Do I show apartment first? Or screen them via application?

[Tony Velez]

Hi,

This is our first tenant moving. We have the apartment advertised. In the description it has our criteria of what we are expecting. Should we show the apartment first? Or have them fill out an application via transunion smart move. We have  been telling people to fill out application first before showing. Yet no one has filled out the application. Maybe because it cost $35 and they haven't seen the apartment? Not sure how to go about the process. Any advise would be great. 

Thanks. Tony

[Mike Wood]

@Tony Velez My guess is no one want to pay the application fee before see the apartment.  Most would suggest doing some pre-screening over the phone, then schedule showings to those that pass the pre-screen.

I do a light pre-screen over the phone or email, then if that checks out, I schedule a showing.  I tend to hold open house type showings, since I do get alot of no shows in my area.  At the showing, I then explain the application process, which I do online (using Cozy.co).  That works for me.