When I began investing in rental properties here in Indianapolis, I usually communicated with my tenants via phone (land line) or in person. To make my life easier, I got a pager. When my tenants had questions or a repair issue, they could call my pager, and I’d see their phone number on the read-out.
That was the easy part. The hard part (before cell phones) was finding a pay phone in the area so I could call them back. Typical scenario:
- I’m working at one of my empty rentals, trying to get it rent ready. It’s the middle of winter, and there’s 8 inches of snow on the ground.
- I get a page from one of my tenants.
- I go to the pay phone a few blocks from where I’m working.
- I put my quarter in — yes, a quarter — and the phone eats my quarter. I try it again. Same result.
- I go to another pay phone, a few blocks from the first one.
- I put my quarter in. I get a dial tone — yay! But the push buttons are frozen and I can’t dial out.
- I go to a third pay phone, and there’s a handset in the holder, but the cord is missing.
- I abort the mission entirely, and decide to just call them when I get back home.
I think back on those days, and I’m soooo grateful for the technology that allows us to communicate through so many platforms — email, text, and all that’s made possible through cell phones. Everyone has one, including people who work minimum wage jobs.
Technology … it’s simplified my life and my business. Love it!
The Landlord Chronicles 