Landlords who conduct Home Visits in Tenant Screening

Landlords who conduct Home Visits in Tenant Screening

Investor · Blackwood, NJ · Member since 2014 · 52 posts · 14 votes

So I've heard several presentations at my local REIA meetings and I attended a Section 8 class in the city of Philadelphia where the housing authority also encourages homeowners to incorporate home visits in the screening process. I would like to know from those landlords who conduct them, what exactly do you do at these visits. So far, I've mentioned to all of my prospects that this is a part of my process and no one has objected except a long lady today to me that she would need to get permission from her Mother in order for me to do an inspection of her home. I just said OK since we haven't yet made it through step 1, the application, but I was thinking "I'm not going to inspect her Mother's home". Anyway, it just seems that home visits could be very awkward. I totally get the point and what to conduct them because I want to get a feel for what I can expect concerning my own property considering all the hard work we have put in to it, but I am truly, truly an introvert and can't imagine exactly what I'm going to do or say. I will say that for the average city home in Philadelphia, I'm expecting that I can sum up their household habits from the living room. Thoughts please???

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Investor · Boyd, TX · Member since 2014 · 688 posts · 467 votes
11y

Don't get complacent and think this is only a low income Section 8 issue.  It doesn't matter what class of renter or property you have.  Some six figure income households are horrid pits of hell.

See this reply in the discussion

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  • Investor · Plano, TX · Member since 2013 · 63 posts · 11 votes
    11y

    What an interesting idea.  I've not heard of anyone doing this, is this commonplace?  I've never been asked as a renter myself, and I've never thought to implement this strategy with the property I own.  I like the "walk them to their car" strategy.  The idea that, if you can take a quick peek at their car and see how clean/trashed it is, you'll have an idea of how your property will be treated.

  • Investor · Blackwood, NJ · Member since 2014 · 52 posts · 14 votes
    11y

    We'll see what responses come in @Drey Taylor  my impression from what I've heard during my short tenure in this business, is that many landlords do it. This is my first property and maybe I've spoken with 7 to 10 prospects and none of them reacted one way or another to my request. Just my last call who referred to it as an "inspection"

  • Investor · Crystal Lake, IL · Member since 2014 · 64 posts · 17 votes
    11y

    I took a class years ago in Chicago on multi family property investing and this very topic was brought up by the lecturer, he at one time ran the Chicago Housing Authority so he was a great resource for information on the subject.  He said that he would tell all potential tenants that part of the application process is a current residence inspection.  Ever since then I have used it for my tenant selection and I feel like it has really helped me weed out the potential tenants that would be hard on my property and cost me more in Cap Ex in the end.  So my opinion is that this step is worth while if you are willing to put in the time and effort.  You would be surprised on the condition a potential tenant will leave their current residence in when they know the time and day that I would come by and inspect it.  Makes me wonder what condition it is in before they cleaned it up for the inspection.

  • Investor · Niles, IL · Member since 2012 · 21 posts · 0 votes
    11y

    I've heard of other landlords doing inspections at potential tenants residence, and I will consider incorporating it into my future tenant  screening.  Just like @Frank Woodin mentioned it is a good way to get a feel of how they will treat your property.  I would be up front with the tenant and tell them that you are interested in how they keep their current residence, as it is very important that your property is kept in good condition.

  • Real Estate Investor · Audubon, PA · Member since 2009 · 13k+ posts · 8k+ votes
    11y

    This next thread discusses this, starting with the post in the link and going into the next page in that thread:

    http://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/52/topics/1087...

  • Hanford, CA · Member since 2013 · 5k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    11y

    Honestly it really depends on your class and your tenant type. I deal with professionals who are usually moving into an area due to a job relocation. There is no way they would allow me to "inspect" there prior house. So as always it really area and tenant class dependent. 

    P.S. I had never heard of this before :)

  • Professional · Noblesville, IN · Member since 2014 · 222 posts · 66 votes
    11y

    When working with lower income housing particularly.....Check their car when you get the application or show the unit.  Check their house asap.  If nothing else do a drive by but much better to go inside.  Best way to see the future of your unit short of a real estate crystal ball.  Check out Mom's house if she stays there as well.  Most likely she picked up some habits from Mom.  No they may not like the idea...and there may be a reason for that you are better off to discover now.  Why does all the interaction need to be at your property?  Takes the same amount of time on your part most likely.  Look beyond the obvoius....be selective about those you put in a good property.  

  • Vendor · Cincinnati, OH · Member since 2014 · 144 posts · 58 votes
    11y

    Don't forget to check mattresses and couches for bed bugs.  Then shine a light under the fridge and stove to see if any roaches scatter.  Just keep it short and sweet by the time you walk around the house doing this you already have an idea about the rest of there house.  

  • Investor · Blackwood, NJ · Member since 2014 · 52 posts · 14 votes
    11y

    thanks @Steve Babiak   the lease addendum provided is what I  needed and I plan to use.  I'm going to stick with my plan to conduct home visits as it seems to me the only way to truly get a feel for how I can expect my property to be treated!

  • Property Manager · Chicago, IL · Member since 2014 · 72 posts · 22 votes
    11y

    Anyone know if the is actually legal in Chicago? Would have loved to have done this type of inspection in a few instances. 

  • Investor · Gilbertsville, PA · Member since 2013 · 54 posts · 17 votes
    11y

    Hi Angela!One investor who I heard does home visit is Joe Nielsen “The real estate professor”He has a book on Amazon and a website that explains his whole philosophy. His strategy is to rent to Section 8’s and he is big on home visits. I suggest you get his book. It is small and an easy read. He has property in Delaware county, suburb of Philly.Very smart and savvy investor and a great guy too. He is a member of DIG Diversified Investor Group and he gave a presentation at a few meetups. I would suggest go to a real estate meeting where he is speaking and check him out.

  • Real Estate Investor · Audubon, PA · Member since 2009 · 13k+ posts · 8k+ votes
    11y

    @Joe Mulcahy - we have Joe Neilson coming to Collegeville in February; but we are looking at a new location, so it likely won't be Champps. 

  • Investor · Boyd, TX · Member since 2014 · 688 posts · 467 votes
    11y

    Don't get complacent and think this is only a low income Section 8 issue.  It doesn't matter what class of renter or property you have.  Some six figure income households are horrid pits of hell.

  • Michele FischerPro Member
    Rental Property Investor · Seattle, WA · Member since 2013 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    11y

    Angela, we do not do inspections prior to move in, but if we need to shuttle paperwork, have pets to meet, or they need extra attention, we always offer to meet at their current home so we can be a bit snoopy.  Agree that you can tell a lot by the living room.  Be sure to incorporate what you might find into your screening selection process, such as being a slob, damage to unit, non-working smoke detectors so that you are objective, unbiased, and not discriminating.  We do inspections after move in, and I can tell you that they are always uncomfortable.  I'd suggest having a checklist set up by room, walk form room to room checking items off (do smoke detectors work, evidence of damage, evidence of rodents, etc with Y/N), and work your way through the property, trying to make small talk rather than discussing what you are looking at/for.  Brush up on topics that are and aren't discriminatory to ask about, and just try to be conversational.

  • Investor · South Jersey, NJ · Member since 2013 · 338 posts · 22 votes
    11y

    I saw the same advice at a RING REIA meeting in Philly. Great luck.

  • Real Estate Agent · Milwaukee, WI · Member since 2014 · 114 posts · 30 votes
    11y

    I know a landlord who handles Milwaukee inner city properties. He said he always does an inspection but it is unannounced. He calls first with  an excuse  to stop by like to give them another document, sign a document or something. He is really only seeing the living room or front entry but he also asks to use the bathroom.  

    I have been thinking of trying it but never have.

  • Dawn BrenengenBusiness Member
    Moderator
    Real Estate Broker · Raleigh, NC · Member since 2014 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    11y

    I've done it before as part of approving a pet for an owner. The owner wanted to be sure the pet hadn't torn up the previous home. 

  • Investor · Louisville, KY · Member since 2011 · 296 posts · 248 votes
    11y

    Checking their car is good but not foolproof.   I've done in-home inspections for many years and they leave very little doubt as to what you will get when they move into your house.  I did two this past week with a lady and a gent that are moving in together (getting married).   I don't announce, I do surprise visits... Wait for their car to be around and then knock, etc.  I always tell them that I'm looking for ashtrays and big dogs (I don't rent to smokers and I only allow small dogs and no cats).   I am looking for this, and more.  Sometimes their yard/porch tells me everything I need to know and I just leave without going any further.   :/

    Best,

     - Chuck

  • Investor · Louisville, KY · Member since 2011 · 296 posts · 248 votes
    11y

    it just occurred to me too but if I'm on the fence about someone, or haven't found them at home for an inspection, I'll quiz the neighbors about their habits.  Very informative stuff sometimes!   

  • Involved In Real Estate · San Jose, CA · Member since 2014 · 10 posts · 5 votes
    11y

    What a great idea to do a current home inspection as part of the screening process! We currently do walk through inspections twice a year but I can see how this would be a great implement to our screening process. I will have to look into the legality of it here in CA. 

  • Investor · Louisville, KY · Member since 2011 · 296 posts · 248 votes
    11y

    this is being discussed over here as well and I elaborated a bit on what I do if you're interested... Link to topic

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