If you’re looking for a new rental home, you understand that touring units is crucial to finding the right one. However, organizing showings with property managers can be a lengthy process, particularly given our busy lives.
Digital technology advancements have brought us listings filled with photos and virtual walk-throughs, but these tools sometimes aren’t sufficient to fully experience the property. This might explain why 83% of renters favor self-guided property tours over any other options.
There are definitely several benefits to self-guided rental home tours, but a few drawbacks exist too. Before choosing a self-guided tour for your rental home search, it’s essential to consider both the pros and cons.
Pros
- Convenient for those with busy schedules. In contrast to a traditional tour, where you must arrange to meet a landlord or agent, self-guided tours allow you to explore the property on your schedule. You request a time that works for you, receive an access code, and visit the property at your chosen time.
- For security purposes, self-guided tours are never double-booked so you won’t run into other potential renters who might be competing for the same rental home.
- Freedom to explore the rental home without a landlord or rental agent looking over your shoulder. You don’t have to worry about time pressure or hiding your reaction if the property doesn’t meet your expectations. Some renters also appreciate not having someone present to ask intrusive questions or make them feel like they need to make a hasty decision. Hardly anyone wants to be rushed into decisions, particularly when it comes to choosing where they’ll live for the next several months or years.
Cons
- Occupied rentals won’t be available for self-guided tours. This is done 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. While you can always text or email your questions later, some may slip your mind during the tour.
- Potential to miss out on learning a lot of helpful information about the area. These are details that a landlord or professional leasing agent should provide when you tour 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 Suffolk or nearby, Real Property Management Complete 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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