We are wondering if it is a good idea to consider applicants that we haven't met personally. The parents live in the lake community where our beautiful home is located. They actually live in a lakefront home and seem to be well off. I am showing the house to them this afternoon. They said their daughter and her husband live in Florida in an apartment, and they intend to move up to Ohio because daughter perhaps in her 40-50s cant tolerate the heat.

I tend to think it is a bad idea to rent to a couple we haven't met. The fact that they don't own a house may be an indication that they are not at the same income level as the parents.

Is there a good way to screen people that can't come and see a house?

NO. You'll always be wondering if you did the right thing. Many of our clients come from out of town and have family do all the prelim work for them. We will occasionally allow them to video record the place. I don't know how apts would do it and I don't have any to venture a guess. A SFH and one that you appear to be really attached to-- well I want a meet and greet with at least one of the principles. The fact is a drive or flight is going to have to be taken so they can see the place (and you see them).

I think you already know the answer to your question. And especially as you stated "this is a beautiful home".

I agree with MYOB - NO - To me a face to face is a must.

40 or 50 live in an apartment? If they rent ask their LL to send you a letter about them. Screen-Screen-Screen do not treat the children any different than you would any other potential tenant.

Good Luck.

I just got burned hard because they did not meet in person first. They sent friends. within 2 weeks I wanted them out just as bad as they hated the smell. Previous renter was smoking in the non-smoking rental, and I had a 5 day turn around that included removing a fireplace and chimney the previous renter burned up in a fire.

I've done this a couple times and once was a teacher coming into the local college. She was an animal person and lucky for us ended up buying the place.

I've had many couples that one of them lived in Los Angeles before. The couple's job is transferring them from out of State to Los Angeles. The one that know's the city has come here to find a place to live. Doesn't matter if it was the husband or wife, it's all the same. The one from here takes one of my units and when their spouse shows up, they are extremely disappointed.

So I allow them to break the lease if they return the keys and sign a release. The next day the spouse that was opposed to living in my unit loved it compared to other units on the market.

Mine had a little of everything while the competition lacked in many areas.

So I get a call, is the apartment still available? Of course not, my second and third choice ran to the bank and returned within hours taking the place.

IMR,

The hard truth? Not trying to beat you up but based on what you posted

(Don’t worry, we’ve ALL done things we regret)

-you did not fully screen and did not manage. You let a housebeater stay in your investment for 10! Years! If you had a manager you did not check on them. Should have evicted the moment the house started to look bad.

-this new situation could EASILY be a scam. My meth house said her husband was out of town and would sign when he got back. Her was “out of town” in PRISON for meth production.

They could easily come to town and stay with Mom&Dad to check out tje home.

-we ALWAYS do a 2 Minute In Home Visit prior to final approval. For out of town applicants simple call a realtor in their town. We pay $50 for a realtor to visit and respond within 24 hours.

This would have saved you from the housebeaters. And could save you on this applicant.

Seeing how they care for their home is what you really want to know. Simply meeting them does not give you the info you need. The badduns KNOW how to fool you with nice clothes and politeness.

Stay strong.

BRAD

It's critical for all adults who will live there to approve the rental before you hand them application forms.

I did - my very first tenants I ever had. It was a navy family getting transferred here, who were recommended by my neighbors - who had been neighbors and friends with the incoming family at another duty station.

Anyway, I got lucky that time. They were great. That was back before facetime and skype (1997) and we faxed them photos. I (like to think) have learned a lot since then.

I actually advertise on my website that I can handle long-distance PCS (Permanent Change of Station, for you non-veterans). Today's technology makes it easy to scan/email/fax/docusign/google docs, etc for documents. Skype or Facetime for face-to-face conversation (& see their face matches the ID that was sent), and hire a local Realtor or propeerty manager, like Brad said. I would add that I would have the Realtor do a video during the 2-minute visit, so I could see for myself - wouldn't trust them.

If the prospect thinks this is too much to do, then they can wait until they are staying with their parents to look for a home. BTW: Do they have employment already, in the local area?

So, I'm in the minority - but it could work well if you work it well.

Let me clarify - I am glad to do it for military. I know they have a job! And they don't want me to report problems to their commander- an extra bonus with the military.

I would also do it for someone doing a job transfer with the same company, or a better position with a new company, in the same field.

To recap my thoughts:

-we will not rent to folks until BOTH have toured the home. We have great photos and a nice video walkthru, but I want THEIR EYES on it.

-MEETING a person does not tell you if they can care for your home. In fact, experienced LLs talk about applicants who PUSH to meet the LL because they can sweet talk or sob story the LL into accepting their deficiencies.

-Like DJ said we can be more confident with military transfers. They have a good job and are used to rules like exit cleaning.