Usually, a leasing agent works for a property management company or residential building. It is a junior role, and from where you can become a real estate agent. One of the main roles of a leasing agent is to deal with the tenants, screen them, and collect rent on time. Again, sometimes, a leasing agent can function as a full-time realtor and earn money from commissions.
Advantages & Disadvantages of Being a Leasing Agent
4 Advantages of Being a Leasing Agent
1. Guaranteed Income
When you work as a real estate agent, you only earn money as commission. Usually, a realtor gets around 4%-6% commission on each sale. But as a leasing agent, you will have an hourly wage. According to Glassdoor, a leasing agent earns approximately $30,000 to $35,000 annually.
2. Rental Benefits
Often, the employer offers discounted rent to the leasing agents. Besides, depending on the employer or company, you can get one-month free rent after signing targeted leases in a month.
3. Part-Time Job
If you’re looking for a second income stream, becoming a leasing agent can be your option. As a part-time leasing agent, you will have the luxury of working during evenings or weekends. However, no matter whether you will be working part-time or full-time, companies will want your full effort during the house tours. So, your weekends or evenings will be jam-packed with duties.
4. More In-Person Interactions
As a leasing agent, you’ll have to receive phone calls and emails from the tenants. It means you’ll have the opportunity to not only have interactions with your coworkers but also with people from different backgrounds.
Disadvantages of Being a Leasing Agent
· Not a Full-Time Desk Job
If you desire to have a full-time desk job, becoming a leasing agent shouldn’t be on your wish list. Because as a leasing agent, you’ll have to give house tours, meet with tenants, collect rents manually, and so on. And all these, you cannot do from your desk. On some days, you’ll have to visit multiple complexes.
· Requires Quick Responses
When you decide to become a leasing agent, you need to get yourself prepared for answering phone calls and emails, even during lunch breaks. You need to absolutely be on top in response time. Otherwise, some other leasing agents will snatch the deal from you.
· In-Person Meetings Can Be Challenging
As you’ll be meeting a lot of new people from different backgrounds, if you cannot manage them properly, it can be a bit challenging or stressful for you. Because not all the tenants will be the same, to handle all sorts of people, you’ll have to be a people person.
Conclusion
No job comes without its own set of challenges. The role of a leasing agent is no different. So, you have to decide for yourself whether the advantages and benefits are enough to draw you to this position.
