Leasing Specialist

About the Company

Avanath is proud to be named one of the top property management companies providing affordable housing for the workforce. Cultivating the American Dream is the purpose that binds the Avanath team. Every day is an opportunity to make a difference in someone's life—whether helping residents call one of our communities home, providing excellence in customer service, or championing our workforce. We are committed to creating an unforgettable experience as a great place to live, work, and be.

About the Role

The Leasing Specialist is responsible for leasing, marketing, and maintaining positive resident relations within the community. This role requires a high degree of professionalism and positive engagement with residents and staff. Key attributes include:

• An Aptitude for Connecting: Must possess a strong sense for creating a sense of community and the drive to go the extra mile to create a positive experience for residents and staff. Success is driven by building relationships within communities, including vendor partners, regulatory, and social services partnerships.
• An Authentic Attitude: Consistently demonstrate an open and professional approach when addressing resident and staff concerns, including seeking resources throughout the organization via support services and senior leadership.
• A Positive and Professional Approach: Actively listen and ensure each resident and staff member feels seen, heard, and valued while working to resolve challenges.

Responsibilities

Customer Service & Sales

• Provide A+ customer service at all times.
• Greet and qualify all prospects; record all telephone and in-person visits on guest cards.
• Inspect models and available “market-ready” units; communicate service needs to the Community Manager.
• Demonstrate community and apartment/models, applying product knowledge to prospect needs; close the sale.
• Have prospects complete applications and secure deposits in accordance with company procedures and Fair Housing requirements.
• Update availability reports and process applications for approvals.
• Ensure apartments are ready for move-in on the agreed date.
• Follow up on prospects that did not close and attempt to close the sale again; refer to sister communities if needed.
• Secure new resident signatures on appropriate paperwork prior to move-in; orient new residents to the community.
• Assist in monitoring renewals; distribute and follow up on renewal notices.

Administrative

• Accept rental payments.
• Type leases and complete appropriate paperwork; input information accurately and timely into the Yardi System.
• Maintain current resident files.
• Distribute all company or community-issued notices.
• Maintain accurate monthly commission records on leases and renewals for bonus purposes.
• Assist the management team with various tasks as required.
• Consistently implement community policies.

Resident Retention

• Receive all telephone calls and in-person visits; listen to resident requests, concerns, and comments.
• Complete maintenance service requests quickly and inform the maintenance team.
• Answer questions for residents about community, repairs, rent, rules, etc.; follow up timely if unable to respond immediately.
• Ensure all maintenance repairs are handled satisfactorily by contacting residents with completed service requests daily.
• Maintain open communication with the Community Manager and Maintenance Supervisor.
• Contribute to the cleanliness and curb appeal of the community.
• Assist in planning resident events; attend and participate as a host when directed by the Community Manager.

Adherence to Property Management Rules, Regulations, and Guidelines

• Conduct all business in accordance with company policies, Fair Housing, Americans with Disabilities Act, and all other laws pertaining to the apartment industry.
• Under the direction of the Compliance department and Community Manager, manage compliance file maintenance where applicable.

Requirements

• Passion for providing exceptional customer service.
• 2+ years of sales and/or customer relations experience.
• Low-income housing and tax credit experience is highly desired.
• Bilingual (English & Spanish) highly desired.
• Thrives in a fast-paced environment.
• Flexible schedule that may include evenings and weekends.
• Solid computer knowledge: Windows (Word, Excel), internet, and email.
• Working knowledge of Yardi Voyager Property Management software.

Physical Demands & Working Conditions

• Classified as essential staff; expected to report to work and adhere to all safety and business protocols.
• Frequent sitting and walking.
• Repetitive use of computer, keyboard, mouse, and phone.
• Reading, comprehending, writing, performing calculations, and communicating verbally.
• May work in elevated sites; may walk on uneven ground.
• Occasional squatting, bending neck/waist, twisting neck/waist, pushing, and pulling.

Benefits

• Culture: Built on purpose and core values—commitment to integrity, a spirit of caring, and a focus on continuous improvement.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Health, dental, and vision insurance; 401(k); personal time off; paid holidays, and more.
• Growth: Based on achievement with an emphasis on promoting from within.
• Development: Opportunities to learn and expand knowledge through online training, classes, and one-on-one coaching.
• Diversity & Inclusion: Avanath is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Initiatives include:
  • Respectful communication and cooperation between all employees.
  • Teamwork and employee participation, permitting representation of all groups and perspectives.
  • Work/life balance through flexible work schedules.
  • Employer and employee contributions to communities to promote understanding and respect for diversity.

Pay

Compensation Range: $22—$24 USD per hour.