Prospective tenants not ready to move for several months

[Andy W.]

I just finished fixing up a single family (3 bed / 2 bath) in the East Hills neighborhood of Grand Rapids, MI.

I've had many inquiries, and several prospective tenants look around and make positive noises, then it emerges that they're not looking to lease the place until 4-7 months from now.

Obviously I've gotten wise to this, and now one of the first questions I ask is prospective move-in date, but is it typical for people - students in particular - to look for a place this far in advance? I find it bizarre that not one of the prospective tenants has even mentioned it up front without prompting.