I like it when people weed themselves out - makes my job easier and adds some interest to the process. If everyone was perfect it would be boring wouldn't it? (KIDDING)

So last turnover, a snotty woman told me I was rude and attempting to steal deposits by requiring clean units when tenants depart. :) (See Oreo, that's when you find out how it's going to work later. If they are rude at first meeting, it can only go downhill from there!)

I have an upcoming turnover and had a prospect (not really, I had turned her down three times already for changing income, jobs, addresses and even her name in the space of a few days on the preview questions form.) So she took it upon herself to find the place and knock on the door. Tenant was a bit disconcerted as you can imagine, especially as it is his neighbor that is moving, not him.

I texted her and told her that was not allowed, please don't bother the residents.

Aaaaaaand just ANOTHER reason why I REFUSE to advertise exact street addresses. Period. Full Stop.

BTW the pool is 6 miles wide and 1 inch deep in my area.

I love when inquirers try to take control. This one came in at almost 11 pm last night on the rental phone (I have an auto reply stating office hours)

"Good evening! I am interested in seeing the property as I am looking for a home for myself and my dog. Please contact me when you have a free moment so we can discuss the details. Thank you kindly."

So on the surface this person seems polite, however:

1. she texted WAAAAY after hours which is another red flag. Even if you work night shifts, most people know that the world is A shift centric

2. A home for myself and my dog, hmmm. This smells of Extra Special Annoyance.

3. "So WE can discuss the details" Sounds sales pitchy and basically tenant being in control.

Good job dodging trouble, WMH

Maple, I don't know about that........Does your ad say that texting is acceptable? If yes, then the rest is fine for me.

I don't see a text as something that requires an immediate response (I know some do). I see it more like a voice message. You get back to them if/when you can.

I've worked different shifts, and think it is reasonable to send a message when you are awake, so the other person can respond when they are awake. As the recipient of the message, I would also appreciate someone who says " I work these hours, so I may not be able to respond except during these hours". That suggests to me that they are thoughtful, they think ahead & are considerate want to let me know they are not ignoring me - not leave me wondering why they didn't respond immediately to my communiction.

I never publish the address. But Buildium sent the listing out to 7 different partners, one of which is Zillow, which insists on the address. I took it down days ago but it takes days to happen. Also - small beach. Unique looking house, general area: they can find some of them if they are locals and determine enough.

Mapleleaf ,..I agree w/DJ,..you might be reading too much into it, I work long hours and when I call after hours I don't actpect a person to answer but I will leave a voice mail for them to call at their convience. It also gives me time to complete a compleate thought without someone trying to talk at the same time.I don't expect someone in bussiness to be at thir phone after hours.

My lawyer aways calls very late even early morning hours and I feel he does it for the same reasons.

DJ you missed my point. Of course texting is acceptable but the fact that she did it extremely late in the evening and she expects me to call her back when all my ads clearly state the process that they will be getting a link to fill out the prequal.

Carl, your point would be valid if this rental unit was in a B or an A class area...it's no. It's in a C to C- rural/village historic area with very few good jobs available AKA Rust Belt and has a "low rent" reputation.

There will be no lawyers, doctors or high-end business people wanting to live in this town. 90% of the population are elderly living on Social Security only and the under 30 set who have no priorities in life other than to get the next tat and stock up at the local food banks.

W,

6 inches or 1 inch deep - I'd be happy for ANY depth enough to get wet, let alone splash!

In today's "communication culture" text is 24/7/365. I go to great lengths and expense to get people to respond. No such thing as a rude time.

A visiting friend and I were up late when he heard my answering machine (years ago) in my office room click on at midnight. He thought it was rude for someone to call at that hour. I explained they assume the office is closed but know they can leave a message

AND

I pay $600 a month in newspaper ads TO GET THEM TO CALL!

I appreciate applicants and residents who text in during the night so we can help them in the morning. Shorter turnaround on responses.

We use Google Voice for text so ALL their message comes to the desktop computer not my nightstand. Or turn the phone to NIGHT MODE.

Zillow has a button to hide the address.

BRAD

I worked a long time to get my father to text. He is still a little apprehensive but I explained it like this:

If I am working and someone on my list calls I stop working and answer. It might be a butt dial, it might be important but most likely it is just a call.

Now if that person sends a text they can convey what they want/need and I can get back to them when I have a spare moment.

Saves time and headaches.

I prefer that my people text me. Then I don't have all the background drama. I don't have to come up with a solution immediately.

Further confirming my suspicions, the late night texter, who wanted me to "call then to discuss details" again texted back at the same hour today and said "I see you don't accept dogs so I won't be applying. "

This person obviously can't read as NOWHERE on my prequal does it say I don't accept dogs. It asks what type of animal(s) do you have.

So I sent a scheduled text response at 7:30 am with our animal resident policy. Time to have a little fun as this smells of entitlement, idiocy and someone who would "report" me for not taking animals. Fifty bucks it is an Extra Special Annoyance.

In other news, just had a showing guy in his 40s, divorced, older kids, with a higher end job so we will see what happens.