Leasing Specialist

Overview
The Leasing Specialist is responsible for assisting the property in attracting and retaining residents by ensuring all procedures involved with leasing an apartment are executed in a timely manner with a positive attitude. This role serves as the primary contact for residents and prospective residents for The Lofts on Alabama and Barley Flats.

This position serves as the primary contact of the property for all prospective and incoming residents, delivering a great first experience from the initial inquiry and tour through move-in, while also connecting with current residents on a regular basis as their typical first point of contact in the office. As a representative of First Companies, the Leasing Specialist must maintain a professional appearance and demeanor appropriate for a business-centric culture, providing a "people-first" experience.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Leasing & Sales

• Greet prospects, determine their housing needs, and ensure all guests complete guest cards.
• Verify guest identification prior to showing model units or vacant apartments.
• Answer telephones and respond to emails from prospective residents regarding community features and availability.
• Conduct property tours, highlighting unique building amenities and the advantages of the downtown location.
• Follow up with prospective residents through personalized communication, including thank you notes and application status updates.

Resident Relations & Communication

• Act as the primary point of contact for resident emails and concerns, ensuring timely and professional resolutions.
• Build and maintain positive resident relations by assisting with resident events, retention programs, and the lease renewal process.
• Schedule maintenance requests and coordinate closely with the Service Technician team to ensure resident satisfaction.
• Handle resident concerns professionally in the absence of the Property Manager.

Compliance & Documentation

• Administer and follow all Fair Housing Laws, ensuring every guest is offered the opportunity to complete a rental application.
• Demonstrate the ability and willingness to complete Fair Housing training to ensure non-discriminatory service.
• Explain the application process to prospective residents and verify application information within 24 hours.
• Screen rental applications through automated software, delivering organized and screened files to the Property Manager for final approval; process application denials by generating and sending adverse action letters within AppFolio for candidates who do not meet community requirements.
• Prepare lease documentation and move-in information while maintaining resident files and confidential data in accordance with company policy.

Property Management Division Support

• Complete project-based work that supports the Property Management division.
• Perform administrative work within the AppFolio property management software.
• Take on other assignments or projects as needed to support the team.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Communication: Excellent phone etiquette, written communication, and organizational skills.
• Technical: Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; experience with AppFolio is preferred.
• Soft Skills: A positive attitude and strong work ethic with the ability to handle several tasks at once and remain calm when working with difficult situations.
• Detail Oriented: High level of accuracy in processing paperwork and maintaining resident files.

Education and Experience

• High School Diploma or equivalent required; college experience or professional coursework in a related field is a plus.
• 2 years of experience as a leasing agent for residential development is preferred.
• Prior experience in property management, sales, or marketing.
• Knowledge of Fair Housing laws and principles is preferred.

Essential Physical Demands

• May be required to sit for extended periods.
• Ability to walk the property and climb stairs regularly to conduct tours for prospective residents.
• Infrequent light physical effort required.

First Companies, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). We do not discriminate against individuals because of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, physical or mental disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local statute or ordinance.

Pay: $50,000.00 - $55,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• Do you have experience and/or knowledge of Fair Housing laws and principles?

Experience:

• residential leasing: 2 years (Preferred)
• property management sales: 1 year (Preferred)

Work Location: In person