some filters this rookie landlord uses to screen tenants

[Steven Maduro]

When I first learned how to sell cars I learned that you just start talking about life dont talk about the car as you show the car you just engage the prospect.

well I have stumbled upon something similar when showing apartments

when I write my ad I am very detailed as to what is going on with the rental
i outline the deposit the rent some of the terms
what sort of application or background check will be done
and any issues with the apartment that may need attention in the future (this is important)

I add the issues because these will be concerns
and I want to see how the tenant handles the concerns

I instantly know by how a person can understand my concepts and my vision
if they dont get it or dont see the value I dont want them as tenants
if they cant comphrehend the deal or value I am giving them
then I dont want them as tenants

sounds a little weird right?
well think about it if you cant get a simple concept accross how are you going to
fare while dealing with more complicated issues down the line
you want someone who understands YOU
a good match for your personality makes for smoother sailing

ok lets look at what happened yesterday
I listed a house for rent that still needed some repairs the tenant can move in at a reduced rate on a month to month for three months while my handy man comes in on 6 different days throughout the 3 month period to do the repairs once the repairs were completed a lease would be signed if they still wanted to stay
and at that time a full background check would be done.

some people I met with could not understand what I was offering
some were asking questions like how soon would all the work be done can it be done before they move in can you do 5 of the repairs now
these people were immediately rejected.

another guy however
actually said he would pay more than I asked for once the work is done because he realizes I am renting below market and he wants to live here for a long time
he asked questions about whether the neighborhood was regentrifying

he was more concerned with the insulation then he was the cosmetics

this was my choice

apart from his excellent references he caught my vision and could take it to another level.

Also I make my application process a little cumbersome they have to email a request to my email address fill it out and email it back
the application period is 3 days and then i review so a person just cant waive money in my face and think that that will be enough

I can do this because my units look beautiful
so if you want it you have to work for it
and things that come hard are cherished

for my neighborhoods and tenant pool the whole computer thing is a challenge for some
challenge is good and competition is good