First rental showing

[Mike O.]

I have been browsing the forums for a few years now and will be closing on a rental property in a few weeks and have a few questions. How do you deal with having 5 people interested in the property? I have received minimal information from each of them and will be showing the property on Monday. Is it normal to have an open house for potential tenants or should you make appointments every 15 or so minutes? I currently have 2 other rentals but currently have family renting from me so this will be the first time I actually need to show a property.  Any advice would be great.  Thanks

[Gail K.]

Keep in mind that interested in viewing the house doesn't mean keeping an appointment to actually view the house.  Sadly, there are often a fair number of "no shows" with no explanation or apology.   

I've gotten to the point where I tell people I'll be at the house at a certain time period instead of scheduling 15 minute appointments.   I keep the applications at the rental property and those interested can take them home to fill them out (folks rarely bring their income statements with them and these are required to complete the application).

Typically those that tell me "we have several more houses to view" are telling me (politely) they aren't interested in my rental.

I don't hold my breath for those who take an application and say they'll be getting back to me "soon".

I take a book to read while I wait (I'm currently reading Evictions) and to pass the time for the no shows.  I give them 15 minutes past the time they said they would be there before I leave.

Gail