Advice: How to avoid having to show apt to multiple prospects ?

[Matthew Banks]

We have some student rental units that turnover every year. It is an intensive leasing process each year, from the advertising to handling inquiries, applications, showings, etc. I most want to avoid spending considerable time showing units in-person to prospective renters, esp. before we've pre-screened them. Any advice on how to minimize in-person showings or how to change our process? I've created a walk-thru video for each unit and posted it online. I have email auto-responders that provide info and links to our website, walk-thru videos and a short application form when someone makes an initial inquiry. People email and text us, asking for a showing, but after getting the auto-response email, they don't move forward. I'm happy to show a unit to someone once they've been screened and we know they are very serious.

Any advice greatly appreciated.

[Abel Curiel]

Hello @Matthew Banks,

I agree with the advice on here regarding the open houses. 

If you don't want to physically be there, look into Showami. It is a showing agent service where you can pay a licensed agent to show the apartment(s). Not sure if you need to be licensed to use the service but its worth a peek.

You might also consider paying someone else (relative, neighbor, etc.) who is trustworthy and can just open the door for the open houses. 

Draft a list of FAQs and next steps in the application process... have the person showing the apt hand them out.

Lastly, video tours can be helpful, was yours professionally done? If not, you might consider having a professional tour and/or Matterport 3D virtual tour. Matterport, in my opinion, is a step above traditional video tours because it allows people to tour the property and view the measurements of each room. 

All the best!

Abel