Let Go from My First Leasing Consultant Job

I am not sure how to pick up the pieces here, or even if I can. I was just let go from my first job as a leasing consultant after a year. I worked two long years to get there. Had probably twenty interviews over than time period, no lie, and finally landed a property

At first things went great. I was making my numbers. But the last few months have been not so great. I have anxiety. which does not help. I am not a bad person. I am not an intentionally rude person.I show up on time. Will change my schedule at the drop of a hat for the needs of the community.Have been told by management that my flexibility is one of the things they appreciate most about me. I am also the first to notice errors, for example, when it comes to the resident ledger. I am able to break things thing down in a way that makes sense whenever the resident has a question about what they owe. But sometimes , in the course of honestly trying to do my job, I come across as rude. I had a handful of people and it was consistently the same handful of people who complained who would come in antagonistic from the get go. It is almost like they knew I had anxiety and purposely tried to feed into it. I pride myself on doing a good job. I went in everyday with the intention of doing better than the last. And never ever to be rude.

I know I need to affect a softer tone, be more conversational, especially with those that are antagonistic because that helps diffuse the situation. I had a lot of people who God as my witness really liked me. I am not making that up. The conversation was easy with them, even when I had to tell them no. Part of it too was fear of not being able to finish my tasks, the need to get to the next task. That was the other part of course, it took me longer than average to complete tasks even though I was constantly working. I would sometimes stay over to finish them, even if that meant I was unpaid.

I was let go because of performance when ironically I knew policies , procedures, how to get things done like the back of my hand. My coworker consistently leaned on me for support. I was her go to person. She doesn't even know how to send a market survey, and she was there three months longer than I was. Before I put my foot down I would sometimes get 8 calls a day from her on my day off.

Then there were the shop reports where I got exceedingly high scores (8s and 9s), but for one reason or another I couldn't turn a lease. Our property is a Class Property so the rents were exceedingly high, but the property compared to other class A properties was not built so. For example, we live in a beach town where a lot of people want a balcony. Out of 283 apartments, I only had 18 apartments that had balconies and most of them were rented. Or I would have people who would want wood look flooring.but they were only available on the 1st floor. I understand carpet is for sound proofing, but when people are paying $1200 a month for a one bedroom they expect a certain standard of living that I was not able to meet. Or I would have people who were doing what I call shop arounds.. They would come in ten months ahead of their expected due date and look. Meanwhile, I had no way to lease them as my company didn't do wait lists. I would stay in contact with them in hopes it would turn into a lease, only for it come to nothing. There were then those who wanted to do a short term lease, say 3 months furnished, only for me to have to tell them the rent was almost $3000 a month for an apartment on the third floor with no elevator.

I am not trying to make excuses, I am just telling things from my vantage point. Because I want to do better. And because I would like to think I am down, but not out.

One question I have is how do you handle the leads where they say they don't want to lease for several months? I can give quotes two to three months out, but once it is longer than that the pricing seems abnormally high. For example, an apartment I cam lease today for $1300 will be $1600 six months out. Then as we get closer too it drops again. People don't want to pay that higher rate especially given that within a 4 half mile radius there are 7 communities, with two more being built

Are all communities that way? I know I am new so ,maybe that is just how it is. But more importantly , will I just be spinning my wheels if I apply somewhere else because if they call, they will get that I was terminated. I want to stay in property management , especially multi family because it is the only game in town that provides a half way decent living. For the first time in 7 years. I had insurance and now I don't.

Anyway thanks for your help.

Don't give up!

If you really like this industry, there is a lot of opportunity.

People want to be around people that they enjoy.

Instead of trying to sell the apartment, try to make an emotional connection with the prospect.
What is important to them in their home environment? Do they have a pet who would enjoy your dog park?
Are there hiking trails nearby for walks? Do they like to entertain friends? Your great BBQ's offer the perfect spot!

Consider working on your communication skills. Toni Blake has amazing and motivational videos on YouTube.

Understand that creating relationships with the residents in your community is part of your job. Taking some time
to chit chat with them is important. Remember their names, pets and interests and say hello when you see them on the property.

Research the property management companies in your community and look for ones that have a good training program.
Express your commitment to improve your skills. Be proactive and self-motivated in searching for training materials in sales and
property management skills.

This site is a great start!

Thank you.

I agree that the emotional connection is huge, remember their pets name and refer to them specifically in follow up. If you see their phone number is a different area code ask them where it is from, great way to get to know where the prospect is from. What I find more helpful then anything is reaching out to the local apartment association or even people you worked with and may have formed a connection with for training and advice. Toni Blake really is amazing, definitely watch her but in person face to face mentoring if you can find it may help tremendously.

We have a lot of people looking for the future as well, that is a tough one but continuous follow up is good. Make sure you keep documentation as to when the prospect is looking, as well as follow up documentation to cover yourself. Good luck!

Do not get discouraged and hold your head up! Check out the local apartment association and see if they have a career program! When you love what you do you are unstoppable - go for it! You are one of many great industry leaders of the future that have gotten let go or been heartbroken in some way so you are not alone and it does not define you! There is a lot of competition for renters to choose from! Also find industry pros that you look up to or like their style and latch on and learn as much as you can! Shopping comps is also a great way to find out what others are doing, check out the secret shopping programs in your area and maybe you can get paid in the process! Keep going! Most experience hardships in the industry at some point and it can hurt but it only means you are on to greater things!