The Secret for Getting Future Tenants to Call-Even when you are NOT advertising
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I have not been advertising for an open apartment for about 30 days. Despite this, I have received 3 calls in the last 2 days from people looking for apartments. These prospective tenants are calling me because one of my current (and even former) tenants recommended me. They say that I am a “good” landlord.
Do not mistake “good” for easy! I would consider myself to be firm and direct, but also courteous, respectful, responsive, and friendly. I treat most of my tenants like customers. Consequently, my tenants are happy and most often they are also respectful, responsive, and respectful back.
Additionally, keeping my investment properties in good condition and well maintained has also given me the reputation as a good landlord. But, all of those nice apartments don’t do it alone, I would say the top keys to having happy tenants is that I answer the phone, treat them with respect, and follow through on what I say I am going to do.
These are simple things, but not many landlords do them. I guess it just comes naturally for me (maybe it is that old saying: “treat others like you would want to be treated”). It sure makes investment real estate easier when your tenants are out there selling you as a landlord!
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Scott Ficek owns and manages almost 30 investment property units from single family to multi-family. Find his website at www.minnesotainvestmentrealestate.com or receive his blog via your RSS Feed or in your Email. He is also a Minnesota Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Integrity in Minneapolis and helps new and seasoned investors buy and own Minnesota Investment Property.
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February 21st, 2008 at 11:03 pm
Scott - you are so right here. I’m amazed at how many times I talk to people who just finished leasing up a property and say “I’m glad that’s over…”.
Over?
From your description, it sounds like you are the kind of person who continues to be “active” throughout the lease. Always being there for the big stuff and the small stuff if necessary. Too many landlords think that once they get someone in their property the job is essentially over until it’s time to turn it over for the next tenant.
February 21st, 2008 at 11:07 pm
Absolutely!
People forget this is a business and like it or not, the tenants are essentially our customers. By staying engaged, you can be aware of what is happening at your property and avert issues. Plus the tenants love that you treat them like humans, not numbers, criminals, or animals.
Lastly, by fixing the small items, selfishly I am looking out for my investment. That water leak under the sink that takes a $1.59 part to fix now will rot the entire floor if left unchecked (not to mention the tenant is upset that you don’t return your repair calls!).
February 22nd, 2008 at 12:08 pm
I have a company I feel the same way about it was a very positive rental relationship and if I were to rent again I would contact them. They are proactive to keeping properties maintained and prompt for response.
February 22nd, 2008 at 8:57 pm
[…] off from Scott Ficek because I loved his pithy remarks on the subject. I just finished reading his blog post titled “The Secret for Getting Future Tenants to Call - Even when you are NOT […]
February 25th, 2008 at 11:41 am
I agree many people will only work with a good property management company with there properties. They offer the professionalism and quick response that a tennent is looking for.