Seems like an odd topic for a real estate blog but I have a point to make. George just wrote an e-zine article called “Keep your Friends Close and your Tenants Closer” which got me thinking – how do you keep your tenants closer?
As a landlord, it seems like the times I most frequently talk to my tenants is when they owe me money. They sometimes call me to say they can’t pay on time but more often I call them to see where their payment is or I received a code violation and they need to cut the grass. Maybe some of you can relate to that, and what happens? Many times I get voice mail or an answering machine, and no call back.
Would you think that we only call tenants for unpleasant things? Have we called to wish them a happy birthday or any other holiday or occasion? Well here is my idea…..it’s called “ what keeps you closer than cookies? ” My strategy is that landlords don’t always have to be calling with bad news.
Just for fun make a big batch of cookies, use your favorite recipe (I will share mine at the end) and package them on a plastic plate or heavy paper one and cover real good to keep them fresh. Call your tenant and tell them you have baked and have something special to share. Make sure you let them know at a time when they won’t think you are trying to collect rent. If they don’t answer the phone ask them to call you back to arrange a drop off time. I will bet they are surprised. If you don’t bake, even some store bought cookie dough ones would be appreciated. If it’s near St Pattys day wish them good luck. I’ll bet your relations will improve, if only for a little while.
My mother taught me to cook very early and our family loved to eat…this is my Mama’s Peanut Butter Cookie recipe: (I believe it was originally a Better Homes and Gardens recipe and makes about 5 dozen.)
1 cup shortening 1 cup Peanut butter
1 cup white sugar 3 cups flour (white)
1 cup brown sugar 2 teaspoons baking soda
2 eggs ½ teaspoon salt
1 Teaspoon vanilla
…………………………………………………………………………………..
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees
- Cream shortening, sugars, eggs and vanilla.
- Stir in Peanut butter
- Stir dry ingredients into creamed mixture
- Drop by rounded teaspoons onto ungreased cookie sheet
- Press with back of fork dipped in flour to make criss crosses
- Bake 10 minutes or til light brown
- Let cool on pan about 1-2 minutes and cool on wire rack
Enjoy and happy tenant relations!!!!!!!!!!
