When searching for a new rental home, touring the units is a key part of finding the perfect fit. That said, coordinating showings with property managers can be a time-consuming process, especially in our busy 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.
While self-guided rental home tours have their advantages, they also have a few downsides. 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 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 ensuring you won’t have uncomfortable interactions with people who might also be interested in the same rental house.
- Freedom to explore the rental home without a landlord or rental agent looking over your shoulder. You won’t need to feel hurried or hide your honest reaction if the property isn’t to your liking. 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 measure is taken to protect the interests of the current tenant. Self-showings are only suitable for leasing properties that are unoccupied. 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. 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. 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 Schenectady or nearby, Real Property Management Teague 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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