Blecher_onthe_Hudson t1_ismnrgg wrote on October 17, 2022 at 2:55 AM

The problem is that apps like Zillow have created extremely low signal to noise in this arena. So many people will click on a listing because it takes no effort, and then not even respond when the the advertiser calls or emails them back. I have found this true many times advertising apartments as an owner. I try to get back to everyone, but sometimes there's so many and I know the yield is so low I just kind of give up after getting a three or four people who say they'll tour.

So you know what guarantees a call back from me? An actual written human text, hopefully with some self description, as opposed to using the canned message that you click on.

Also you can get my attention by filling out some of the info fields like income and FICO. I get a surprising number of inquiries from people who couldn't possibly afford the apartment for rent.

robin_tern t1_ismr4rx wrote on October 17, 2022 at 3:23 AM

Do open houses and tell everyone to come in the same 2 hour window, then you get the serious ones back for a second view a few days later when you can vet them more closely.

Robin.

Blecher_onthe_Hudson t1_isn4g9s wrote on October 17, 2022 at 5:40 AM

In decades doing this I don't think I've ever rented to someone who came back for a second view. And open houses are complete mess, I don't get to give attention to everyone I'd like to or get to sniff them out. I'd much rather do a bit of pre-interviewing on the phone, and then get to actually meet them and assess them during the tour.