Showing Homes: Tips for making it easier?

[Brandon G.]

I don't own any rentals yet but I took over the management of a rental.  It is our first one and we just had the rehab finished.  I know that lots and lots of calls are typical and no-shows are expected.  I've listed the home with signs on a well traveled highway as well as craigslist.

I would say my no-show is somewhere in the neighborhood of 80% or a little more.  Is this typical?  I have begun calling on the day of just to verify they still plan to show and that has cut down a lot of my wasted time.  Fortunately I do live near the property.  I also have scheduled many of the viewings on the same day so that I can show the property after work.

What do you guys to to try to cut down on no-shows?  I'm trying to learn (I have been listening to the podcasts for a year and a half now) so all feedback is welcome.  The website and forum have really helped me know who to screen out as bad tenants.  We're still waiting for the first of the applications to come back in.

Thanks,