Well. Here's the thing...

The house is listed for rent and this is really my favorite part of this whole process. It’s fun to see the reactions of folks of what they like and don’t like.  It’s also fun to hear their stories.  Some of them have some great life experiences.  Some of them…  well, you just have to laugh.

I love it when they come through the house and look around and then say, “well, here’s the thing…”

Our Lease Application lists right up front ALL of the requirements to lease the home.  Most people say that they love the house, where is the application.  I point out all of the requirements and hand it to them.  If they don’t qualify, the usually just take it home and don’t come back.

 

Some of the look it over and say the “Well… here’s the thing”.

One woman says, "Well... here's the thing...".  Would I be willing to take government assistance.  No, I pointed out on the requirements that we do not accept any government assistance programs.  She kept saying, “but it’s guaranteed money” and, “you would get your rent every month with no problem”.  I finally had to tell her, “no, we are not accepting any government assistance programs.  If you have a program that pays you directly, that is between you and them.  But the government sure has heck didn’t help us to purchase this home, so we sure as heck are not going to accept any assistance in keeping it.”  We laughed and then she looked at me, realized I was serious, and left never to return.

Another family came in, filled out the applications, and paid for the background check.  Did their backgrounds and my investigation and they passed.  So I called them up to say congratulations.  "Well, here's the thing...:  They changed their mind and wanted to live in an apartment instead so there wouldn't be any yard work.  They asked for their background check funds to be returned, but since I had already paid for their background, told them it was not possible.  They understood.

One family came in with three adults, mom, dad and grandma.  When I told them that every adult over the age of 18 must have a background check, they were shocked.  “All of us!  But Grandma is from another county and doesn’t have a background."  They were horrified when I told them that regardless of their citizenship status that every adult over the age of 18 must must must have a background check to verify that there is no criminal history.  I had to finally explain to them that the school bus stop is right in front of the house and I will be darned if I have some criminal or child molester living in my home.  All three said "Oh..." at the same time when they finally got it.  They never came back.

To Be Continued...