Re: tenant screening ..cheer me up? - Landlord Forum thread 270253

Re: tenant screening ..cheer me up? by Micah on November 6, 2012 @09:00

I haven't had any problems finding tenants in Maine, but I really have the upper-hand in my market/price range for the fact that I am an onsite LL and people up here appreciate that. It means that I am in the same boat when it comes to real issues like heat, water, pests, etc...

I've been increasing my rents each time I get a vacancy. I prefer to have a big open house with prescreened applicants lined up 10 minutes apart. I just use the LPA Prescreening card questions on a Craigslist ad. This way if I have a no-show it's no big deal and I still have plenty of other people. It also helps with the sense of urgency to apply. They see people coming and going, everyone filling out apps when they come in...

Honestly, my places are not the prettiest, but up here free heat and good customer service in an apartment building go a very long way in this SFH saturated market. There are a lot of places with cheaper rent, but they are all owned by accidental LLs who are upside-down in their mortgages and can't afford the upkeep on their properties. I also build in extras into the rent like free renters insurance (it only costs me 11 bucks a month and it guarantees me that they have it!).

I've said it before, and it really depends on your market, but you may want to consider raising the asking price. Some people, especially those with money, have a set proce in their head and if yours is too low then they will just pass it over.

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