Closing the deal on application submittals?

[Jedd Braunwarth]

Alright, all. I know there isn't a straight forward answer but would love to get your take on how you follow up and get people to turn in applications.

I am just missing that last 5% of the deal in getting them to return the application. In sales it is about closing the deal as fast as possible, when the client is still excited about the item or property. This would be when they are still with me or the same day. Do any of you have them fill out applications right there on site? How about an online format? How do you keep them from losing that excitement and moving on to the next (shiny object syndrome). I am old fashioned where I just have paper applications sitting there and they take them with when they leave if they are interested. They then have to return them to me with the  $35 app fee.

I know there isn't a straight answer and it can depend on location, amenities, price, etc. with what I am offering versus what the next place has. I get that completely but what strategies do you use to try to close these gaps, keep your property fresh in their memory?

I am in outside sales by day (not in real estate). I even utilize a "sales funnel" for my rental properties when they become vacant. I know some of it is just luck and immediately finding the right person.