First time self listing, so a few questions

[Steve Tom]

Hello,

I am using Zillow to list my property for rental. Since we used to use realtor, this is our first time and we are a little confuse on the proper ways to screen clients.

1. Shall I list the minimum credit score under property overview?

2. I have stated that current tenants are still living on the property and it won't be available until next month. However, several prospect tenanst already requested a tour. A few even submitted application. Shall I ask those requesting tour also submit application first?

3. Do i give priority to those who have submitted applications?

4. Since the current tenants are in the process of moving out, I only listed the property with previosuly used pictures, some are old. Shall I actualyl wait for the tenants to move out, and retake new pictures and post them?

Thank you.

[Bruce Woodruff]

1) Yes, also your income requirements

2) Of course. No one gets anything with you approving their application

3) No

4) I would wait and get it cleaned up and take some new pictures. You will attract better quality tenants and can ask a higher rent. No reason to hurry, you want the best tenant you can get for the long term....

[Colleen F.]

@Steve Tom  1. Yes 2.  It depends, you listed it, you want it rented in a timely way, do you consider the current tenants clutter , dirty, to me that makes the property not showable.  If there is signs of people living and some boxes It isn't a big issue but you have to judge if the old tenants will detract from the unit.   You could set up a time with your tenants to do showings in a block. 3.  No.   Show in a block.  4. Take new pictures before the next tenant moves in but you don't have to wait to fill the unit. However allow some time for any turnover activities like painting and schedule that now.

[Eliott Elias]

It's up to you, i'd recommend every applicant see the property before you accept them. Maybe screen every tenant before they can walk the property? It's tough when you have people living in there. Use a screening tool called go4rent. All you have to do is call them and ask how qualified the applicant was, they'll give you their opinion and screen them thoroughly. 

[Steve Tom]

Thanks everyone.

The current tenants are very tidy and organized. In fact, they paid on time and have been very good on keep the house in wonderful shape. But they decided to buy a house South of Austin, so its time for them to move on.

Currently a few of the propsective tenants are from out-of-state, but will be in Austin area on certain dates. Therefore, they have requested to tour the property while they are here. These few just requested a tour and have not filed an application. I will need to ask them some questions to screen them first, I supposed, before accepting them to tour the place.

[Bruce Woodruff]

Not only should every applicant see the property as @Eliott Elias said, but you must make sure that every one of these applicants is a qualified applicant. Do not waste your time or theirs....

[Jonathan Greene]

Every question you asked is the exact reason you should use an experienced realtor to get you the best marketing and better exposure to more qualified buyers. As a FSBO, do you know the difference between a pre-approval and a pre-qualification? Are you going to call all the lenders for any offers? Have you done a pre-inspection on your home so you know what to expect in home inspection and so you are ahead of issues that would prevent a failed deal?

[Steve Tom]

The property is for rental, not for sales.

I have just visited it and the condition is great. The current tenants have bene really taking great care of it. I thank them for that.

One of the potential tennat contacted me but insisted on communicating with her through her gmail account, instead of Zillow. I gave her a lis tof prescreen questions, but she never answered any of them. instead, copied the same respond she had sent previously.. which was aske to contact her through gmail only. Is that normal?