Finding quality tenants for SFR rent by room house hack

[Austin Berlick]

Hello,

Does anyone have any unique ways to market for QUALITY tenants - specifically for a SFR rent by room? The home will be approx. 20 minutes South from DT. I'll be posting in my local church facebook page looking for roommates but seeing I'm fairly new to Austin, I don't personally know anyone looking to rent a room currently.

I'll be screening tenants based on income, background check, credit check, etc.. Wanted to put that out there. My only mental huddle with this SFR house hack purchase is being stuck with roommates that don't get along and dreading my living experience.

Hoping my offer goes through this Monday/Tuesday for a 5b/3.5b new build. Any and all ideas are greatly appreciated!

[Ryan Thomson]

I have had a ton of luck with apartments.com (they bought Cozy). I list my rooms for rent here and then they put the listing on several of their affiliate sites. I get a couple interested leads a day.

Apartments.com is also where I have tenants fill out a background and credit check, set up automated rent payments, and upload renter's insurance. It's pretty sweet and free for me.

I also have some nice auto messages I use to do the initial "screen" to save my time from the tire kickers and the "is it still available" annoyers.

Here is my first message:

Yes it is! We require a 550+ credit score as well as a current job paystub or a co-signer who meets these requirements. The move in date is December 7th and is a month to month lease at $650/month (not including 50-70 a month for utilities). If all that works for you, when is a good time you can see the house? and what is a good number to reach you?

Here is my second message:

I have a couple questions for you to make sure its a good fit for you. Please answer these then we can go from there: What is your Job? Only you? Pets? Move in date? Estimated length of stay? Any questions for me? --

Sometimes my first message (if they seem more serious and put a little effort into their first response):

I saw your inquiry for my house at {{address}}. It is still available. Would you like to set up a time to see it? Than I go through those two messages above.

Tips:

1. great photos

2. good description. be clear what you require to cut down on wasting your time.

3. Pre-screen with email or text before you waste your time showing the room