Like all shops, it is only hard the first 1-3 times. The report will take 2-3 times as long the first and 2nd time, just like all reports.
If you do not reach the target in 3 tries, email your scheduler and ask for permission, in writing, to ask for the target. Target may have left that property,be on vacation of medical leave, etc. So, do not spin your wheels and get your knickers in a twist or decide to just walk away. These can be fun role playing experiences, since you will often get to tour very nice places, indeed.
Ellis reports are not for beginners, and are are VERY much more demanding than any other apartment reports that I have seen (doing hundreds of apartment shops since 2005).
Here are a couple of tips:
know why you want to move and why to that area
know how you found out about the place
let the leasing associate (LA) present the info, asking as few questions as feasible (given the guidelines)
"Recite" as you walk through the apartment. This is a memory trick that I stumbled upon. As you walk in the front, door, for instance, you might say,
"oh, it's nice that the kitchen/coat closet/pantry first bathroom is close to the door." Then, "oh, I'm glad that there is a dining table area/bar seating/ ?, but it is....(Small? does not have a light ??).
Basically, you are signalling likes and providing objections that CAN be overcome by the LA, , without commuting to the apartment or rejecting it. BUT most importantly, you are imprinting your memory (or your voice recorder if it is legal in that state) with notes.
Second most important tip: PICK and STICK. You do not want to be trotted all over the complex, which might be several buildings and take a long time. You just want to give the LA a chance to perform as the client has expected. Early in the presentation, express a preference, for one floor plan. When you see it on the tour, or when you are shown the apartment that most closely matches it (Since the first one may not be available for viewing) express interest without committing, such as, "If I took an apartment would they be sure to thoroughly clean to remove and pet dander? I am very allergic." You just gave a signal that should, if the LA is alert, cause the LA to try, even gently to "close" you. (Soft close may be like, "Do you think this would meet your needs?"
When you get to the point where the LA actually asks you to make an application, explain that you feel obligated to keep the other 2 appointments that you have. If asked where those are located, instead of naming an apartment community, say that they are condos that are being rented by the owners.
Okay. Take a deep breath, exhale slowly. Make a list of what you are supposed and not supposed to do on the phone call. Then decide what to say if the target does not answer. (I say, "Is this Walmart?" (In an Eastern European accent.
Feel free to PM me for more craziness.
Based in MD, near DC
Shopping from the Carolinas to New York
Have video cam; will travel
Poor customer service? Don't get mad; get video.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/23/2019 08:57PM by walesmaven.