If you’re looking for a new rental home, you understand that touring units is crucial to finding the right one. Arranging showings with property managers, however, can be quite time-consuming, particularly in our hectic lives.
While digital advances have provided listings with lots of photos and virtual tours, these tools can sometimes fall short of giving a full sense of the property. This could be why 83% of renters prefer self-guided tours over other options.
There are definitely several benefits to self-guided rental home tours, but a few drawbacks exist too. Weighing the pros and cons is important before deciding on a self-guided tour during your rental home search.
Pros
- Convenient for those with busy schedules. Unlike traditional tours, which require scheduling a meeting with a landlord or agent, self-guided tours allow you to visit the property at your convenience. You choose a convenient time, receive an access code, and then head to the property when you’re ready.
- For security purposes, self-guided tours are never double-booked so you won’t have uncomfortable meetings with people who could be competing for the same rental property.
- 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. Many renters like the fact that no one is there to ask pointed questions or push them into making a quick decision. Few people appreciate being hurried into decisions, especially when it involves where they’ll be living 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 appropriate only for leasing vacant properties. If the rental isn’t vacant yet, you’ll need to tour it with the landlord or property manager.
- Questions will need to wait until after the self-guided tour. Though you can text or email someone later, you might forget to ask some questions during the tour.
- Potential to miss out on learning a lot of helpful information about the area. These are things that a landlord or leasing professional should explain to you when you tour a property. If no one is present, you may not find out about these things until later in your search.
If you’re looking for a new home to rent in Palmer or nearby, Real Property Management Last Frontier 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.
We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. See Equal Housing Opportunity Statement for more information.
