Increase in Ad Responses (by RentsDue [MA]) Sep 3, 2020 7:19 AM
Increase in Ad Responses (by J [FL]) Sep 3, 2020 8:08 AM
Increase in Ad Responses (by Dave [CA]) Sep 3, 2020 8:08 AM
Increase in Ad Responses (by J [FL]) Sep 3, 2020 8:10 AM
Increase in Ad Responses (by RentsDue [MA]) Sep 3, 2020 9:09 AM
Increase in Ad Responses (by J [FL]) Sep 3, 2020 9:11 AM
Increase in Ad Responses (by Steve [MA]) Sep 3, 2020 9:11 AM
Increase in Ad Responses (by NE [PA]) Sep 3, 2020 9:25 AM
Increase in Ad Responses (by PG [SC]) Sep 3, 2020 10:07 AM
Increase in Ad Responses (by Robert J [CA]) Sep 3, 2020 10:30 AM
Increase in Ad Responses (by J [FL]) Sep 3, 2020 10:38 AM
Increase in Ad Responses (by Busy [WI]) Sep 3, 2020 11:05 AM
Increase in Ad Responses (by MikeA [TX]) Sep 3, 2020 11:10 AM
Increase in Ad Responses (by Busy [WI]) Sep 3, 2020 11:59 AM
Increase in Ad Responses (by Lynn [MA]) Sep 3, 2020 12:07 PM
Increase in Ad Responses (by Alan [CA]) Sep 3, 2020 12:36 PM
Increase in Ad Responses (by Still Learning [NH]) Sep 3, 2020 2:00 PM
Increase in Ad Responses (by BRAD 20,000 [IN]) Sep 3, 2020 4:27 PM
Increase in Ad Responses (by Landlord ofthe Flies [TX]) Sep 3, 2020 4:42 PM
Increase in Ad Responses (by 6x6 [TN]) Sep 3, 2020 6:50 PM
Increase in Ad Responses (by Still Learning [NH]) Sep 3, 2020 7:03 PM
Increase in Ad Responses (by 6x6 [TN]) Sep 3, 2020 7:17 PM
Increase in Ad Responses (by Sorta Blonde [CA]) Sep 3, 2020 7:35 PM
Increase in Ad Responses (by 6x6 [TN]) Sep 3, 2020 7:48 PM
Increase in Ad Responses (by Sorta Blonde [CA]) Sep 3, 2020 8:27 PM
Increase in Ad Responses (by J [FL]) Sep 4, 2020 7:11 AM
Increase in Ad Responses (by J [FL]) Sep 4, 2020 7:11 AM
Increase in Ad Responses (by 6x6 [TN]) Sep 4, 2020 11:01 AM
Increase in Ad Responses (by Ray-N-Pa [PA]) Sep 5, 2020 12:08 PM
Increase in Ad Responses (by Pmh [TX]) Sep 5, 2020 2:57 PM
Increase in Ad Responses (by Jim in O C [CA]) Sep 5, 2020 3:04 PM
Increase in Ad Responses (by Sorta Blonde [CA]) Sep 5, 2020 4:14 PM
Increase in Ad Responses (by J [FL]) Sep 6, 2020 3:11 AM
Increase in Ad Responses (by Small potatoes [NY]) Sep 6, 2020 8:13 PM
Increase in Ad Responses (by Anna [PA]) Sep 13, 2020 4:28 AM
Increase in Ad Responses (by Laura [MD]) Sep 18, 2020 3:35 PM
Increase in Ad Responses (by RentsDue [MA]) Posted on: Sep 3, 2020 7:19 AM Message:
I have a large home that is vacant and being advertised. It’s been getting steady ad replies, but only about 2% respond to the prescreening for a showing. So far nobody has qualified because of pets , evictions or income. Yesterday there was a big uptick in ad replies. But, none of them had any money. I require 3X rent as income. Just about everybody barely made enough to cover the rent. I wonder if it had anything to do with the announcement of the nationwide Trum p Removal Plan ( eviction moratorium). Not being political- but he just lost my vote and I removed the yard signs, flags and bumper stickers. Anyway, why would so many people want to move to a place they can’t afford when they don’t have to pay rent right now? Maybe to find a better bigger place to freeload in? Big increase in Section 8 replies too, but so far all have eviction history. Maybe they think their self proclaimed “guaranteed income” voucher isn’t looking so bad right now. If I hear that one more time I’m going to throw up.
--68.118.xxx.xx |
Increase in Ad Responses (by J [FL]) Posted on: Sep 3, 2020 8:08 AM Message:
I have not started advertising my unit (though it is ready), but that is one of my concerns. The rents here have gone up a lot since the last time I had a turn over and I'm concerned about being able to find someone with 3X gross.
I've never bent on that rule and I don't want to start. --72.188.xxx.xxx |
Increase in Ad Responses (by Dave [CA]) Posted on: Sep 3, 2020 8:08 AM Message:
ABSOLUTELY
quality of applicants is down. Blended households of multiple unrelated adults w children and pets is way up. Even with multi incomes from several people,...taken at face value as stated and yet to be verified,....they barely meet the formula numbers.
These Are times for ABSOLUTELY increased screening and diligence.
Resist the urge to put a warm body into a too long vacant property.
I think some of these prospects are grifters and wise guys, specifically looking for hungry to desperate LLs,
I also believe that no reasonable, responsible properly wired and grounded person would want to be moving now,......with everything else that's going on around us. , ! ,! --172.250.xx.xxx |
Increase in Ad Responses (by J [FL]) Posted on: Sep 3, 2020 8:10 AM Message:
Are any of you concerned about squatters commandeering one of your vacant units, if the desperation grows? --72.188.xxx.xxx |
Increase in Ad Responses (by RentsDue [MA]) Posted on: Sep 3, 2020 9:09 AM Message:
I’m absolutely worried about squatters. I don’t advertise addresses, only the street. Pictures in ad are of a fully furnished home and ad alludes that it is occupied even that it is vacant. No pictures of outside. I only give out full address to prescreened ( about 1% of replies). Yes, I’m paranoid... but I’ve had people that I would never rent to ( not in a million years) waiting in the driveway for someone to show up who might show them the place. One very aggressive jerk who insisted I take his cash to move in right then because he had everything in his truck ready to unload. --68.118.xxx.xx |
Increase in Ad Responses (by J [FL]) Posted on: Sep 3, 2020 9:11 AM Message:
RentsDue what service are you using? Craigslist?
All the other services I've seen -- Zillow etc. -- require you to show the address on the ad and you can't make the address one digit different to fool people, as some on here claim. --72.188.xxx.xxx |
Increase in Ad Responses (by Steve [MA]) Posted on: Sep 3, 2020 9:11 AM Message:
Today I'm sending out a formal acceptance letter for a 3 bedroom unit. I'm renting it to the couple who I think will be the best fit as one of my tenants. Their applications checked out, they have the required move in funds which for this unit is almost $6,000.00, have given proper notice to their current LL and are flexible on the actual move in date. In this city I have to have BOH inspection before a new tenant can move in & currently these are taking longer than normal to get done. I anticipate that we will have a September 15 start date. If the BOH inspection gets done sooner, I will adjust the move in date accordingly. Of course they won't be given keys & allowed to move anything in until all the monies have been paid, utilities switched to them and all the paperwork including the SD banking info is done.
As soon as people learned that the previous tenants were moving I started getting calls from folks looking to rent it. I'm sure that most of these would have never passed my normal screening process even if I had let them apply. My policy is that if I just happen to be on site, I'd would show almost anyone the unit but let them know that I do not have any applications there & am not accepting applications yet. My helpers know that they are not to allow anyone into a unit unless I am there or have told them to expect someone. I find that at least for me this is a good way to eliminate lots of tire kickers. Once I'm actually ready to take applications, I call a few people from my waiting list as well as any of the looky loos that I thought showed promise to see if they are looking for a new place. This unit & my last vacancy were filled from someone on my waiting list. Of the 7 families that I actually showed the place to & took an application from only 2 have the required move in monies readily available. Most of them qualified income wise but didn't have the almost $6K move in funds. With all the no eviction BS going on I wanted to at least have a good chuck of their money in my hands during the "honey moon" stage of our relationship. --71.174.xxx.xx |
Increase in Ad Responses (by NE [PA]) Posted on: Sep 3, 2020 9:25 AM Message:
For years I was easily at a 100 to 1 ratio of interested parties to one signed lease. In the past year the majority of my vacancies were a 400 to 1. Now this is simple inquiries with no prescreen filled out to one lease signed. And everything in between.
Automate your process to carry the burden of the deadbeats.
There are plenty of apps and software programs that can take the brunt of this for you.
If you are answering the phone, you are going to bury yourself with deadbeats. --50.32.xxx.x |
Increase in Ad Responses (by PG [SC]) Posted on: Sep 3, 2020 10:07 AM Message:
It is a numbers game my last turn over pre covid - 84 inquires - 24 partially filled out the questioner - I require all 12 questions completely answered before preceding with that prospect - 2 walk throughs - one of those signed the lease.
All via email - no phone calls
As NE said You must automate the process, if you don't the dead beats will wear you out. --184.20.xxx.xx |
Increase in Ad Responses (by Robert J [CA]) Posted on: Sep 3, 2020 10:30 AM Message:
I has several rentals with partners who are penny wise and pound foolish with security measures on single family homes.
For a fee, I hire private armed security firms to do a "Three Times a Day" drive by with my vacant rentals. Neighbors have my phone number too. The security company has keys to the properties.
In my last case I received a phone call from the Security firm wanting to know if I gave someone permission to work on the property. This wasn't a Monday when the gardener stops by to cut the lawn and take out the trash. The gate was open and someone was in the backyard. The security firm confronted the "stranger" in the yard. As it turns out it was the neighbor from behind the property who went in the yard to collect his children's balls, and not a squatter.
Every time I stop by the property I throw back the balls found in the yard. There was no good reason for the neighbor to be in the yard...Without the security firm, the neighbor could have left the gate open and someone else would see it as an invitation to enter.
While this was a false alarm, I felt this was money well spent. --47.155.xx.xxx |
Increase in Ad Responses (by J [FL]) Posted on: Sep 3, 2020 10:38 AM Message:
I did phone screening for the first two years I did this and it will make you either suicidal or homicidal. Some people on here still do it but I don't know how they can stand it.
--72.188.xxx.xxx |
Increase in Ad Responses (by Busy [WI]) Posted on: Sep 3, 2020 11:05 AM Message:
RentsDue, I’m not in favor of the Don’s rent moratorium either, ( buying renter’s votes) but the alternative....... my son doesn’t like some thing either, but, third part candidate that he is interested in also has concerns. Keep in mind the whole package, and think about the whole package of the alternatives.
I’ve only done text screening as first contact, but, this time, makes me wary... neighbors in a duplex nearby seem like a nice family, and their upstairs neighbor is problematic... maybe I can get them. This is a really good time to have a wait list.... --70.92.xxx.xxx |
Increase in Ad Responses (by MikeA [TX]) Posted on: Sep 3, 2020 11:10 AM Message:
I've noticed that the later the day of the month the higher the number of unqualified inquiries I get. After all, why do today what you can put off until tomorrow until there is no tomorrow's. --64.130.xx.xxx |
Increase in Ad Responses (by Busy [WI]) Posted on: Sep 3, 2020 11:59 AM Message:
Good tip MikeA ( TX) --172.58.xx.xx |
Increase in Ad Responses (by Lynn [MA]) Posted on: Sep 3, 2020 12:07 PM Message:
With the 5 vacancies i had this year, I noticed that most of the best calls came in on the first week of the month. --66.30.xx.xx |
Increase in Ad Responses (by Alan [CA]) Posted on: Sep 3, 2020 12:36 PM Message:
I send out a pre-screen survey list for all inquiries.
Saves alot of looky-loo and deadbeat traffic. Serious ones do the diligence to respond. --71.198.xxx.xxx |
Increase in Ad Responses (by Still Learning [NH]) Posted on: Sep 3, 2020 2:00 PM Message:
We do get qualified people looking mid to 3rd week of month. Our housing market is tight enough they may not have gotten their first choice and are now starting looking again due to others they saw being filled. This time round, it was tight so one couple applied and didn’t take it because they also got approved for another. The next was someone transferring for a new job and only had a 2-3 days in town to lock something down, she moves in tomorrow and then the next in line rented the one about to be vacant sight unseen. He moves in Monday when he will actually see it for the first time.
--73.61.xx.xxx |
Increase in Ad Responses (by BRAD 20,000 [IN]) Posted on: Sep 3, 2020 4:27 PM Message:
Every year we LLs complain the resident pool is getting worse.
I attribute that to the Great Recession - people no longer have savings accounts
and to the rise in technology. Even deadbeats now contact us online where they we by phone or in person previously. The deadbeat now has a data plan on his phone.
Older folks who demanded to talk to a person in the past are now accustom to website, online application forms, text, and email.
As LLs we now have more tools with easier credit reports and firms that will run the entire screening for us.
I'm not sure there are more deadbeats and non-payers but I DO know they are easier to spot.
We are getting more inquiries but the same number of apps.
Our approval ratio is still the same, 1.5 out of 10 apps, even after we started charging $25 per app.
Don't let them gobble up your only resource - TIME.
Keep screening!
BRAD --73.102.xxx.xxx |
Increase in Ad Responses (by Landlord ofthe Flies [TX]) Posted on: Sep 3, 2020 4:42 PM Message:
RentsDue, put those T signs back in the yard. The opposition thinks free housing is a right. Don't let them get into office and make free housing a reality. --108.69.xxx.xxx |
Increase in Ad Responses (by 6x6 [TN]) Posted on: Sep 3, 2020 6:50 PM Message:
Still Learning, you may want to look into the reason why people are turning your place down and going to another. Just a thought. --73.120.xx.xxx |
Increase in Ad Responses (by Still Learning [NH]) Posted on: Sep 3, 2020 7:03 PM Message:
6x6 They didn’t answer when I asked them, but I’m going with price. I boosted my rates to a point I wasn’t sure would fly to test the market, which I did end up getting. Previous tenant broke lease so no loss of rent and only 7 day loss on the other. When they are sitting empty, I’ll put thought into why. Right now I don’t have to. --73.17.xx.xxx |
Increase in Ad Responses (by 6x6 [TN]) Posted on: Sep 3, 2020 7:17 PM Message:
Price may have been it but it worked anyway. Good to know. --73.120.xx.xxx |
Increase in Ad Responses (by Sorta Blonde [CA]) Posted on: Sep 3, 2020 7:35 PM Message:
I just listed my little rental on Facebook Marketplace for the first time. Interesting so far. Over 900 hits and only 13 responses on message to me. ONE came to see the place and clearly wasn't reading the AD at all. I require Max of 3 occupants and they don't seem to think 'children' count. Showed up with 2 cute little ones. I was willing to think about breaking my rule, until the Mom happened to mention as an afterthought that she had 2 Service Animals. I clearly stated NO dogs right up front so I asked if they were dogs, thinking she would say no. Instead she just said, well thanks anyway, and off they went. The rest of the messages I am now listing the 'rules' and telling them to read the entire AD and then contact me again for a viewing IF they fit all the criteria. The Ad is very specific. So far, the rest of the 13 have NOT written back except one who said she had changed her mind. Oh well. I'm not taking just anyone who might be breathing and standing. --72.199.xx.xxx |
Increase in Ad Responses (by 6x6 [TN]) Posted on: Sep 3, 2020 7:48 PM Message:
Good catch. I think that helps show all of us not to get in a hurry to rent and not to change our standards.
You might need to be careful though about how you deal with the service animal and ESA thing. --73.120.xx.xxx |
Increase in Ad Responses (by Sorta Blonde [CA]) Posted on: Sep 3, 2020 8:27 PM Message:
Yeah 6x6, I'm very careful with 'denying' anyone that might get me in trouble. I have a legal excuse though for no dogs. The law is that other tenants and close residents must not be in fear or danger from any animal on the premises. I was bitten by a pitbull who also killed my cat who I was holding in my arms trying to save it. I also got bitten by the cat. Was a horrible day, with the cat dying, me bitten, my husband bitten by the cat too. I still have PTSD episodes when I am near any dog. Doesn't matter how cute or how little, I just freeze in place while the owner removes it. I can't seem to get rid of the flashbacks. No way any agency or judge would force me to have a dog on the premises in this case (I live right next door to the rental) and I have all the medical and police documents I need to prove my point. I'd love to have any service animal or emotional support animal that is NOT a dog. Maybe I'll try hypnotism??? --72.199.xx.xxx |
Increase in Ad Responses (by J [FL]) Posted on: Sep 4, 2020 7:11 AM Message:
Are the applicants getting dumber? I've gotten inquiries but this time not one person has answered my pre-screening questions. I do have 9 questions now instead of the 4 I used to ask, but still. --72.188.xxx.xxx |
Increase in Ad Responses (by J [FL]) Posted on: Sep 4, 2020 7:11 AM Message:
Are the applicants getting dumber? I've gotten inquiries but this time not one person has answered my pre-screening questions. I do have 9 questions now instead of the 4 I used to ask, but still. --72.188.xxx.xxx |
Increase in Ad Responses (by 6x6 [TN]) Posted on: Sep 4, 2020 11:01 AM Message:
Sorta Blond, sorry that happened to you. I understand the reason. Some type of therapy might help. --73.120.xx.xxx |
Increase in Ad Responses (by Ray-N-Pa [PA]) Posted on: Sep 5, 2020 12:08 PM Message:
I have a townhome and I am actually finding less people responding to the add. I just read where 52% of people 18-29 are still living at home.
My guess is that might be a reason for few email inquiries --24.101.xxx.xx |
Increase in Ad Responses (by Pmh [TX]) Posted on: Sep 5, 2020 2:57 PM Message:
the article you say Ray was that there are more young adults now living at home since the grt depression. I have full houses & have maintained rents. there are still many who can rent. I am just waiting for the next implosion to buy again at reasonable prices....or more estate sales....covid...... --72.180.xx.xxx |
Increase in Ad Responses (by Jim in O C [CA]) Posted on: Sep 5, 2020 3:04 PM Message:
Robert, that is why I now have a lock on the outside of the gate on every house with a combination lock so my gardeners can get in. If someone wants to get in the backyard they were going to have to climb over the fence. --99.23.xxx.x |
Increase in Ad Responses (by Sorta Blonde [CA]) Posted on: Sep 5, 2020 4:14 PM Message:
On my just listed house on Facebook I have over 1000 'looks' and got only 15 messages. All but TWO of those messages just said, "Is it still available" some in English and Some in Spanish, and when I wrote back, I got no further communication. I finally found out that when you look at the ad, there is a BOX to check that says, "Is it still available" and says to click for more information. Annoying. Everyone is clicking and not really engaging. So I listed it on Zillow (who also puts it on Trulia and Hotpads) and it's getting no response yet BUT my HOUSE is listed under APARTMENTS. People looking for 'houses' won't see it except by accident. I've tried to change it every which way, but it keeps giving me error notices. So I wrote 'customer service' which isn't doing anything either. Maybe they are all on vacation? Then again, it's only been 3 1/2 days on the listings, I should practice patience. My patience is on vacation. --72.199.xx.xxx |
Increase in Ad Responses (by J [FL]) Posted on: Sep 6, 2020 3:11 AM Message:
SortaBlonde,
Customer service will help you. Just keep at it. I think they also have a voicemail box at Zillow where you can leave them a message if you're having a problem. --72.188.xxx.xxx |
Increase in Ad Responses (by Small potatoes [NY]) Posted on: Sep 6, 2020 8:13 PM Message:
Rents Due, I also have been getting unqualified people who fill out my inquiry form. Not more than usual though. They just don't read the ad. J, they do not answer all the questions. A couple didn't even put a figure in for monthly income.
On zumper you don't have to list the address. I put x street any y cross st.
Sorta blond be careful you cannot limit the number of people when they are family, esp children of an adult in the household, unless they are older and shouldn't be sleeping in the same room anymore. --72.10.xxx.xxx |
Increase in Ad Responses (by Anna [PA]) Posted on: Sep 13, 2020 4:28 AM Message:
NE or others. I need to automate my prescreening. I am a small mom and pop, and not terribly techy, so.it needs to be easy to use and cost effective. you refer to plenty of apps and software programs that can take care of the brunt of this for you. Can you please direct me where to find them, so I can improve my process. Thanks --73.236.xxx.xxx |
Increase in Ad Responses (by Laura [MD]) Posted on: Sep 18, 2020 3:35 PM Message:
Hum, I have never had so many responses. I am getting the is it still available response of about 15 per day. Of the 15 maybe 4 fill out the prequal form. Less than 10% are well qualified, but these are huge numbers for me. I expect to be able to rent it to someone with excellent credit. This is much better than the norm. --108.56.xxx.xx |
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