So our landlord who lives out of state and does not have a property manager locally. Because we are leaving this fall, they are looking to rent the property again. They are asking if we would be willing to show the property to potential and interested renters for payment in return for giving our impressions on their level of interest. And they are asking what our asking price would be.
I'm fully aware that legally (and according to our lease) the owner has the right to show the property to a potential renter. I'm perfectly fine with that, but I never expected that I would be asked to do an additional duty of being available to show the property and report back our impressions.
I would need to clean, make time in my day, spend however long talking to the renters (we were here nearly an hour when we visited the first time), and then analyze in my mind what my impression was and report back. That is definitely worth something!
I feel like the number needs to be significant enough that the landlord doesn't send everyone over. That the money they would outlay would make them vet the renter to some degree.
The landlord is currently taking classes in one state and his wife works and lives about four hours away in another state. It would cost them at a minimum gas, food on the road and time off work (and maybe a hotel) if they were to drive here to show the house to a potential renter.
How much should I ask for? I have a number in mind, but wonder what others think.
Can I put stipulations on this? Such as only during X hours, when my husband would also be home?
Usually I'm all over making some extra cash, but this one is throwing me for a loop!
How Much Do We Ask For?
August 22nd, 2018 at 01:03 pm
August 22nd, 2018 at 01:16 pm 1534943765
If the visits will be spread out over several days or weeks, I would up the anty to include a free last month's rent.
Those are just my thoughts worth about $.02.
August 22nd, 2018 at 01:44 pm 1534945494
August 22nd, 2018 at 02:03 pm 1534946590
This could go on for over 60 days, so to estimate the numbers is pretty difficult. Although it's a very nice home in desireable area/school district, so it may rent fast.
I was thinking more of a per visit charge, rather than a percentage (flat fee) of the rent, which is $1800 a month. ($390-$450, based on percentages offered).
August 22nd, 2018 at 02:42 pm 1534948944
August 22nd, 2018 at 03:46 pm 1534952812
August 22nd, 2018 at 04:10 pm 1534954215
We haven't heard from poster Rachael but she uses a management agency, perhaps she'll respond to a private message
August 23rd, 2018 at 04:41 am 1534999278
It sounds like a fun way to earn money and you don't have to leave home! Obviously your landlord trusts you too - that's nice.
August 23rd, 2018 at 11:12 am 1535022754
Jenn, thank you also for your opinion. You are right that cleaning shouldn't be included. We already keep a pretty tidy home and don't feel it needs to be perfect for showings, just tidy overall. I hadn't thought about hourly. I'm not sure how easy that would be to track, but your hourly wage is in line with time I expect to put in, but charge a flat rate. I so appreciate your positive comments about not having to leave home and the trust factor. I'm having a hard time seeing the positive despite the potential to be paid. In times of stress I tend to see the negative (in this case, the work and intrusion into our lives). Thanks again.