Leasing Consultant
Leasing consultants, also known as leasing agents, rent and show property to interested individuals. This career path may be a good choice for people with great salesmanship and a professional attitude that like working with the public.
Leasing Consultant Job Description
Leasing consultants act as representatives for landlords and property management companies. They show property, explain pricing options, process applications, and negotiate rental agreements between the interested individuals and the landlord or management company. They are responsible for managing marketing efforts and networking to make contacts, occasionally involving social media as a source for reaching new markets. In addition to their duties in sales, they are often the contact person for current tenants, and will oversee maintenance to units, attend to customer requests and complaints, and ensure that the grounds are maintained properly.
Leasing Consultant Education, Training and Certification
Many employers look for leasing consultants that have a bachelor’s degree in financing, business management, real estate, or marketing. However, it is common for candidates without college degrees who have a strong background in customer service to be considered for this position if they hold a high school diploma have completed real estate training. Training is received on the job to introduce new consultants to the landlord or property management’s policies and procedures. Additional training teaches the system for processing paperwork and familiarizes leasing consultants with the rental properties, as well as instructs new consultants how to process tenant complaints.
Leasing Consultant Jobs and Career Outlook
Though most leasing consultants do work in an office environment, they spend a great deal of time out in the field showing properties or addressing tenant concerns. They may live on the property itself and remain on-call to address any immediate issues with the rental properties. Leasing consultants work long hours, and typically work weekends. The career outlook for this position is expected to grow about as fast as average, at a rate of eight percent between 2008 and 2018. This growth is due to the increasing number of tenants living in properties managed by third party companies, as well as an increasing demand for affordable senior housing.
Leasing Consultant Salary
The annual median salary for leasing consultants in the U.S. is $26,814. Consultants with less experience and education may earn $21,893 and well-qualified candidates may earn up to $32,457 with proper education and prior experience. Some leasing consultant’s salaries are supplemented with commissions, making good salesmanship a priority. Leasing consultants with leadership and communication skills may be promoted to management positions within the company. Consultants with good business sense that desire to work on their own may start a leasing business of their own.
Job prospects for leasing consultants with degrees or a strong sales background are very favorable and ensure job security. People who enjoy sales and have excellent people skills, while maintaining a professional attitude are well suited to this particular career. Prospective candidates should check online postings on job websites or check their local newspapers for career opportunities in their area.