Apartment Tours: 4 Ways to Do Them

Not long ago, the only way to tour an apartment was to visit in person. You had to meet with a leasing agent and walk through the unit with them to get a sense of its size, condition and nuisances, like natural light. While the way agents conducted apartment tours were already evolving, the pandemic put these changes into overdrive. Now, you can tour an apartment virtually, take a self-guided tour or watch a recorded tour online.

There are advantages and drawbacks with each option. Which option is right for you? And, what steps should you take to get the most of the tour? We’ve compiled an explanation of each, plus the pros and cons.

In-person tours

The traditional way to tour an apartment, in-person tours give you the best perspective. You can actually stand in each room, test the water pressure and evaluate the overall condition and cleanliness. It’s also easier to picture yourself living in the apartment when you’re physically in the space.

One of the biggest advantages of an in-person tour is you can ask questions. Come with a list, or at least, note the features and issues you want to cover during the tour, like accessibility. Because of the Fair Housing Act, the leasing agent is restricted about the types of comments they can make and questions they can ask you. They can’t ask about your marital status or what religion you practice, so if it’s important to know if there’s a Catholic church nearby, you’ll have to ask.

You may also want to volunteer relevant information about your lifestyle so the leasing agent can tailor their tour to you. For example, if you like to cook, mention that. The agent can then point out the new, upgraded stove or tell you about the gourmet grocery store down the street.

There are a few disadvantages to the in-person tour. First, an eager agent may shadow you and not give you an opportunity to experience the apartment on your own. Second, the agent may pressure you to “close the deal” by signing a lease on the spot. If you want to sign, great. But if you need a little more time, you may feel uncomfortable saying no.

Pros

You can take measurements
You can check the water pressure and other concerns
The agent is there to answer questions

Cons

The agent may not give you any space
There may be pressure to sign a lease immediately

Self-guided apartment tours

During the pandemic, this contactless tour option soared in popularity. The process is simple. You sign up online for a tour of the apartment you want to see and receive a QR code to access it. You’ll also receive a link to a landing page designed for your visit with information about the unit and maps to guide you to it once you arrive. At the apartment’s door, you scan the QR code and enter.

Since you’re on your own, you won’t be greeted by a leasing agent. Instead, voice-activated, Alexa-like devices should be throughout the unit to provide pre-programmed answers to basic questions. For example, you could ask, “How many square feet is this bedroom?” The device should be able to tell you. Some systems even broadcast pre-recorded information as you enter the room.

Although you will be on your own, a leasing agent should be available to you to answer questions in real-time as well. So, jot down questions as you tour and call the agent before you leave.

Pros

You can walk the apartment on your own
You can see the apartment’s condition
Less pressure to sign a lease on the spot

Cons

No one is there if you have trouble with the technology
You may have to ask questions by phone or through online chat
The experience may be too impersonal for some

Virtual tours

Virtual apartment tours have been popular for a while. After setting up an appointment with an agent, you meet online for the tour. The leasing agent walks through the apartment, telling you about it in real-time and answering your questions just as if you were there physically. This method is especially appealing for those moving long distance who can’t visit in-person before signing the lease. It is also a good option for anyone who can’t take time off work or who wants to tour from the comfort of their home.

Just like you could if you were there in-person, you can ask questions or direct the agent to take you to specific parts of the unit. But this method has several drawbacks, too. First, you see only what the agent shows you through video. Second, you can’t measure the apartment or test how well the hot water works. And, you never have a moment to yourself. The agent is interacting with you the entire time. Finally, technology can fail you. The agent could lose signal, the video or audio quality could be poor, or your battery could die.

However, technology also allows you a benefit you don’t get from other methods. Some agents record the tour so you can re-watch it later. This is helpful if your partner or roommate isn’t available to join the virtual tour.

Pros

You pick the time and place that’s most convenient for you
You can interact with an agent in real-time
The tours can be recorded and rewatched later

Cons

Your view is limited to your screen
You can’t open the blinds or test the water pressure
Technical problems can interrupt the tour

Recorded apartment tours

Like a virtual tour, a recorded apartment tour is available for you to watch anywhere. However, because you don’t have to schedule an appointment, you can also watch it anytime you want. And, you can watch the tour over and over again.

That’s because recorded tours are pre-produced. You’ll see the actual unit you intend to rent, but you won’t have the opportunity to ask questions or interact with the leasing agent. In fact, most recorded tours last less than two minutes. For most people, recorded tours are enough to pique their interest but not enough to move forward with signing a lease. You’ll probably want to follow up a recorded tour with an in-person, self-guided or virtual tour.

Pros

The video is available to watch anytime
There are no tech issues to deal with on the agent’s side
You can watch the tour again and again

Cons

You can’t ask questions
You see only what the agent records

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