Show & Tell (or everything taught about lease-up learned in Kindergarten)

Show and Tell :woohoo:
(or everything I need to know about lease-up I learned in Kindergarten)

It was Show and Tell day. The first time you got to experience the joy of sharing something you own with the rest of the world (to a kindergartener, the class is his world).
Of course, in its own little innocent way, it became a sort of competition. Your item was carefully chosen, perfectly packaged, and described in detail -- and it had value, even if only to you.

But the idea was to get the class as excited about your rock collection as they had been about Ryan’s pet frog.

You learned the importance of showing something to create interest, and of being able to tell about it in more detail.

Some things never change. If you’re going to get people interested in what you have that’s of value, you must show them and tell them about it.

The Show

At lease up how a property shows is of utmost importance.

If you have kept up a regular schedule of maintenance, repair and cleaning it will be obvious to your prospective tenants. It really can’t be emphasized enough how important that first impression can be.

Attractive grounds, clean facilities and well-maintained units attract the best tenants. Now would be a good time to meet with maintenance, landscape and general repair staff to “raise the bar”. Conduct an inspection and assure yourself that everything is in move-in ready condition.

Consider having professionals stage a model for you. Nothing on paper says, “you’re home” quite like the feeling apartment shoppers will get walking through the front door into a beautiful room.

Conduct open houses. Show off your amenities...the great weight room, up-to-date equipment or sparkling clean pool.

The Tell

Get the word out.

Believe it or not, a slow economy is NOT the time to cut back on your advertising or marketing budget.

If you stop telling people about what you have to offer, they will forget you. Stay ahead of the game by continuing to keep your property advertised.

Consult with a professional who can help you determine an effective marketing plan that can include signage, newspaper ads, and local apartment guides, brochures and the Internet.

Taking Care of Business

Be ready to process applications in a timely manner. Be sure you have your plan in place and organized. Assure prospective tenants you are excited to welcome them home soon. This may be a time you need to hire additional, temporary help.

Your team and happy residents can be Heroes at Show and Tell

Your maintenance team can help you SHOW your property at its very best by providing maintenance, cleaning, repairs, even painting. You and your residents can also help you to TELL people about your rentals with creative marketing and advertising. Together you and your staff can get your units move-in ready. However, there is no shame in receiving outside help from contractors to handle all the details, from maintenance to temporary employees. Find out what they can do for you. With the help of contactors your units will be ready and you’ll be prepared for a very successful lease up.

Always remember what you learned in kindergarten and you will be successful! What did you learn in kindergarten that has helped you along the way?

Chiccorra Connor
www.occupancyheroes.com

Sometimes going back to the basics is the best trick of the trade. We sometimes get caught up in all the "Over the top" marketing techniques that we forget how important it is to just showcase the value of what we have.
Great article, thanks for bringing me back to kindergarden.