address inquiry puzzle

[Summer Chen]

Dear friends, 

I have been receiving inquiries from insurance company, temp housing company, and random clients in FF asking for the exact address of the house, then I don't hear anything back after I gave out for a few times. Would you provide the address to this kind of inquiry? Not sure if it is a scam or if it would pose potential safety/privacy issue. Could you please advise? Thank you!

[Nicole Heasley Beitenman]

I give a 3-4 street approximate location such as, "Between Main St. and 7th St." Something specific enough that they can easily scope out the area on Google Maps but not exact enough that they can break in when it's vacant. 

[Summer Chen]

Thank you Nicole. They often say that they need the exact address to submit to the adjuster for approval or they want to tour the house before they can decide to rent it. In this way, it seems that I cannot give an approximate address. How would you deal with it? Thanks!

[Allen Duan]

I have no problem giving out the address. I think of it like a long term rental that has the address listed all over the internet. If you're concerned about break ins when it's vacant, there are other strategies to prevent that. Some MTR tenants want to know a lot more about the home they'll live in for up to 6 months.

[Summer Chen]

Quote from @Allen Duan:

I have no problem giving out the address. I think of it like a long term rental that has the address listed all over the internet. If you're concerned about break ins when it's vacant, there are other strategies to prevent that. Some MTR tenants want to know a lot more about the home they'll live in for up to 6 months.

 Thanks Allen. I do have surveillance cameras on site. 

[Colleen F.]

@Summer Chen give a non-specific address when in discussions. They ask you to send a draft lease agreement etc then they can have the exact address. they might still be able to find the exact address with work.  It is just more safe. Don't tell them if it is vacant or not.  

[Summer Chen]

Quote from @Colleen F.:

@Summer Chen give a non-specific address when in discussions. They ask you to send a draft lease agreement etc then they can have the exact address. they might still be able to find the exact address with work.  It is just more safe. Don't tell them if it is vacant or not.  

 Thank you Collen! It is a dilemma. Usually the relocating/insurance company asks for the specific address for their adjuster to approve it first before we reach the lease agreement stage. If I don't give them the specific address, then we will not be able to move to the next step. Same thing with a potential MTR tenant who wants to tour the house in person first. 

[Allen Duan]

Quote from @Summer Chen:

Quote from @Allen Duan:

I have no problem giving out the address. I think of it like a long term rental that has the address listed all over the internet. If you're concerned about break ins when it's vacant, there are other strategies to prevent that. Some MTR tenants want to know a lot more about the home they'll live in for up to 6 months.

 Thanks Allen. I do have surveillance cameras on site. 

 Same! That's a great way to monitor the property remotely.

[Colleen F.]

@Summer Chen if they want to tour text exact address about 30 minutes before you expect them for the tour. I can't tell you how many people forget they scheduled a tour. And this is the more risky one. you are limited when dealing with insurance companies, they have their own processes. 

[Summer Chen]

Quote from @Colleen F.:

@Summer Chen if they want to tour text exact address about 30 minutes before you expect them for the tour. I can't tell you how many people forget they scheduled a tour. And this is the more risky one. you are limited when dealing with insurance companies, they have their own processes. 

 Thank you for the tip, Colleen. I will do that. It did happen that people asked for a tour then didn't show. 

[Rachel Gainsbrugh]

The address is needed for the adjuster to approve the property. We provide the address in these specific situations. Typically, these are families looking to ensure the property is within the desired school district and driving distance. I would recommend vetting the inquirer first, but yes, we always provide the address under these circumstances. If you're in an area where the scam potential is high, you want to be careful. Unlike Airbnb, these types of guests need exact information prior to approval

[Summer Chen]

Quote from @Rachel Gainsbrugh:

The address is needed for the adjuster to approve the property. We provide the address in these specific situations. Typically, these are families looking to ensure the property is within the desired school district and driving distance. I would recommend vetting the inquirer first, but yes, we always provide the address under these circumstances. If you're in an area where the scam potential is high, you want to be careful. Unlike Airbnb, these types of guests need exact information prior to approval

 Thank you for the reassurance, Rachel. Most time they text me from FF then I can see their brief profile. Other times they may call me asking for the address then I don't know if it is a scam. What can we do to make sure that they are from an actual insurance/relocating company? 

[Charlie Tunstall]

Quote from @Summer Chen:

Thank you Nicole. They often say that they need the exact address to submit to the adjuster for approval or they want to tour the house before they can decide to rent it. In this way, it sSeems that I cannot give an approximate address. How would you deal with it? Thanks!

 Summer,

When I have photos made for my listing I have the photographer make a walk through video as well. My inquiries are usually satisfied to see the video before booking. Hope that helps

[Summer Chen]

Quote from @Charlie Tunstall:

Quote from @Summer Chen:

Thank you Nicole. They often say that they need the exact address to submit to the adjuster for approval or they want to tour the house before they can decide to rent it. In this way, it sSeems that I cannot give an approximate address. How would you deal with it? Thanks!

 Summer,

When I have photos made for my listing I have the photographer make a walk through video as well. My inquiries are usually satisfied to see the video before booking. Hope that helps

 Thank you for the tip, Charlie!