Straight to voicemail

What is the opinion on answering calls from prospective tenants when advertising a rental? I recently purchased and renovated a property and am in the process of advertising it.

I currently setup a dedicated google voice for the property with a message that is specific to the property and instructing them to leave a message to schedule a showing. The message lists the size, beds, baths, date available for rent and monthly rent/security deposit. It's under 20 seconds long.

I've been getting a steady stream of calls, +-15 a day since putting out the signs and ads last Friday. However, only 4 have left messages. My original thought was that this is a good way to weed out people who are tire kickers but I'm second guessing that.

Do you answer your calls live or have someone who answers them live?

Tom S.

Real Estate Investor · Burlington, Vermont

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Nov 21 '11, 01:24 PM

Hi Tyson,

I've generally let my calls go to voice mail, because I work in an office by day and simply can't answer every call that comes in. I find if they're definitely interested, they'll leave a message. I do return all calls at the end of each day, so for me at least, voice mail has been effective.

Hope that helps,

- Tom

Todd Brittingham

Real Estate Investor · White Lake, Michigan

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Nov 21 '11, 01:25 PM

First off, answer the calls. The first contact with the tenant is a perfect opportunity for you to begin weeding out your tenants. You can begin to lay the groundwork for the expectations of your tenants, and get a pretty good feel from that initial discussion whether they are a good fit.

Also, regarding setting up showings, I would recommend you setup a rental open house. Prospective tenants are notorious for skipping out on showings and you can save yourself a lot of time if you set up multiple prospective tenants to meet you at the property at the same time. You may have some no-shows, but hopefully if you get 4-5 people to agree to come you will end up renting the property to one of them (assuming they meet your screening guidelines).

Good luck!

Carole M.

Multi-family Investor · Morton Grove, Illinois

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Nov 21 '11, 01:27 PM

When I rented our two flat after rehabbing, I found the best way to attract prospective tenants was to to put a large free standing sign in the front yard. (I got it at a local hardware store.) I then put my phone number and # of bedrooms on the sign. I deliberately left off price. I got a stream of calls and let them go to voicemail. I then called back and I arranged to have an Open House on a Sunday afternoon between 1-3 and invited all. Those really interested came and were given an application to complete. This application was a credit application/rental aplication. Anyone really interested took the application. I found two quality tenants and they lasted for 2 years and then I sold my interest to my partner/sibling.

Also, I purchased a "Landlord Kit" from an office supply store. This kit had the credit app/move-in/move out forms/pet policy, lease plus other forms. The lease of course could not be used as many municipalities require their own approved form of lease for rentals and you will have to check with your local municipality. This kit also made a novice look like an experienced landlord.

Another advantage of the front yard sign is that you attrach persons familiar with the area.

Anyway, good luck.

Craig Shute

Mobile Home Investor · New York

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Nov 21 '11, 01:53 PM

I answer every call. I used to have the office phone listed, but now I put my cell phone up. Most people, tire kickers or not, do not leave voice mails. They'll go on to the next listing. I use the phone call to gauge the tenant, decide if I want them in here, and if I do, it's a chance to convince them they want to live here. I did individual showings and everyone showed up. The open house thing sounds like a good idea, though!

Tyson S.

Real Estate Investor · Des Moines, Iowa

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Nov 21 '11, 02:18 PM

I also cannot answer calls the majority of the time but I do like the idea of returning calls. I also like the open house idea. Everyone who has left a voicemail scheduled and showed up for their showing so I think I'm going to continue having it going to vm. Those who leave a vm I will schedule an appointment otherwise I will return all calls and let them know about the open house time.

Aaron Mazzrillo

Wholesaler · Corona, California

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Nov 21 '11, 02:22 PM

I never take tenant calls. What a waste of time! You ad can say "no pets allowed" in big bold letters and 1/2 the callers will ask if you take dogs.

I use an 800# with a unique extension for each property. It is a great way to screen out the incompetent because they can't even get the extension correct. I figure if they can't enter a 3 digit extension, there is no way they will ever be able to fill out a check with 4 digits.

My voice mail covers everything they need know about the property like "the deposit is non-negotiable."

Greg B.

Real Estate Investor · Godley, Texas

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Nov 21 '11, 03:24 PM

All calls go to voice mail. I have all needed info on a printed sheet in the box at the property. Also all needed info repeated on the voice mail. AND I have a YouTube video of the inside and outside of the property so they can see it without wasting my time. This process has done well for me to not waste time with tire kickers. Good luck.

E-Mail: IBuy@ChargerProperties.com
Website: http://ibuyjoco.com/
Twitter: tuitionsource / I Buy Johnson County

Michael G.

Real Estate Investor

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Nov 21 '11, 04:09 PM

I use Google Voice as well, always goes to Voice Mail.

If they don't leave a voice mail don't want to deal with the phone call I would have gotten anyway. If they do leave a voice mail I can tell which people I am going to call back based on how they represent themselves.

Ed O.

Real Estate Investor

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Nov 21 '11, 07:28 PM

For me, it depends on how quickly I'm trying to get someone in. If you miss their call, they'll call someone else that answers in my opinion. Sure, you'll get tire kickers, but tire kickers leave messages too and waste your time when you call them back. If at all possible, I answer every inbound call on vacant units. I have one empty and am pushing to get it filled. Also, being in the same region as you, this time of year, its tough to fill a unit. People hate moving when its cold & around the holidays. I think answering calls as much as possible will fill a unit quicker.