If your leasing office isn't automating your application process, you may already be behind the curve. A comprehensive, end-to-end  electronic application and leasing process can save a property countless administrative hours and can usually be implemented quite easily. We already know the demand for online services is high. Here are three other important reasons you should get your application process up and running online right this second.

1. Set a New Standard

Instituting an electronic application process can create a quality standard that is hard to compromise. When applications are conducted online, you can automate all the required processes into one smooth workflow, especially with integrations between your property management software, screening vendors, and more. A digital process ensures that required parameters are always met. Information flows from your applicants into your system and gets screened along the way with little or no data entry from the office staff. Eliminating the variable of human error means that crucial information is collected and evaluated correctly each time without fail. Your checks and balances can now be checked and balanced.

2. Grab them Quickly

Time is always of the essence when it comes to renting, and providing an online application will help capitalize on your prospect's urgency. Allowing renters to view images of floor plans, submit their rental application, and even sign lease documents online can mean the difference between getting a prospect interested in your property and losing that interest when things don't move fast enough. You'll see further evidence of this in many modern leasing offices, which are now incorporating kiosks and tablet-based leasing tools to enhance their electronic offerings for walk-ins and website visitors alike.

3. Sustain a Positive Change

When you don't collect paper forms, you don't need paper. When you don't have paper, you don't need places to store it, or machines to print it. When you don't have complex paper processes, you don't need as many staff hours to complete administrative tasks. If you can transform your leasing office into a paperless environment, there are numerous ways in which you save money which can be realized almost immediately. But just as importantly, when you opt for sustainable workflows like online applications and leasing, you're saving the environment too. Who doesn’t like extra savings?

Instituting an automated online application process is an easy way to reduce your property's overhead, ensure consistency and efficiency in application processing, and take action on every interested lead as quickly as possible.

By: Cheryl Boden