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.
Advances in digital technology now offer listings with numerous photos and virtual walk-throughs, but these tools don’t always provide a complete sense of the property. This may be why 83% of renters opt for self-guided tours rather than other options.
Self-guided rental home tours certainly offer many perks, but they do come with some drawbacks. It’s vital to evaluate the pros and cons before deciding on a self-guided tour while searching for a rental home.
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 select a convenient time slot, get an access code, and visit the property at your leisure.
- 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. There’s no pressure to rush or mask your true feelings if you’re not impressed with the property. Moreover, some renters enjoy the absence of someone asking revealing questions or pressuring them to decide on the spot. Most people don’t want to feel rushed into making decisions, particularly big ones like 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 intended to protect the interests of the current tenant. Self-showings are best suited for leasing rental properties that are already vacant. You must be accompanied by the landlord or property manager to tour a rental that’s not yet vacant.
- 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 things that a landlord or leasing professional should explain to you 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 Chesterfield or nearby, Real Property Management Endeavor 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.
