So you need a house and if you have been in this position over the past few years, you don’t need to be told it is a very competitive & stressful situation to find yourself.
So how do you stand out from the masses…especially if you’re attending an open home with people lined up down the street…one property, dozens of people…”there can be only one.”
Well for starters presentation…whilst you are choosing a house, the agents/landlord is choosing the best tenant. Turning up in pyjamas, uggs, flip flops, torn and old dirty clothing is not going to help your case…and yes people do this.
Like it or not this is an interview and you are being assessed, so let’s look at some positive ways to set yourself apart to be the golden tenant that all landlords crave.
- Dress well…you don’t need a suit or the latest Dior ensemble…just clean fresh clothes with sensible footwear. Tip: offer to remove your shoes before entering, it may not be required but the agent may remember this as an act of courtesy and consideration…big tick.
- Don’t critique the house…agents and owners are usually fully aware of a properties short comings…if it’s not suitable quietly move on. By all means politely state why it may not meet your needs and ask if they have something else that does.
- Avoid denigrating your current landlord or agent in a brash, condescending manner…it’s often a red flag. Simply state you may have had some communication issues, we understand there are two sides to every story.
- Come prepared. If you are confident the property meets your requirements it doesn’t hurt to have an application form completed in advance. Ideally have all the supporting documentation ready as well ie. Credit report, identification, statements etc.
- Do not smoke two minutes prior to viewing the property and then state on your application that you don’t…this is deception and will likely count against you on other properties with that agency.
- Arrive with a smile and some positive energy and humour.
- Don’t arrive with food and drink, just don’t.
- By all means have a support family member or friend attend with you…just not all of them.
- Refrain from over sharing!! Yes do say we love the house because it’s close to the kids school and partners work…that’s valuable information…just don’t spend 15 minutes giving us every other personal detail of your life and situation.
- Be punctual! Agents are likely to have other appointments booked and usually are unable to hang about waiting for someone who may or may not arrive…similarly if you can’t make an appointment…fair enough, but be courteous and contact the agency/landlord to inform them.
