Pre Screener Ghosting

[Nina Diehl]

Here I am, marketing my first investment property, and wondering if I’m doing this wrong.

I’ve got my townhouse listed on Zillow etc, Facebook, a nonprofit for voucher holders and affordable housing.com. When people reach out for interest, I send them a prescreener Google form.

The house has been listed for 18 days. 17 people reached out with interest. Only 2 completed the prescreener. 1 booked a tour but did not show. 

We have updated kitchens, remodeled bathrooms, painted, flooring- it’s a great house on a safe block near a park and shopping/restaurants in Dundalk, MD  

Is this all a normal part of renting a property or do I need to be more aggressive with my marketing or following up on the screeners?  

Please give me your expertise. 

[Sarah Mills]

HI Nina,

I consider this to be a phase of the leasing process. It doesn't always happen but its just the first phase and then the more serious renters will come through. I suggest being very detailed not only what the property offers the renter but also what you, the landlord are looking for in a tenant. This can be a specified lease term, a credit score and income requirement. If you have a renter that would like a 6-month lease as opposed to a longer term, I've accepted it at a 10% rent premium.