Is your property the best in the neighborhood at the best price?
Research your competiton and list $15 to $25 lower. Thats better than eating the note for 2 more months trying to get an extra $25 . Unless your margin for cash flow is that tight them you have another set of problems.
I post pics at my properties, on zillow, craiglsist and my website. No one sees the inside untill i recieve a basic application to verify that they have a job that pays enough, is not a criminal and tells the truth about who they are where they work etc. i get about 20 calls and emails asking to see the property and i tell them all the same thing, not until i recieve e application and there is no fee untill i run credit which is after they view and want to proceed. The only times i showed properties was to the people who returned the app and ended up renting. I place packets with apps and criteria so they know up front if they qualify. It alao states that if they falsify ANY info knowingly or unknowingly the app will be rejected.
When we schedule the showing i tell them how much theyneed to bring for the deposit, app fee and rents. I tell them they need to decide right then their is no sleeping on it, they either want it or they dont and its as-is as stated in the lease.
I may be a hardass but its my rules, those who follow get great place to live and greatlandlord. They just have to get through the screening process. And i actually have great tenants who pay early.
Here is some of the info that is in the packets and on my website.
Common Questions & Answers
How do I find out more information about a property you have listed?
The first step is to use the "Contact" link listed here on the website.
Lease properties After receiving your contact information a lease application and tenant screening criteria form will be
emailed to the email address you provide. Read through the tenant screening criteria and return the completed application.
Sale properties Use the "Contact" link to enter your contact information and any questions you might have.
When can I see the inside of the property you have listed?
Lease properties After a completed application is received, applicants will be contacted to schedule a showing.
Why do I submit an application without seeing the house first?
The application serves as a "pre-qualification" to ensure that only qualified applicants who are serious about leasing a property are scheduled for showings. This website is updated daily with current pictures of available properties. Pictures are also posted at the property with window blinds open for viewing.
Why do I have to submit my personal information before seeing a property?
Information required on the application is general information regarding employers, residential history and who plans on occupying the property. Social Security numbers and credit checks are not needed until after a showing and the applicant decides they would like to continue with the application process. It is at this point that the application fee will be collected to have criminal and credit history verified. Most information required on the application can be obtained through public records and social media. We are not in the business of selling or stealing your personal information or identity.
I have already submitted my information and been approved with a real estate agent or locating service, I also have a recent copy of my credit report.
Any agreement or contract with other agencies is between you and that agency. Any compensation agreements between you and the agency will be your responsibility and will not be discounted or applied to our fees, deposits, or rental agreements. Not all companies operate by the same standards or guidelines so a new application will have to be submitted on our form. We verify all information to ensure that the application is accurate and the applicant meets all of our criteria. We have accounts with credit reporting companies that provide us customized reports that consumer credit reports may leave out. We must verify credit history through our company.
What if I have had some credit issues in the past?
Credit scores are not the only or final determining factor regarding an application being accepted. Credit items along with work history, income, and residence history are all taken into account. Certain factors can be compensated for with larger deposits or advance rent payments.
My 18 year old son still lives with us, why does he need to fill out an application? His income is not needed for the rent.
All persons over the age of 18 who will occupy the property must complete an application prior to leasing a property. The application is needed to verify the criminal history of all adults who will occupy the property regardless of their contribution to rent.
Can I sign a lease for more than 1 year?
All lease contracts are signed for 1 year terms with options to renew at expiration.
I have a special situation or circumstance regarding my application not addressed on the "Tenant Selection Criteria" form.
Special circumstances can only be evaluated after a completed application has been received.
Do you accept housing vouchers, section 8, or any assistance programs?
Properties that participate in voucher or assistance programs will be advertised as program participants for that property. Currently we do not have any properties participating in any of these programs.
This answers most of their questions, tells me if they know how to read and comprehend directions and basically screen themselves. I have emailed and handed out close to 100 packets and only got back 3.
Like i said the only times i have shown were to the current tenants.