Scheduling Showings with Tenants in Place

[Wes M.]

I'm curious if anyone has any preferred methods for handling showings while an existing tenant is still in place. We have two properties that we are leasing up at the moment and coordinating showings with potential tenants while the existing tenant is still in place is becoming problematic. Thanks in advance for any pro tips!

Wes

[Richard F.]

Aloha,

Existing Tenants can be problematic for a variety of reasons, plus, they can spoil your Prospect's "First Impression". Additionally, if you prematurely sign a Rental Agreement for a new Tenant, and there are any delays with the outgoing Tenant, or you discover needed repairs that were not evident while occupied, you have created bigger problems for yourself.

Once the Tenant actually vacates, you can perform a thorough and proper inspection and initiate all appropriate repairs. Once completed, and thoroughly cleaned and polished, you can offer the unit (with pristine, and accurate, photos) for "immediate move-in" on approval. You spend less time with "tire kickers" that are looking for something next month, and that typically CONTINUE looking (and often ghost you when they find something "better"), even if they have submitted an application for your occupied unit.

It is much less costly to be thorough with repairs while vacant and contractors are on site, than to call them out for multiple service calls to an occupied unit.