All Forum Posts by: Tamara R.

I just have a statment above their signatures on the application form that says this "I believe that the statements I have made are true and correct. I hereby authorize a credit and/or criminal check to be made, verification of information I provided and communication with any and all names listed on this application. I understand that any discrepancy or lack of information may result in the rejection of this application." The apartment complexes I have dealt with will take a scanned copy of the application form with signatures as proof of consent.

correction: current tenants move OUT.. . .

ONe way I have solved the problem of having to show to lots of people is by making a simple 5 minute video tour of the property that I made with my inexpensive camera (me walking through the property, talking briefly about the features of each room, etc.) and posting on you tube. That way people see the whole layout and can tell whether they will like it or not and not be turned off by the small closets or the strange colored carpet before you waste your time showing. This worked great on my current property I am renting. I rented it out to excellent tenants moving to the area this summer without having to show it to one prospect (did a lot of due diligence in checking them out ahead of time--I market only to military members and their families). They will move in the day after my current tenants move in. In the future, I will also post a tour of the neighborhood as well. For people who do wish to see it, I screen them ahead of time to make sure they match our criteria.

401k
government pension
military pension
Roth IRA
Rental properties

Thanks all. I heard the heat treatment can damage the structure of the house. From the looks of the home, it has some nice hardwood floors and other things that I would want to keep, and not gut the whole house. Thoughts?

I saw a home for sale at a decent price, and the listing notes says it has bed bugs. Never dealt with them myself, but have heard they are tough to get rid of. It is listed at a decent price, but realtor says they already have 2 cash(!) offers the first day on the market. They say they will treat for the bugs once the current tenant moves out, but how do I know it will work? Have heard nightmare stories of people spending astronomical amounts of money getting rid of them. Would you or have you ever bought a house with bedbugs? Recommended treatment? Exterminator needed? Thanks.

Try doing a search for rental properties on "hot pads." That should give you a good idea of what places are renting for in your area. That is what I usually look at.

I have always been told that you should never call it a deposit (deposit implies it is refundable). You should call it a "Nonrefundable Holding Fee" that converts to a security deposit once a lease is signed.

No suggestions, but I am interested to hear how it goes. I usually do open houses as well (when empty), and I think showing when there are tenants would be challenging.

You might try advertising free or half priced rent for the first or second month (only for WELL QUALIFIED tenants) if they sign a lease and move in by XXX date. That might motivate some people to move forward. Of course, screen very well to make sure you get excellent tenants. Right now should be your best time to find prospective tenants.