There are many misconceptions about the roles of a leasing professional and real estate agent. The leasing professional is an onsite employee staffed by the property management company. The role of the leasing professional is to provide a tour of the property and explain all information their asset has to offer regarding pricing, availability, and property amenities/features.
Do I need a real estate agent during an apartment search?
The short answer here is no. However, by having a real estate agent assist with your apartment search you can have someone do the research and due diligence for you. Which in turn, takes away a lot of the stress in the apartment search, moving is already stressful let someone else do the work for you. Your realtor can provide you with a Comparative market analysis on the local apartments and communities available in the areas of your interest. A real estate agent is licensed by the state of Texas to perform acts of real estate transactions in the form of selling, buying, or leasing real or commercial property.
Am I responsible to pay both experts a commission?
Another short answer here is no. Lucky enough for both the leasing professional and real estate agent, they are both compensated by the property management company. The leasing professional is paid an hourly or salary rate along with a commission once you’ve signed the lease and the real estate agent is usually paid a flat fee for bringing in the prospective resident. Be sure to include your realtor's name on the leasing application!
It’s a win-win for everyone!
A Bonus note is that the leasing professional and real estate agent have one common interest/goal and that is getting you to sign a lease. And the entire apartment search and locating services came at zero cost to you. Everyone wins!
As a former leasing professional and leasing manager, I have expert knowledge in multifamily housing and the luxury leasing industry. Schedule a call to speak with me about your new apartment search now!