Efficient Solution for Screening Tenants

[Jeff Thompson]

I’m looking for a way to efficiently pre-screen tenants.  My normal process, is that they indicate that they are interested, I show them the property, they fill out and application, then we execute an agreement for lease.  Ideally, I’d like a pre-screening step between an indication of interest and showing them the property.  Of course, I could do this with a phone call, but there are some that I feel like are just reaching out with no real interest (or ability to rent), such that calling them back is wasting my time.  I’m wondering if there’s a way to have them fill out a quick survey or do I just maintain a standard text message with questions?  One thing I see often is that I’m sometimes 30 minutes invested into a tenant before I discover that the rent is grossly out of proportion for their income.  I’d like to make that one of the quick screening items.  I’ve never stated my income requirements in the advertisement, but considering doing so.  Any thoughts or suggestions are appreciated.