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Centralized, Spotlight, Spotlights, The Saturday Experience

Beyond Virtual Tours: How Self-Guided Touring Transformed Our Leasing Operation

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August 4, 2025

- Centralized, Spotlight, Spotlights, The Saturday Experience

How we enabled simultaneous tours across 5-6 buildings while increasing agent earning potential and capturing traffic outside traditional business hours

When Saturday Properties made the strategic decision to centralize our leasing teams, we had a clear vision: maximize earning potential for our Leasing Consultants while creating a more elevated, real estate-style experience for prospects—all without limiting their ability to tour our properties.

Today, that vision has become reality through our implementation of Tour24 and self-guided touring technology. The results speak for themselves: we’re now hosting multiple simultaneous tours, our agents are managing portfolios across five to six buildings instead of just one or two, and we’re capturing leasing opportunities during extended hours when traditional operations would miss them entirely.

The Challenge: Scaling Tours Without Compromising Quality

As we evolved our centralized leasing model, a fundamental challenge emerged: how do you increase tour capacity and operational efficiency while maintaining the personalized service that sets you apart? Traditional touring models create bottlenecks—one agent, one tour, limited hours. During peak seasons, staffing gaps from PTO or sick days could significantly impact our ability to convert leads when demand was highest.

The solution wasn’t just about technology; it was about rethinking the entire touring experience to align with how today’s renters want to explore properties.

Why Self-Guided Touring Aligns with Modern Renter Expectations

Today’s customers value flexibility and autonomy more than ever. They want to tour at their own pace, in a pressure-free environment, and often outside traditional business hours. Self-guided touring delivers exactly that experience while still preserving the crucial relationship-building elements through intentional discovery calls and thoughtful follow-up.

Our Tour24 Implementation: Operational Excellence in Action

Extended Availability = Extended Opportunity

One of our most strategic advantages is the extended tour window—typically from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. This captures traffic outside of standard office hours, when many working professionals are actually available to tour. Instead of losing prospects who can’t visit during traditional 9-5 windows, we’re converting them into residents.

Seamless Technology Integration

The operational beauty of Tour24 lies in its hands-off efficiency. When a home goes off-market, it’s automatically removed from the platform, eliminating outdated listings and prospect frustration. Our only manual touchpoint is toggling a unit back online if it returns to availability—a simple task easily managed by our team.

This automation ensures our listings are always accurate while freeing our team to focus on high-value relationship building rather than administrative tasks.

Staffing Resilience During Critical Periods

Self-guided touring has proven especially valuable during staffing gaps caused by PTO, sick days, or holidays. We remain fully operational even when onsite coverage is limited—a crucial capability during busier seasons when traffic volume is high and responsiveness is critical to conversion success.

The Revenue Impact: More Tours, More Income, More Growth

Multiplying Tour Capacity

We can now host multiple tours simultaneously—such as one in-person tour and two self-guided tours—without delay, friction, or loss of business. This agility allows us to convert more leads without compromising service quality and becomes especially critical during peak leasing seasons when every tour opportunity directly impacts revenue.

Expanding Agent Earning Potential

From the Leasing Consultant’s perspective, self-guided touring means significantly more income potential. With this support system, our agents can now manage portfolios across five or six buildings, compared to just one or two in the traditional model. This expansion unlocks greater commission opportunities and broader market reach while maintaining the quality service standards our residents expect.

Relationship Preservation Through Strategic Touch-points

Self-guided doesn’t mean unsupported. Our centralized Home Finding team fields calls during regular hours, and Tour24’s 24/7 support team covers after-hours assistance, ensuring prospects always have someone to turn to. We maintain meaningful relationships through intentional discovery calls before tours and thoughtful follow-up afterward—creating connection points that matter most to the leasing decision.

The Technology Behind the Transformation

AI-powered leasing tools are transforming multifamily operations, but the key is choosing technology that enhances rather than replaces human expertise. Tour24 exemplifies this approach by handling the logistics while preserving the relationship elements that drive conversions.

Technology Integration Benefits:

  • Automated listing management: Properties automatically update availability without manual intervention
  • 24/7 prospect support: Round-the-clock assistance when our team isn’t available
  • Multi-property coordination: Seamless experience across our entire portfolio
  • Data collection: Rich insights into prospect behavior and preferences

Measuring Success: Survey Results and Satisfaction Metrics

The feedback has been consistently positive. Surveys reflect high satisfaction levels, with prospects appreciating both the modern, self-directed experience and the care that continues around it. This combination of autonomy and support creates the elevated experience we set out to deliver.

Key satisfaction drivers identified:

  • Flexibility to tour on their schedule
  • Pressure-free exploration environment
  • Immediate access to knowledgeable support when needed
  • Professional, technology-enabled experience that reflects quality

Lessons Learned: Implementation Insights for Property Managers

Start with Clear Operational Goals

Before implementing any touring technology, define your specific objectives. For us, it was about scaling our centralized leasing model while maintaining service quality. This clarity guided our technology selection and implementation approach.

Maintain the Human Connection

Self-guided touring works because it’s supported by strategic human touch-points. The technology handles logistics; our team focuses on relationship building and conversion. This division of labor maximizes both efficiency and effectiveness.

Plan for Peak Season Demands

Extended lease-up cycles are becoming standard in 2025, making tour capacity even more critical during competitive periods. Self-guided touring provides the scalability needed to capture every opportunity during high-demand seasons.

The Future of Leasing Operations

Tour24 has not only helped us scale smarter—it’s allowed us to create a more responsive, resilient, and revenue-driven leasing operation. As the industry continues evolving toward technology-enabled efficiency, self-guided touring represents the future: maintaining the personal touch that drives conversions while leveraging technology to eliminate operational constraints.

The bottom line: Today’s renters want flexibility, autonomy, and immediate access. Self-guided touring delivers all three while actually increasing your team’s capacity to build the relationships that close leases.

For property managers still relying on traditional one-on-one touring models, the question isn’t whether to adopt self-guided touring—it’s how quickly you can implement it to remain competitive in an increasingly demanding market.

Ready to transform your leasing operations? Contact Saturday Properties to learn how our centralized leasing model and self-guided touring approach can maximize your property’s earning potential while delivering the elevated experience today’s renters expect.

 

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Leasing, Residents, Spotlight, Spotlights, Team, The Saturday Experience, Tips

The Importance of a Positive Resident Experience in Leasing Success

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December 2, 2024

- Leasing, Residents, Spotlight, Spotlights, Team, The Saturday Experience, Tips

At Saturday Properties, we understand that a positive resident experience is critical to our success as a property management and leasing company. As Director of Leasing explains, “It really starts off with the first click.” From the very beginning, we focus on ensuring our “branding is up to date, marketing is efficient, and there are no areas of friction for tour scheduling.”


But the true differentiator is our people. “It’s our talented leasing folks that make the biggest difference,” says our Director of Leasing. All our agents are coached to proactively reach out and introduce themselves prior to a tour, whether it’s a self-guided tour or an in-person visit. This sets the tone for the level of service the prospect can expect.


During the tour itself, our agents aim to be consultative, really digging deeper to understand the prospect’s unique needs and preferences. “We want to really help them figure out what is most important and what they haven’t thought about,” explains our Director of Leasing. This could involve asking about hobbies – like cooking preferences – or inquiring about other decision-makers – like a spouse – to get the full context.


Agents are trained to present tailored options based on this discovery process. Our Director of Leasing gives an example: “You said you want to be around $3,000 for your budget. I have a couple options around that price point. This one is $2,999. It has a lake view which you said was important to you, but it doesn’t have a walk-in closet. That’s one option, but I want to try to satisfy as many needs as we can…So I have a backup option that’s just a little higher in rent. It’s about $3,050 that has a lake view and has a walk-in closet.” By thoughtfully aligning recommendations to expressed priorities, agents build trust and help prospects envision life in the community.


After the tour, the agent recaps the prospect’s wish list to reconfirm needs and uncover any additional preferences. Our Director of Leasing describes this process of “checking our six”: “Great you said at the beginning [of the leasing process that] you really wanted a space with the Lakeview. You wanted a 2 bedroom. You wanted that walk-in closet. You really liked 301. You said you really like to enjoy your walks around the area. That’s close distance to the harbor here…did I hear all that correctly from you?” This step demonstrates care, validates understanding, and psychologically advances the sale.


Our streamlined system makes it easy to take the next step. Our Director of Leasing notes that many clients comment on “how easy it is to lease with us” thanks to our “efficient system” that carefully guides them from application through move-in. Agents provide transparency around what happens next and introduce the leasing coordinator who will be their main point of contact. This warm handoff cements the trust established from the very first interaction.


But the relationship doesn’t end at move-in. We leverage our knowledge of the resident’s lifestyle and priorities to continue delivering personalized service that shows we care. At renewal time, our leasing team is coached to reconnect with context. “It’s been a year. How are you? How is Lola [their pet]? How is everybody?” our Director of Leasing explains. “That way we can go back through everything again with them and make sure their apartment lines up with their needs. The renewal process works like another sale. If there are significant life changes, a transfer may even become an option.”


This highly individualized approach, grounded in active discovery and long-term relationship building, has a powerful impact on the resident experience. In the words of our Director of Leasing, “We’re here to help people feel at home, and we have to help them find out what’s most important to them.”


At Saturday Properties, delivering a best-in-class resident experience is more than just a business goal; it’s a deeply held value that shapes every interaction. By investing in our people, processes, and technology to support this mission, we’ve created a clear competitive advantage. But more importantly, we’ve discovered the profound satisfaction of helping residents find a true home. That is the essence of leasing success.
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Leasing, Local, Management, Spotlight, Spotlights, Team, The Saturday Experience, Tips, Transition

6 Signs It’s Time to Switch Your Property Management Company

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October 29, 2024

- Leasing, Local, Management, Spotlight, Spotlights, Team, The Saturday Experience, Tips, Transition

Property owners and developers rely heavily on their property management companies to ensure smooth operations, satisfied residents, and ultimately, a thriving investment. But what happens when your current management team is no longer meeting expectations? Here are some clear signs that it might be time to switch to a more reliable and efficient service provider like Saturday Properties.

 

  1. Poor Communication with Residents and Prospects

One of the most critical aspects of property management is maintaining open and effective communication with residents and prospective residents. If you’re hearing complaints about missed responses or confusion regarding lease agreements, it’s a red flag. Inconsistent communication can lead to resident frustration, lease turnovers, increased legal costs, and poor resident retention.

 

What Saturday Properties offers:

With a focus on clear, prompt, and friendly communication, Saturday Properties ensures that residents’ concerns are addressed efficiently, and prospective residents feel confident in their decision to lease.

 

 

  1. Negative Reviews Highlighting Management Issues

Have your property’s reviews started to focus on bad management? In our competitive market, poor online reviews can be a dealbreaker for attracting new residents. If residents are leaving comments about unresolved maintenance issues, unprofessional interactions, or disorganization, it’s a sign that your management company isn’t delivering.

 

What Saturday Properties offers:

We believe in proactive management. At Saturday Properties, we strive for transparency and excellence, ensuring issues are resolved quickly and with care. We take care to always respond to reviews and listen to feedback to improve our processes. Our positive resident reviews reflect a strong commitment to creating welcoming, well-maintained environments.

 

 

  1. Inconsistent Marketing and Online Presence

An outdated or difficult-to-navigate website, coupled with inconsistent information across listing platforms, can turn away prospective residents before they even reach out. For example, if your property listings feature incorrect pricing, lack crucial details, or present conflicting incentives, it can create confusion and frustration.

 

What Saturday Properties offers:

We provide a seamless marketing experience with accurate, appealing listings across all platforms. Our team ensures that your property shines online with professional, updated photos, easy-to-navigate websites, and attractive, consistent offers.

 

 

  1. Inadequate Maintenance Response

Delayed or poorly handled maintenance requests can be the tipping point for many residents. If your current property management company isn’t responding to requests in a timely manner or performing subpar maintenance, it can lead to unhappy residents and increased vacancy rates.

 

What Saturday Properties offers:

Our dedicated in-house maintenance teams are quick to respond and ensure that all repairs and routine maintenance tasks are completed to a high standard. Your property’s upkeep is our priority, which keeps residents satisfied and long-term residents loyal. Our maintenance team members are dedicated to Saturday Properties with an average tenure of 5 years, ranging up to when Saturday Properties started 9+ years ago. Together, they bring in over 50 years of maintenance experience in the multifamily industry.

 

 

  1. Lack of Professionalism and Warmth from Leasing Agents

Your leasing team is the first point of contact for potential residents. If prospects report a lack of professionalism, disorganization, or impersonal interactions, it may be hurting your leasing conversions. Similarly, agents who don’t attempt to close a deal or follow up on prospects leads to lost revenue.

 

What Saturday Properties offers:

Our leasing agents are trained to provide warm, informative, and professional service. At Saturday Properties, we focus on understanding prospects’ needs, answering their questions with care, and ensuring a seamless leasing experience that results in happy, committed residents.

 

 

  1. No Focus on Building Community or Resident Engagement

For years, residents have strongly valued a sense of community when deciding to renew1. If your property management company isn’t investing in resident events, engagement, or fostering a communal atmosphere, it could lead to lower retention rates.

 

What Saturday Properties offers:

We excel at building strong resident relationships through community events, engagement initiatives, and a focus on making every resident feel at home. Our properties foster a sense of belonging, which keeps residents satisfied and encourages long-term stays.


 

Conclusion

Your property management company plays a crucial role in the success of your investment. If you’re seeing any of the signs mentioned above, it might be time to make a switch. Saturday Properties prides itself on delivering excellent service, ensuring that both you and your residents have a smooth and rewarding experience.

 

Ready to make the change?
Contact Saturday Properties today to learn how we can provide The Saturday Experience to your property.

WeMakeItEasy@SaturdayProperties.com

 

1(2024, January). Biennial Online Renter Study. Satisfacts. Retrieved October 24, 2024, from https://www.satisfacts.com

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Local, Management, Neighborhood, Spotlight, Spotlights, Team, The Saturday Experience, Tips

The Top 5 Benefits of a Local Property Management Company

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August 22, 2024

- Local, Management, Neighborhood, Spotlight, Spotlights, Team, The Saturday Experience, Tips

When it comes to property management, the decision between choosing a local company versus a national operator is critical. While large, national firms may offer comprehensive programs and resources, the advantages of working with a smaller, locally minded property management company like Saturday Properties can outweigh those offered by their larger counterparts. Saturday Properties brings an exceptional understanding of local markets, communities, and nuances that can make a significant difference in both property performance and resident satisfaction.

Exceptional Market Knowledge

One of the primary benefits of partnering with a local property management company is the depth of knowledge they possess about the local real estate market and neighborhood dynamics. This isn’t just about understanding the broader market trends; it’s about recognizing the subtle differences within micro-markets that can drastically impact a property’s performance. For instance, in a city like Minneapolis, neighborhoods just a few blocks apart can exhibit vastly different rental markets. A property in South Minneapolis might be just four blocks away from another, but those few blocks could mean the difference between a high-demand area and one struggling with occupancy. Local property managers, who live and work in the community, are finely attuned to these differences.

At Saturday Properties, this local expertise is a cornerstone of our approach. We know that a “one-size-fits-all” program may miss taking into consideration the intricacies of some micro markets. At Saturday, we build management strategies from the ground up, tailoring them to fit the unique aspects of each property and its surrounding community.

Flexible, Agile Management

Flexibility is another hallmark of smaller local property management companies. It’s a quality that can make a significant difference in how a property performs. Larger, national companies often have rigid systems in place that make it difficult to respond quickly to changes or challenges that arise. In contrast, local companies like Saturday Properties can pivot swiftly to address issues as they emerge and have a more proactive approach to problem solving.

For example, Saturday Properties took over the management of a property in the Twin Cities Metro that was struggling under the previous national management group. The property had high vacancy rates, low rents, and frequent staff turnover. By utilizing our extensive knowledge of the micro market to implement a customized management plan that included enhanced security measures and flexible staffing solutions, we were able to turn the property around. Within a short period, occupancy improved, rents stabilized, and the property passed a critical HUD inspection with flying colors—a dramatic improvement from its previous failed inspection.

Enhanced Resident Experience and Community Engagement

At the heart of property management is the resident experience. Happy residents lead to higher retention rates, lower turnover costs, and stronger financial performance. Local property management companies have a unique advantage in this area because they are deeply embedded in the communities where they operate. They understand the local culture, know the key players, and can create a living environment that resonates with residents.

Saturday Properties excels in this regard by actively engaging with the communities around our properties. We organize events that benefit both residents and the surrounding neighborhood. As a result, residents feel more connected to their local area and fellow residents, which in turn increases their satisfaction and likelihood to stay. For residents who may have moved from another neighborhood, state, or even country, this connection can greatly influence their perception of their new home and how likely they are to stay for an extended time. Saturday Properties is proud of the connections we foster between residents and their community.

Personalized Service and Realistic Market Assessments for Owners

For property owners, the benefits of working with a local property management company extend beyond just the management of the property itself. Owners often find that local companies offer a much more personalized and responsive service. Saturday’s management strategy for each property is tailored to align perfectly with the owner’s objectives, rather than forcing owners into a pre-existing program designed for a national scale.

Additionally, local property managers provide more realistic and accurate market assessments. National companies tend to rely heavily on broad market surveys and data that may not capture the nuances of the local market. In contrast, local managers, like those at Saturday Properties, are constantly engaged with the local real estate scene. They understand the real-time dynamics of leasing, rents, and resident behavior. This allows them to set more accurate rental rates and budget projections, which are crucial for maximizing a property’s financial performance.

Prioritizing People

Local companies like Saturday Properties don’t just focus on the physical aspects of property management—they also prioritize the human element. They understand that the success of a property is ultimately about the people who live and work there. This focus on people starts with the hiring and training of the on-site teams. Saturday Properties places a strong emphasis on recruiting the right people who not only have the skills to manage a property but also understand the local culture and community. This approach ensures that the on-site teams are not just managers, but also community builders who can foster a positive environment for residents. We expect our on-site teams to greet their residents and pets by name when they pass by.

Moreover, because local companies are part of the community, they can maintain a closer, more hands-on relationship with the property. This allows for more effective preventative maintenance, quicker response times to issues, and a generally higher standard of property care. As a result, properties managed by local companies often experience less turnover, fewer vacancies, and higher resident satisfaction—all of which contribute to the property’s long-term success.

Conclusion

The benefits of working with a local property management company like Saturday Properties are substantial. From extraordinary local market knowledge and flexibility in management to enhanced resident experiences and personalized service for owners, we offer a level of service and attention to detail that national operators often struggle to match. These advantages lead to better property performance, stronger community ties, and ultimately a more successful property.

Reach out to the Saturday Properties team to learn how we could help jumpstart your property’s performance! WeMakeItEasy@SaturdayProperties.com

 

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Development, Duluth, Management, Neighborhood, Spotlight, Spotlights, Zenith DCHS

Zenith Apartments bring mixed-income housing to Downtown Duluth

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May 30, 2024

- Development, Duluth, Management, Neighborhood, Spotlight, Spotlights, Zenith DCHS

DULUTH, MN. (Northern News Now) -The Historic Old Central High School is now home to residential apartments, giving new life to an old building. 


While the exterior remains the same, a $55 million renovation has transformed the interior. More than 100 residential apartments now fill the space inside, which developers describe as mixed-income.


Mark Laverty with Saturday Properties said it took a lot of work to convert the building.


Read more…

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Management, Residents, Spotlight, Spotlights, The Saturday Experience

How The Saturday Experience Boosts Resident Satisfaction and Increases ROI

By on

May 24, 2024

- Management, Residents, Spotlight, Spotlights, The Saturday Experience

In today’s competitive real estate market, creating a unique and seamless experience for potential residents is crucial. Saturday Properties’ Founder & CEO, Brent Rogers, has pioneered an initiative known as “The Saturday Experience,” aimed at enhancing resident satisfaction and, in turn, boosting ROI for our clients. In a recent interview, Brent shared insights into how this initiative works and its impact on both residents and investors.

The Simplicity of The Saturday Experience

The Saturday Experience revolves around a straightforward yet powerful concept: making it easy for potential residents to find, move,  and live in a Saturday Property. According to Brent “There’s a reason that ‘We Make It Easy’ is the first item in The Saturday Experience. It’s about reducing friction and stress for our potential residents, ensuring they have a smoother and more enjoyable experience in their new home.” This initiative is not just a slogan; it’s a fundamental principle that guides our marketing and operational strategies. By focusing on this core idea, we aim to alleviate the common pain points associated with finding a new home, the move-in process, and the overall living experience.

The emphasis on simplicity is evident throughout all stages of the resident journey. By focusing on clear communication and streamlined processes, The Saturday Experience stands out in the market. “Everybody understands what [simplicity] means,” Brent notes. This clarity helps differentiate us from competitors. It reflects our commitment to an easy apartment-hunting process for prospective residents and providing exceptional service throughout the entire resident experience.

 

Involving the Whole Lifecycle of a Project

The Saturday Experience encompasses the entire lifecycle of a project from inception to completion, ensuring a seamless and intentional process. Brent emphasizes, “The [Saturday] Experience is created from the beginning…an injection of thoughtfulness and design to enhance a project.”

By carefully considering each phase of a project, we align all aspects with our goal of making things easier for our residents. This approach not only enhances the resident experience but also streamlines our internal processes, enabling our teams to deliver consistent, high-quality service. It’s a comprehensive strategy that ensures no detail is overlooked, providing a cohesive and efficient project lifecycle.

Enhancing Resident Satisfaction

One of the key components of The Saturday Experience is its ability to enhance resident satisfaction. By removing obstacles, residents can smoothly transition into and stay in their new homes. “We’ve reduced frictions and made the process easier,” Brent explains. This not only makes residents happy but also fosters a positive relationship from their very first impression. Our focus on resident satisfaction goes beyond the initial move-in phase. We continually seek ways to improve the living experience, from maintaining high standards of building maintenance to offering responsive and personalized service. When residents feel that their needs are being met with minimal hassle, their satisfaction naturally increases, leading to higher retention rates.


Continuous Improvement Through Feedback

Understanding and incorporating resident feedback is a crucial part of The Saturday Experience. Brent emphasizes, “We’re always trying to be in a state of improvement…measuring through our Satisfacts surveys.” By fostering an open dialogue with our residents, we can quickly identify and address any issues that arise, ensuring that their needs are consistently met. Moreover, our ability as a small, local operator allows us to quickly pivot based on feedback. This ongoing process of feedback and improvement helps us keep a pulse on the evolving needs of our residents, ensuring that we continue to deliver an exceptional service.


Creating a Community Feel

The Saturday Experience aims to make residents feel that they are part of a community rather than just living in an apartment. Brent shares, “Once they are a resident, we’ve introduced them to a new friend, community, ability to get more pets, and more.” Creating a community involves more than just social activities; it’s about building meaningful connections among residents and team members. We offer a variety of community events and programs designed to bring people together and foster a sense of camaraderie. Whether it’s a pet-friendly policy that encourages residents to bond over their love of animals or social gatherings that help neighbors get to know each other, every aspect of our community initiatives is designed to enhance the resident experience. This approach not only helps in retaining residents but helps differentiate us for potential residents.


The ROI Connection

Increased resident satisfaction directly translates to improved ROI for our clients. Happy residents stay longer, reducing turnover rates and associated costs. Additionally, we get positive resident reviews and referrals, attracting more prospective residents and ensuring higher occupancy rates. Our transparency in reporting and communication allows for our clients to see the impact of The Saturday Experience on residents and their increased ROI in real time. The simplicity and effectiveness of The Saturday Experience creates a win-win situation for both residents and investors. By focusing on resident satisfaction, we create a stable and profitable investment for our clients.


CEO’s Vision and Future Plans

Brent’s vision for The Saturday Experience was inspired by the desire to create a better, more user-friendly approach to apartment living. “The beauty of the components of The Saturday Experience is in their simplicity,” he states. Looking ahead, Brent and the leadership team will continue to broaden the scope and refine this impactful initiative. This forward-thinking approach ensures that we remain at the forefront of industry innovation, constantly improving and adapting to meet the needs of our residents.

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