We have typically just showed up asking tenant to complete a form, sat down to review lease terms among other tactics. We have not disclosed this process. How are other landlords doing home inspections? Do you disclose and schedule or just show up? Look to improve this process.

As soon as their app is conditionally approved, I let them know I'll be stopping by today to get their signature on a form (maybe the Lead Paint form...maybe the ad printed from Zillow, whatever...) and take pictures of animals. No need to say anything else. We're still in screening mode.

If they try to put me off or get elusive, that's my sign they've got something to hide.

I don't review the lease at this stage because that takes about 30 minutes to do that properly and we haven't even gotten to "approved and have the money" stage yet. The name of the game is save time.

I can figure out within 2 minutes of entering a home whether I would ever rent to the occupants. The sights, the smells, the sounds, the pit bulls....NOTHING is hidden.

I'm sure it will catch on, just like getting a deposit did. It is a great idea, but I admit I haven't done it yet. Maybe drive by the outside, yes.

As Scott and Gene said.

I tell prospects, ‘How you keep your house is how you’ll keep mine.’ Most people say that makes sense, some have even said that gave them ‘a good feeling’ that I would take care of repairs.

I have had a few stop me at the door, not wanting to let me in. I simply say, Ok, I will not be able to process your application at this time, and leave. Love when they screen themselves out.

Not a problem if they took a couple of days to clean before calling me to pick up the application. True slobs don’t do that. I’ve not had to turn anyone down for poor housekeeping, but I have turned down for unsafe conditions, yelling roughly at children, bickering with family members, for messing up their apointment time. (Be there when you say you will, applicants.) I don’t mention any of this while I am there. I’m on their turf, I don’t want to give any reason for them to argue or be upset.

Dan,

First, I call it the "2 Minute In Home VISIT". The word 'inspection' strikes fear. No one wants to be INSPECTED.

No need to be coy or sneaky or make up some reason. You are in charge and you have a great house they really want.

This is only for the final candidate who has the money.

"Joe, Good news! Your application has been pre-approved. The next step is 2 Minute Visit at your home just to check how you care for a house and make sure you're not cooking meth in the kitchen (grin)." If animals "And we need a photo of the dog for our files."

Good people don't mind a 'visit'.

When I show up I'm upbeat and super friendly, commenting on their collections or cute animals. They open up and tell me ALL KIDS of things!

This has saved us THOUSAND$$$ and we are getting perfect move outs.

I now take the lease with me. If it's OK I collect the deposit and they sign the top page. We set an appointment for the next day to review the lease and pass the keys.

For those who have not started this practice, BE STRONG and protect your investment with a few minutes. If you are too shy just hire a realtor for $20. I pay $50 for distance realtors to do this for me. Well worth it!!

BRAD

PS

I do not sign the lease on the spot in case the office finds something or they flake out.