Friendly” is Key, but “Friends” is Risky

Today’s checklist

• Friendly” is Key, but “Friends” is Risky

• Use the Word of the Day

• Job Opportunities - Kennesaw, Austin, Garden City

• Download Freebie

• Don’t forget the Tip

EDITORIAL

Recently, a mentee reached out to share a story I hope she doesn't mind me passing along. She was dealing with a resident who was spinning a web of lies just to avoid paying fines after a forceable eviction. Let’s be real—residents will try just about anything to escape those hefty fees(any fees). As a leasing consultant, you’ll meet all kinds of people, from first-time renters to seasoned residents, each with their own quirks. It’s important to be friendly enough that they see you as approachable and cool, but you’ve got to maintain that buffer of professionalism. They should know you’re not someone to cross—there’s a line, and it’s best not to blur it. Keeping that balance is key to avoiding complications and safeguarding your career.

Here’s why:

1. Professional Boundaries: Your primary role is to provide excellent service while adhering to company policies and procedures. Becoming too familiar with residents can cloud these professional boundaries and lead to complications.

2. Potential Conflicts: If a resident is dissatisfied or experiences issues, their personal relationship with you might lead to unrealistic expectations or accusations. As illustrated by a recent situation where a leasing consultant faced disciplinary action after a resident made false claims about receiving special treatment, maintaining a clear professional distance can help protect you from similar issues.

3. Reputational Risk: Being seen as too friendly can lead to rumors or perceptions of favoritism, which can damage your reputation and affect how other residents and colleagues view you.

   

Tips for Maintaining a Professional Yet Friendly Relationship

1. Always Check with Your Manager: If a resident asks for a favor, whether it's a parking spot, clubhouse access, or a waiver of fees, respond with, “Let me check with my manager.” This approach ensures you’re not making unilateral decisions and reinforces that any special requests must go through the proper channels. Even if your not really getting permission from your manager.

2. Avoid Social Invitations: If a resident invites you out socially, it’s best to politely decline. You can use excuses such as, “I have other commitments,” or “I need to take care of something at home.” This keeps the relationship professional and prevents any ambiguity.

3. Maintain Consistent Policies: Ensure that all residents are treated equally and fairly. Avoid making exceptions for individuals, no matter how friendly you are with them. Consistency in applying policies helps maintain your credibility and protects against claims of favoritism.

4. Limit Personal Sharing: Keep personal information to a minimum. Sharing too much about your life can lead to residents feeling like they know you too well, which can blur the line between professional and personal.

5. Document Interactions: For your protection, document significant interactions or requests from residents. This helps provide a clear record if any disputes arise and reinforces the professional nature of your role.

6. Professional Communication: Use formal and courteous language in all written and verbal communication. This helps maintain a professional tone and minimizes misunderstandings.

7. Set Clear Boundaries: Politely but firmly set boundaries when needed. If a resident crosses a line or becomes overly familiar, gently remind them of your professional role and the limits of your relationship.

Conclusion

Navigating the balance between being friendly and maintaining professional boundaries is crucial in your role. By adhering to these tips, you can foster positive relationships with residents while protecting yourself and your career. Remember, being approachable and courteous is key, but safeguarding your professional integrity ensures that you can continue to provide excellent service without personal complications.

Word of the Day

Forcible Eviction

The legal removal of a tenant from a property due to non compliance with lease terms or illegal activities.

LEASE IT UP
📢Exciting Opportunities:

1. Leasing Consultant - Mirador at Woodside (Kissimmee, FL)

2. Leasing Consultant - Surrey on Main (Bellevue, WA)

3. Leasing Consultant - Walnut Creek (Part Time) - (Austin, TX)

4. Leasing Consultant - The Boardwalk Apartment Homes (Garden City, ID)

5. Leasing Consultant - Peak Made Real Estate (Houston, TX)

6. Leasing Consultant(Lease-UP) - Elan Sweetwater Creek (Lithia Springs, GA )

7. Maintenance Supervisor (Lease Up) - Nomia - (Atlanta, GA)

8. Leasing Consultant - Pavilion at Plantation Way (Macon, GA)

9. Leasing Consultant - BGSF (Marietta, GA)

10. Leasing Consultant - Lease -Up - Sentral (Philadelphia, PA)

11. Assistant Manager email - [email protected] (Houston, TX-Recruiter)

12. Leasing Manager - Bixby Kennesaw (Kennesaw, GA)

13. Leasing Manager - Asset Living (Kennesaw, GA)

14. Assistant Property Manager - MAA Milstead (Kennesaw, GA)

15. Lease-up Portfolio CM - Bryten Real estate Partners (West Valley, AZ)

16. Luxury Property Manager - Village Green (Crown Point, Indiana)

17. Community Manager(Lease-up) - Skyline at Westfall Station(Orlando, FL)

18. Leasing Manager(Lease-UP) - The Maxwell (San Jose, CA )

19. Service Technician - Prose Evergreen(New Braunfels, TX )

20. Property Manager(Lease-Up) - Willow Bridge (Gainesville, GA)

21. Leasing Consultants - Twenty50 by Windsor - Fort Lee, NJ
    📅 Date: Wednesday August 21st 🕒 Time: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
    📍 Location: TWENTY50 BY WINDSOR- 2050 Central Rd Fort Lee, NJ

    Apply in the link! A team member will reach out to confirm a time to meet with hiring managers.
    

22. RPM Living Career Fair - Austin, TX
    📅 Date: Wednesday, August 21 and Wednesday, August 28 🕒 Time: 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
    📍 Location: Horning Office - 3333 14th Street, Northwest, Suite 300 in DC

    Multiple positions including

    🔑 Leasing Consultant, Assistant Property Manager, Property Manager,
    🛠 Maintenance Technician, and Maintenance Supervisor.

    

23. Aspen Square - Multiple Locations
    Positions this week include:
    🛠 Maintenance Supervisor at The Everlee in Acworth, GA
    🛠 Make Ready Technician at Somerset Palms in Naples, FL
    🛠 Make Ready Technician at Grand Oaks at the Lake in Melbourne, FL
    🔑 Leasing & Marketing Consultant at Level 550 in Mesa, AZ
    🛠 Maintenance Technician at Oasis at 1800 in Tallahassee, FL
    
    Are you or anyone you know looking for a job in these areas?
    Apply today at: https://www.aspensquare.com/careers/listings

    

Let me know if you get the job! Hoping this helps someone!

New to Leasing?

Check out the Property Questionnaire - designed to help you ask the questions you need to know, lingo to say and sales questions to ask on your first day and in the future. 
Shop the sale

Hey Good Morning Leasing, I’m a leasing consultant and sometimes residents ask if their minor maintenance requests can be prioritized over urgent repairs. How do I handle these requests without causing issues or showing favoritism?

Sincerely,

Keeping it professional - San Diego, CA

A: Great question!

Balancing maintenance requests can definitely be tricky. Here’s a simple way to handle it while keeping everything fair and professional:

Stick to the System: Let residents know that maintenance requests are handled based on urgency and priority. Explain that emergency repairs are addressed first to ensure everyone's safety and comfort.

Communicate Clearly: Politely inform the resident that while their request is important, it will be addressed in the order it was received. Reassure them that their request will be handled as soon as possible.

Be Transparent: If asked, explain that all requests are managed through the system that ensures fairness and efficiency. This helps set expectations and avoids perceptions of favoritism.

Here is an Example Conversation:

Resident: “Hi, I know you’re busy, but can you have maintenance come by today to fix my leaky faucet? I really need it done soon.”

You: “I understand how important that is to you. Right now, our maintenance team is handling an emergency repair that’s affecting multiple units. They’re working as quickly as possible to resolve it. Your request is in the system, and I’ll make sure it’s prioritized once they’re finished with the emergency. I’ll update you with a timeframe as soon as I have more information.”

By following these steps, you maintain fairness and professionalism while managing resident expectations effectively.

Hope this helps! Lucca Blake

BUDGETING - Repost
Track Your Bills - Bill Tracker

Keeping track of your bills is crucial for effective budgeting. A bill tracker helps you stay organized, avoid late payments, and manage your finances more efficiently. One great resource is the bill tracker created by GML(Good Morning Leasing). It allows you to list whether a bill is on auto pay or manual payment, the bill name, due date, amount, and includes a monthly tracker grid to mark once you’ve paid it for the month. Stay on top of your finances and never miss a payment again! Check out GML’s bill tracker for this handy tool and take control of your budget today.

BEFORE YOU GO

Use the “Notes” Field for Better Communication

Tip: When entering details into Yardi, utilize the “Notes” field to provide additional context for leasing staff. For instance, if a prospective resident mentions a specific request or preference during a tour, jot it down in the notes section. This ensures that all relevant information is easily accessible, helps tailor your follow-ups, and provides a more personalized leasing experience.