How to Show the Property and Seal the Deal

[Megan Silver]

One of the most frustrating parts of landlording for me is showing each property 20+ times before I get a lease signed. Even when I price a unit well, I find that the people who come see it seem genuinely interested and then just slowly disappear and I never hear back after the first followup.

The strategies I've started using are:

-scheduling open-house style showings during a specific window of time so I don't have to make 8 separate appointments

-sending reminders to each person who expressed interest before a showing (even if they weren't sure they could make it)

-follow up with tenants that I really liked or who expressed the most interest

I'm interested to hear from others on the forum what kind of tips and tricks you have to get tenants to seal the deal. Does anyone offer a "sign this week and get a discount on the first month" or any other kind of bonus to get a great tenant to sign right away? Do you have any specific tips for handling showings when places are tenant occupied? Do you take them on a well-scripted tour, or just let them browse? How many showings do you do before you get an applicant and a signed lease?

I feel like if I perfect the strategy for showing units and communicating with potential tenants it will save me so much time and many many drives out to each property - and most importantly, cut down on vacancy.