Skip to content
×
Pro Members Get
Full Access!
Get off the sidelines and take action in real estate investing with BiggerPockets Pro. Our comprehensive suite of tools and resources minimize mistakes, support informed decisions, and propel you to success.
Advanced networking features
Market and Deal Finder tools
Property analysis calculators
Landlord Command Center
ANNUAL Save 16%
$32.50 /mo
$390 billed annualy
MONTHLY
$39 /mo
billed monthly
7 day free trial. Cancel anytime
General Landlording & Rental Properties
All Forum Categories
Followed Discussions
Followed Categories
Followed People
Followed Locations
Market News & Data
General Info
Real Estate Strategies
Landlording & Rental Properties
Real Estate Professionals
Financial, Tax, & Legal
Real Estate Classifieds
Reviews & Feedback

Updated over 4 years ago on . Most recent reply

User Stats

1,928
Posts
2,367
Votes
Wesley W.#1 General Landlording & Rental Properties Contributor
  • Rental Property Investor
  • The Vampire State
2,367
Votes |
1,928
Posts

"Quick draw" tenants

Wesley W.#1 General Landlording & Rental Properties Contributor
  • Rental Property Investor
  • The Vampire State
Posted

Hey guys,

During my tenure of showing rental units to prospects, I've noticed a behavioral phenomenon during showings and I am trying to figure out what it means.

Occasionally, I'll have a prospective tenant walk in to the unit,  poke their head into each room, and then declare that they want to proceed with the application process - all in the manner of 15 seconds (no hyperbole).  They don't ask me any questions - they want to apply and be considered for the apartment.

To me, this reeks of desperation, but oftentimes these applicants are qualified.  Some of them don't need to move right away, either.  (It's these folks I am referring to, not the underemployed dude with a sad story.)  I worry about these prospects, and traditionally have passed on them because it seems they aren't putting much thought into the place where they intend to lay their head (no emotional "skin in the game") and might be cavalier how they treat the place.  Or, should I take this as a compliment as to the quality of my product versus the competition?

Right now, in NY, there is a dearth of good applicants due to the time of year as well as the compounding effect of everyone "sheltering in place" because of COVID.  So, I'm reconsidering my stance on these "shoot from the hip" applicants.

Is my sixth sense right?  How would you interpret this behavior?

Most Popular Reply

User Stats

28,237
Posts
41,398
Votes
Nathan Gesner
  • Real Estate Broker
  • Cody, WY
41,398
Votes |
28,237
Posts
Nathan Gesner
  • Real Estate Broker
  • Cody, WY
ModeratorReplied

I just rented to a beautiful, professional, 56-year-old that looks like she should be living in a million-dollar home. I may have physically winced when she asked to look at a house that is old, dated, and probably C-class because it's clearly below her station. She walked through it quickly, said it was perfect, applied, and moved in the next day. 

It's a common mistake to think you know what someone needs or wants. These people are probably looking for an inexpensive place to crash and your rental fits the bill. I am a B-class kind of person and wouldn't rent this particular house, but an A-class person loved it and will likely turn it into a cute home. Who am I to judge?

  • Nathan Gesner
business profile image
The DIY Landlord Book
4.7 stars
168 Reviews

Loading replies...