If you are searching for a new rental home, you are aware that touring the available units is an essential part of finding that perfect fit. However, attempting to arrange showings with Houston property managers can be a problematic experience, especially in our hectic lives. Advances in digital technology have offered us listings with several photos and even virtual walk-throughs, but these tools are not always sufficient to get a comprehensive sense of the property. Perhaps this is why 83% of renters prefer self-guided property tours over all other options. There are certainly many advantages to self-guided rental home tours, but there are a few drawbacks as well. Considering the pros and cons before choosing a self-guided tour during your Houston rental home search is important.
Pros
Self-guided tours are preferable for many renters because of the benefits they offer people with heavy schedules. As compared to a traditional tour, where you would be required to meet a landlord or rental agent at the property, self-guided property tours are established so you can access the property at your convenience. You request a convenient time slot, acquire an access code, and then arrive at the property at your convenience. When you reserve a time slot, one advantage is that you don’t need to be scared of other applicants showing up while you’re there. Due to security reasons, self-guided tours are never double-booked, ensuring that you won’t have unpleasant encounters with people against whom you might end up competing for the same rental house.
Once you are at the property, several renters appreciate the fact that you are free to explore the rental home without a landlord or rental agent looking over your shoulder. You do not have to feel pressed for time or hide your honest reaction to the property if you dislike it. Moreover, some renters like not to have someone there trying to ask intimate questions or feeling pressured to decide immediately. Few people want to be rushed into decisions, especially not ones as big as where you will be living for the next few months or years.
Cons
Unquestionably, self-guided property tours also have their disadvantages. Before you are granted access to a property, the leasing office will likely ask you to complete an application or a quick screening check. If you don’t pass these checks for some reason, there’s little hope of ever entering the front door. You may not even be aware of why you are denied unless the landlord or leasing agent is prepared to share the reason for the denial.
Another potential drawback to self-guided rental house tours is that you cannot ask questions while going through the property. Although you can always text or email someone about it later, you may have questions during the tour that you may forget to ask later. You may also miss out on learning a lot of helpful information about the neighborhood, nearby amenities, etc. These are the details that a professional Houston landlord or leasing agent should be able to say to you when you visit a property. If you are looking by yourself, you may not know about these things until much later in your search process.
At last, it is up to you to decide which type of property tour works for you. Even though both traditional and self-guided tours have pros and cons, you can still use them to your advantage until you locate your next rental home. If you’re looking for a new place to live, Real Property Management Sugarland offers flexible touring options for great homes near you. You can view our listings online.
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