Leasing Agent

The Leasing Agent, under the direction of the Community Manager, is a non-supervisory position that leases and markets apartments and assists with resident relations. This position performs routine clerical work of routine difficulty involving sales techniques, offering guidance regarding rental criteria, reviewing, accepting, entering, and organizing application packets, rent collection, and renewal or re-certification of tenant leases. The Leasing Agent Models and ensures high performance and customer service delivery consistent with the agency's mission, vision, and values.

Essential Duties + Responsibilities

The position duties and responsibilities listed below describe the general nature and scope of work. Other responsibilities, duties, and skills may be required and assigned as needed. These essential functions require a consistent presence in the work environment on a regular basis, and regular attendance must be maintained.

• Issues lease violations and monitors curb appeal for residents at the assigned developments as directed by the Property Manager.
• Addresses client needs and eligibility in compliance with Fair Housing Laws and Resident Selection Plan.
• Tours apartments with clients; discuss all benefits of the apartment community and each apartment shown.
• Explains to the prospect, in detail, the application procedures and lease contract.
• Ensures application is processed in a timely manner through the property supported database.
• Completes lease agreements and enters leasing and traffic information on logs.
• Completes weekly, monthly, or special reports as designated by the Community/Assistant Manager.
• Receives deposit and rent money per the Affordable Housing Communities SOP, including the type of funds accepted, provides receipts, and records appropriately.
• Welcomes new residents. Assist as necessary to ensure an enjoyable move-in process.
• Processes resident transfers.
• Completes all requests from residents using proper forms and/or software.
• Communicates clearly to the maintenance staff regarding duties and responsibilities.
• Acknowledges and assists residents with a positive and friendly tone.
• Consults with the Community/Assistant Manager if a policy exception is needed.
• Aids the Community/Assistant Manager as directed. Assists in paperwork, touring property, vacancy issues, and policy compliance.
• Prepares and Processes recommendations for lease violations.
• Conducts move-in, move-out, and housekeeping inspections of units.
• Assumes various responsibilities of the Community/Assistant Manager in their absence.
• Assists in screening and directing visitors, stakeholders, vendors, suppliers, etc, to the appropriate personnel or work area.
• Generates lease renewals and/or recertifications in a timely manner.
• Maintains a professional attitude and appearance at all times.
• Assists with the coordination, implementation, set-up, and clean-up of resident events, meetings, and other sponsored gatherings.
• Practices Fair Housing at all times. Adheres to all policies and procedures.
• Complete all duties as assigned or requested as outlined in operational and procedural guidelines. These guidelines are maintained and issued in the event of an emergency situation that arises at a property or any other location that serves our residents or employees.
• Participate in Trauma Informed Care (TIC) initiatives to include training, workgroups, project assignments, etc., that are launched or implemented in order to achieve and/or maintain certification as a TIC organization.
• Employees are expected to use Generative AI solutions ethically and responsibly.
• Other duties as assigned.

Behavioral Competencies

This position requires the incumbent to exhibit the following behavioral skills

• Values Driven | Demonstrates an understanding of the values (Compassion, Equity, and Excellence) and embodies the values in their work and interactions with residents, vendors, co-workers, supervisors, board members, community members, and other stakeholders.
• Customer Service | Responds with Compassion in a professional manner to the expectations and needs of internal and external customers; is friendly and helpful to all customers, fostering positive relationships while providing Excellent service.
• Effective Use of Information | Communicates important information to those who need to know clearly, securely, effectively, orally and/or in writing; proactively exchanges accurate and timely information.
• Commitment and Continuous Improvement | Sets the standard for Excellence by proactively pursuing innovation through systematic experimentation and learning. Corrects mistakes by assessing appropriate processes, proposing adjustments, and prioritizing long-term solutions.
• Teamwork | Balances team and individual responsibilities; exhibits Compassion, objectivity and openness to others' views; gives and welcomes feedback; contributes to building a positive team spirit; supports everyone's efforts of Excellence; attends, supports, and participates in the organization's team building events.
• Responsiveness and Accountability | Demonstrates a high level of Excellence and holds oneself personally responsible for one's own work; complies with procedures and directives and understands the importance of maintaining and managing confidential information; recognizes and anticipates issues and provides a responsive resolution in a timely manner.

Education

Required

• High School or GED.

Experience

Required

• Two (2) years of experience in apartment leasing and marketing fundamentals.
• Must be willing to work flexible hours/days, including weekends.
• Must have the ability to learn and use cloud applications such as the Google GSuite applications, including but not limited to Google Chrome Browser, Gmail, Drive, Calendar, Docs, Sheets, and Slides. Understand document sharing and collaboration in the cloud. Experience and proficiency with Microsoft Office 365, cloud-accessible applications including but not limited to One Drive, Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, or MAC or PC desktop equivalent, is acceptable.
• Successful completion of a criminal history background check, education, and work history verification, and drug screening test.

Preferred Education and Experience

• Bilingual fluency in English and Spanish.
• Ability to learn cloud technologies such as LucidChart for diagrams, workflow, and chart drawing. Experience with Vizio or equivalent is acceptable. Basic understanding of Virtual Private Network (VPN) access to connect to internal business systems.

License + Certificates

Required

• Professional Leasing Certification & Certified Occupancy Specialist Certification required within one (1) year of employment (depending on the availability of training) with no more than three attempts for certification allowed.
• Must have the ability to earn certifications as required by assigned tasks.
• Texas Class "C" driver's license at the time of placement and insurable by the organization's fleet and liability insurance carrier.

Technical Skills

To perform this job successfully, the employee should have

• Ability to apply superior customer service principles and practices.
• Ability to learn computer software such as Bluemoon and Yardi.
• Ability to apply PC skills such as MS Word, Excel, and/or Google Docs.
• Ability to plan and organize work.
• Ability to meet schedules and timelines.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment as assigned.
• Ability to perform data entry with efficiency and accuracy.
• Ability to prepare letters, memos, reports, and statistical narratives using correct English, grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary.
• Ability to perform mathematical calculations.
• Ability to read, interpret, and apply rules, regulations, policies, and procedures
• Ability to explain rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Knowledge of statistical report writing techniques.
• Knowledge or experience in real estate, sales, or management.
• Knowledge or experience in maintenance or inspections.
• Knowledge of safety and health practices.
• Knowledge of basic mathematical principles and calculations.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

To perform this job successfully, the employee is frequently required to remain in a stationary position. Daily movements include sitting, standing, operating computers and other office equipment, walking and moving about the office and/or community property, and attending onsite and offsite meetings. The employee must be able to complete data entry, utilize various portals, and communicate via email and verbally via telephone. Ability to walk large properties and climb stairs. The employee must occasionally transport up to 25 pounds.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Office Environment

• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
• High level of interaction with external/internal clients.
• May be transferred or be required to work at different properties or sites for interim periods in order to support business needs.

Outside Environment

• Subject to environmental elements when conducting visits to various sites or participating in outside events.

ADA Statement

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the organization will make reasonable accommodations to the known disability of a qualified applicant or employee to enable people with disabilities to enjoy equal employment opportunities if it would not impose an "undue hardship" on the operation of the employer's business.

Ethics

As a public agency, the organization is committed to maintaining the highest of ethical standards. Applicants selected for employment are expected to perform work responsibilities with the highest degree of integrity, professionalism, and honesty to merit the respect of our co-workers, clients, partners, vendors, and the general public. Applicants selected for employment are also expected to serve the public with dedication, concern, courtesy, and responsiveness.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Opportunity Home is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, religion, gender (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, or genetic information, marital status, veteran status, arrest record or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws. Opportunity Home is dedicated to this policy with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion,