How much do you follow up after showing?

Question

I've had my rental house listed in Austin, TX (Avery Ranch neighborhood) for 7 days.  So far I've gotten about 6 calls and had 3 showings.

How much do you follow up with the folks who see the house?  Do you follow up if you don't hear for them after a couple days?

I have to admit I'm a bit impatient and am getting a little antsy (even though it has only been a week).

Thanks!

Jason D. · Answer

@Salvador Santolucito I dont follow up at all.... if they are interested, they would have applied within 24 hours. If they havent applied, I dont need to chase them, I just move on.

An interested applicant shouldn't need follow up.

Jake Roland · Answer

@Salvador Santolucito Sometimes it helps to let the possible tenants know there has been several other showings. That may speed them up to put in an application, and once you do receive an application you can let the other possibles that you've showed it to know that someone has put in an application, and if they want a chance to be considered they need to put in an application ASAP. In my experience though, if someone doesn't act pretty excited about it and apply right away they probably don't want it bad enough and there's a good chance they aren't ever going to apply.

Wesley W. · Answer

This is a trick I learned from another landlord.

If one of the applicants is a rock star in your opinion, find any way to continue your dialogue with them.  I usually try to continue to build rapport with a "thank you" email after the showing that has some personal information about them that they shared during the tour.  In the email I offer to answer any further questions that may have come up after the fact.  This follow-up puts you and your unit back in the front of their mind and my belief is that it will help break any indecision they have between available units.

Charles Long · Answer

@Salvador Santolucito Honestly, you shouldn't have to follow up too much with prospective tenants. Following up is not going to sway their decision if they aren't interested. If they expressed interest it is good to let them know that you've had several showings and ask them if they intend to put in an application, beyond that there is not much else to do.

If your house is a good value, meaning that the price is right for the neighborhood and level of renovation/finishes/amenities then you should receive several applications and take your pick of qualified tenants.

In my experience, (I have executed somewhere close to 400 leases as a Realtor) landlords tend to make a few mistakes 1. overvalue their renovations/flip quality 2. Use a high-price strategy to "test" the market 3. For Rent by Owner 4. Get impatient in waiting for the right tenant

Price at the low-end to middle of the market to attract a lot of applicants then take your pick of the highest quality tenants. Ask for a 24 month lease but be willing to accept 18.

Hire a Realtor to get maximum exposure for your listing if you haven't already. It will rent faster and attract better qualified applicants. It is worth it to pay the commission!!

Be patient in selecting the right tenant. Don't make a snap decision. It is better to lower the rent a little and get a great tenant than to have a total nightmare on your hands.

I can forward you an article I wrote on tenant selection and pricing strategies if you would like. I will also be happy to run some rental numbers for you if you need. I'm a Realtor in the Austin area by the way.

I'll send you a connection request. Thanks, good luck!!

Matthew Olszak · Answer

I leave them a follow up task after the showing so I know they are serious, either "Text me a copy of this paper app once you complete it" or "text me your email address so I can forward the link to pay the background/credit check". If they don't text me they aren't serious so I forget them. Unless you have a very hard to rent property, you don't need to sell to them, they need to sell themselves to you.

Its the same reason why I leave specific showing scheduling instructions in the description. If they are interested enough, they'll have read the whole thing and will follow those simple instructions ("Text only, no calls, no messages via this site"). It helps to weed out the tire kickers (of which there are a TON) to not waste time with no-shows at showings, folks who "love the place" but then go blank and never fill out their app, and folks who are approved and never show up to sign the lease. Put all of that contact responsibility on them - if they want the apartment they will follow the process.

Danny Webber · Answer

I live in Avery Ranch. It is a great place to be. Rentals here need to be priced right. Following up is good if you ask specific questions like:

1. How did the house show?

2. Are you interested in leasing? If not, what would make you want to lease?

The unit needs to be real clean and hopefully no carpeting. Good luck!

How much do you follow up after showing?

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