Facebook housing groups
Should I comment on a housing post or message the poster directly?
Updated By the Housing Rocket moderators
Short answer
Do both. Leave a short comment such as 'Interested, sent you a message', then send a private message with your details. The comment tells the poster to check their message requests, where messages from people who aren't their Facebook friends often sit unseen. Keep contact details, like your phone number, in the private message.
A good first message is short and answers what the poster will ask anyway:
- Which listing you mean, since posters often have more than one.
- Your move-in date and how long you want to stay.
- Who would live there: just you, a partner, a pet.
- When you are free to see the place.
For example: "Hi, I'm interested in the room on Elm St for September 1. It would be just me, no pets, and I work full time nearby. I can view it Tuesday or Wednesday evening. Is it still available?"
Skip one-word messages like "available?" or "interested". Posters with lots of replies tend to answer the people who already gave them what they need. Keep the conversation on Facebook until you have seen the place and met the person.
Want the whole picture? Read How Facebook Housing Groups Work.