Darcie Jarrett is a leasing agent at two neighboring apartment complexes in Riverview, Florida (one being the Addison). Although she graduated with a Journalism degree from USF, she ended up finding a position in this field and she finds it fulfilling!
When did you become a leasing agent and why?
I became a leasing agent in 2003. After I graduated from USF (the University of South Florida) and I got married we decided to move into an apartment together. The apartment community we moved into was looking for help and I needed a job at the time, so I applied. I saw a lot of benefits for myself like discounted rent and free parking, which helped us out.
What is it like working at this particular complex?
I actually manage two complexes right now, this one we are in now (the Addison), and one down the street. Honestly, this job is stressful but it can also be rewarding. It’s hard when people get upset and I have to deal with noise complaints and parking issues. Keeping the owners of the property happy is also difficult because it’s their money that I’m using so I have to make sure I’m using it wisely/ how they want it to be used.
How has COVID-19 affected your job and/or changed the interest of potential residents?
Everyone in this office was considered an essential employee since the beginning, so we have been here all day, every day. Since everything was moved online due to COVID the only thing that changed was the way we gave tours. Since I graduated with a Journalism degree, I was able to shoot and film virtual tours with music. Some of the other complexes have tours too, but they are boring because they don’t have engaging music in the baclground. Every time I got an email from a potential resident I would send out the tours for them to view, and I posted it on the website. We got calls daily! The phone never stopped ringing. The move-in process also changed because we now had to make it 6ft apart. But, business hasn’t changed or decreased, the approach to everything changed.
How does it make you feel when you have to turn people away from renting from this property?
It’s…Tough. It’s really tough to do but there is a lot of fraud in this business. I’ve almost become numb in a way because of people falsely applying here. Demeanor tells you whose legit or not before the paperwork does. But, it is hard to turn legit people away. I always try to think of referrals that I can give them or ways to help.
What is the most rewarding part of this job/working here?
It’s so rewarding being able to find someone a home. Also when you help people look for the perfect apartment and help with their move-in process it helps you build a repour with them. I’ve made so many connections. Back when I worked in corporate housing in 2013 I became friends with this older couple that I still keep in contact with to this day. I run into people I’ve met at different complexes in places like the grocery store which is always nice to catch up. Everyone you meet has a story. People usually move because something happens like a divorce or they are moving from a different state and things like that. You almost become a therapist because for some reason people feel comfortable telling you things you probably shouldn’t know! Also, there are a lot of challenges that these communities provide and it feels good being able to find resolutions.
This interview has been edited for brevity, clarity, and style.