A leasing agent is a real estate agent for people who are interested in leasing or renting properties like apartments or buildings rather than purchasing them. Leasing agents are required to look for tenants for the owner of an agency. They usually work for commission. They facilitate the agreement between tenants and owners to help them both. Leasing agents who work harder are more likely to earn a higher commission.
Duties and Responsibilities
Providing information about the property and the community to the prospect client and scheduling visits to the property is one of the basic duties of a leasing agent. They are responsible for leasing the property under acceptable and pre-determined conditions. They have to greet visitors and determine if the community can meet the qualifications of the prospective client. They have to effectively explain to the client all of the leasing policies.
Leasing agents are also in charge of keeping track the leasing paperwork including the application papers, leasing agreements, employment and credit checks, and lease move-in packets. They also have to complete the service requests and correspond with the maintenance department. They have to support overall marketing techniques and offer suggestions that can help in the promotion, advertising, and marketing of properties. Leasing agents have to maintain an accurate and a thorough knowledge of the aspects of the property, specifically in areas like leasing and pricing information, availability, expiration of leasing contracts, and the sizes of properties.
Qualifications
Most often, starting a career as a leasing agent requires only a high school diploma, but earning a college degree is also favorable. You have to go through training to ensure you understand the leasing business. There are certifications issued to maintain professionalism in the leasing industry. There is a leasing agent certification with a professional designation which is recognized nationally. Training skill standards are developed by leasing industry experts to ensure the relevance of job skills and the marketability of leasing agents. It is preferred that a leasing agent must have at least one year of experience in sales. It is also better if the applicant has a customer service background. It is necessary for leasing agents to know basic arithmetic skills. A leasing agent must have excellent communication and organizational skills. He/she must also be computer literate.
Compensation
The salary of a leasing agent is based on the amount, number, and size of the transactions he/she has made. At many properties they also enjoy healthcare benefits, paid holidays, bonus pays, life insurance and leasing benefits.
