A great property viewing experience is not just about the tenant checking out your rental home. It will also involve deciding if they do want to rent the home from you or not. If they have a negative experience, qualified applicants could get turned off and you would end up with an unoccupied property. This is why you must be able to skillfully manage that experience. Always be intentionally pleasant and polite on the phone, even if you feel stressed or tired. When you keep in mind that the other party on the phone is one who is worthy of your courtesy and respect, you will be guided in your interactions.
When it is time for the property viewing, you can use these customer service strategies to create another good impression of you and your rental home. Be professional when you show up for viewing appointments. That means that you should dress nicely, in business or business casual clothes. Make sure you are able to answer your applicant’s questions, not just about the property but also about the neighborhood, nearby amenities, schools, public transportation, and other points of interest. Bring the area’s best selling points into the conversation as you take your prospects around the property.
In addition to professionalism, you could also engage with each applicant on a personal level. As you greet each prospective tenant, make sure to ask for their name so you can use it during your tour. Not only does this show that you are polite, but this will also establish that you see them as individuals and not just your next rent check. The secret to selling anything is to establish a personal connection. You can try asking them questions about their interests or work, or other appropriate topics. It is best to not go into topics that may be viewed as too personal or that might make your applicant uncomfortable (religion, politics, or family status, for example).
Finally, keep in mind that while renting a house is your business, to your prospective tenant, it is about finding their next home. You’ll never know if you meet them at their best or at their worst time of the day. Either way, by greeting them with a pleasant tone and a clean, well-maintained property, you and the rental property stand out from the crowd. A home should be a place where even renters can feel safe. When you help them imagine how they can live, relax, cook, and enjoy life in the home, they will be more likely to lease your rental property immediately.
By taking the time to learn these customer service techniques and putting them to good use, you may soon find yourself not having any vacancies.
Whether you’ve already got a lease signed for your investment property or need someone to find a tenant for you, Real Property Management North Point can help manage your rental. Contact us online or give us a call at 404-341-2102.