If you’re on the hunt for a new rental home, touring the units is a major step in finding the ideal place. However, scheduling showings with property managers can be time-consuming, especially with our busy schedules.
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.
Self-guided rental home tours certainly offer many perks, but they do come with some drawbacks. Considering the pros and cons is crucial before selecting 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 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, 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 don’t have to feel rushed or conceal your true feelings about the property if you don’t like it. 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 is intended to protect the interests of the current tenant. Self-showings are only suitable for leasing properties that are unoccupied. 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 points that a landlord or professional leasing agent should cover when you view 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 Highlands or nearby, Real Property Management Piedmont 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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