We would use another web service if there was one as well known. The process is a complete mystery to me. The multitudes start their apt search by going on Zillow and hit the send information, wanting to see the apt of every listing they see. We receive the emails and answer them back with email and texts with zero responses back.

Then in the next hour or day we receive the same zillow emails again from the same 50 people. So this goes round and round like a merry go around with nothing getting accomplished. Now I could call back each of these people as a serious waste of my valuable time but no one answers the phone any more unless the caller is in their contact list.

"We receive the emails and answer them back with email and texts with zero responses back."

"I dont want to phone screen as again complete waste of time."

I'm sorry to say but the answer to your riddle is to just call them! My phone screen takes one minute if they are not qualified, an additional minute to setup a time if they are qualified.

Better yet, zillow now allows people to include their income and credit info when they hit the send button. So half the time I don't even need to do a phone screen as the info they send disqualifies them.

"Now I could call back each of these people as a serious waste of my valuable time but no one answers the phone any more unless the caller is in their contact list." This is just not true. 95-97% of the people I call will answer their phone. I call them every 2-4 hours, and each time I call, I call TWICE. Tip: some DND feature on smartphones can be overridden if the same number calls again within 5 mins.

I suspect that there are a lot of window shoppers looking at rentals. Sort of like going to look at the new cars for a test drive on the weekend even when you can't afford to buy a car. Or going to real estate open houses.

Just people with nothing important to do that like to dream.

You have to do what you're doing or use tenant turner.

Make use of the inquires that provide their credit and income info . Use that to disqualify them

Keep a running list of previous inquires. I search by phone number and name to see if they contacted me before and I disqualified them.

I say to respond with the full name of all adults who will be living at the property and a phone number. I have in the past year also added I will not respond without those. About 50/50 is my estimate. Out of the 50 that respond w/the info, I can check them out on the public court records. Takes minimal amount of my time.

I advertise on both Facebook and Zillow. I quit advertising in the local newspaper as it cost $55 for 3 days. On Facebook I get text messages. On Zillow I Get emails. On each inquiry I respond with:

Before we schedule a showing would you please provide me the following five things.

(1) Names and birthdates of all adults that would be living in the house.

(2) Where each of those adults work.

(3) Number of minor children that would be living in the house.

(4) Number and type of pets that would be living in the house.

(5) Date you would be prepared to pay deposit and sign contract.

If no response, I know they are tire kickers. If they respond I can check court records to see their arrest and eviction history. I can then schedule a viewing if they pass my first test.

This works for me. I have only 2 SFH. I advertise on Zillow email only - When I get a response I paste the following questioner into the inquiry.

If the questioner is FULLY completed I have a good potential tenant. I make judgement calls on partially completed questioners. Tire kickers don't normally fill out anything. And I track the results. Fast and easier for me.

HELLO

To complete the processing of your application and ENSURE I have the correct information please provide answers to the following questions with a simple Yes, No or a brief explanation.

Do you rent now and what would your current land lord say about you?

Were you ever evicted or asked to move out of a house you were renting? Yes or No

Have you had any judgments or liens placed against you? Yes or No

Is your credit score greater than 600? Yes or No

Have you ever filed for bankruptcy? Yes or No

Is your monthly Net income at least 3X the rent? Yes or No

If I did a criminal background check on you what would I find? Do not include minor traffic tickets.

How many will be living in the house?

Could you have someone relative or a supervisor provide a letter of reference about your character? Yes or No

Are you new to the area? Yes or No

Required move in date?

Would you commit to keeping the house CLEAN? Yes or No

After I receive your response I will review your information and follow up as required.