Tenant 500 miles away wants to rent sight unseen...new job

[Kate B.]

This is my question.   What is the best way to have him send first and last months rent?  Overnight mail?  FedEx?    My plan was to have him email back signed lease, then send back hard copy of signed lease with check in overnight mail.   (By the way, is overnight mail really overnight?)   There is a lot of interest in this property, but I see his reason for taking it fast.  (He does not have a car and his employer -- a university -- is right up the street.)

I am a rookie landlord and never encountered this before.   FYI, he gave me his full name and current employer and all that.    I just want to know the best and fastest way to get papers and the rent.

Thanks!

[Randy E.]

Originally posted by @Kate B.:

I had not canceled any appointments to show it to people, and the first person I showed it to took it at noon today.

 That's the way to do it.  Until I have a signed lease and money in hand, I never stop showing a vacant unit.  Every prospect is SURE they are taking the place ... until they don't take it.