If you’re on the hunt for a new rental home, touring the units is a major step in finding the ideal place. That said, coordinating showings with property managers can be a time-consuming process, especially in our busy lives.
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 likely explains why 83% of renters prefer self-guided property tours to 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. In contrast to traditional tours that involve coordinating with a landlord or agent, self-guided tours let you access the property whenever it suits you. You pick a time that suits you, receive an access code, and visit the property when it’s convenient 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. There’s no need to feel pressured for time or hide your genuine reaction if the property doesn’t appeal to you. Some renters also prefer not having anyone around to ask prying questions or make them feel rushed into a decision. Most people don’t like being rushed into decisions, especially important 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 ensures the protection of the current tenant’s interests. Self-showings are only suitable for renting out vacant properties. 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. Even though you can text or email questions later, you might forget to ask some during the tour.
- Potential to miss out on learning a lot of helpful information about the area. A landlord or leasing agent should be able to share this information with you when you view the property. If no one is with you, you may only discover these details later in your search process.
If you’re looking for a new home to rent in Norristown or nearby, Real Property Management Varanasi 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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