What are your "must ask" probing questions?

Hey everyone!

I am just wondering what are your "Go To" probing questions when you are on the phone with a prospect?

Thanks!

#1 When do you plan to move? I have limited availability and this saves me a lot of time. Also, I only require a 30-day notice to vacate, which limits me to knowing very far out if I will have anything. I had a couple come in Friday who are moving January 1st. I don't expire leases Nov. and Dec. so I knew I wouldn't have anything.

#2 Do you have any pets and if yes, how much does it weigh? My weight limit is 20 lbs. so that rules out a lot of pets and ends the conversation quickly.

#3 Where are you living now? I get more excited when they are currently renting vs. living with family. If they are renting, I know their move is subject to a lease expiration. If they are living with family, there could be an eviction in there somewhere.

I get their name and while we are talking, I check the public records to see if they have evictions or criminal charges on their record.

I ask how many people we are... this determines if I can help them at all... If they say they are 5 people and all I have (available or not) is 1 bedrooms I can eliminate further discussion as I cannot have any household with more than 3 people, regardless of age (using the 2 per bedroom + 1 formula)... UNLESS they want to rent TWO separate units........

At my last property, I was able to add that, since this property is participating in an affordable housing program that includes age as a factor; all households must have one occupant that meets my minimum of 55 and the total household income cannot exceed XXX. This does not ask the age question directly; it just lets them know something about who I can help based on agreements the owner made with the government.

Both tactics can generally end a conversation early, but can lead to being asked if I knew any other property in the area that can help. I generally keep a market survey handy and can look at it to give referrals when appropriate. If I am not busy; I offer to make the call right then and there and check their availability.

These are all awesome thanks so much for sharing! I love to hear what everyone else is doing out there