Referrals continue as the most popular source of prospects to our community.  So, it only makes sense that we focus to increase resident referrals.

We monitor the reviews and encourage satisfied customers to share their experience.  Even with a growing range of virtual experiences,  the leading influencer in both sending visitors to the community, but also visitors that make the decision to lease is the resident referral.

Why are these people talking about your community?

In some cases, it is our current residents.  They are referring friends and families in response to the offer of a resident referral.  An opportunity for some cash in their pocket or a discount on rent.  As well as the opportunity to have friends, coworkers and family as neighbors.

Another source of referrals are the satisfied former residents.  It’s always a pleasure and a true sign of satisfaction when residents returns to your community. Social media makes it easy for an individual that has moved to another city to keep in touch with former colleagues or friends.  It only takes a second for someone to ask, “Did you like the apartment community you were living at before you moved?”  Social media is a great tool to maintain a steady stream of communication.  This allows former residents  the opportunity to easily direct referrals in the future.

How To Keep In Touch

Ask departing residents if their email will remain the same.  Possibly confirm a forwarding address, this will allow you to keep in touch.  It also provides the information to start a special email distribution list.  The relationship built through the leasing and residency tenure can easily extend as a resident moves to a new location.  Letting a resident know they will continue to be a member of the extended community family demonstrates the value of this relationship.

Thank You For Choosing Our Community

Send thank you notes to residents after their move out.  Express appreciation for the time they chose to live at the property and an offer for a discounted application fee or dollars off first months rent could be a scheduled outreach activity each month.

Newsletter Distribution

This mailing (distribution) list can be used to send community newsletters and other marketing flyers.  Former residents can receive information about activities at the community and enjoy seeing pictures or hearing about former neighbors.

Thank You For The Referral

Acknowledging the source of a referral will let the individual or business know their referral is appreciated.  Thank you notes, gifts or personal visits to recognize these efforts will not go unnoticed.   Taking a few minutes sending thank you notes and emails recognizing the customer loyalty will give former residents something to talk about, and increase resident referrals will continue to provide a solid source of traffic for the property.