In this return episode, Rory Anderson welcomes back leasing and leadership strategist Katherine Maestas for a no-fluff conversation about what’s really driving leasing performance in today’s oversupplied markets. If your property is throwing out bigger concessions and still struggling to fill units, Katherine makes the case that the problem isn’t pricing — it’s people, standards, and leadership.

They dig into what value-conscious renters actually care about (hint: responsiveness, professionalism, and a home that doesn’t feel stressful), why “downtime” is usually a training and expectations issue, and how leaders can coach leasing teams by getting out of the office and into the trenches. You’ll also hear real-world stories—from a late-night amenity flood caused by a break-in to a property getting 20+ tours a week but closing only 3—and the practical fixes that change results: tighter follow-up, better connection on tours, community outreach, secret shopping, and teaching teams to take true ownership.

This episode is a playbook for managers and leasing teams who want to raise the bar, build pride on-site, and turn culture into leases.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction to Property Management Challenges

02:19 Unusual Experiences in Property Management

05:28 Emergency Preparedness in Multifamily Properties

09:07 Understanding Leasing Challenges and Concessions

14:19 The Importance of Connection in Leasing

20:33 Addressing Downtime and Staff Accountability

26:57 Building Community Relationships

28:57 The Importance of Ownership and Accountability

33:18 Creating a Culture of Pride

35:46 Positive Examples of Leadership

40:13 Opportunities in the Multifamily Industry

43:15 Leading Without a Title

44:36 Raising Standards in Property Management

KEYWORDS

property management podcast, multifamily leasing training, how to increase lease conversions, apartment leasing tips, lease up strategy 2026, rent concessions strategy, multifamily oversupply, improve close rate leasing, onsite team leadership, property manager coaching, resident retention strategies, leasing agent accountability, apartment marketing ideas, follow up systems for leasing, community outreach apartments, apartment tour best practices, extreme ownership leadership, multifamily operations, leasing culture, convert tours to leases