We all have heard that saying. Sometimes, what you intended to communicate with a picture is maybe not what others are understanding.

When you use pictures for marketing make sure that the picture describes exactly what you intend. You do not want to communicate something negative when your intention was to communicate something positive or welcoming.

Think of it this way. You are new to the city and walking into an office you need to visit. You have the choice to speak with a person that is standing in the room with their arms crossed and have smile on their face or the other person that looks more relaxed with their arms by their side with a big smile on their face.  Personally I would bypass the first person and go straight for the person who appears relaxed with the big smile.

Now why would you use pictures in your marketing that communicates “Back Off” rather than “Welcome, how can I help you?”. Is it because others did it? Just because others do it does not mean it is the right thing to do.

Is it because you thought it looks great? Consider asking someone independent who will give you an honest opinion.

Just because a picture was taken by a professional photographer does not mean it is the right picture for your advertising. Sometimes less is more.

When you are a landlord there might be a time when you need to find a new tenant for your rental unit. Keep in mind the largest cash flow killer for a landlord is tenant turnover and the better you screen your tenants the better the chances of finding a tenant who will pay the rent and remain in the unit longer. This will help your cash flow.

One thing you should consider is running a separate credit and background check on each occupant who is over 18 years old. There are several great tenant screening companies out there who can help you with this. They not only run the credit and background check but also the potential tenant’s rental history. When you have a potential tenant call, make an appointment to meet with them. Preferably in person!

Have every potential tenant that is over 18 fill out a separate rental application. Compare the rental application information with their issued state ID.  Look for discrepancies or lapses in rental history or rental payment. When you find things like this ask about them.

Make certain you call the potential tenants previous landlords, not the current one. Call as far back in history as you can. This will give you a better idea as to whether they will be likely to pay the rent. Checking with the current landlord might not tell you the true relationship they had with this tenant because they are glad that they are moving. Just because they did not get along does not mean they will not get along with you.

Drive by the current rental unit the potential tenant is occupying right now. How do they take care of their current rental? Is it neat and clean or is it trashy? This will tell you how this potential tenant might take care of your rental. Run a zoning violation search against the rental the tenant currently occupies. This will also give you great insights on how they care for the outside of the property.

You might also check their online presence through FB, twitter, or other social media sites. You might be surprised what you can find.

When you meet and speak with them, what is the first impression you are getting? How well do they speak about their current or their past landlords? Do they get upset when you tell them that you have more than one application for the unit and it will take no longer than a few days to make a final decision?

If you are a landlord who allows pets in the rental unit seek information about the potential renter’s pets. Also check for local ordinances in place that either excludes certain pets. A valid and current pet certification may have to be held by the owner.

During your conversation with them set your expectations for them on how to treat the rental unit and the usage limitations set forth by zoning ordinances of the city. Make them aware of what actions they may take that could cause them to lose their rental deposit. You might also consider giving them a handout about this topic.

Make sure you are charging a rental deposit. Use a move-in and move-out check list as well.

This quote from Charles Popplestown came to mind as I received a very long email from a possible Real Estate recruit. This explained to me why she hates doing certain tasks in her current function and why she thinks she will not be doing them later.

Do you know who your customers are and where they come from?

 It is easy for all of us to complain about this or that and/or maybe him or her. It is so much harder to look at the problem and offer a solution. When a company is recruiting, that is exactly what they are looking for. There are times when a company is hiring because they are faced with a situation (opportunity) they could not solve and they are now looking for the solution externally.

In our business we strive to receive referrals and also to give referrals. Before we receive the referral business we have to earn it. Referrals, and the referral business, do not come without hard work, dedication, and offering of solutions to our current customers and clients.

This not only holds true in the world of our business, it holds true for all types of jobs and employment.

Be the solution to an issue and don’t become the issue. When you have an issue, offer a solution or an idea to a solution.