I am going through rental applications this morning. We advertise on Craigslist, Zillow, Trulia, Hotpads and Facebook. I list the 24 photos we are allowed along with a detailed description of the home and the directions on how to get the application. We leave the blinds open so they can walk around the home and look in the windows. We put signs up. The sign in the yard has a take one tube with detailed info about the home and the applications.
We include the directions for them to get the application to us along with copies of their drivers license and the application fee. We include our phone number in case they have questions. We go through the applications in the order they come in. We research the prospective tenants on public record AND on social media before applications get sent to our tenant check company. It is so easy for us to rent our homes. We are putting out an excellent product and we expect awesome tenants. We DO NOT just pick the first one who says they have the money.
DO check social media, you will be amazed at what you can find out about your prospective tenants. If you have a property management company doing this for you, make sure they follow through with these procedures. I am looking for tenants who are going to be solid and stay with us for the long term. I actually have two tenants who have been with us more than 16 years.
For all the information you need on finding motivated sellers, new deals and renting your investment properties check out my website at www.marketingmagiclady.com While you are there be sure and sign up for my FREE monthly newsletter!!