Hello housing providers new and old -

I've been doing in home visits the last couple years for the majority. However with covid, how is everyone else doing this?

I also have an application from out of state. Is the call a realtor trick still working for you?

Business as usual on both questions asked. There is so much information to be gained in the in home inspection; tenant cooperation is a biggie.

While I sympathize with people in fear of disease, I can largely eliminate scammers by following through with the inspection.

I don't do the in-home visit because my people come from just everywhere, not always even together, and often because of our housing mess having to live with family or friends for months before they can secure a place.

I get a lot of kids right out of college, and I get older folks who are downsizing. I only have TWO actual families with kids out of all of our tenants, the rest are singles and couples. Our places are just too small.

DH went to one of our worst tenants the other day - one of the two families - because the dryer not working. Said it was so discouraging. HOUSE was very clean (they knew he was coming) but yard was a mess. Kids toys everywhere, many more bikes than kids, clutter, etc.

Everyone has their own degree of caution; however, you walking into someone's home, meandering about, poking into their bathroom cabinets and out the door in 10 minutes time will not get you nor them sick from each other.

Sit down, huddle around the kitchen table, sit side by side on the couch filling out paperwork for 1/2 hour ... perhaps more cause for concern.

Remember at the beginning - wash your groceries before bringing them in the house. Use a disinfectant wipe on parking meters before putting your quarter in. Wear a mask running in the park because your germs may end up on the guy running the other way.

James,

Like Sisco said, too valuable to skip. Most are OK but gotta remember the ONE you deny will save you THOUSAND$$$!

We adapted when the big scare hit by accepting the applicant’s photos. Better than nothing.

Now my helper who thinks this is all a hoax does it. Masked, quick, basically step in, snap some pics, step out. Bring the dog outside for a pic. No more than 2 minutes. No rooting in cabinets. No tours. For one house he just opened the door and reached his camera inside at arm’s length without entering.

It’s usually an obvious yes or no. Some are a no before going inside.

For those who are nervous we suggest they step out on the porch and keep the door open so they can see our guy. Selling or convincing is a transference of belief. If the LL speaks with hesitancy or reservation the applicant picks up those subtle clues and becomes nervous.

Speak with confidence and assure them we take every precaution for their safety.

Yes, the realtor thing still works. Realtors are used to the masks, etc to survive.

We even do this on “I live with my parents”. It’s that valuable. If the parents are slobs it’s a no. I realize that’s a risk but a calculated risk. Again, better than nothing and taking pot luck.

Always remind yourself the ones who refuse the visit MIGHT have saved you a wasted trip because they KNOW their place is bad.

Protect your business and your investment!

BRAD

James,

Like Sisco said, too valuable to skip. Most are OK but gotta remember the ONE you deny will save you THOUSAND$$$!

We adapted when the big scare hit by accepting the applicant’s photos. Better than nothing.

Now my helper who thinks this is all a hoax does it. Masked, quick, basically step in, snap some pics, step out. Bring the dog outside for a pic. No more than 2 minutes. No rooting in cabinets. No tours. For one house he just opened the door and reached his camera inside at arm’s length without entering.

It’s usually an obvious yes or no. Some are a no before going inside.

For those who are nervous we suggest they step out on the porch and keep the door open so they can see our guy. Selling or convincing is a transference of belief. If the LL speaks with hesitancy or reservation the applicant picks up those subtle clues and becomes nervous.

Speak with confidence and assure them we take every precaution for their safety.

Yes, the realtor thing still works. Realtors are used to the masks, etc to survive.

We even do this on “I live with my parents”. It’s that valuable. If the parents are slobs it’s a no. I realize that’s a risk but a calculated risk. Again, better than nothing and taking pot luck.

Always remind yourself the ones who refuse the visit MIGHT have saved you a wasted trip because they KNOW their place is bad.

Protect your business and your investment!

BRAD