As spring approaches, many of you may be beginning your search for a new home. Spring housing fairs, often hosted by college campuses and local communities, are a great resource for this process. To ensure you're well-prepared, whether you know exactly what you're looking for or need some guidance, we've compiled some helpful tips.
Spring housing fairs offer an invaluable opportunity to kickstart your apartment search, providing a direct connection to a wide range of property managers. If the prospect of navigating the rental market feels overwhelming, these fairs are the perfect starting point. You can engage in face-to-face conversations, get immediate answers to your burning questions, and leave with a clearer understanding of your options. Beyond simply learning about available properties, spring housing fairs often feature exclusive deals, information about the application process, and insights into local amenities. This allows you to find a place to live and see what the local area has to offer.
At BMOC Inc., we're more than just a property management company; we're dedicated to building vibrant communities where residents truly thrive. It's our mission to create a space that fosters happiness, connection, and pride, starting from the moment you begin your apartment search. We understand that finding the perfect home is a crucial step, and we're committed to providing a tailored and supportive experience throughout your journey with us. That's why we actively participate in spring and fall housing fairs, showcasing our diverse portfolio of student and multifamily/conventional properties. Our team of dedicated property experts is our greatest asset, and they're passionate about helping you discover a space where you can feel truly at home. We don't just manage properties; we cultivate communities, ensuring lasting value and enriching the lives of our residents.
Before diving into the excitement of a housing fair, a little preparation goes a long way! To ensure you make the most of your experience, start by researching the participating property management companies and the types of properties they offer. Create a list of your must-have amenities (think: in-unit laundry, pet-friendliness, or a fitness center) and key features you're seeking in a location, such as proximity to work, schools, or public transportation. To stay organized and ensure you don't miss any crucial details, develop a checklist of important questions to ask, such as rental costs, lease terms, pet policies, and maintenance procedures. For instance, when inquiring about rental costs, ask: 'What is the base rent, and are there any additional fees, such as application, amenity, parking, or pet fees? Also, what utilities are included in the rent?'
To make the most of your housing fair visit, be prepared to gather information. Bring a notebook, pen, and a folder to collect brochures and details about properties that interest you. To stay organized and ensure you don't miss any crucial details, create a physical folder or a digital file to keep all your documents in one place, ensuring everything is readily accessible. It's also a good idea to bring a bag or extra folder to collect the brochures, flyers, and other materials you'll gather from the various booths. After the fair, take the initiative to follow up with the property managers you found most relevant to your housing needs. Send a thank-you email, reiterating your interest in their properties. This demostrates your interest and maintains professional communication. Finally, take some time to review your notes and compare the properties you visited based on your housing requirements. This will help you make an informed decision and select a suitable place to call home.
How to best prepare for a housing fair as a property manager?
Beyond assisting apartment hunters, housing fairs are crucial for property managers. These events facilitate direct connections with numerous potential residents, significantly boosting the opportunity to find prospective residents. Property managers are encouraged to leverage housing fairs hosted by local universities and community organizations.
To make a splash at the housing fair, your booth needs to be a visual magnet. Aim for a clean, organized layout showcasing high-quality property photos and detailed brochures. Many of our property managers praise their compact wheels for having propped up on the table, inviting visitors to spin the wheel for a prize. Ensure your staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and ready to answer any question. If you have a marketing team, collaborate early on collateral needs, scheduling professional photography and website updates well in advance.
Learn from our team of property managers:
Q: What is one thing that property managers should do to make their booth stand out?
A: “Bright colors, branded merch, candy, and a good attitude”-Julia | The Element Apartments
Embrace digital tools to enhance the visitor experience. Tablets or laptops displaying virtual tours can be incredibly effective. Stock up on business cards and promotional materials, and leverage QR codes for quick access to your website and social media. This streamlines information sharing and engagement.
Equip your team to handle the fair's fast-paced environment with professionalism and fairness. Provide comprehensive training on available apartment units, lease terms, and property amenities and features. Ensure sufficient staffing to avoid long lines and engage with with all potential residents. Prepare your team for handling multiple conversations simultaneously, maintaining professionalism and efficiency. This also includes being proactive in approaching all visitors, asking open-ended questions, and actively listening to their housing needs and preferences. Have a system for efficiently collecting contact information and following up with leads.
Learn from our team of property managers:
Q: What is the best way to handle a very crowded booth?
A: “Try to address the whole group, make sure you don't seem like you're ignoring anyone” – Julia | The Element Apartments
Maximize your reach by promoting your housing fair participation across social media channels and your website. Highlight any generally applicable offers or promotions. Implement a clear and accessible system for collecting contact information. This could include a sign-up sheet, a digital form, or a QR code leading to a contact form on your website. Collect only essential contact information, such as name, email address, or phone number, with clear notice of how the information will be used. Consider using a CRM system to track leads and manage follow-up communication in a consistent and non-discriminatory manner. Offer incentives such as a free gift for visitors to provide their contact information, ensuring all attendees have equal access to the offer.
Housing fairs provide an excellent opportunity to explore your options and find a suitable living space. By preparing thoroughly and asking the right questions, you can make the most of this valuable resource. At BMOC Inc., we understand that finding the right apartment is a significant decision. We are dedicated to offering exceptional service and guidance throughout your housing journey. If you see us at your upcoming housing fair, stop by and visit us to learn more about our available rentals and how we can help you find your perfect home! We at BMOC Inc. look forward to helping you spring into your new apartment!