They're Not Gone, They're Just Waiting for Round Two

Resurrecting Dead Leasing Leads
Every leasing professional has them — the “dead leads.”
The ones who toured, loved it, and then… leased somewhere else.
You marked them as “lost” in your CRM and moved on. But here’s the secret: they’re not gone forever.
In fact, those same prospects could be looking for a new home in less than a year. Most apartment leases are 12 months, which means your “dead” lead might be just a few months away from shopping again. The key is to resurrect that connection before their renewal letter lands in their inbox.
Stay in Touch, Stay Top of Mind
Consistency is the magic word. Don’t wait for them to come back to you — stay present in small, meaningful ways:
- Send a friendly “We’d still love to have you!” email a few months after they leased elsewhere.
- Share community updates or event invites (a new pool cabana, a resident party, or upgraded amenities).
- Keep them in your CRM drip campaigns with seasonal messages or leasing specials.
Even a simple “Hope you’re loving your current home! Just wanted to say hello from [Your Community Name]” can make an impression.
Timing Is Everything
If you know when they leased elsewhere, mark your calendar for 10–11 months later.
That’s your golden window. Reach out before renewal season kicks in.
Try something like:
“Hey [Name], I remember how much you liked our [feature they loved — balconies, dog park, or location]. If you’re considering a move this year, we’d love to have you back for a quick tour. We have new upgrades and great specials!”
Friendly. Personal. Low-pressure — but perfectly timed.
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The Power of Remembering
People love to feel remembered. When you recall details from their first visit — their dog’s name, the layout they liked, the reason they didn’t lease last time — it shows genuine care. That’s often the difference between a “maybe” and a “move-in.”
Turn ‘No’ into ‘Next Time’
Leasing success isn’t just about today’s prospects — it’s about tomorrow’s opportunities.
That “no” from last summer could easily become a “yes” this fall if you stay connected, consistent, and confident.
Resurrect your leads. Rebuild the relationship. Reignite the spark.
Because in leasing, the story doesn’t end when they sign somewhere else —
it just takes a little time before the sequel begins.
Source: Multifamily Insiders
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