The applicant said what?

[Account Closed]

As an investor and property manager for over a decade I have heard a lot from prospective applicants and tenants... But, just when I think I have heard it all, another day comes and I hear something new. . .  One of the great things about real estate you just never know what the day is going to bring!

Prospective Applicant: "Do you have an application fee?"

Me: "Yes, it's $25."

Prospective Applicant: "Do you accept payments on it?"

Me: (lots of thoughts are going through my mind but of course I have to keep my cool) "Um, exactly what are you proposing for payments?"

Prospective Applicant: "I was thinking maybe 4 payments of $5 each, over the next few weeks...."

Me: (laughing hysterically in my mind but again having keeping my cool) "Well, 2 things. One, NO, I don't accept any payments on the application fee, the $25 has to be paid at the time of applying.  And two, more importantly, is 4 X 5 is 20, not 25!"

Prospective Applicant: "Oh, I guess I can't complete your application then. Do you have any properties that don't require an application?" 

OK that conversation abruptly ended. Definitely my loss I am sure :) , but something tells me if a person can't figure out an application fee the same is probably true for figuring out the monthly rent.  

What are some of the craziest things applicants have said to you in your landlording business?