How social are you with the property owner? (Hang out together or taking him/her out to dinner once in a while?) Apparently not much, the other guy was able to shmooze them more than you. I know this is a low blow but the property owner is the guy who calls the shots, make sure they like you and you stay close to them. In the last 10 years how many Thank You notes did you send them? A Christmas card? free steaks? It is a relationship game and one should treat it as such. Sorry that you lost your spot, go back and talk to him/her, tell them you can trap too... just a thought....