"I HAVE NO TRAFFIC!" Apartment Leasing Tips: Be Prepared - Step 1 of The Leasing Process

I HAVE NO TRAFFIC! I hear this a lot, and before anyone goes into the apartment marketing and training, let’s look at the “Basics” – Curb Appeal.
We were taught early on (or should have been) that before a prospect takes a foot inside your office certain things must be done. I feel that we have heard this so much that we have become numb to it. But REALLY you must look at your curb appeal. What is the prospect seeing as they drive through your community? You may see things so often that they have become the “norm” for you. In that case ask an associate or a friend to drive through you community and make note of the areas that need attention. You are an experience property manager so you know what to look for, Right? If not here is a basic checklist:


1. Are the grounds - TOTALLY free of trash? As small as cigarette butts and as large as the couch the left behind by the guy who moved out?
2. No dead trees, shrubs or plants? If your budget will not allow fresh new mulch, then just turn the soil around any plants in your flower or shrub beds.
3. Inoperable cars some with flats, or on jacks.
4. Patio and balconies / decks are not used as a storage area or a place for the trash?
5. Dumpster areas, do they need swept? Are the dumpsters in need of repair?
6. Windows throughout the community. Is there a standard of uniformity? Are their windows with broken blinds or aluminum foil?
7. Parking lot, is it in need of repair? Depending up on your budget can you cold patch the bad areas to make improvements?
8. Are your signs straight and clean? Are they paintable? Throw on a fresh coat of paint, it would do wonders.



Do these items first. Then go the Marketing your community and training your sales team.