Here’s a guaranteed way to get your residents to visit the office when you have trouble getting them to respond to your letters and calls at lease renewal time. Have you ever noticed that when the UPS person leaves a sticker on the resident’s door, they come running to the office? A post-it note from you will have the same effect. The message should read: “We have a package for you in the office.” Present the resident with a renewal gift upon arrival. My favorite gift is a mailbox filled with candy, and a note reading “Don’t change your address. Stay with us. Renew your lease today!” Order mailboxes through Oriental Trading. I love this one so much; I use it on the very first renewal contact!

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