Most community management teams already know those "big ticket" items to include in their standard prospective resident tours. You'll want to show off your flashiest amenities; you'll want to make sure prospects get a good look at the pool, notice the meticulous landscaping, and grab a glance at those new updated lighting fixtures around the community. While this is all attractive to prospects, it's not always what they're prioritizing when they stop by for a visit.

First and foremost, residents want to view your community as their new home. While the flashy amenities are a great selling point, they're not going to be living in the pool, reading by those new streetlights, or having breakfast amongst the landscaping. What do residents really want to see? What grabs them and puts you at the front of their prospective community list? A few lesser-known features to really grab prospects include:

  • Closet space -- Storage is a big deal in any living space, and this rings particularly true for prospective residents downsizing and looking for a new community to call home. Closet space may not seem like a make or break situation, but it's more important than you think. During a tour, emphasize to prospects the closet space your residences offer as well as any outside storage you may have on site.
  • Windows -- Windows don't just let light in, they also open up a space. For smaller residences, pointing out large windows or how light comes in throughout the day is a great way to make the space look larger, airier, and more spacious. If you get particularly good light at certain times of the day, try to stage tours for those particular residences during times where light is the best. This gives prospects a real look at what the space has to offer.
  • Parking -- When it comes to everyday living, convenience is always going to be a top priority. While parking spaces aren't as outwardly attractive as a pool or a 24 hour on-site gym, they're more enticing to residents than you may think. A reserved parking space ensures they have a space by their residence after a long day, and overflow parking ensures their guests can conveniently visit as well.

At OccupancySolutions.com we want today's community management teams to be able to make the most of their tours. For more information on showcasing the amenities prospects are really looking for, contact us today.