Am I being unreasonable

[Nick Ferrari]

Just started off with a new rental and I'm asking my potential tenants to fill out an application before viewing the property. Keep in mind the home is well documented. I have around 40 photos of it posted on respective websites. I simply hate wasting my time with potential tenants who have zero chance of renting my home and the first logical step seems to be have them fill out an application and prescreening them. This is part time for me I work 80 hours a week at my other job so it's difficult setting up the time for renters to view the home and something I only want to do for serious candidates. But perhaps I'm being unreasonable. What's your process for your prospective tenants?

[Wesley W.]

I usually have them pre-qualify themselves by listing my criteria in the ad (income requirement, background check required, no evictions, felonies, etc.).  

In the ad I have them answer a few questions listed in an email reply to me.  I then send them more details about other policies (no smoking, dog breeds) and move-in costs, as well as my on-boarding process.  I also send them a PDF of the application in case they want to fill it out ahead of time (prior to showing).  I imply there is a lot of interest, so if they want to get a jump on the competition, to bring completed apps, photo IDs and last 2 pay stubs to the showing.  I also have hard copies at the showing.  Some fill them out there, some "take them for later" - those I never hear from again.

I have a template for each step of the email exchange, so it takes little effort to get to the point of me offering them a showing.