Hi Rachel,
When you say sales professional do you mean leasing consultant? Sales people don't typically think of leasing as a sales job unfortunately. There are so many other duties involved - answering phones, taking work orders, delivering notices, etc. And often management companies don't pay much compared to what a good sales person can make elsewhere. A high performing sales professional can make a very good living in sales, but leasing consultants typically (your company may be different) aren't paid very much and unless you pay a percentage of the lease value, the commission doesn't amount to much either. So you get entry level people. When you consider the value of the lease term compared to what a leasing person is usually paid, it just doesn't add up to attracting top sales talent. Maybe attract sales people by paying a base plus percentage of the lease value rather than an hourly wage plus small lease bonus. And if you're already doing this, are you advertising what a typical leasing agent can make at your properties? Ultimatley since sales people are very money-driven, I think if leasing paid better, you would get better sales people. :)