Improve Your Rentability By Texting
Waves of technology are sometimes hard to follow if they break hard from what you’re used to. A very popular means of communication currently is text messaging via your cell phone. I would argue that many people use their phone more to type than they do to talk. As a real estate investor, how can you use this text-crazed fad to your advantage?
I’ve tried putting at the end of my rental ads “call or text [phone number] for more information“, and it works! Many people are busy and don’t necessarily feel like having a phone conversation about a possible place to live, but maybe they have a quick question they want to ask and are willing to send a text. It’s one way you can set your ads apart from others. For generic inquiries you can respond with a pre-written text you’ve already written so you don’t have to type a new one each time. It will save YOU time, too!
I’ve had phone conversations about rental units lasting a long while, only to discover the inquirer needed section 8 housing, which I was not offering. I’ve also received text messages saying “do u accept section 8″ to which I respond “no, sorry!” Less than 10 seconds of my time! I’ve also made showing appointments via text; again, less than a minute of my time. And remember, prospective tenants might want to schedule appointments or make inquiries while at work. They are a lot more likely to do so if they can text message versus talking on the phone for all to hear.
It seems a bit impersonal compared to the tried and true voice conversation, but you’ve gotta go with what works! It’s a new generation and the way business is done is changing, just like it always has.
~Staff Writer
