by Stephen Ursery

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit and shelter-in-place orders and social distancing became the new way of life, onsite touring and in-person leasing activities came to almost an immediate stop. Apartment communities had to quickly embrace technologies that help prospects communicate with leasing teams remotely and trust technology to carry a lot of the burden that in-person lead nurturing once accomplished. Video chats with prospective renters became the order of the day, and apartment shoppers had to grow comfortable with the possibility of leasing a home before being able to see it in person.

These abrupt changes have many in the industry wondering what the future role of the leasing associate looks like, especially if a significant percentage of prospects remain leery of in-person visits after stay-at-home orders are lifted. 

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