Searching for a new rental home involves touring units, which is a big part of finding the perfect fit. 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 could be why 83% of renters choose self-guided property tours over all other methods.
Self-guided rental home tours certainly offer many perks, but they do come with some drawbacks. 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. 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 suitable time, receive an access code, and visit the property whenever it works for you.
- 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 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 done to safeguard the current tenant’s interests. Self-showings are only appropriate for leasing properties that are 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 details that a landlord or professional leasing agent should provide when you tour a property. Without someone there, you might not learn about these details until later in your search.
If you’re looking for a new home to rent in Sterling Heights or nearby, Real Property Management Main 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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