what course work is needed to be a leasing agent

by Audie Prosacco I 7 min read

  • Education. Leasing agents should have a minimum of a high school diploma or a General Education Development (GED) certificate.
  • Training. Many leasing agents receive additional on-the-job training to learn the specific skills, systems and technology they will need to use in their role.
  • Certifications. Certifications allow you to prove your skills and qualifications to current and potential employers.
  • Skills. Leasing agents need a combination of several hard and soft skills to succeed in their role. ...

To earn your NALP certification, you need to complete a seven-module course and pass an exam. Salaries of apartment leasing agents can vary, because many certified leasing professionals also work as property managers, as real estate agents or as brokers.

What education do you need to be a leasing agent?

Education Requirements. In most states, leasing agents are only required to have a high school diploma or GED as long as they are supervised by someone with a real estate broker's license. This doesn't necessarily mean direct daily experience.

What subjects do you need to study to become a leasing consultant?

Good subjects to study include: Gain some work experience. In many cases, there are no absolute prerequisite work experiences for gaining a position as a leasing consultant. However, having some background in sales or hospitality can prepare you well to work in leasing services and property management.

Is it hard to be a leasing agent?

The job of a leasing agent can be physically demanding as you're on your feet for a lot of the day showing rentals and often walking between rentals is required. The many responsibilities of agents, in addition to showing rentals, can make the job stressful at times.

What are the requirements to become a licensed real estate agent?

In order to secure licensure, all states require candidates to be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma and pass a certification exam approved by the state they wish to work in.

How do I start a career in leasing?

What are the Steps to Become a Leasing Agent in California?Step #1: Meet the Requirements to Become a Leasing Agent. ... Step #2: Enroll in an Accredited Real Estate School. ... Step #3: Collect All 3 Real Estate Certificates. ... Step #4: Schedule and Pass the California Real Estate Exam.More items...•

How do I become a good leasing agent?

At the most basic level, every leasing agent should:Have a firm knowledge of the community and surrounding area where they work.Know basic real estate and multifamily terminology.Have an understanding of Fair Housing laws.Be able to communicate effectively with prospective residents – as well as the community team.

What skills do you need to be a Leasing Consultant?

Requirements and skillsProven working experience as a Leasing Consultant.Good knowledge of leasing rules and regulations.Proven track record of successful sales.Basic understanding of MS Office.Exquisite presentation and negotiation skills.Well-versed in marketing and sales techniques.Customer-focused approach.More items...

Is being a leasing agent hard?

In-Person Interaction Can Be Stressful Being a leasing agent is a customer service role, so aside from meeting people from different backgrounds, you will also encounter people with different personalities. Not all of them will be nice. Some can be demanding, and a few might just be downright mean.

What are leasing skills?

Leasing Agent Qualifications/Skills:Customer service.Meeting sales goals.Closing skills.Prospecting skills.Negotiation.Self-confidence.Product knowledge.Presentation skills.More items...

What does a leasing agent do?

Leasing agents act as liaisons between tenants and the people from whom they lease properties. The agents ensure property owners and property management companies have a steady stream of potential renters ready to move into their rental properties at all times.

What should I say in a lease interview?

Tell me about a time when you had to handle multiple tenant move-ins on the same day. Describe a time you applied new technology or information in your job and how it helped your company. How have you used real estate trends to your advantage? Describe a time when you successfully coordinated a property closing.

How do leasing agents get organized?

Kill It as a Leasing Consultant: 8 Time Management Strategies for...Hold flexible office hours. ... Schedule difficult tasks for your most productive time of day. ... Set aside a specific time each day to read emails and return phone calls. ... Communicate regularly with staff. ... Compile daily, weekly and monthly to-do lists.More items...

Is leasing professional a good career?

Most apartment Leasing Consultants earn a competitive hourly salary in addition to sales commissions. It's a way to be in control of your own income. The stronger you are at sales, means the stronger you will be at leasing apartments and earning commissions and bonuses.

What is the difference between a leasing agent and leasing consultant?

What is the difference between a leasing agent and a leasing consultant? Leasing agents seek tenants for their rental properties and handle the signing of lease while leasing consultants provides advice to tenants on the rental options that are on the market.

What is the most important part of being a leasing specialist?

Excellent customer service skills are vital for resolving resident issues. A successful leasing consultant brings a positive attitude to all situations and works diligently to resolve any resident issues that arise. They are willing to give assistance and advice to any resident that seeks out their support.

What does a leasing agent do?

Leasing agents work with property owners. Their main aim is to find tenants for the buildings of property owners; those can be apartments, family h...

How much do leasing agents make?

The average base pay of a leasing agent in the United States is around $32.000 per year. In case you want to follow this career path, you can expec...

How much does it cost to become a leasing agent?

You don’t need to have a degree, in order to become a leasing agent; however, some background in business management (or any other related sphere)...

What is the demand for leasing agents?

Between 2016 and 2026, the leasing agent job market is expected to grow by 10% in the United States, which is close to the national average (accord...

How long does it take to become a leasing agent?

In case you want to become a leasing agent, you would have to get licensed and certified. However, the requirements would differ from state to stat...

What is the best skill to have to become a leasing agent?

One helpful skill that is extremely useful in order to become a Leasing Agent is the ability to sell. An interested individual should ask themselves whether selling is their cup of tea before taking the plunge to become a Leasing Agent. Employers are also keen on hiring an accomplished salesperson who knows how to close a deal.

What is a leasing agent?

A Leasing Agent works on behalf of a commercial or residential landlord and is responsible for finding new tenants that can occupy an empty business or apartment space. Leasing Agents also need to have a keen sense on scouting potential tenants by securing applications from applicants who are financially qualified to lease a space.

ABOUT THE LEASING AGENT PRE-LICENSING COURSE

This course is the first step on your journey to becoming a residential leasing agent!

CHOOSE YOUR FORMAT

There are two (2) different ways that you can take this course. Pick the best option based on what works for your schedule and your learning style.

What is a leasing agent?

A leasing agent is a professional in the real estate industry who collects rent, markets rental properties and offers customer support to tenants on behalf of property management companies or landlords. They closely assist tenants searching for new living arrangements by providing tours, processing applications and administering lease agreements.

What does a leasing agent do?

Leasing agents work closely with tenants to sell units on the properties they work for. Once a tenant moves in, the leasing agent continues to build a relationship with the tenant by offering a personalized service and answering any questions about the property or unit.

Leasing agent salary

The national average salary of a leasing agent is $98,750 per year, according to Indeed Salaries. You can typically earn a higher wage in this role if you receive a higher education, gain more job experience and work in a location with a higher cost of living rate.

Leasing agent skills

To excel as a leasing agent, you must possess strong communication, customer service and interpersonal abilities to regularly interact with and assist tenants before, during and after they move in.

How to become a leasing agent

Great leasing agents should have advanced knowledge of the real estate industry, which they can gain through the necessary licenses, educational credentials and certifications. Follow these steps to become a successful leasing agent:

What is the difference between a leasing agent and a real estate agent?

The primary difference between leasing agents and real estate agents is the amount of money that they make. Real estate agents get paid on a commission basis. The amount varies from place to place, but the national standard is around 5 to 6%. It is possible but not typical for these individuals to earn a salary, and even if they do get one, ...

How much will real estate jobs grow in 2026?

Research from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that the employment rate for real estate professionals is expected to grow about 6-percent from 2016 to 2026. So, perhaps there has never been a better time than now to start a new career.

Do leasing agents have supervisors?

They still have a supervisor as they work under a broker’s license, but most of the time, the professionals likely feel as if they are their own boss. In the meantime, leasing agents usually have to stay on-site at the office and work a fixed schedule.

Is a real estate agent an independent leasing agent?

In some cases, a real estate agent may even serve as an independent leasing agent. They usually do so for clients through a real estate company though.

What education do you need to become a leasing agent?

Education. Leasing agents should have a minimum of a high school diploma or a General Education Development (GED) certificate. Many properties prefer some level of completed post-secondary education such as an associate degree. Relevant coursework includes real estate, sales and business.

What are the skills required to be a leasing agent?

Leasing agents must have excellent verbal and written communication skills so that they can provide a high level of customer service to their tenants and create professional leasing documents.

What do leasing agents do?

Leasing agents find new tenants for their properties, handle the signing of leases and provide customer service for existing tenants. They establish a rapport with existing tenants and provide them with personalized service. They may also follow up with prospective tenants. Specific responsibilities may vary based on the type of company the leasing agents works for, but typically include: 1 Meeting with prospective tenants, take them on tours of the units they are interested in and highlight the benefits of the units and property 2 Preparing and executing lease documents according to property standards and regulations 3 Conducting credit and background checks to qualify potential tenants 4 Confirming information and references provided by potential tenants on the application 5 Collecting application fees and security deposits from potential tenants and monthly rental payments from existing tenants 6 Coordinating any necessary property maintenance 7 Informing residents of any changes to their rental agreement or upcoming events or issues associated with the property 8 Creating marketing and promotional materials to advertise vacant units on their property 9 Monitor the use of community facilities and common areas including the office, pool, laundry, mail and fitness centers.

What is a leasing agent certification?

Leasing agents can also earn certifications to gain additional knowledge about their responsibilities and further their career advancement opportunities. Popular certifications for leasing agents include:

How many years of experience do you need to be a commercial leasing agent?

Some of these courses require leasing agents and property managers to have at least 3-5 years experience.

How long does leasing training last?

On-the-job training may last for a period of a few weeks to a few months. Training often includes a period of shadowing current leasing agents and performing duties in your role under direct supervision until you are comfortable enough to complete your responsibilities on your own.

How long does a leasing agent have to train?

This training is often part of the leasing agent’s on-boarding process at a new job. On-the-job training may last for a period of a few weeks to a few months.

How long does it take to become a leasing consultant?

The NALP certification course requires you to have worked as a leasing consultant for at least six months you can become certified, although you can begin taking this course before you have six months’ experience. Some BOMA courses are targeted toward leasing agents and property managers with 3-5 years experience.

What is leasing consultant?

A leasing consultant, also known as a leasing agent, works on behalf of landlords and property management companies to collect rent and provide customer service for renters and tenants. They also market rental properties to prospective tenants by giving tours, answering questions and processing applications and lease agreements.

What is the NALP certification?

The National Apartment Association (NAA) offers the National Apartment Leasing Professional (NALP) certification. Similarly, the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) offers a variety of courses relevant to commercial leasing agents. There may be a fee associated with the certification course and/or examination.

How to prepare for leasing license?

You can prepare for a leasing license examination by completing a short course; some may be completed in just a few days. You may also be able to use self-study materials to prepare for the examination. Typically, there will be fees for the course or study materials and for the examination itself.

How old do you have to be to be a leasing agent?

Typical requirements may include: You must be at least 18 years old. You must be a high school graduate, or equivalent. You must complete an approved leasing agent course and/or examination.

What are the best subjects to study for leasing?

Good subjects to study include: Gain some work experience. In many cases, there are no absolute prerequisite work experiences for gaining a position as a leasing consultant.

Do you need to have a background to be a leasing consultant?

In many cases, there are no absolute prerequisite work experiences for gaining a position as a leasing consultant. However, having some background in sales or hospitality can prepare you well to work in leasing services and property management. Fields where you can gain relevant work experience include:

How much will the real estate market grow in 2026?

The need for real estate brokers and agents is expected to grow 6 percent from 2016 to 2026, which is about average for all occupations. The rental home market ebbs and flows with the economy to a certain extent. When the real estate market is booming, more renters may decide to buy.

What does it mean to be a leasing agent?

That means being pleasant and professional at all times to current residents and anyone who may walk in the door. In an apartment complex, leasing agents usually also manage the property, so they interact with current residents on a daily basis. Keeping them happy is part of keeping them as tenants. And reputation is important, too.

What are the characteristics of a leasing agent?

Personality traits and other skills are important for leasing agents, too. An outgoing, friendly attitude that puts people at ease makes a great impression with them and in your interview. You'll be working on the computer as a leasing agent, so proficiency with basic office software is important.

Can a leasing agent work part time?

Leasing agents can work part-time or full-time, be self-employed or work in an office environment. Some are the sole agent for their companies, while others work for large management or leasing companies. Evening and weekend hours are often required because you need to be available when customers want to see rentals.

Do you need a GED to become a leasing agent?

In most states, leasing agents are only required to have a high school diploma or GED as long as they are supervised by someone with a real estate broker's license. This doesn't necessarily mean direct daily experience. If the management office is run by someone with a broker's license, and that person trains you on correct practices to follow and reviews your work periodically, that would satisfy the rule.

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