Charisma, energy, and appearance. Energy is contagious, charisma helps build relationships, and a professional appearance helps to sell the property. A leasing consultant should be an all-star people person, with a positive outlook on life.

Now to label the client as having a short attention span is a bit far fetched. If their "attentiveness" is diverted, the problem therein lies with engaging the client. One can bore anyone (not to be lump-labeled as the client having a 'short attention span'). Rather, they do have a short time frame (seconds) to form an overall opinion on the LC and the way the information is communicated, not to be confused with a potentially derogatory phrase such as "they have a short attention span"- this is seen in goldfish- not clients.

While their personal skills are very important, it is also important to find an individual that can listen to the customer's needs and demonstrate some basic selling skills by gathering the important information that will help you get a signed lease once they leave the leasing office:

1. What other properties are they considering
2. Get a sense of their urgency to move
3. Spot the important characteristics of a new home they value

A good leasing professional should be organized enough to respond quickly to incoming requests and make the prospect feel like they listened to their needs and matched them to the perfect home.

A giant smile. Smiling makes the leasing agent seem inviting and happy to help customers. If a prospective leasing agent is NOT smiling when you meet her/him, move on to the next.

You are so right on!

You know, that doesn't surprise me in the least. People have such incredibly short attention spans and I think that one of the most important things that a company can do in training is to make their LC aware of that. I know I do when I send mine out, because once you've blown it, you've blown it big time.