Lease-A-Palooza… the bee’s knees!

The premiere leasing and marketing training event of the year is scheduled for September 13th and we hope you will join the industry’s best for this valuable learning opportunity! AAGO’s annual Lease-A-Palooza will be held at the Church Street Ballroom from 10am – 4pm. The theme for this year’s event is The Great Gatsby and we hope to see all of the attendees in their 1920’s best at the big event.

We recently sat down with Kate Good, the guest speaker for this year’s event, to get her perspective on the industry you love. If you’re intrigued by what you see here, contact Cynthia@AAGO.org to register for Lease-A-Palooza today. This event is sure to sell out (As they said in 1920’s, it’s the bee’s knees!) and we don’t want you to miss out on all of the roaring 20’s fun!

Kate Good, 2018 Lease-A-Palooza headlining speaker

Amanda: What is one quality every multifamily professional/leasing agent needs to have in order to be successful in today’s market?

Kate: I find the most successful leasing consultants are those whom have the ability to see through a routine and do what is best to lease the customer. Leasing scripts and follow up plans are helpful but following them in an exact fashion eliminates personalizing the sale. A great consultant knows how to build a relationship that leads to solid communication.

I’m always excited when a team member asks me if they can try something out of the box. My answer is always, is it legal (insert 😃) and will it result in a lease. Two “yes” responses equal a YES from me. I know from personal success as a Leasing consultant that we get the lease when we are approaching the lease opportunity as a one to one transaction. It is unique and personalized in every way.

Amanda: Thinking outside of the box and approaching each lease in a unique way is excellent advice. What are you looking forward to the most at this year’s Lease-A-Palooza?

Kate: I LOVE a good theme. This one requires an elegant costume and I am all in! In addition, I have been in the apartment biz my entire adult life (and that is a long long time). Coming to events like Lease-A-Palooza is a great opportunity to reconnect with friends and meet new people. I also learn a lot when I attend!

Amanda: We are excited about this year’s theme and can’t wait to see the 1920’s glamour on full display! What is one lesson you learned in the industry that you wish you had learned sooner?

Kate: I did not have a clear understanding that the apartment industry is a small business environment. Sure, we generate billions of dollars for owners and suppliers but it seems small because many of the same people I work with today are ones I met 30 years ago. Our business cards may change but the faces do not (except for a few more smile lines because this business is fun).

Knowing this now, I wish I would have take every opportunity to build more relationships for long term benefit from my first day. The ones I’m proud to have now are extremely valuable to my continued success.

I am also very proud to hear that by knowing and networking with me, I have positively impacted someone’s life. I want to see and help everyone achieve their definition of success. This will be my legacy. 

Amanda: I can totally relate. Networking is such a valuable tool and so many of us undervalue this practice when we begin our careers. Why do you enjoy working in the apartment industry?

Kate: I truly love the people I work with. From my Apartment All Star speakers, amazing suppliers and vendors, and my development and management team, I have created an environment of innovation and fun. They inspire me as well as making the challenges easier. I have a hunch that other industries are not as fun and connected as the apartment industry so I can’t imagine doing anything else.

Amanda: The industry really is one of a kind when it comes to fun! Now that we know a little more about you, can you give us a 2-3 sentence preview of the insights you plan to share with attendees at Lease-A-Palooza?

Kate: The way we communicate with people today has changed. Leasing and renewals don’t happen by using old techniques. My program will show you how a new approach can keep communication productive and result is higher occupancy and increase rents. We are also going to have a lot of laughs and a really good time!