Prospect applied and was pre-approved back in Dec. Was waiting for just the right house. Toured several of ours via lockbox.

Ok, found one she and hubby LOVED! We want it! Have the money and ready to sign. Already packing to move in this weekend. 6 texts today from her about wanting this home before someone else got it. "WE REALLY WANT IT!"

Great! The last step is a 2 Minute Visit at your current home.

Um er aaaa ok. But we took over my parents' apt as is.

Made the appointment.

She cancelled by text.

I replied asking if she needed a different time?

Ghosted.

So...the IDEA of a visit cancelled her interest in renting the home she LOVED. Saved by the policy.

Plus I stayed home on a cold night!

It's just crazy how folks can portray themselves outside the home versus inside their home. Great job!

BRAD,

Do you think it is best to bring up the idea of 2 minute in-home visit only after preliminary screening??

In other words, if applicant knew before providing any info to you, would they have just saved you the time and looked elsewhere, or would they have used additional time to cover up issues that would have been hard to conceal without a few weeks planning??

excellent Question Dino

I am inclined to believe that the marginal ones might try to clean up just a little bit before hand.

As for me, I don't do the two minute inspection - my applicants seem to always forget the middle initial in the name, or don't sign that middle initial or something...anything. I call them let them know that they forgot something and that I am five minutes away and will be stopping on by.

When I am there getting that "issue resolved" I tell that I will need to make sure that they have trash service. Either I can check the trash can or they can provide me copies of the bills......and they invite me inside.

I am not concerned about any one item as much as I am how they are taking are of the house.

THE TYPICAL RED FLAGS:::::

We really absolutely love the house / apt.

Plenty money,.......no problem

Credit is good

What do you mean by verifiable total household income

Why do all adults have to apply, clear and sign lease ?

Has the property been inspected for lead, radon, asbestos,, voc's, mold,, etc.?

I work for cash

My employer is a very private person ,...he woun't talk to you

I can give you cash and take possession right now.

I can give you xx months rent in advance right now.

I don't believe / trust banks or credit cards

I don't have a ssa or tax I'd number

On...and on....and on.

Dino, very small-time landlord here, so take my opinions for what you paid for them.

I tell tenants, 'I pick up applications at where you stay now. How you keep your current place, is how you'll keep my place. ' I have had a couple of prospects ask if they can have a few days to clean. Sure, I say. 'But, I process application in the order I collect them, so maybe don't take too long. And, my own home isn't ever spotless- I'm not looking for perfection. '

I was born without any trace of POKER FACE. Its a defect that doesn't allow me to tell any lies, fibs, misrepresentations intentionally. So, straight up honesty is what works best for me. My applicants are often surprised at how much looking I don't do. A hoarder with a cat possibly missing in the hoard isn't going to be able to clean that up in a couple of days. I have only declined a few times based on in-home visit, and those were safety violations, or other; the house was quite tidy. (Not going to go into those details on a public forum. Not going to give tenants ideas of what to do to pass. Either they have it, or they don't.)

Busy,

As you suggested, I was evaluating your opinions based on the amount I paid for your opinions.

Seemed like a real bargain for me. In fact, I think it was a real steal.

Thanks.

I flat out tell them before they fill in the application that a home inspection is part of the screening. That stops some from applying, which is fine with me. It saves me from all the time and trouble of screening an applicant who won't pass the screening.

My opinion is that if they can get their rental unit cleaned up to a standard that I find acceptable with a 24 hour warning, then I am good with their housekeeping. I can hope for not too much dirt or damage when they move out, or at least I will be able to hire someone to clean up after them and it won't take 5 men two weeks to do it.

I don't require eat-off-the-floor housekeeping. I am looking for stinks and damage, not whether or not they leave their cereal bowl in the sink or their kids toys on the floor.

Since most of mine come from their dorm rooms, I can't do the in home visits. :)

I just approved someone moving out of their own home, into one of mine. They are tired of homeownership and are over 75. Only reason I didn't do an in home visit? I know her cleaning lady> :)

I asked her cleaning lady how the house is. :)

The cleaning lady is thrilled. She will only have about 1000 Sq Ft to clean, and she won't need to cut her grass any longer.