owner, if you want fast results, you need a firm with a credible track record.
Every leasing firm has a process. And if they don’t, that’s cause for concern. But if they do, do you know and understand there process at every phase? What can you expect during lease up? Is their staff seasoned and trained? How long does the leasing process take? These are just some of the many questions that Occupancy Heroes clients ask and we readily answer. The point is a seasoned firm will have a methodical process in order to maximize a property owner’s return.
It’s a question that’s often an afterthought. Many property owners assume that after signing a contract with a leasing firm – there job is done. A quality leasing firm provides an owner with a description of “what to expect,” plus what’s needed from each owner. For example, property owners and their staff often have a wealth of information about how or why a property is underperforming. Choosing the right leasing company to collaborate and distill this vital input can significantly increase your return. Every property owner should be well versed in his/her role in the leasing process. If you’re not clear on “what’s expected,” you’re probably not working with the right leasing company.
Ever wonder what’s included in a leasing service? Most leasing companies offer standard property leasing services. Make sure you know and understand all the services being offered in your leasing agreement. If not, you may assume certain tasks are being handled by the leasing company – when they are not.
How professional does the leasing company come across? Do they have a good industry reputation? What is their policy on servicing clients? Are there any customer complaints? Managing customer expectation and satisfaction is far too important in any service industry. As a property owner, you can easily check on a company’s reputation by again doing some research. When you call the office, how professional do they sound? Are your calls answered in a timely manner? Do their leasing agents appear professional? These may be minor questions but an outsider can tell a lot from noting these small details about a leasing firm. Remember, these leasing companies have leasing agents that will represent you. Again, these tips are to help property owners find the leasing company before signing. Occupancy Heroes has spent nearly a decade honing our leasing expertise to bring our clients extraordinary solutions. We have an impeccable track record and methodical process that gets our clients results. Learn more about what makes us extraordinary by visiting the “About Us” section of our website @ www.occupancyheroes.com. |
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