The social behavior of people is a complicated web of information. We have different opinions, personalities, perspectives, etc. However, when more people share the same opinion about one thing, it becomes a common belief, which does not always carry truth. That gives rise to misconceptions and stereotypes, but it is not that unexpected, nor is it always harmful.
Misconceptions and false impressions are already part of the social system, whether it be towards a particular gender group, race, social class, or even professions in various industries.
Even rental agents like yourself get different misconceptions from people who do not work in the rental housing industry. Here are a few:
It is a business with no expenses
People assume that rental agents only sweet-talk potential tenants without spending a dime, and they easily earn commissions that simple.
Other people do not understand that agents spend on brokerage fees, small tokens for clients, and marketing themselves to landlords. If they are under a firm, their company may shoulder some of their expenses, but not all. For freelancers and independent agents, they need to spend on everything.
On top of that, rental agents spend money on their training, licenses, presentations, and marketing their services to landlords.
All their friends and family are sure clients
Yes, a vast social network increases the chances of leads and closed deals. However, it does not mean that if close friends and relatives are potential tenants, they will automatically close deals with you. When finding a rental home, potential tenants do not focus on who the agent is. They may show favor to an agent who they know personally, but it would not be enough for them to settle with a property they do not like.
Agents should understand that they should not take it personally if their friends or relatives explore properties with other agents. After all, people have different preferences.
People think that what agents do is easy
Those who do not get first-hand experience in finding tenants think that it is an easy job. For them, an agent’s job is as simple as showing off a rental property and collecting commissions. That is because it’s what they see when they are doing business with an agent.
However, what they do not witness is the work an agent puts in before finding a tenant. An agent has to brainstorm ideas and strategize how to market every property. No same marketing strategy would work on all types of properties. He also needs to screen multiple applicants one by one. Those are only a few of the many tasks a rental agent must accomplish.
Homes are simple to market
One of humanity’s basic needs is shelter. That is why it is easy for other people to assume that it is not challenging to market homes. There is continuous demand in the residential rental market, but not all properties appeal to tenants, and not all tenants qualify to rent every property. Multiple factors come into play when matching a tenant with a property. That is what makes it challenging for agents to fill in vacancies.
However, technology has provided agents with more efficient ways to market properties like through Padleads, an online platform where you can publish a listing and syndicate it to popular websites. It makes it easier for agents to communicate with potential tenants. It is also possible to conduct virtual open houses and remote screening through new technological advancements. Modern ways have made things EASIER for agents to market homes, but it does not mean the task no longer has its challenges.
Residential rental agents have to work hard to find tenants. Some misconceptions and stereotypes may carry a little truth in them. However, it does not mean they are completely true.