Don't Show Your Home to Strangers Without an Appointment

We market rent-to-owns in Baltimore, and I am amazed at how many people just call off the sign and say "When can I see it".  I explain they need to complete an application...it's free and there's no credit check at this point.  95% of the time if not more, I never hear from them again.  A few have kicked back in irritation stating "I'm not comfortable giving out my personal information until I know I like the house".  They may even throw in that "There's lots of scams here on Craig's List (one of the ways we advertise) and I just don't feel comfortable doing that".  Sometimes I'll try to get some information from them over the phone in order to pre-screen them, but when someone won't give me their last name, forget it.  I'm not going to waste my time talking with you further on the phone let alone showing you a property.

And I love the calls, "Oh I'm actually calling from my mother, or my brother, or my 2nd cousin twice removed."

It always makes me wonder if there are rental companies out there that just show properties to anyone who's interested.  The attitude of some of these callers is like they expect us to show it to them.  And I agree with your post 110% that you must be CAREFUL of who sees any home, vacant or occupied.

My most recent surprise was a lady at first calling for her mother.  She wouldn't give me her mother's last name, nor her own FIRST name at first!  She gave me only her mother's phone number (I had her number from caller ID though).  Only thing she'd give me was her mother's monthly rental range.  We didn't have anything for her.  Her mother never called.  This daughter kept calling me asking if I called her mother yet...I said no, why would I?  Then she says she's looking for a place for herself, much lower rental range, 2 large dogs, but more flexible in location.  Finally she completes an application and wants to see houses that are out of her price range and/or won't accept pets.  I.e. she wanted me to ask a Rent-To-Own Seller if he would take $800/mo. rent (he was advertising $1000/mo with an option fee), and only a $400 security deposit! 

Sorry for the long story...just trying to get across the high-maintenance attitude of this person.  Shortly after, her REALTOR calls me.  Says her client has called me about a particular house!  I was SHOCKED that this person was working with an agent!  I actually felt sorry for the agent because I think this particular client of hers is a TOTAL waste of time and all for a rental commission.  I feel like just writing this all out is a waste of time LOL!.

I don't know, perhaps there's another side to the story that I'm missing, but I have no problem blowing these people off.  There are just too many cooperative, legitimate and QUALIFIED clients out there to work with.  I just wish other professionals out there wouldn't enable this type of attitude and expectation in people.  Sorry for the ranting.

Hi Lottie...thanks again for putting up with my rant LOL! I'm such a pleaser and want to work with everyone and give everyone the benefit of the doubt, but you're right...the systems in place help reduce the time wasters and therefore keep the frustrations to a minimum.  All the best in 2010!

Lottie, yes it sure is! Happy MLK Monday!  All the best in 2010!