Application Before or After Showing?

Question

Hey BP,

I've seen people say that you should show your property after a tenant application and I've see people say you should show your property before the tenant actually applies.

What is the most advisable way to go? I have an inclination but I want to hear from the community.

Karl B. · Answer

Most tenants want to view the property before considering applying.

I ask for credit score, monthly income and if they've ever been evicted or sued by a landlord in the past.

If all is good I offer to show the place. And if they apply and pay the cost I run their credit and criminal.

Andrew Valeri · Answer

Hi Benjamin,

I send out a pre-show Questionnaire prior to showing. Basic questions - It is pretty much just confirming if they qualify or not. I'll hold a showing for those that qualify and are interested. Then I tell them the qualifications again at the showing and invite them to apply if the qualify. People will still apply that don't qualify - but it will be way less than who will try to see the rental if you don't screen it at all.

Marcus R. · Answer

Same as @Karl B. But I'll add two things.

1) A MUST is a confirmation text/email at least an hour before an individual showing.  Blows my mind that folks no-show but they do.

2) I got this from one of the BP forums...in your pre-screen questionnaire ask what their favorite restaurant is.  Conversation starter, learn about your customers, and you wouldn't believe how many problems you can solve with a $50-$100 gift card from their favorite place.

Mackaylee Beach · Answer

I have found that for the most part no one wants to apply before viewing a property. In the other hand, the vary few that do, seem to try to be sneaky and get away with something they believe we would oversee - simply because they "try" to expedite the screening process.

I provide all prospects with my screening criteria as soon as they show interest. Prior to scheduling a showing during a casual conversation, I ask questions to again assure they understand and are fully aware of what will be required.

Alecia Loveless · Answer

@Benjamin Sulka I tend to answer questions and post pictures to generate interest. Then I send out applications. I weed them out in order of being received. I do not charge an application fee.

I then set up showings or a time period for a few showings at the same time, but not really an open house, just 3-4 showings.

Then once I’ve met people I run the credit/background check based on the order of application probably only 1-2 to start out.

Because our pay grade is so low here I also will apply the fee for the background check which I make the prospective applicant pay to the first months rent if they are approved. My background check is $42.99 and often that is almost 3 hours of work for someone so I feel this is a nice goodwill gesture.

I do charge the full security deposit.

I find making small gestures that don’t effect my bottom line too much go a long way towards building a great foundation with my tenants.

Mark Cruse · Answer

It's amazing that I clearly have the credit score needed for my listing and not one person meets it. At this point I would have showed it dozens of times for no apparent reason. This place is over an hour from me. Before, I would show and just wasted gas. I even remember one coming through with all kinds of attitude and questions. She acted like she was doing me a favor and wasn't even 100 points within the required credit score.

I will not show unless and app is submitted.

Milissa Jacobs · Answer

I’m not going to waste my time showing an apartment to someone who won’t qualify. The application fee is only $20, if someone balks at paying $20, it’s a good indicator that I will have problems getting paid.

Benjamin Sulka · Answer

Marcus,

A confirmation text is such a great idea that I never thought of and haven't heard anyone say.

I also LOVE the favorite restaurant idea. My current landlord gave my significant other and I a bunch of gift cards when we moved into our current place. It was a great touch and he is a great landlord. Sorry to have to leave him to pursue real estate myself!

Thanks so much.

Benjamin Sulka · Answer

Thanks for your response, JD. Very helpful.

JD Martin · Answer

We have a free pre-application that I could use to screen people out, but essentially you have to know your market. If I tried that here I would probably lose 75% of my showings, and that would probably ensnare most of the people that eventually became my tenants.

We price to market and have a decent number of showings, and just accept that showing it to some people who aren't going to cross the finish line is part of the process.

Application Before or After Showing?

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