Searching for a new rental home involves touring units, which is a big part of finding the perfect fit. 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 could be why 83% of renters prefer self-guided tours over other options.
Self-guided rental home tours offer many benefits, but they also have a few drawbacks. 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, 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 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. There’s no pressure to rush or mask your true feelings if you’re not impressed with the property. Additionally, some renters appreciate not having someone there asking probing questions or pressuring them to make an immediate decision. 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 measure is taken to protect the interests of the current tenant. Self-showings are only suitable for leasing properties that are unoccupied. You’ll need to have the landlord or property manager with you to tour a rental that isn’t yet vacant.
- Questions will need to wait until after the self-guided tour. You can always send a text or email later, but you may forget certain questions during the tour.
- Potential to miss out on learning a lot of helpful information about the area. A landlord or professional leasing agent should be able to inform you about these things when you view a property. Without someone present, you may miss out on these details until further along in your search.
If you’re looking for a new home to rent in Staunton or nearby, Real Property Management Summit 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.
