AptAmigo’s Touring Agents (TAs) develop many skills on the job. From communication and adaptability under pressure, to time management and organization, these skills provide them with the necessary tools to succeed when working with new clients, while also enhancing their marketability on the job market. Thus, whether a TA is preparing for a bright future in real estate, or enjoying a fun part-time gig on the side, TAs gain valuable professional experience that carries over in every area of their lives.
We wanted to learn more about what it looks like to put these skills to use on the job, so we asked Tiffany Lu, an AptAmigo TA since October 2021, for an example of what her days look like. As a full-time Product Marketing Manager, Tiffany found her passion as a TA during her weekends. With a deep interest in real estate, she leverages her prior customer experience skills while enjoying the breathtaking views from luxury apartment buildings during tours. Tiffany’s approach is straightforward but impactful: she empathetically places herself in the client’s shoes, ensuring no important questions are left unasked.
To provide a clearer understanding of a TA’s role during our clients’ touring days, let’s dive into a recent day on the job that required multiple skills simultaneously to pull off. A lot of last-minute changes happened on this day, so the need to adapt constantly, communicate with company team members and building staff, and adjust the timing of the day all while delivering a flawless customer experience for the client became the focus of this day.
Related: How to Become a Touring Agent
A Glimpse into a Day of Touring with Tiffany Lu
Let me walk you through how some essential practices, like having a backup plan, staying composed in unexpected situations, and paying attention to even the tiniest details, played a crucial role in saving the day during my recent journey with a client. It’s amazing how these simple yet effective strategies can make all the difference in providing a top-notch customer experience.
It was a busy day for me with back-to-back tours of six buildings, each with multiple units to show. Time was tight because we only had an hour between each tour, including travel time to the next building. Despite the limited time, my main priority was to ensure the client’s satisfaction and meet all their needs.
The first tour started on time, but the next building was a 15-minute drive away. With that in mind, I made sure to wrap up the tour around the 40-minute mark, allowing us enough time to move on. Since we were about to run behind schedule, I immediately informed the operations team about the delay and asked them to notify the next building while I booked the rideshare. Understanding that this setback would have a ripple effect throughout the day, I anticipated arriving about 5 minutes late for the remaining tours. Consequently, I relied on the operations team to reach out to the following buildings about the delay as well.
Fortunately, the third building tour wrapped up sooner than expected, putting us ahead of schedule. Taking advantage of this perfect opportunity for a well-deserved break, we visited a nearby coffee shop. It gave me a chance to hear out the client’s impressions and feelings regarding the buildings and units we had explored up until that point. We took the time to collaboratively rank their preferred options and eliminate any that didn’t quite meet their criteria. This process of narrowing down choices based on their specific wants and needs turned out to be immensely beneficial.
I recalled that the client had mentioned their liking for a spacious kitchen counter, along with a preference for a unit with a high vantage point and a nice view. Interestingly, the unit they favored the most had a spacious kitchen counter, but an obstructed view due to another building. To tackle this predicament, I asked them which criterion they would be more open to compromise on. Their thoughtful response played a pivotal role in guiding our decision-making process.
Throughout the day, my priority was to maintain a composed demeanor while keeping the client’s needs at the forefront. I took it upon myself to address any worries or doubts they may have had regarding the schedule and logistics of commuting between buildings. By doing so, I aimed to create an environment in which they could concentrate solely on assessing each unit and picturing themselves residing there. Ultimately, all our efforts paid off, and I’m thrilled to share that the client ended up signing for one of those buildings!
Lessons Learned from Tiffany’s Experience
Tiffany’s day was filled with numerous obstacles that had the potential to derail her plans. However, she approached each challenge with composure and skillfully guided her client to a happy final decision. In a role like hers, showing up prepared, but ready to problem-solve and adapt to unforeseen circumstances, is essential. Approaching the role with confidence, maintaining a positive attitude, and going with the flow paves the way for success. In fact, it is these very challenges that make the job enjoyable and fulfilling.
Join Tiffany as an AptAmigo Touring Agent
If the idea of assisting clients in finding their dream homes resonates with you, just like it does with Tiffany, then we invite you to explore the possibility of joining our team. Take a moment to browse through our job board and discover the cities where we are currently seeking new talent. Who knows? Your next exciting career opportunity might just be waiting for you there.
Up Next: How Ryan Ledoda Made His Real Estate Dream a Reality
AptAmigo is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and does not discriminate based on race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, genetic information, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital status, gender, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law, in connection with any aspect of employment at AptAmigo.
Karrie Fuller earned her PhD in English from the University of Notre Dame. After a decade of teaching college-level writing and English courses, she brings a wealth of expertise about writing, editing, and content management to AptAmigo's marketing team.
