How do you respond to telephone inquiries?

[Angie W.]

While I know the information I want to know when someone calls about my property, I always stumble when first answering a call.

Me: Hello, How may I help you?

Caller: Yes, I'm calling about the house for rent?

At this point I sometimes state the # of bedrooms/bathrooms, monthly rent and deposit. Other times I may ask what I can tell them about it. If they are still interested it seems I get into a series of me asking questions or making statements about requirements. It feels like an interrogation.

How do you lead into the conversation after the initial "I'm calling about the house for rent?"

[Dev Horn]

Me: "Hello, Randy Rental, at your service! Can I tell you about this beautiful new house we just finished rehabbing, which ended up costing $5K more than we budgeted?!"

Them: "Yes please"

Me: "First, a few questions... Do you smoke?"

Them: "Oh yes, like 1965 Chevy Impala with bad rings!".

Me: "And how about pets?"

Them: "Yes, we have a Doberman, 2 pit bulls, 6 cats, a gerbil and a lizard!"

Me: CLICK

Them: "Hello? Hello?"