Showing no shows!!! experiences?

[Russell W.]

This is just a venting post, but I also want to hear others' experiences.

I have my first unit turnover and I'm certainly learning from it. Firstly, I should have given myself more time. I didn't expect what I've been experiencing. I use a pre-screening questionnaire to vet out tenants that don't meet some basic requirements. Some people who initially show interest don't even bother sending that back, which is fine because I figure they aren't the type of tenant I desire anyways.

For those that do send it back and book a day/time for a showing, I would say only 1 in 5 actually turn up to the showing. Most don't even bother to send an email or text to cancel. Who else experiences this?? It's not much of a burden on my time because I live in the building, but its certainly frustrating.

[Ryan Murdock]

@Russell W. A couple ideas that have worked for me:

1. Schedule as many showings as you can for the same day and time. Chances are good at least someone will show up.

2. Set the appointment but tell the prospect to call you 30 minutes prior to the showing or you will assume they have cancelled. Be very clear on this. Or, you can be proactive and call them 30 minutes prior. If no answer, don't go.