What's next step (by alicewonder [TX]) Nov 17, 2018 5:33 PM
What's next step (by Larry [TX]) Nov 17, 2018 5:43 PM
What's next step (by MJ [OH]) Nov 17, 2018 5:50 PM
What's next step (by Larry [TX]) Nov 17, 2018 5:53 PM
What's next step (by plenty [MO]) Nov 17, 2018 5:55 PM
What's next step (by Homer [TX]) Nov 17, 2018 6:02 PM
What's next step (by AllyM [NJ]) Nov 17, 2018 6:23 PM
What's next step (by JB [OR]) Nov 17, 2018 6:33 PM
What's next step (by Larry [TX]) Nov 17, 2018 6:37 PM
What's next step (by JB [OR]) Nov 17, 2018 7:07 PM
What's next step (by GKARL [PA]) Nov 17, 2018 7:24 PM
What's next step (by Vee [OH]) Nov 17, 2018 8:15 PM
What's next step (by alicewonder [TX]) Nov 17, 2018 9:02 PM
What's next step (by WMH [NC]) Nov 18, 2018 3:59 AM
What's next step (by Oregon Woodsmoke [ID]) Nov 18, 2018 8:07 AM
What's next step (by Robin [WI]) Nov 18, 2018 5:50 PM
What's next step (by Gene [OH]) Nov 18, 2018 6:04 PM
What's next step (by J [FL]) Nov 18, 2018 6:32 PM
What's next step (by Sandy [CO]) Nov 18, 2018 9:13 PM
What's next step (by Pnh [TX]) Nov 19, 2018 12:19 PM
What's next step (by Sisco [MO]) Nov 19, 2018 1:50 PM
What's next step (by Busy [WI]) Nov 20, 2018 8:09 AM
What's next step (by alicewonder [TX]) Posted on: Nov 17, 2018 5:33 PM Message:
Hi,
Maybe you can give me some feedback, and whys?
I put my cozy property in most popular website, e.g. zillow, zumper...etc. except MLS. (I do not have an agent.)
I received a quite few inquires from those websites. However, after I followed up with this msg, I got less than 1% response. I wonder why those people inquired about my property at the first place, but had no courtesy to either reply or decline.
>>>>>>
Yes, it's still available.
Thank you for your interesting on this cozy home. Yes, the home is ready to move in and waits for its new residents.
When do you need to move in?
What is your current situation? do you rent or own?
What is your household monthly gross income?
How many people will live with you?
Do you have a realtor represent you?
Please provide your rental history and employment history, no eviction and no criminal and non smoker (including e-smoke)
three non relative references.
After we hear from you, we will have a private viewing. Please let us know if we can answer your questions. Please
>>>>>>>>>>>>>
In the last five months, I was not able to close one applicant, so the property is still available. I wonder which part I am not do to attract a right tenant, I just need one. It is in a good location, the rent is below the market, it is a very nice home.
Will you share with me how do you close your applicants for your property?
Thanks.
--136.62.xx.xx |
What's next step (by Larry [TX]) Posted on: Nov 17, 2018 5:43 PM Message:
I just went through the same thing with 2 houses but actually got both rented in the last month to excellent people.
Most people now adays have no manners and could care less about you. If they don't want it. Or know they won't get approved you will never hear from them. I had a lot like that.
Just keep on doing what your doing and don't lower your rent or settle for someone who doesn't meet your standards. Someone good will come along before you know it. --73.166.xxx.xxx |
What's next step (by MJ [OH]) Posted on: Nov 17, 2018 5:50 PM Message:
I understand why you want open ended questions, but today's folks are one or two word answers at best in my opinion. 3 non relative references, really? Just to view the place? Realtor rep? I would pass on your unit just because of that and I have nothing to hide. I would clean up your pre viewing questions and ask the open ended when they view the unit.
Perhaps an open house for showing to anyone that can pass the income requirements? --174.105.xxx.xxx |
What's next step (by Larry [TX]) Posted on: Nov 17, 2018 5:53 PM Message:
Another thing if you have it on zillow like you say and it's been on there months take it off and relist it. People will think something is wrong with it if it's been on there a gaziillion days. --73.166.xxx.xxx |
What's next step (by plenty [MO]) Posted on: Nov 17, 2018 5:55 PM Message:
Try responding:
Yes, it's still available.
Thank you for your interesting on this cozy home.
How can I help you?
--99.203.xx.xxx |
What's next step (by Homer [TX]) Posted on: Nov 17, 2018 6:02 PM Message:
With English as your second language, your response comes off as one from Nigeria, and a possible scam. I wouid seriously consider selling, or hiring a property manager. In fact, I think most of your problems are due to not having a great command of the English language. I’ve been reading your post here for a number of years. Take the money and invest in some high quality mutual funds, or munies. Good luck --75.141.xxx.xxx |
What's next step (by AllyM [NJ]) Posted on: Nov 17, 2018 6:23 PM Message:
I would cut down the number of questions. They have not seen the place yet and you are asking questions that are too personal.
Now if this is a rental then you ask how many people will be living there?
How will you be paying for the rental?
Why are you moving?
Do you have any evictions?
This is a nonsmoking home.
That's it. If they are interested after you show them the rental,, you ask more about finances but you will never get anyone to apply if you ask to much about their finances etc. first and no one has a realtor represent them for a rental. --73.178.xxx.xx |
What's next step (by JB [OR]) Posted on: Nov 17, 2018 6:33 PM Message:
If closing isn't your thing pay someone who does it well. I also think a PM would benefit you greatly in your situation.
Some of your questions should be scratched. In your case I would be thinking showings first. Then worry about screening once you have interest. --24.20.xxx.xxx |
What's next step (by Larry [TX]) Posted on: Nov 17, 2018 6:37 PM Message:
Whatever you do DO NOT hire a PM .. real estate agent etc. they will put the first low life in your house that has the deposit. They don't care who you rent to as long as their pockets are getting lined with cash. --73.166.xxx.xxx |
What's next step (by JB [OR]) Posted on: Nov 17, 2018 7:07 PM Message:
Larry, you can dictate the minimum requirements for applicants when using a PM. Sometimes people need to stick to what they are good at and hire out the rest. It's time to get smart here. --24.20.xxx.xxx |
What's next step (by GKARL [PA]) Posted on: Nov 17, 2018 7:24 PM Message:
Here are the pre-screening questions I've been using. I do this exclusively via text as in ensure I ask everyone the same questions. It's my experience that anyone serious will respond:
Thanks for your interest. Please answer the following pre-screening questions:
1) Where do you work?
2) How long have you been with your employer?
3) How much is your weekly pay and do you have paystubs to document?
4) Do you have any misdemeanors or felony convictions?
5) What is your full name (last, first and middle initial)?
6) When are you looking to move?
I've found these to be short and to the point and they can answer quickly so I get responses. Folks who don't respond are either not serious or can't pass the muster IMO. Once I do a quick check of court records, I ask them to text me a copy of their latest paystub. Once that's in place, I schedule a showing. I've caught several folks in lies about criminal backgrounds. IMO, you need to pre-screen before scheduling, so you're on the right path. I prefer to spend time with those who are qualified so that mean less activity in terms of quantity but far more quality. You just need to revise your questions.
Lastly, I've found my response rates vary according to the medium being used. Craigslist has the highest response rate, FB Marketplace response rates are very low. I get a ton of inquiries, but few responses to the questions. Same with Zillow. --209.122.xx.xxx |
What's next step (by Vee [OH]) Posted on: Nov 17, 2018 8:15 PM Message:
Start over,
1. Cozy 3 bdrm, smooth floors for easy cleaning
2. Tell me about your pets
3. We need photo vet records and 150 to start registration, pet rent is extra
4. House rent is 1385, deposit is 2077.50
5. Our application is about the same as the nicer properties in the area includes background/credit check for each person over 18
Oh you have a eviction 3yrs ago - we can go forward once we verify there is no unpaid damages in the evictions and collections are cleared out - check with us anytime, different sizes come along often, my name is Vee if you are ready to start check to see what size and where the unit is located.
Yes the same application process, have a good day --76.188.xxx.xx |
What's next step (by alicewonder [TX]) Posted on: Nov 17, 2018 9:02 PM Message:
Thank you for all your advice.
I will make a few changes. Yes, I will wait to find the right tenant who I will offer the cozy place to call home.
I also have an open house each weekend.
However, I would ask the members here, if you have nothing to say, please don't say it.
I am not writing for my term paper here. I am here to exchange notes and learning others' tips and tracks.
Thanks.
--136.62.xx.xx |
What's next step (by WMH [NC]) Posted on: Nov 18, 2018 3:59 AM Message:
3 non-relative references? To simply see the place? No way would I give you my friends' personal info just to see the place! That actually sounds like a scam to me.
Five months empty? Your questions are chasing people away. --50.82.xxx.xx |
What's next step (by Oregon Woodsmoke [ID]) Posted on: Nov 18, 2018 8:07 AM Message:
Move your last line to the top and make it a bit more welcoming.
Let them know what the questions are for before they read them.
I'd be happy to show you the property. Before I give you an appointment to see the inside, would you please answer a couple of questions about what your needs are for a rental.
This isn't an interview, it is just an attempt to weed out the worst applicants.
Ask why they are moving. How many persons. Ask if they have any animals. Dont ask any money questions that might trigger a scam worry. Ask for their name and phone number. --174.216.x.xxx |
What's next step (by Robin [WI]) Posted on: Nov 18, 2018 5:50 PM Message:
Here's how I respond to FB Marketplace requests of "Is this still available?
Yes it is! To set up a showing, please answer the following questions:
Household monthly income:
Reason for Moving:
Tell me about your current living arrangements:
When do you want to move?
A phone number where we can reach you:
Thanks!
I get about one response out of every ten queries. The ones who have reasonable responses get a lockbox showing. You need to make it easy for them to respond. I don't ask for any personal information until they pass those prescreening questions, and then I ask for a copy of their photo ID to set up a showing. That way I get all kinds of personal info without asking for it directly. --204.210.xxx.xxx |
What's next step (by Gene [OH]) Posted on: Nov 18, 2018 6:04 PM Message:
Here is my canned response. The first line may vary, but most of the responses from Zillow are asking to view the house.
To pre-qualify you before showing the house, I need for you to answer the following questions.
Your full legal name?
Your current verifiable yearly income?
Your current FICO score (if known)?
Move-in funds ($X,XXX.00) available?
Move in date needed?
How many people would be living in the house with you?
Please list the adults (18 yrs old or more) who would be living in the house with you?
Any pets or animals?
Anyone smoke?
Thanks.
--99.165.xx.xxx |
What's next step (by J [FL]) Posted on: Nov 18, 2018 6:32 PM Message:
I agree with what Miss Ally and GKARL are saying...I try to keep the number of questions to a minimum of the most essential things I need to weed people out. I can always ask them more questions on the phone later if I want to probe further before setting up a showing. --72.188.xxx.xx |
What's next step (by Sandy [CO]) Posted on: Nov 18, 2018 9:13 PM Message:
Your asking too much, too soon.
Also, it might help to state that your “English is a second language so please bear with me”. That way people don’t jump to conclusion that this is a scam or that you are uneducated. Give people a reason/way to understand who you are.
I would definitely limit the questions and only get the phone number to be able to text/call directly.
Once they pass the phone number response test, you can talk to them and ask spjust a few basic questions,
1. It’s available now, when are you looking to move?
2. How many people would be moving in?
3. We accept(don’t accept) pets, do you have any?
4. So the rent is xxx, is this something you can afford?
Etc... --75.70.xx.xxx |
What's next step (by Pnh [TX]) Posted on: Nov 19, 2018 12:19 PM Message:
as I have suggested b4...best you follow Homer’s advice. which is what I have said... --166.137.xxx.xxx |
What's next step (by Sisco [MO]) Posted on: Nov 19, 2018 1:50 PM Message:
Alice, you have receive several good responses to choose from! This forum tribe is great.
I will add this: Once you get the response worked out - copy the response in your phone - I use notes. Copy the response from notes, paste onto your reply.
I use copy/paste method and have found that 8 responses answer 97% of the inquiries. --72.172.xxx.xx |
What's next step (by Busy [WI]) Posted on: Nov 20, 2018 8:09 AM Message:
I keep it simple, as I have noticed my best tenants get confused with too much asked of them. And, my tenant pool is wary of giving out too much information before they have met someone. Lots of scam artists in my area.
So, in my ad, I ask they TEXT names of all adults who will be living there, including middle initial, and birth month and day, but not year. I ask for birthday this way so I am not age discriminating. I wouldn’t even ask for birthday at all except it helps separate persons with identical names.
I ask for text because I am getting hard -of-hearing.
Others on this forum are dead set against smokers. I allow smoking, and that has helped me fill my property that doesn’t get great interest. (Yes, I know how to clean up smoke. Family members have been life-long smokers.) --70.92.xxx.xxx |
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