February and March were record months for us in regard to vacant properties. We had tenants relocating to other towns/countries, some have needed to upsize due to their families growing and I've also taken on new managements with vacant properties.

So we've done a lot of advertising, viewings and sifted through so many emails and applications!

In doing all of this its come to our attention that lots of people could be missing out on making it to that vital "next step", just by not putting their best foot forward right from the start. This unfortunately can result in them presenting themselves in a way that makes them less attractive to prospective Property Managers/Private Landlords.

Be aware that one listing could generate 20 - 60 enquiries or more, so you want yours to be memorable.

So...Its tip time.

The first point of contact for a tenant is to enquire about a property they have seen. This could be through email or text depending on the advertiser's preferences.

DON'T

• Don't send a message like any of the following:

• Is this available?

• Interested.

• Can I park on the lawn cause I've got 5 cars?

• The ad says strictly no pets, but I've got 2 dogs and 3 cats can I be considered?

• Me n mi fams ned a hose cos we git kikd owt hit me up.

Believe it or not, we have seen all of these and more and it's not the best first impression.

So...

DO

Introduce yourself,

"Hello, my name is Sandra, I am on the hunt for a new long-term home for myself, my husband Joe and our two sporty daughters, Izzy & Eden. I am a part-time chef at the local Thai restaurant and my husband works full-time as a mechanic at GFD Motors. Currently, Joe is on ACC due to a back issue, however, we are very close to having him back at work on light duties. We are leaving our home of 5 years due to the owner putting it on the market. Our girls both attend high school in the area and they spend a lot of their spare time training for Waka Ama as they are off to Tahiti in November to paddle in the world champs. We have bond and first weeks rent approved and ready to go thanks to some help from WINZ. I see there are no viewings advertised currently, however, we would be very interested to take a look when possible please."

Copy and paste your blurb into all properties you enquire about if it makes life easier for you.

What you have done here is given the advertiser a small look into your world, it's not something you have to do and we cannot make you, BUT it shows you are open and happy to share. By doing this you are more likely to hear back than if you offered up one of the lines on the DONT list.

DO - When you are sent a viewing time, flick a quick message back confirming that you will be there and that you appreciate their time.

DONT - Don't leave them hanging by not confirming and don't not show up.

DO - Arrive on time or 5 - 10 mins early, if the person conducting the viewing is early and you can see them waiting, approach and ask if it is ok that you come through even though it's a little early. This can often give you one-on-one time with the agent/Owner.

DONT - Don't turn up in your gardening clothes and slippers with all your nephews, nieces and friends tagging along for a look.

DO - Dress to impress, unfortunately, these days a house viewing is similar to a job interview. If you have ducked out from work to look at the property and you are covered in grease or cow poo, then that's ok, just explain that you are in the middle of a shift.

DONT - Don't walk through the property pointing out all the things that are wrong with it, if its not for you, be polite and nicely decline the offer to apply.

DO - If you love the house and you want to apply, do it fast! Don't muck around because they may already have 3 good applications sitting there already.

DO - When it comes time to apply, try and give as much info as you are comfortable giving. There are certain things that cannot be asked due to privacy laws, so if you volunteer them, that could help. If possible, upload a recent snapshot of yourself/family and or pets if it's a pet-friendly rental.

DONT - If you are the unlucky one who gets turned down for a property, don't call or email asking why. They legally cannot tell you. 9 times out of 10 it's purely because someone else got there first, or applied quicker. So try not to take it personally.