Another GREAT post by Jeremy Lawson!! Responding to email leads is a hot button of mine.
Can I Get Fries With That?
Responding to a lead- 5 things to mention in your e-mail response
Jeremy Lawson, NALP
Did you know appointments are FOUR TIMES more likely to lease than your regular walk-in traffic? Each time you get a lead via fax or e-mail is another great opportunity for you to get a lease and make more money!!! Make sure the first impression your prospects get of your community is the best one. Here are a few helpful tips to help supersize your closing ratio.
Use the word “appointment”
Setting an appointment is our ultimate goal of a telephone call! If they are looking for a future time frame or they are out of state, you can still offer to make a telephone appointment. Just like on your quarterly shops, it is very important for you to try and set a “specific appointment” with your leads.
Do they have any preferences?
Asking this question will help to create dialogue and you will be more likely to get a response. It is also a great way to learn about their wants and needs. After obtaining this information you can better sell the features and benefits of the apartment you are talking to them about.
Mention unique amenities/features about the apartment-
Every apartment has wall and floor, so tell them what makes this one different than the rest! Maybe it is a floor plan you only have a few of. Do you know the measurements of the windows? “This apartment has 3, amazing 42” x 60” windows!” Get creative and think of a different way to talk about what your community has to offer them.
Be sure to ask them to visit your website!
We all know how great our websites are, so don’t forget to share them with your prospect. This is an effective way you can really get all of their attention. Pull them away from a website that gives them access to all your competitors so they can concentrate solely on what your community has to offer.
Never send an attachment in your first e-mail
Although you may think you are being helpful sending all the information you have about your community to them all at once, you don’t want to overload them with information. By providing them with the general information about your community and your website, for an initial e-mail this will be adequate. Let them ask you for this information.
Looking to brush up on your e-mail response skills? “Leasing for a Living Series: 3 - Responding to Email Inquiries Module,” is a great 30 minute course offered by Grace Hill.
***Fair Housing 101 Tip- Respond to all leads you receive within 72 hours.***
Sample Lead Response-
Thank you for your interest in ______(Community name here)__________! I am positive that I will be able to assist you in your search for a new home. It looks like you are looking to move-in later this month! (Time sure does fly by!) I have an apartment that I you are going to love!!! It's a two bedroom two bath and is 1017 sq ft. Did you have any preferences? It will include a private entrance, full-size washer and dryer along with an enclosed patio, a TON of storage and plenty of oversized windows! We are currently running a great special on our two bedroom apartments also. Right now, they are starting at just $850/mo!!!
Will you be in the area anytime soon? I would be glad to show you around our community. Please let me know if you have any questions I would love to help you. Visit our awesome website to see floor plans, community, directions, apartment photos and you can also take a virtual tour! www.TheserveOp.com .
Call me or e-mail me soon as I would love to schedule an appointment for you to visit us!
Respectfully,
*GraceHill.com also has a template if you would like to personalize theirs.