All Forum Posts by: Angie W.

On the last go round of finding tenant for our SFR 3 years ago we were new. We stuck a sign in the yard and when someone called we went running (we live within 5 minutes) to show the property.

This time I am taking a more educated and organized approach.

Here's what I have set up so far and keep tweaking as I go along.

1.Set up a Google Voice # specifically for the rental - includes a brief description of the property as well as requirements if I don't pick up the call

2. Programmed the GV number in my phone with a special ring tone so that I know to be prepared and answer the phone more professionally

3. Made up a call log sheet to keep track of calls. I included all of the important points about the property as well as minimum requirements so that I don't forget anything and check them off as I go along.

4. Listed the property on Craig's List - with a detailed listing including some pictures. I did not list the address - only the area of town and disabled the email option

5. Put a sign in the front yard.

Since Friday I have fielded approx. 50 calls/voicemails. I have already learned some of the following:

1.Lead with #of BD/BA,no basement, monthly rent, and SD. This info tends to end 40% of the calls right away for the one that have seen the sign.

2. If they stay on the line I then pull out my sheet and start going through the info and asking questions before I agree to show them the property.

3.If they are calling from Craig's list I do not offer the address right away, only the nearest cross streets. Most times I make the appointment and tell them I will call them an hour before our appointment time with the address and directions.

4. If they saw my sign and make an appointment, I call them an hour before the appointment to confirm.

5. I also set up an appointment calendar and try to schedule showings close to each other.

Out of all of these calls I have scheduled 10 appointments, 3 from the sign were no shows so far (which led to the confirmation call). I've observed that the sign generates more calls but not necessarily more leads. And so far all of my Craig's List appointments have shown up but not applied.

Would anyone else like to share their strategies or things they have learned.

How do you advertise your property? How do you handle phone calls and showings?

Thanks Jacquelyn!

@Darrin Carey Thanks for the tip! I have relatives around the Dayton area in Kettering/Centerville .

@Bill Gulley Thanks for the info!

Thanks for the greetings!

@James Wootton I plan on starting my research on getting my license later today. Not having access to all the info I want when I am ready for it becomes very frustrating.

Hi Everyone!

My name is Angie and I am from Columbus, Ohio - Home of the Buckeyes!

I have been lurking and participating in the forums for a few weeks now and thought maybe I should come and formally introduce myself. I came across BiggerPockets while doing a Google search for some land lording questions I had. What a great resource this site has turned out to be!

I started investing in real estate 22 years ago at the age of 21 when I purchased my first fixer as my personal residence. Since then I met and married my husband and we have rehabbed several houses together that were our personal residences. Three years ago my husband and I bought our first rental property and it has been a learning experience!

At present I am searching for another rental property to add to our portfolio - slow and steady wins the race! I search for homes that need rehabbed for the instant equity and rental income. I actually enjoy taking a home that others see as hideous and making it into something someone would like to call home :)

I hope to meet others to network with in my area. So many things are state/city specific it's nice to have someone local to ask at times. I'm also trying to build my "team" looking for a good real estate attorney, contractors, suppliers, etc. I currently have a real estate agent I am happy with, but the attorney I've used didn't impress me much.

I'm also toying with the idea of getting my real estate license. It's something I've thought about for years, and now that my daughter is older I actually may have the time to do it.

Looking forward to sharing experiences and knowledge with everyone here at the BiggerPockets forum.

Hmmm...that's a really bad situation @Bob Jones Things are not set up that way in my area. However, I do have the gas and electric set up the same way as Jerry W describes above. Now I'm going to have to check with my state and see what the rules are. Not had this happen to me yet but in time I'm sure it will.

Maybe someone else will have some suggestions that have to deal with a similar situation. I wonder if it would be feasible to increase the rent and just include them. Not the ideal situation, as it is too hard to anticipate the cost.

I personally wouldn't buy a rental property next to my own, on the same street or in the same neighborhood, but I am sure a lot of people do.

I prefer to keep a little more distance between my business and personal lives. I also don't want tenants to know where my personal residence is, in case they turn out to be crazy. Happened with my last tenant - if they would have been across the street, I would've probably went to jail :)

Very interesting question. I always make my tenants put water in their name and pay for it. That way they can control what they use and therefore can control the cost. I run the risk that they will not pay and I will HAVE to pay the bill - but I can go after them in court for the unpaid charges.

What type of landscaping are you referring to maintaining? I don't have anything other than trees that need trimming occasionally and of course regular lawn maintenance at my rentals. My lease states that they are responsible for all lawn care. I count myself lucky if they mow the grass consistently. If they trim the fence I'm pleasantly surprised. But I can tell you that even if I paid the water they would never water the lawn or anything else.

I've had good responses from applicants this week when I mention reoccurring payment via direct pay. They all love the convenience it offers, and the fact that I offer the service free of charge.

I haven't went so far as stating it would be required...just testing the idea in my market with applicants.

@Rachel Zhang I think Dawn has given some good advice. All situations are different and unique. If I had a tenant that lost their job and they had always paid their rent on time, and were model tenants, I might work with them.

First I would want to know if they still had a smartphone, cable TV, a new car, etc. These things are nice but not necessities. You HAVE to have a place to live, therefore you pay your rent before anything else. If it appeared that they were genuinely trying by scaling back etc. I may work with them, but I would have to ask, given their situation, how will things be different next month? Will they find work that quickly? If rent wasn't a priority this month, and they are already behind, how will they catch up AND pay the months that follow without a job.

People can be very good at trying to play on others emotions. I don't think I would accept anything but full payment + late fee by X day or I would serve the 3 day (this costs nothing but the time to type it up for me) sometimes it may be enough for them to realize it's not something I'm going to tolerate. If not, then just follow through with the eviction. The longer you let it go the worse it will become, I have learned.

Sometimes good people fall on hard times. Being a landlord is a business of risk and I'm learning that there is no better teacher than experience.