All Forum Posts by: Brandon Allenczy

@Julie Marquez I know this is an older thread but I just started using Apartments and so far it seems OK. The fee for an applicant is $29 which is WAY better than others I've see (Avail charges $55 per applicant).

@Sharon Powell I actually signed up with smartmove and thought about using it to. If I'm seeing it correctly, Smartmove is ONLY screening, correct? I would love to have 1 tool instead of managing tenants on one platform (Avail), and screening/applying on another one (smartmove). But maybe this is the way to go. Thanks for your input!

@Joe Splitrock I totally agree. I'll never have a free application because of the reasons you just mentioned, but agreed, I would like to find the right balance so as to not deter applications. 

The other question I have is do I really need all 3 of these reports? If I just run the credit and background checks, does this give enough info to show that they have no prior evictions?

@Nathan Gesner that's a good point, I have not. I imagine it's got to be pretty similar as there are some parts of my town that are pretty seedy and good screening is a MUST. You make a good point. I'll do some research and check it out.

Thanks!

@Steve Vaughan thanks for your input. I think what I'll do is still run the full reports on both of them so I have good data on both people, but pay for the second fee out of pocket. Then, to avoid this in the future, I'll try to find a cheaper method of screening applicants.

@Nathan Gesner That makes sense. I'm fine with making people pay if it's $30 per applicant but not $55. That seems excessive. I think I'll just pay out of pocket for the second application here so I can get some good tenants in then look for another tool with a cost more like yours.

Thanks @Nathan Gesner! What do you use for your screening/background checks? I use Avail as my PM software and it has a standard Credit check, Background check, and Evictions report. All when bundled are $55. It sounds like you might get the same data for a lower fee?

Hey @Tim Herman thanks for the response. To be clear I plan on performing background checks etc on everyone living there. I was just thinking maybe this was too high and turn some people away but I do get what you mean about not being able to afford the rent if they can't pay this amount.

Hey BP!

How do you guys handle applications for your rental for couples? Do you make both of them fill out an application? I know both have to be on the lease, but the 3 reports I request cost $55 to run so I'm just feeling that $110 application may be too steep and push some good qualifying tenants away. I have a couple coming today that seems very legit but will of course verify with screening before signing a lease.

Thanks in advance!

For those coming, we're meeting at the picnic tables in the back! Looking forward to it!

@Edward Holland and for everyone else, the meeting is the first Saturday of each month. The previous post mentioned it but I'll try to change this to a recurring event.

Hagerstown meetup on the first Saturday of the month, every month, 4pm, Antietam brewery.