Online Leasing

Making it easier for everyone

By Geneva Ives on Aug 31, 2016 in News

Online leasing isn’t just for the big guys anymore. If you’re a small to mid-sized property management company, technological advances in rental property management software are making it possible to complete the leasing lifecycle entirely online.

Get ready to conduct more business, better business, and quicker business with a nifty little innovation: electronic signatures. Electronic signatures – also called e-signatures – are easy to use, a snap to implement, and convenient for everyone involved. They are a legal and secure method to sign and submit lease documents day or night from almost any internet-enabled device. It’s the modern way to lease, for both renters and landlords!

7 benefits of using e-signature for leasing

1. Add convenience for prospects. Adding online applications and leasing to your property websites makes it possible for prospects to start the leasing process from their desktop or mobile device right away. If you offer comprehensive price and lease term selection, self-screening capabilities, and renters insurance fulfillment, everything they need to become a renter is all in one convenient place.
2. Save applicants time. Approved applicants can complete their leases instantly. They don’t have to wait for the next business day or until so-and-so is in the office again. They can sign and submit their leases from anywhere – even if they’re out of state or on vacation in another country – and take the next step to getting the keys faster than ever.
3. Automate document processing. Leasing agents are now able to automatically produce electronic lease documents that contain all necessary data, including spaces for electronic signatures. Save staff time while you simultaneously reduce the risk of human error.
4. Speed up lead processing. The above makes it possible to convert leads to leases in a flash. No more updating files by hand, waiting for printouts, and then sending snail mail or scheduling multiple appointments during office hours.
5. Reduce paper waste. Electronic document processing and e-signatures will save your office from a small mountain of paperwork. Everything is securely stored and backed up in the cloud, so you’ll need fewer filing cabinets and less floor space.
6. Increase office efficiency. One complete leasing solution means there’s just one database and one log in, so property managers don’t have to jump between different programs, spreadsheets, and files to find and save the information they need. All leasing activities are securely stored in one place.
7. Encourage more online activity. Online applications and leasing are just the beginning. Residents who applied and leased online will also be more likely to adopt online payments. This is a convenience to them and will save your team the time and hassle that comes with processing paper payments every month.

When a prospect visits your property marketing website and sees that you offer online applications and leasing, it sends the message that you are an up-to-date property management company committed to making the leasing process as convenient as possible.

With the recent addition of e-signature and lease document processing capabilities to Yardi Genesis², prospects can receive, sign and submit lease documents at any time of day from any location. The entire applicant and leasing workflow is now in one integrated solution.

“Modern renters expect to be able to do everything online. Electronic signatures within Genesis² is another way we’re helping our clients meet the demand for online services,” said Terri Dowen, senior vice president of sales for Yardi. “Property managers will become more competitive because they can convert leads to leases more quickly, and they’ll spend less time behind their desks, increasing productivity.”

See the complete e-signature for Genesis² press release here.