Buyer Rental Screening Applicants Information: Fill & Download for Free

Real Estate Agents provide the following long list of services.Pre-Listing Activities1 Make appointment with seller for listing presentation2 Send seller a written or e-mail confirmation of listing appointment and call to confirm3 Review pre-appointment questions4 Research all comparable currently listed properties5 Research sales activity for past 18 months from MLS and public records databases6 Research "Average Days on Market" for this property of this type, price range and location7 Download and review property tax roll information8 Prepare "Comparable Market Analysis" (CMA) to establish fair market value9 Obtain copy of subdivision plat/complex lay-out10 Research property's ownership & deed type11 Research property's public record information for lot size & dimensions12 Research and verify legal description13 Research property's land use coding and deed restrictions14 Research property's current use and zoning15 Verify legal names of owner(s) in county's public property records16 Prepare listing presentation package with above materials17 Perform exterior "Curb Appeal Assessment" of subject property18 Compile and assemble formal file on property19 Confirm current public schools and explain impact of schools on market value20 Review listing appointment checklist to ensure all steps and actions have been completedListing Appointment Presentation21 Give seller an overview of current market conditions and projections22 Review agent's and company's credentials and accomplishments in the market23 Present company's profile and position or "niche" in the marketplace24 Present CMA Results To Seller, including Comparables, Solds, Current Listings & Expireds25 Offer pricing strategy based on professional judgment and interpretation of current market conditions26 Discuss Goals With Seller To Market Effectively27 Explain market power and benefits of Multiple Listing Service28 Explain market power of web marketing, IDX and Find Real Estate, Homes for Sale, Apartments & Houses for Rent29 Explain the work the brokerage and agent do "behind the scenes" and agent's availability on weekends30 Explain agent's role in taking calls to screen for qualified buyers and protect seller from curiosity seekers31 Present and discuss strategic master marketing plan32 Explain different agency relationships and determine seller's preference33 Review and explain all clauses in Listing Contract & Addendum and obtain seller's signatureOnce Property is Under Listing Agreement34 Review current title information35 Measure overall and heated square footage36 Measure interior room sizes37 Confirm lot size via owner's copy of certified survey, if available38 Note any and all unrecorded property lines, agreements, easements39 Obtain house plans, if applicable and available40 Review house plans and make copy41 Order plat map for retention in property's listing file42 Prepare showing instructions for buyers' agents and agree on showing time window with seller43 Obtain current mortgage loan(s) information: companies and & loan account numbers44 Verify current loan information with lender(s)45 Check assumability of loan(s) and any special requirements46 Discuss possible buyer financing alternatives and options with seller47 Review current appraisal if available48 Identify Home Owner Association manager if applicable49 Verify Home Owner Association Fees with manager - mandatory or optional and current annual fee50 Order copy of Homeowner Association bylaws, if applicable51 Research electricity availability and supplier's name and phone number52 Calculate average utility usage from last 12 months of bills53 Research and verify city sewer/septic tank system54 Water System: Calculate average water fees or rates from last 12 months of bills )55 Well Water: Confirm well status, depth and output from Well Report56 Natural Gas: Research/verify availability and supplier's name and phone number57 Verify security system, current term of service and whether owned or leased58 Verify if seller has transferable Termite Bond59 Ascertain need for lead-based paint disclosure60 Prepare detailed list of property amenities and assess market impact61 Prepare detailed list of property's "Inclusions & Conveyances with Sale"62 Compile list of completed repairs and maintenance items63 Send "Vacancy Checklist" to seller if property is vacant64 Explain benefits of Home Owner Warranty to seller65 Assist sellers with completion and submission of Home Owner Warranty Application66 When received, place Home Owner Warranty in property file for conveyance at time of sale67 Have extra key made for lockbox68 Verify if property has rental units involved. And if so:69 .. Make copies of all leases for retention in listing file70 .. Verify all rents & deposits71 .. Inform tenants of listing and discuss how showings will be handled72 Arrange for installation of yard sign73 Assist seller with completion of Seller's Disclosure form74 "New Listing Checklist" Completed75 Review results of Curb Appeal Assessment with seller and provide suggestions to improve salability76 Review results of Interior Décor Assessment and suggest changes to shorten time on market77 Load listing into transaction management software programEntering Property in Multiple Listing Service Database78 Prepare MLS Profile Sheet -- Agents is responsible for "quality control" and accuracy of listing data79 Enter property data from Profile Sheet into MLS Listing Database80 Proofread MLS database listing for accuracy - including proper placement in mapping function81 Add property to company's Active Listings list82 Provide seller with signed copies of Listing Agreement83 Take additional photos for upload into MLS and use in flyers. Discuss efficacy of panoramic photographyMarketing The Listing84 Create print and Internet ads with seller's input85 Coordinate showings with owners, tenants, and other Realtors®. Return all calls - weekends included86 Install lock box if authorized by owner.87 Prepare mailing and contact list88 Generate mail-merge letters to contact list89 Order "Just Listed" labels & reports90 Prepare flyers & feedback faxes91 Review comparable MLS listings regularly to ensure property remains competitive in price, terms,conditions and availability92 Prepare property marketing brochure for seller's review93 Arrange for printing or copying of supply of marketing brochures or fliers94 Place marketing brochures in all company agent mail boxes95 Upload listing to company and agent Internet site, if applicable96 Mail Out "Just Listed" notice to all neighborhood residents97 Advise Network Referral Program of listing98 Provide marketing data to buyers coming through international relocation networks99 Provide marketing data to buyers coming from referral network100 Provide "Special Feature" cards for marketing, if applicable101 Submit ads to company's participating Internet real estate sites102 Price changes conveyed promptly to all Internet groups103 Reprint/supply brochures promptly as needed104 Loan information reviewed and updated in MLS as required105 Feedback e-mails/faxes sent to buyers' agents after showings106 Review weekly Market Study107 Discuss feedback from showing agents with seller to determine if changes will accelerate the sale108 Place regular weekly update calls to seller to discuss marketing & pricing109 Promptly enter price changes in MLS listing databaseThe Offer and Contract109 Receive and review all Offer to Purchase contracts submitted by buyers or buyers' agents.110 Evaluate offer(s) and prepare a "net sheet" on each for the owner for comparison purposes111 Counsel seller on offers. Explain merits and weakness of each component of each offer112 Contact buyers' agents to review buyer's qualifications and discuss offer113 Fax/deliver Seller's Disclosure to buyer's agent or buyer upon request and prior to offer if possible114 Confirm buyer is pre-qualified by calling Loan Officer115 Obtain pre-qualification letter on buyer from Loan Officer116 Negotiate all offers on seller's behalf, setting time limit for loan approval and closing date117 Prepare and convey any counteroffers, acceptance or amendments to buyer's agent118 Fax copies of contract and all addendums to closing attorney or title company119 When Offer to Purchase Contract is accepted and signed by seller, deliver to buyer's agent120 Record and promptly deposit buyer's earnest money in escrow account.121 Disseminate "Under-Contract Showing Restrictions" as seller requests122 Deliver copies of fully signed Offer to Purchase contract to seller123 Fax/deliver copies of Offer to Purchase contract to Selling Agent133 Fax copies of Offer to Purchase contract to lender124 Provide copies of signed Offer to Purchase contract for office file125 Advise seller in handling additional offers to purchase submitted between contract and closing126 Change status in MLS to "Sale Pending"127 Update transaction management program to show "Sale Pending"128 Review buyer's credit report results -- Advise seller of worst and best case scenarios129 Provide credit report information to seller if property will be seller-financed130 Assist buyer with obtaining financing, if applicable and follow-up as necessary131 Coordinate with lender on Discount Points being locked in with dates132 Deliver unrecorded property information to buyer133 Order septic system inspection, if applicable134 Receive and review septic system report and assess any possible impact on sale135 Deliver copy of septic system inspection report lender & buyer136 Deliver Well Flow Test Report copies to lender & buyer and property listing file137 Verify termite inspection ordered138 Verify mold inspection ordered, if requiredTracking the Loan Process139 Confirm Verifications Of Deposit & Buyer's Employment Have Been Returned140 Follow Loan Processing Through To The Underwriter141 Add lender and other vendors to transaction management program so agents, buyer and seller canTrack progress of sale142 Contact lender weekly to ensure processing is on track143 Relay final approval of buyer's loan application to sellerHome Inspection144 Coordinate buyer's professional home inspection with seller145 Review home inspector's report146 Enter completion into transaction management tracking software program147 Explain seller's responsibilities with respect to loan limits and interpret any clauses in the contract148 Ensure seller's compliance with Home Inspection Clause requirements149 Recommend or assist seller with identifying and negotiating with trustworthy contractors to performany required repairs150 Negotiate payment and oversee completion of all required repairs on seller's behalf, if neededThe Appraisal151 Schedule Appraisal152 Follow-Up On Appraisal153 Assist seller in questioning appraisal report if it seems too lowClosing Preparations and Duties154 Contract Is Signed By All Parties155 Coordinate closing process with buyer's agent and lender156 Update closing forms & files157 Ensure all parties have all forms and information needed to close the sale158 Select location where closing will be held159 Confirm closing date and time and notify all parties160 Assist in solving any title problems (boundary disputes, easements, etc) or in obtaining DeathCertificates161 Work with buyer's agent in scheduling and conducting buyer's Final Walk-Thru prior to closing172 Research all tax, HOA, utility and other applicable prorations162 Request final closing figures from closing agent (attorney or title company)163 Receive & carefully review closing figures to ensure accuracy of preparation164 Forward verified closing figures to buyer's agent165 Request copy of closing documents from closing agent166 Confirm buyer and buyer's agent have received title insurance commitment167 Provide "Home Owners Warranty" for availability at closing168 Review all closing documents carefully for errors169 Forward closing documents to absentee seller as requested170 Review documents with closing agent (Escrow)171 Provide earnest money deposit check from escrow account to closing agent173 Coordinate this closing with seller's next purchase and resolve any timing problems174 Have a "no surprises" closing so that seller receives a net proceeds check at closing175 Refer sellers to one of the best agents at their destination, if applicable176 Change MLS status to Sold. Enter sale date, price, selling broker and agent's ID numbers, etc.177 Close out listing in transaction management programFollow Up After Closing178 Answer questions about filing claims with Home Owner Warranty company if requested179 Attempt to clarify and resolve any conflicts about repairs if buyer is not satisfied180 Respond to any follow-on calls and provide any additional information required from office files.Want to learn more about Real Estate?Follow me on Instagram.Subscribe to the Holton-Wise YouTube Channel.

Good question. I am more familiar with the turnover at a transaction (like a sale) but the same rationale would hold for a management turnover in my view.The rent roll and current leases should be turned over. These will be requested or it is generally accepted procedure (unless you are in an extreme distressed property or poor or unmanaged property situation and no one knows who is living there).A good buyer (or their agent) will ask for necessary information. Diligent ones may ask for recent repair and maintenance records, current arrears, and even a list of vendors (snow, landscaping, etc), and more.But what about other paperwork or information acquired in managing the property (which btw may be electronic/digital with many management platforms today)?I agree it might be a good practice to offer the application of the existing tenants but perhaps it is not required.The main reason for offering it would be the application is an easy source of tenant info: cell number, names, occupants, jobs, pets, vehicle info, past rental history, etc. All on one form. Simple.But keep in mind the original application may not be such a useful tool if dated. It was done at the screening and is not continually updated.For example, by the time I sold my fourplex, some tenants had been there 2, 4, even 8 years so the original application info was stale (new cell, different jobs, different cars, pets and even occupants).It would not have helped (of course, I gave leases which had some of the basics: occupants, current vehicle, cell/email contact).My approach would probably be to only offer the basic applications info if requested.It is likely the new manager or owner will want to have the existing tenant reapply when their leases run out to use their own criteria and onboard the with their management platform and policies.And even then I would probably just offer the first page with the basic tenant info that is relevant or public information (contact, occupants vehicles, pets, employer, etc) and not anything on my second page pertaining to credit, banking, or criminal history.You are handing over the tenants and property but need not do the screening for the new manager in my view (their job not yours). You can also check if there is a rule or authority requiring you to hand applications over (i.e., contract with the owner, real estate code, or a case in your jurisdiction, etc).I feel if you offer basic tenant contact information (name, cell, etc) so the manager knows who is living there, then you have likely met the reasonable standard. And all of this is often found in a standard lease. If they are asking for much more, it may be they are asking you to do their job. It is not like you have handed them a mystery building with mystery tenants and said “good luck.” They will know who is in each unit and the terms of the lease.Finally, you may even have developed your own application (intellectual property or trade secret) with some unique format or questions and need not disclose all of that to a competitor in my view. Or your application may be in an online platform or management software that you do not wish to share access to.Best of luck!

Well, add an Internet search using your favorite search engine(s) to the list of screening tools. Especially look at any of the applicant’s social media sites.Employment verification is important to establish that the applicant has income, that the job isn’t temporary and even the sort of character that the applicant has (if you can speak to the applicant’s supervisor).Some landlords will even reject applicants whose employment is in certain occupations (law firms for example since such a tenant can get legal help readily and can cause the landlord to have to pay to hire legal help); seasonal workers have irregular income and can be a concern when it comes to getting rent paid in their slow seasons.Criminal background check is another must - but you do have to establish a list of what will be considered acceptable vs what will be considered unacceptable.Eviction checks should also be performed; some will even say that any landlord tenant legal dispute should be considered as something that should eliminate an applicant.Search court records for judgments against the tenant applicant.If you are given names of any previous landlords, search for the landlord names in the court records to see if there are any evictions or judgments; sometimes it will be a roommate of the applicant who was the only party on the lease and hence might be the only party named other than the landlord.Now, some of the information you have received can be used for more than what first meets the eye; let’s illustrate some examples here.Credit reports will will have a section that gives an address history of the applicant. Look up each address in the property records at the courthouse to identify who owned the property on the date when the applicant was an occupant; that owner is a former landlord and you should be contacting that former landlord to get an evaluation of this applicant. By doing just this on one occasion, I was able to uncover that an applicant had multiple landlord tenant actions (AKA eviction filings) even though the eviction had never been taken to the point of the sheriff forcibly removing the occupants; I have no need for such tenants.Another thing to take from the credit report besides a credit score is the total monthly obligation for the tenant’s existing debts. When taken as a whole, and also considering the amount of the rent, you can do an evaluation of “debt to income” (DTI) that is a metric to see if the tenant can afford to live there AND pay other necessities in life.Another thing to look for in the credit report is whether the applicant is renting furniture. Sure, there are situations where a tenant renting furniture makes sense (newly divorced, new in area after a long distance relocation, living in housing that is for a shorter duration) - but if this is long term rental of furniture, you have an applicant that doesn’t own much of anything important, and that is not a good sign.Another thing to look for in the credit report are the accounts that are delinquent and the accounts that are in collection. I don’t want to see utility service or cell phone service going unpaid; I might be OK with medical bills going unpaid, and maybe even student loans.BTW - all those credit report features are only available to you if you get a full credit report and not just a score; the credit score by itself is nearly worthless in evaluating tenant applicants (I expect most tenant applicants to have bad credit and I learned that the ones with good credit don’t rent for long because they become buyers of housing).After you have been doing this for a while, it starts to come easier, and you can even realize that there is more you might need to look at depending on the specifics of an applicant. For example, if an applicant must drive as part of their employment, I will even look at their driving record!Another answer that was posted said to charge an application fee because that will filter out those who do not qualify. Although that is true in some instances, I can tell you about the one applicant who had multiple landlord tenant legal actions; this applicant was filling out multiple applications and paying lots of application fees when their time at their existing rental was running out (another pending eviction) - they only needed one landlord to say yes and the application fees were a small price to pay for them to find that landlord. When I phoned them to tell them I would be declining their application, they said it was OK because they had already found another place to take them! Please, for your own sake, don’t be that one landlord …