Single Parent Advice
Secure Your Dream Home: Finding the Perfect Rental for Single Parents.
As a Single Parent it's all on you
The motivation behind finding a home for a single parent is the care for children.
There is nothing more important in a parent’s life than knowing their kids have stability and safety in the comfort of a home. I know how important it is to show your kids that you are a loving, caring parent who wants the best for them.
The information about the process of applying for a rental property provided on this website comes straight from my own experience as a mother, property manager, property owner, and tenant. I consider myself an expert in this field, not because my IQ is high, but because I have worked as a leasing and property manager and know how you can become a better tenant.
Unfortunately, for property owners and their agents, single parents are considered high-risk tenants. It is not personal; the rental income for landlords is their return on investment, and by choosing an application, they want to ensure security and stability.
On this page, I will focus on everything you need to know about open inspections and how to make a good first impression.
Inspection is Like Your Interview
You need to be aware that an inspection is your interview, like a job interview!
Choosing a tenant starts during the inspection; the property manager’s job is not only to show you the property but also to observe and assess you to provide feedback to the owner on your behaviour, appearance, and communication skills.
There are seven areas the property manager will focus on during your first face-to-face encounter. The reason behind this is not superficial or judgmental. The property manager’s role is like that of a detective who is trying to find out the following:
Are you trustworthy?
Will you take care of the property with minimal wear and tear?
Will you pay your rent on time?
Will you be a good/long-term tenant?
Are you a tenant who is easy to deal with and communicates well?
Are you a tenant who is not too demanding?
Are you a tenant who is not a time-waster?
The Unspoken Do's and Don'ts You Must Know About
Dress code
The unspoken dress code for the inspection is neat and casual attire, sometimes called smart casual. It means wearing clothes that are relaxed yet tidy and presentable, less formal than traditional business attire, but still projecting a refined and professional image. If this is not available, wear your everyday clothes, but make sure they fit you well, are ironed, cleaned, and unstained.
Do not dress strangely, extravagantly, or too plainly. You want to be noticed, but only for the right reasons.
The main thing is to feel good and comfortable in your clothes. Look in the mirror and ask yourself, “Do I feel good about myself?” If the answer is YES, then you are ready to go.
The other option is to wear a work uniform if available; this will evoke respect.
If you are a woman and want to wear high-heeled shoes, no problem, but only if you know how to walk in them! Do you feel comfortable and confident in your high heels? Go for it!
If you don’t, just make sure your shoes are clean and not showing wear and tear.
Always ask the property manager before entering the property if you should take your shoes off. This shows that you respect and care for the property.
Hair and makeup
Your hair and makeup are also important. Wash and brush your hair. For males, shaving is important, and if you are wearing a long beard, make sure you trim it.
If you are a woman, makeup is a must, but don’t overdo it! You are not going to a party, so bright lipstick is not needed. Choose something natural.
Do not wear sunglasses. Take them off before entering the property and look the property manager straight in the eyes. Direct eye contact indicates that you are an honest person and have nothing to hide.
Cover your tattoos and remove face piercings, just for the time of the inspection.
Body odour
.Did you know that if you have had your last cigarette or a can of beer even two hours before the inspection, the property manager will smell it on your breath?
Do not smoke or drink alcohol before attending the inspection!!! You really need to restrain yourself if you care about securing a home for your family.
Wash your hands and teeth. I hope you are aware that a smoker can be recognized by the yellow stains on their teeth and fingers.
It’s important to know that if you are a smoker, nobody will want you to rent their property. This is because the smell of cigarettes will remain in the paint, curtains, and carpet long after you move out, making it harder to rent the property to a new tenant.
If you must wear perfume, use a small amount with a subtle smell. Do not use a strong, powerful perfume as it may remind the property manager of someone they dislike who wore the same perfume. You don’t want to create a bad association.
Communication and behaviour
The best way to communicate with a property manager during the inspection is to be brief with your questions and not waste anyone’s time.
All basic information regarding the property and location is available in the advertising. Familiarize yourself with it before going to an inspection and do not ask, “How much is the rent?” This information is available online!
If you think the property is suitable, then do not leave before chatting with the agent. Give them brief feedback and tell the property manager why you like this particular property.
If the property is not suitable, that’s okay, but do not leave without a quick chat with the property manager. Simply say that it is not suitable, but you are happy to inspect another property the agent may have on the market.
Do not leave the property manager guessing
If the property manager is busy talking to someone else, wait and do not interrupt. Wait patiently for your turn.
Speak directly, clearly, and confidently. Act as if you already know you have been chosen as the tenant, but be kind, polite, and show appreciation for the agent’s time.
If you notice that the property has a large garden, tell the leasing agent that you love gardening or have a friend who is a landscaper or gardener, and the best time to spend together is in the garden.
If you notice leaking taps or cracked tiles, you can casually mention that you are very handy and love fixing things in your free time.
Do not point out what is wrong with the house during the inspection, even if you notice imperfections or things that require attention or fixing. It is not the right time for complaints. Wait until you rent the property.
Do not stay at the property too long. Don’t stay longer than everyone else. The property manager has only a very short, limited time.
Act calmly, light-hearted, and easygoing. Do not show your desperation, anxiety, depression, or stress. Even if you are feeling desperate, anxious, depressed, or stressed, hide it during
Act calmly, light-hearted, and easygoing. Do not show your desperation, anxiety, depression, or stress. Even if you are desperate, anxious, depressed, or stressed, hide it during the inspection. Bury it deep inside yourself. You can do it. Your family’s future depends on it! Imagine that you are an actor playing the role of a prospective tenant in a movie. It is your chance to win the Oscar Award!
Single Parent Advice
Secure Your Dream Home: Finding the Perfect Rental for Single Parents.
Who to bring with you to an inspection
Since you are a single parent, I assume you would like to take all your children with you to the inspection – DON’T!!! Take only one of your children. The next question is, which child to choose? If possible, choose a school-age child. The school uniform evokes positive associations, such as respect, responsibility, knowledge, and wisdom. You want your child to make a good first impression. So, make sure to take the one who is best-behaving, well-spoken, and showing good manners. If you do not have a child who meets the above description in your household, ask your neighbour to borrow their child. Do you have an attractive or charismatic friend? Ask him/her to come with you. The agent will remember you more easily. If you yourself are striking-looking, just bring yourself.
Be on time
Punctuality is common courtesy. Holding an open house is quite stressful, and usually, agents work alone in circumstances like this, which means they’re very busy on the day. If you’re ready and waiting when they arrive, they might remember these good manners when the time comes to choose a tenant.
Follow up
If you’ve applied and you haven’t heard anything 48 hours later, send a follow-up to the agent. Let them know you’re very interested in the property and that you’re happy to provide any additional information or references they might need. They may well be deciding between you and one other candidate, and if they receive a pleasant message from you, that might be enough to swing the contest in your favour. Look, I understand that you may think all of this is common sense… good for you! I congratulate you! However, if you find the above information useful and you will want to learn move follow the link below to my e-book.