When searching for a new rental home, touring different units is an essential part of finding the perfect match. However, setting up showings with property managers can take up a lot of time, especially when life is busy.
Digital technology has given us listings with plenty of photos and virtual walk-throughs, but these tools sometimes fall short of providing a full sense of the property. This might explain why 83% of renters favor self-guided property tours over any other options.
While self-guided rental home tours have many advantages, they come with a few disadvantages as well. It’s important to weigh the pros and cons before opting for a self-guided tour in your rental home search.
Pros
- Convenient for those with busy schedules. Unlike traditional tours, where you need to arrange a meeting with a landlord or agent, self-guided tours provide access to the property at your own convenience. You pick a time that suits you, receive an access code, and visit the property when it’s convenient for you.
- For security purposes, self-guided tours are never double-booked, ensuring you won’t have awkward encounters with others who might be competing for the same rental.
- Freedom to explore the rental home without a landlord or rental agent looking over your shoulder. You won’t need to feel hurried or hide your honest reaction if the property isn’t to your liking. Additionally, some renters appreciate not having someone there asking probing questions or pressuring them to make an immediate decision. People generally don’t want to be rushed into decisions, especially when it’s about where they’ll live for the next few months or years.
Cons
- Occupied rentals won’t be available for self-guided tours. This is in place to safeguard the current tenant’s interests. Self-showings are only appropriate for leasing properties that are vacant. To tour a rental that’s still occupied, you’ll need to be accompanied by the landlord or property manager.
- Questions will need to wait until after the self-guided tour. You can always text or email someone afterward, but some questions might slip your mind during the tour.
- Potential to miss out on learning a lot of helpful information about the area. These are points that a landlord or professional leasing agent should cover when you view a property. If no one is accompanying you, you might not learn about these things until later in your search.
If you’re looking for a new home to rent in Long Island or nearby, Real Property Management Unlimited offers flexible touring options for great homes near you. Feel free to check out our available rentals for more information and to schedule a viewing.
Originally Published on Aug 19, 2022
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