Building Rapport with Prospective Tenants in a Digital World

The youngest segment of renters grew up in the world of cell phones, texting and social media - pretty much instant communication. Kindergartners are navigating the digital highway on smartphones and tablets almost as efficiently as the nerd police in the electronic section of popular big box stores. Society has fiercely adopted the digital age. They expect accessibility, and they want it now. As a property owner, you have a short window to grab their attention, if prospects can't find what they're looking for online almost instantly, they're gone, and you've lost them.

Chances are that any potential tenants have looked you up online, so their experience with your property started long before they contacted you. Most consumers spend a maximum of 10-20 seconds on a page and then move on if you don't give them a reason to stay. You don't necessarily have to install smart thermostats, door locks, and lighting, though most millennial would approve and probably would be willing to pay a bit more in rent, but your online presentation does provide a window of how modern and updated your property is.

Who Makes Phone Calls Anymore?

In today's world, it's safe to say that nearly all potential tenants "surf the web" to find a new home with just a few clicks. At the very least they want to know the property location, rent amount, the floor plan, and they want to see pictures of the interior before adding your property to their shortlist of properties to see.

As a landlord or property manager, if you haven't already, it is time to start weaving technology into your property advertising. Your tenants expect it, and you need to distinguish yourself, or at least play catch-up. You don't have to go out and transform your properties with all of the latest gadgetry, but at least, phase out paper flyers and monthly community newsletters. Even a curmudgeon should realize that it's cheaper to pay someone to blast out monthly announcements than to pay for printing costs.

Is There An App for That?

Most renters nowadays not only prefer, but expect to be able to communicate with their landlord or property manager through email or text. A growing number of renters would also like the option to pay their rent online or through an app. Once you have a system in place, electronic maintenance requests, access to your property's public documents, lease agreements, text/email alerts regarding payments due, maintenance appointments, safety alerts or community news could all be done electronically.

The internet allows for enhanced lines of communication between tenants, clients, and customers. It has managed to fuse the business world of information and social media. Most tenants prefer to get a text message or an email over finding a flyer stuffed in the mailbox. You need to start interacting with your prospects in a way they feel comfortable. If you haven't started, it's time to embrace technology and streamline aspects of your operation.