Property Showings: Application first?

[Account Closed]

I’ve heard it done both ways.... do you recommend showing property to anyone that calls or do you require an application first? I find that I waste a lot of time meeting people that don’t show up or that aren’t serious, but I’m not sure people will want to apply without physically viewing the property.

Suggestions?

[Matthew Olszak]

It depends a lot on your class/demographic. Class A/B, many will be fine submitting an initial app (without charge) before viewing the unit. C/D - forget it...you'll substantially limit your applicants.

I bundle showings ala open house. So I wait until I have 5-10 interested parties, then schedule everyone for the same time (but don't let them know, be sure they think they are the only showing so they actually come). Sometimes none show, sometimes all show and its crazy. Also, I ask them to text me 1 hour prior to showing to confirm. If they don't, I know I don't have to bother going. Even if you put your "absolutes" like no prior evictions in your ad, folks still think they are slick and will even apply, so there isn't much time savings there, its just the name of the game.