Leasing Specialist - Meridian

Be a part of something great and find yourself At Home, At Sherman! As a member of Sherman, we invite you to join our mission of Building Communities, Enriching Neighborhoods. You can make an immediate impact supporting our real estate development and management operations in hotels, residential, and retail.

The Leasing Specialist I is accountable for the leasing, marketing, and compliance of an assigned portfolio of real estate. A strong focus on customer service, community relations, and knowledge of fair housing is critical to success in this role.

Where will this role work?

The Meridian at Gray's Landing (174 Units), downtown Des Moines, IA.

Schedule & Hours:

• The schedule for this role will be Tuesday - Saturday; Tuesdays - Fridays 8 am - 5 pm, and Saturdays 9 am - 2 pm.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Manages prospects by answering incoming calls and internet leads. All inquiry calls and emails must be returned promptly (within 24 hours).
• Makes appointments, shows apartments, screens applicants, and verifies applications for completion.
• Assists applicants with the application process by explaining all applicable forms. Ensures applications are accurate and complete.
• Contacts and offers units to approved applicants.
• Schedules and conducts orientation for all new move-ins. Updates turnover information on a daily basis to include gathering of move-out and move-in times.
• Shops comparable projects in the marketplace monthly.
• Develops community contacts to maximize the general awareness of the housing community and its advantages.
• Contact and offer units to current residents for approved unit transfers. Prepare all required transfer paperwork and complete transfers with residents.
• Updates all applicable referral agencies.
• Inputs all traffic and applications in the property management system regularly.
• Meets company benchmarks for occupancy, rent collections and timely compliance paperwork.
• As applicable, conducts credit and criminal background checks for applicants. Follows procedure for notifying approval/denial based on report results.
• Maintain complete and accurate property files and records, according to department systems, with an emphasis on documentation for future reference.
• Coordinates with corporate support staff on management company procedures for processing and distributing information.
• Must be respectful of resident/tenant privacy, including specific commercial tenant needs.
• Ensures compliance with HUD rules and regulations, state, federal and local housing laws.
• Complies with all Sherman Associates, agency and city compliance requirements.
• Maintains customer service and excellent relations with residents, resident cooperatives, commercial tenants, outside agencies or vendors and organizations.
• Keeps management informed at all times in the areas of:
• • Resident/tenant complaints
  • Suggestions for improvement of property performance
  • Status of vacancies/projected occupancy
  • Any legal actions

• Works on the last day and first day of each month until responsibilities completed; some overtime may be required.
• Other tasks & duties as assigned based on business need.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• High school diploma or equivalent (GED) or relevant experience required.
• Experience within residential real estate; or an equivalent number of years of education and real estate management experience.
• Additional education in real estate, sales and/or business management is preferred.
• Excellent verbal, written and presentation skills; Ability to communicate effectively with community tenants, vendors/external parties, and across corporate divisions.
• Knowledge of Real Page or other related property management software (Yardi, Lead2Lease, OneSite Accounting, etc.) strongly preferred.
• As applicable, advanced knowledge of Affordable Housing Programs (HUD Programs).
• As applicable, must possess a valid driver’s license, reliable vehicle with insurance and safe DMV driving record.
• A passion for the mission, vision, and values of Sherman Associates.
• Office hours may vary due to the specific needs of the portfolio.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.
• Exposed to ambient room temperatures, lighting and traditional office equipment found in a typical office environment, quiet to moderate noise level.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be able to stand at a desk for up to 8-hours per day. Walking and standing are required the rest of the working day. Length of time of these tasks may vary from day to day and task to task.
• Must have the ability to move around freely throughout the property and office, and necessity varies from day to day.
• Requires grasping, writing, standing, sitting, walking, repetitive motions, bending, climbing, listening and hearing ability and visual acuity.

ADDITIONAL SCREENING REQUIREMENTS

• Must successfully meet criminal background screening requirements for position.