Whether you’re moving out of state, trying to narrow down your choices, or you’re just not ready to venture out (it’s cold or rainy or your slippers are too cozy), the ability to tour apartments virtually makes your search oh-so-much easier. It truly is the next best thing to being there, and with all the 3D tours available on Apartments.com, finding the perfect apartment is just a click or two away.
But do you know about all the features Matterport 3D tours provide on Apartments.com? From taking measurements to “walking around” the apartment in VR, you can get a full, comprehensive view of an apartment without ever stepping foot inside. Isn’t technology amazing? (It’s also fun. I often take 3D tours just to see the floor plans and décor.)
Here are some tips and tricks to get the most out of your virtual apartment tours.
Filter for 3D Tours
If you only want to see rentals that offer 3D tours, there’s a filter for that! Go to Apartments.com and select “Filter & Sort” at the top of your screen. Scroll all the way down to “Sort.” Tap the box and select “3D Tour.” Then choose “See Results.”
On a computer, you’ll see a button on the top right that says “Sort.” Click this button and select “3D Tour.”
Now, you have just apartments with Matterport 3D tours. If you want to narrow down your choices even more and just take tours of your top contenders, save the apartments you want to tour virtually to your favorites by tapping the heart.
After scrolling through the apartments in your search area and identifying your favorites, you’ll find them in the menu at the top, to the left of the Apartments.com logo, under “Renter Tools.”
Select a Space to Tour
Tap on a property. At the bottom of the photo carousel, you’ll see several options. One of these should be “Matterport 3D Tours.” You may see several different areas you can tour. Open one and look around. Tap to move forward and swipe around to get a full view of the room, from ceiling to floor.
At the bottom left, you’ll see three icons. Let’s explore what each of those do:
- Dollhouse
This is my favorite view because it looks as though you are peeking into a dollhouse. This is the first icon on the left (the one that looks like a three-dimensional box). This view will give you an idea of how each room connects, and the size of each room in comparison to other spaces in the apartment. If you double tap inside a room, you’ll “land” there.
- Floor Plan
You’ll find this icon in the middle – it looks like a backward “L.” Unlike traditional floor plans, this option provides a top-down view of the apartment. Use this view to get a better understanding of how far the bedroom is from, say, the living room or kitchen. Again, if you double tap on a space, you’ll land in that spot and you can resume the tour.
- Measurement Mode
Select the icon that looks like a ruler. This is a great way to get an idea of the actual size of the apartment, and you can make sure your sofa will fit along the living room wall.
Tap the “plus” button, and then press and hold where you want the measurement to start. You’ll see a red circle. Release and move to where you want to end the measurement. Click the checkmark and you’ll see the measurement pop up on your screen.
If you measure repeatedly, you can tap any of the lines you made to highlight it and display the measurement. This way, you can determine if your sectional will fit, without having to visit the apartment with your tape measure!
Take a VR Tour
You may have noticed the icon that looks like a rectangle with two circles inside on the bottom right of your screen. Tap this icon to view the apartment in VR. You’ll need a VR headset, such as the Meta Quest 3, Meta Quest 2, or Meta Quest Pro. Apple Vision Pro will also work. Now, you can “walk around” the apartment (or even the fitness center) for a truly interactive virtual tour.
Taking virtual tours gives you a great idea of what to expect when you decide to tour in person. You now know the layout and the measurements of the rooms, and you were able to “walk” around and get a sense of the spaces.
Benefits of Virtual Apartment Tours
Virtual apartment tours make it easier to find your next home. If you’re relocating from another city or juggling a packed schedule, touring virtually allows you to explore apartments on your time, no travel required.
Another big advantage is the amount of time you can save. Instead of driving from one property to another, you can tour several apartments in minutes. This means you can focus on apartments that truly fit your needs, saving you valuable time.
Virtual tours also give you the chance to explore a wider variety of apartments. Looking for options in another state? No problem. Virtual tours make it easier for long-distance movers to find a great place. With tools like VR viewing and live online tours, you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped right into your future home—even from miles away.
What to Look for During a Virtual Tour
Taking 3D tours is a fun way to explore a new apartment, but there are some things you’ll want to pay attention to if you’re trying to determine if this is the right place for you. Here are some of the apartment features and red flags to watch for:
The staging
Are you touring a model, or the actual unit? If it’s a model, it is most likely staged. A staged unit will have furniture and decorations that give the apartment an attractive, homey feel.
While it’s tempting to envision yourself in the unit as it appears, try to picture it with your furniture and décor. Will your sofa fit comfortably in the living area? Is there enough wall space for your artwork or shelves? Visualizing the unit with your belongings in mind can help you get a clearer picture of how well the apartment will fit your needs.
For unstaged or actual units, pay attention to the condition of the apartment. Look for signs of wear and tear, such as scuffed floors, chipped paint, or outdated fixtures. These details give you an idea of how well the property is maintained.
The apartment layout
How’s the flow of the space from one room to the next? Is the living area open and inviting? Is there enough counter space and cabinets in the kitchen? Is there an outdoor space?
If you’ll be sharing the apartment with a roommate, is there enough separation of living spaces to allow for privacy? If you work from home, is there a place to set up your office space?
Finishes and Maintenance
As you tour, look at the flooring, cabinetry, countertops, and even the appliances. Make sure they fit your style. If you are touring a model, know that sometimes apartment communities will show off high-end finishes in the model and your unit may or may not include those finishes. So, if you love the granite countertops, double-check the unit-level details or call the property to see what’s included in the unit you’re considering.
Lighting and windows
If you’re touring the actual unit, note the placement and number of windows in the apartment. Make sure these fit your needs. For example, if you work nights or like to sleep in, you may not want three large windows in the bedroom.
On the flip side, an apartment with only one tiny window in the back of the unit facing a brick wall could make your apartment rather gloomy. If you’re touring a model, remember that the actual unit will probably offer different views, so contact the property directly if you’d like to know more about the specific unit.
Storage space
If you’ve ever rented an apartment without any storage space, you know how important this is! As you tour, check to see how many cabinets are in the kitchen and whether there’s a coat closet, linen closet, or pantry. If there’s an in-unit washer and dryer, does the space include any shelving or cabinetry? How big is the bedroom closet?
Community Amenities
If the property offers 3D tours of shared amenities like the clubhouse or fitness center, these can provide you with a better understanding of what living in the community will be like. What type of equipment does the fitness center offer? Does the clubhouse have the features you’ll need to host your annual chili cook-off?
Online tours go a step beyond pictures to help you visualize the layout, size, and features the apartment provides. It’s another tool to help you narrow down your options and find a space that works, and you can do it from the comfort of home. Now that you know all about Matterport 3D tours, it’s time to explore, measure, and find a great apartment – no shoes required!
This article was originally published on April 1, 2020.
