By Deena Cook

Published Oct 4, 2024

Updated Oct 4, 2024

Moving hosts a rollercoaster of emotions for renters — excitement, stress, and everything in between. And for leasing agents, the goal is to make the transition as smooth and welcoming as possible. But between juggling paperwork and fielding endless questions about utilities, address changes, and more, it’s easy to feel stretched thin. 

Enter Updater | Pro Onboarding. Our entire purpose is to make a once-overwhelming process feel manageable and even enjoyable. We had a chat with Timothy Gibson, a leasing agent at Marcella Memorial Heights, who shared how Updater has simplified his role and enhanced his residents’ moving experience.

Easing the load for agents
Imagine this: You’re a leasing agent with several residents moving in at once. Your phone rings off the hook with the same questions — how to set up utilities, forward mail, or change addresses. It’s time consuming, right? 

Timothy knows this cycle all too well. “Updater takes the pressure off us,” he explains. “It allows residents to manage all those moving tasks themselves, directly through the platform.”

By offering an app that residents can use at their own pace, Updater frees up leasing agents to focus on what truly matters: making people feel at home. Instead of getting bogged down in repetitive tasks, they can be more present, empathetic, and available for those meaningful interactions that truly set a community apart.

Making moving feel effortless for residents
Moving is often chaotic, but with Updater, the process becomes simple, like a well-organized checklist. Timothy has seen firsthand how this impacts residents’ stress levels. “We want them to settle in without feeling overwhelmed,” he says. “With Updater, they can handle all those little details — like setting up utilities and forwarding their mail — on their own time, and all in one place.”

The simplicity of Updater also means residents spend less time worrying about logistics and more time enjoying the excitement of a new home. For leasing teams, this yields fewer stressed-out residents asking for help at every turn. The result? A smoother, more positive move-in — for everyone.

Fostering a warm welcome
At the end of the day, leasing is about more than filling apartments; it’s about creating a sense of community. With the logistics handled through Updater, leasing agents get time to arrange personal touches that make new residents feel truly welcomed. 

“Since they’re not stressed about the nitty-gritty, we can spend more time welcoming them,” Timothy says. “It’s those extra moments that make a huge difference — checking in on them, asking how they’re settling in, and showing we care.”

It’s all about building relationships. When a move is less stressful, residents feel more relaxed and open to connection. And when they feel cared for from day one, they’re more likely to call your community home for years to come. In fact, residents satisfied at move-in are 59% more likely to renew their lease (KingsleySurveys, 2018), and 79% of residents satisfied at move-in remain satisfied at renewal (KingsleySurveys, 2023). 

Empowering leasing teams with the right tools
Timothy highlighted that Updater not only benefits residents but also boosts the professionalism of his leasing team. “We look organized and ahead of the curve. When residents know they can handle all these tasks through Updater, they see that we’re thinking about their needs, and that’s huge.”

Updater gives leasing teams a way to simplify the process and reduce stress for both sides. It’s more than a convenience—it’s a sign that you’re going the extra mile to make life easier for your residents. That builds trust, and trust builds long-term relationships.

Looking ahead
When we asked Timothy if he had any suggestions for improving Updater, he was quick to respond. “Honestly, it’s been great for us. I can’t think of anything I’d change. It’s streamlined everything and made our jobs easier.”

It’s about making people feel welcomed, supported, and taken care of from the moment they step through the door. With Updater, leasing agents can offer more than a smooth move—they can offer a warm welcome and a lasting connection.

Deena Cook

Deena grew up in New Jersey, but has lived in various places around the world to satisfy a love of travel and adventure. She holds a degree in Journalism, and loves the freedom that comes from being able to write from wherever she may be living.