What is the primary function of a leasing professional's relationship-building shopping trip to competing properties?

While establishing a business connection with the staff at competing properties can be beneficial, the primary function of a leasing professional's relationship-building shopping trip is to observe how competing properties treat prospective residents. This is critical because the level of customer service is a direct reflection of the overall leasing experience that potential residents can expect. By understanding the approaches and techniques utilized by competitors in engaging with potential residents, leasing professionals can identify best practices that they can adopt or adapt to enhance their own property’s service and leasing strategies.

This observational aspect allows leasing agents to compare the effectiveness of various engagement methods, assess how well competitors communicate value to prospects, and ultimately improve their own techniques. Such insights are crucial for refining customer service practices and staying competitive in the market.