Leasing Associate - Renton Sage

Leasing Associate

Through the development, ownership, and operations of affordable housing properties, Bellwether Housing has been a trailblazer in transforming the lives of lower-income individuals and families in our region. As the largest non-profit housing provider in the Pacific Northwest, Bellwether is a leader in State and local housing policy issues, an innovator in financing and housing development strategies, and a trusted partner to a diverse array of organizations in our community, while providing resident and real estate development services to other mission-driven non-profits around Western Washington.

The Leasing Associate serves as the community's primary sales representative and a key ambassador of Bellwether's values. This role is responsible for welcoming prospective residents, showcasing the features and benefits of the property in a professional and compelling manner, and securing lease agreements from qualified applicants.

In this role, you'll provide exceptional service through responsive, unbiased, and knowledgeable interactions with both applicants and current residentsensuring a positive experience that reflects care, integrity, and professionalism. All responsibilities are carried out in alignment with Bellwether's policies, procedures, and Fair Housing standards. Work Schedule: Onsite, Monday-Friday, 8:30 am - 5:00 pm. Some evening or weekend hours may occasionally be required to meet the needs of leasing appointments. Building Information: Renton Sage Apartments is a 284-unit, garden-style property located in Renton. The building is comprised of Low-Income Housing Tax Credits and Bonds, WSHFC and Amazon funding.

Marketing:

• Maintains a professional and friendly atmosphere in the leasing office and other areas where prospective residents and residents meet.
• Responds to inquiries in the Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Knock- system in accordance with Bellwether expectations.
• Post regularly on online advertising sites such as Craigslist and Weblisters as instructed.
• Inspect models and market-ready vacancies daily to ensure cleanliness. Performs cleaning and staging as needed.
• Answers incoming phone calls and handles each call accordingly, whether it is a prospect call, an irate resident, a service request, etc. Transfers calls to Property Manager or Assistant Property Manager when appropriate.
• Greets prospective residents, qualifies, determines needs and preferences, and professionally presents the community and specific apartments while communicating features and benefits.
• Maintains awareness of local market conditions and trends. Contributes ideas to the manager for marketing property and for improving resident satisfaction.
• Sets out A-Boards and balloons at property entrances daily.
• Track all sources of traffic for all prospects in Yardi.
• Work with the Site Manager and Portfolio Manager to develop marketing strategies and implementation.
• Evaluate vacant units to determine potential leasing hurdles, working with Site Managers and Portfolio Managers to establish concessions or adjust rent levels.
• Collaborate with the Resident Services staff, maintain relationships with partnership agencies regarding setting aside units, initiating contracts on vacancies, assisting with the client application process, and communicating residency issues with current clients.

Leasing:

• Manage central leasing email accounts, outreach, and prescreen prospects, provide information on leasing a Bellwether unit, and schedule intake appointments.
• Assist applicants in accurately completing rental applications and support documentation.
• Explain WSHFC income qualification guidelines and other funding guidelines or restrictions.
• Process housing applications, submit screening applications, and obtain third-party verification of income, assets, and other eligibility requirements.
• Enter application information into the property management software.
• Develop a collaborative system with Site Managers for applications in process, with detailed communication logs to ensure that application files are current.
• Complete all lease paperwork, including related addenda, and accept rents and deposits.
• Organizes and files appropriate reports, leases, and paperwork.

Building Relationships:

• Actively participate and champion the 'One Team' at the site centered on Bellwether's values of accountability, belonging, and collaboration.
• Seek out and maintain strong collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders and ensure site teams do the same.
• Create a sense of community among residents, coordinating and engaging in regular events.
• Champion and cultivate an inclusive work environment.

Minimum Requirements:

• One year of prior work experience in apartment leasing or high-volume customer service roles.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Highly organized and strong attention to detail, capable of taking personal initiative in a project as needed, making sure all work is completed and of high quality.
• Ability to exercise discretion and confidentiality.
• Exceptional customer service aptitude, including problem-solving skills and the ability to respond quickly and tactfully to customer requests.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Experience working with Microsoft Office user applications, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.

Desired Qualifications:

• Prior apartment management or leasing experience in the property management industry.
• Experience in leasing in low-income housing tax credit properties.
• Experience in Fair Housing and local landlord/tenant law.
• Completion of WSHFC Fundamental and Advanced training workshops.
• Experience with Seattle Housing Authority Section 8 Project and Tenant-Based programs.
• Experience working with Yardi or equivalent property management software.
• Familiarity with service-enriched housing programs.
• Demonstrated ability to build effective partnerships with community constituencies and social service agencies.
• Experience working with social service programs for diverse populations and making referrals as appropriate.
• High school diploma or GED (equivalent education and experience may be substituted for the stated requirements).
• You thrive in inclusive environments and have a passion for connecting with individuals who share a wide range of experiences. At your core, you are committed to and value equity, inclusion, and respect.

Bellwether Housing is your platform for growth, empowerment, and purpose. When you join our team, you will receive:

• Competitive compensation accompanied by a generous benefits package.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• A 403(b)-retirement plan with an employer match, guiding you towards a prosperous future
• Fuel for your personal and professional development with up to $1,500 in employer-paid continuing education per year.
• An ORCA Transit Pass to navigate the city with ease.
• Up to 24 paid days off in your first year, prorated personal days renewed annually, and 8 paid office closure days.
• The chance to be part of a transformative mission, leaving a mark on the lives of those we serve in our communities.

At Bellwether Housing, you will elevate your career in a role that's as rewarding as it is impactful, where you'll be part of a movement that is helping shape the future of affordable housing in Seattle and where diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are the pillars of our success.

Bellwether Housing embraces a workplace that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive, and is dedicated to building a team that is made up of a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, experiences, and skills that reflect the populations we serve. We are committed to being an anti-racist organization, while acknowledging that we have a long way to go. You can learn more about our DEI work on our website.

Bellwether Housing is an equal opportunity employer. We will not discriminate based on race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. We support the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to reasonably accommodate all qualified applicants [and employees] by providing reasonable accommodations to people with disabilities. To request Reasonable Accommodation for the application or interview process, please contact View email address on click.appcast.io.

Note: This role requires successful completion of a background check in accordance with Seattle's Fair Chance Employment Ordinance.