I have a SFH for rent. I posted an online ad describing the house. The ad reads, "For additional information, please send an e-mail with inquiries and respond to the below: 1.) When are you looking to move in? 2.) Why are you looking to move?"
I've gotten several phone calls (that I've let go to voicemail) inquiring about the property. I'm tempted to not respond at all, but I'm not sure that's the best course of action. On one hand, I don't want to miss out on a good tenant. On the other, I don't know that I want to deal with people who can't even follow basic instructions. Those are pretty standard questions. It's not like I'm asking for a social security number on first contact. What do you all think?
Can you remove your phone number from the listing? Ugh... FOLLOW DIRECTIONS PLEASE! Or perhaps change your voicemail to "This voicemail box is not monitored. Voicemails left on this number will not be received. Thank you."
I'd return the calls. They probably think that depending on the answers you give it would be a waste of their time filling out the answers. You are the one wanting to rent to them & the customer is always right. Or so the saying goes.
I'd return the calls. They probably think that depending on the answers you give it would be a waste of their time filling out the answers. You are the one wanting to rent to them & the customer is always right. Or so the saying goes.
After the last tenants, I'm kicking around the idea of just selling out. They were that bad. So, if I can't find tenants that are a good fit for me, I would rather let it sit empty while I decide.
I think people call because they want a more immediate response.
But remove your number from the listing.
As for the questions, I get the first one, but the second I don't understand the point.
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A flock of flirting flamingos is pure, passionate, pink pandemonium-a frenetic flamingle-mangle-a discordant discotheque of delirious dancing, flamboyant feathers, and flamingo lingo.
A litany of complaints about how terrible your current house is, or you current landlord is, is a red-flag for tenant screening. Someone who is moving because an eviction is pending (never their own fault, of course!) is not a good prospect for a tenant. Same goes for someone who is moving to avoid being evicted. It helps weed out some of the worst at the onset.
A flock of flirting flamingos is pure, passionate, pink pandemonium-a frenetic flamingle-mangle-a discordant discotheque of delirious dancing, flamboyant feathers, and flamingo lingo.
So, I looked over the ad again, and my phone number isn't listed in it at all. It is a part of my account, though, and I don't think I want to remove it from there. There is also a box that says "ok to call" and it is not checked. Interesting.
Oughtta - before you sit vacant for a few months check into a management company. It is the best thing I have ever done with my rental. They take some of your income but it is so worth it. They screen the applicants. Of the two they've picked I've never had a moments problem.
Unfortunately, the options for management are pretty scarce in this particular locale. I've had properties sit vacant for upwards of 6 months while in management here. This particular property is a lower tier property, so its not a good fit for management.
Do you know anyone who is a teacher? They LOVE referrals for
housing, and they are pretty stable tenants. I've never had a
problem with school employees.
Since it appears that you didn't put your phone number in the
original ad, it seems that they have used their initiative and
gotten your phone number - that looks like they are serious
about the house.
I think your second question is quite good, especially depending
on the responses. "I didn't get along well with the building mana-
ger" is better than "The building manager never did any of the
repairs we requested". "My husband just got a promotion, with
his new office in your area" is also good.
I tend to call to show that i am serious. Emailing seems much more removed. If i wanted to rent it, I would call and try to set something up ASAP. I think someone who calls is probably more serious than someone just emailing. Just my opinion.
