First Contact With Potential Tenant
Since this is my 1st post, let me say that this appears to be the most valuable site I have found yet! Even though I first registered a year ago, I;ve been nothing but a "lurker". Now it's time to get down to business.
My question:
When returning a phone call to a potential tenant who has replied to my "for rent" ad, is it best to suggest they drive by the property and call me back if interested? Or, attempt to set up a meeting to show them the house?
Frank
It has been my experience that I if they are calling they are interested and I begin screening on the phone immediately...know what you want and ask questions.......I also live out of the area so I usually mail out app's and then schedule a day for people to walk through....if they are interested they show up.....keep all contact info...
yes, I usually suggest that they do a drive-by prior to the "open house" that I set up on a saturday afternoon fro all the potential tenants to see the place. this open house eliminates the need for multiple showings (and no shows) and creates a sense of competition among the potential tenants. of course, if the putside appears much worse than the inside of the house, a drive-by may be a very bad idea.
I pre-screen on the phone by first asking when they are looking to move in, how many people are moving in, if they have any pets, and what do they pay today. This can cut the conversation very short for people who are not even a consideration.
If everything sounds OK then I let them know my criteria is 1) decent credit (disregarding all medical) 2) income 3x the rent 3) good rental references. Ask if all that sounds good. If it does sound good I give them the address, directions, and the lock box combo. Also tell them that there are brochures, rental applications, and rental application instructions inside the house in the kitchen. Then call me back when they complete an applicaiton for each adult, including zerox of driver's license, and have a $300 cash holding deposit.
If it is tenant occupied, then I ask them to drive by and I try to have literature somewhere on the property that they can get copies. After driving by if they want to see the inside then I make an appt but tell them that they must reconfirm the appt 1 hour prior by calling my cell phone and leaving a message. If I do not get the message I will not be at the house.
Brenda
Forgot - If it is tenant occupied, I put up a sign close to the front door that say "Do not disturb the tenant".
Pre-screening is vital to the process. Usually first contact over the phone involves some of the questions mentioned above. I do mention a credit check and the application fee. This can weed out some potential problems. If they are still interested I give the addess so they can drive by. I then schedule back to back/overlapping appointments on a certain day. Nothing like a little competition to help a decision.
I believe pre-screening over the phone is very helpful too. I think your best bet is to experiment with what works best for you. Each property, area, and tenant pool is a little different. Its a learning process in and of itself. Anything you can do over the phone is going to save you time. I've had so many times where someone seemed qualified then I went to the trouble to show the property only to find out they had a pet or smoked, which I didnt permit in that particular property. See what works best for you and good luck!!