WHY FOLLOW UP?

The average shopper starts their apartment search about six weeks in advance and tours four to six communities before narrowing down their options. If you want to stand out, following up is a must.

But here’s the surprising truth:

48% of prospects never receive a single follow-up

That means nearly half of leasing teams drop the ball after first contact—so just by following up, you instantly rise above the competition. It’s one of the easiest (and most overlooked) ways to boost your chances of securing that lease.

That’s a pretty strong why, don’t you think?

The Art of the Follow-Up (That Doesn’t Feel Cringe)

Because great follow-up is your real leasing superpower.

Let’s be honest—most follow-up falls flat because it feels like a task, not a strategy. But when you do it with the right energy, timing, and a little creativity, follow-up becomes your most powerful tool to turn tours into leases.

Here’s your 6-step Spark-approved timeline to build trust, stay top-of-mind, and close the loop without being the annoying sales person (because no one wants to be that guy).

Step 1: Before They Leave the Tour

What to do: Make it personal. Make it memorable. Give them something to take with them—a cute branded notepad, a quote card, a small snack. Then ask how they’d prefer to stay in touch (text, email, DM? Let them lead).
How to say it: "I’ve got a little something for you before you head out. And if it’s cool, I’ll send you a quick recap later so you’ve got everything in one spot while you’re touring."
Spark tip: This is not about being pushy—it’s about being thoughtful and giving them a reason to remember you over the 3 other places they’re visiting.

Step 2: Same Day After the Tour

What to do: Send a quick thank-you message while the tour is still fresh. Make it warm, not robotic.
How to say it: "Hey [Name], it was so fun showing you around today! I sent a quick recap of the layout you liked + pricing in case you’re reviewing tonight. Let me know if anything else pops up while you’re comparing!"
Spark tip: Mention one personal detail they shared. It shows you were actually listening.

Step 3: 1 Day Later – Send Something in the Mail

What to do: Pop something in the mail. Yes, the actual mailbox. A handwritten postcard. A quote card. A small gift card. Bonus if it ties into your community vibe.
How to say it: "Thought you could use a little happy mail this week. Still thinking about how great you’d be in our community."
Spark tip: Mail is unexpected and that’s what makes it powerful.

TRY THIS CREATIVE FOLLOW-UP DESIGN

Add a lemonade packet and a bright colored envelope and voila…

OPEN IN CANVA

7 Days Later – Send a Personalized Email with a Surprise

What to do: Drop into their inbox with something they didn’t ask for—a Spotify playlist, a video walkthrough of the layout they liked, or a digital coffee gift card.
How to say it: "You’re probably deep in the comparison stage by now, so I thought I’d send something to make it easier (and a little more fun). Here’s a look at [Layout Name] again—and a coffee on us while you tour."
Spark tip: Be the brand that feels human. And helpful.

Step 5: 14 Days Later – Send an Invitation

What to do: Invite them to something: a resident event, a limited-time special, or a casual stop-by to see what’s new.
How to say it: "We’ve got [Event/Special] happening this week, and it made me think of you. If you’re still deciding, this might be the perfect excuse to swing back by!"
Spark tip: You’re not bothering them—you’re inviting them to reimagine their life here. Big difference.

Step 6: 21 Days Later – Check In, Genuinely

What to do: At this point, the ghosting risk is real—but a quick, low-pressure message can reopen the door.
How to say it: "Just checking in—have you found your next place yet? If so, congrats! If not, I’m still here and happy to help."
Spark tip: This is about closing the loop with kindness. Sometimes they’ll circle back just because you weren’t pushy.

Throughout the Funnel: Keep the Warmth Going with Automation

What to do: Automate a few emails that feel like check-ins, not campaigns. Mix in:

Resident spotlights
Move-in prep tips
A "Still Thinking About It?" message with FAQs or floorplan highlights

Spark tip: Think of it like friendship-level follow-up. You’re not trying to sell them. You’re trying to make it easy for them to say yes when they’re ready.

Final Reminder:

This isn’t about “following up.”

It’s about showing up—consistently, creatively, and with care.

That’s what closes leases.

That’s what builds trust.

That’s the Sprout way.

THE ART OF FOLLOW-UP: Your Timeline