Touring an apartment is arguably the most important part of your searching process. Photo listings and 3D models have changed the virtual apartment search for the better, but sometimes seeing your potential home in person just can’t be beat. However, a busy work week, family duties, and the overall stress of moving can make scheduling in-person rental tours difficult. Thankfully for you, dear renter, there’s a new approach to apartment tours that’s changing how renters tour apartment units and houses. Let’s discuss how self-guided tours are changing the apartment search process.
What is a self-guided apartment tour?
Traditionally, to tour an apartment that’s listed for rent, you have to get in contact with the leasing office or a leasing agent, schedule a time that works for both parties, and then wait on them to unlock the unit and show you around. Virtual tours have moved the needle forward for convenience sake, and Apartments.com even offers comprehensive virtual touring and detailed 3D models of listings. A self-guided tour removes the variables of waiting on a leasing agent and scheduling, and instead allows the potential renter (you) to select a time to tour the rental all on your own.
How do self-guided tours work?
There are some key pieces of tech that make self-guided tours convenient, safe, and even fun. First, you still have to apply to take a self-guided tour. This is usually handled by the leasing office and is as simple as filling out an online application, providing your credit card information (to cover any damages that may occur during the tour), and passing a quick screening check. After the formalities are sorted, you simply pick a time slot that works for you, and head to the property.
Here’s where things get interesting. Depending on the property, you’ll either access the unit you’re touring through a programmable keypad or a smart lock. This allows the property to set restrictions on who has access to the unit, meaning they can change the password after every potential renter has toured the property. There’s also a slew of self-touring apps coming to market like tour24, Rently, and more that make your smartphone a one-time key to get into the unit in question. Cool, huh? Your visit will most likely be monitored by cameras in the unit, especially if it’s staged with furniture, just to prevent any damages or theft.
What’s so great about self-guided tours?
You may be asking yourself, “Okay, but why would I need to tour an apartment by myself?” Well, the traditional apartment hunting process can be quite the bug-bearer for a variety of reasons.
Your schedule is the one that matters
It’s no secret that we’re all becoming increasingly busy. Even with a ton of free time, apartment searches are tough. Add in the complexity of trying to schedule a tour at the convenience of a leasing agent, and you can find yourself waiting days to see your dream rental. That’s what’s so great about self-guided tours, you can take a tour whenever you have time. Remote access to the unit also means that most property management companies will let you tour after hours, so not only do you get to work around your own schedule, you’ve got a broader window of access to the rental.
Self-guided tours mean less pressure
No one likes feeling like someone is watching over their shoulder, especially when you’re trying to decide on your future home. It’s easy to feel intimidated during an apartment tour. Are you allowed to open the cabinets and look at the space? Can you test the water pressure? Or open up the windows?
During a self-guided tour, you have the freedom to explore the space any way you want – without damaging it, of course. Touring on your own also means that you won’t feel pressured to make a move on the unit as soon as possible. Have you ever been to an open house or rental unit and the person showing you the property says something like, “This is a popular area, so if you want it, I would apply now!”? They may be telling the truth about the popularity of the neighborhood, but no one wants to feel like they’re being rushed into a decision – it’s your new home, after all.
No double-booking
There’s nothing more frustrating than showing up to a rental showing only to discover that you’re one of two, if not more, parties there to see the same rental. Now you’re trying to find how much natural light the unit gets while fighting your way through a group of people testing out the kitchen sink. Having multiple people on a rental tour just makes it more difficult for everyone to see their most desired features in detail.
It can also feel like you’ve been thrown into a bidding war with everyone there. If one potential tenant is ready to move into the unit then and there, what defense do you have as someone who’s equally interested? That’s where a self-guided tour comes in handy.
Searching for your next apartment is never easy, especially when you’re trying to juggle your own work schedule and touring potential new homes. Hopefully you understand what a self-guided tour is and how helpful it can be, especially in times where you can’t interact with a leasing agent or your schedule is just too hectic. So embrace the solo apartment tour and get out there, renters!
