How Long Do Apartment Tours Take?
An apartment tour is a fun way to find your next home. They offer a firsthand look at the living space, amenities, and overall vibe of the community. During a tour, you can assess all kinds of things that will help you determine if the place is for you. But if you’re doing a lot of looking – especially trying to fit them into a busy schedule – you may just wonder… how long do apartment tours take?
As one of the most diligent and devoted property management companies in Massachusetts, we understand that getting a look at apartments can be very important to prospective tenants. Apartment tours provide valuable insights. So what can you usually expect from apartment tours? Let’s dive in!
In this article, we will explore the following:
- What is Typical? How Long Do Apartment Tours Take? – We will examine what the normal apartment tour looks like, as well as some that you may come across that are possible though not necessarily the norm.
- Preparing for Your Apartment Tour – We will explore expectations and what you can do to go through apartment tours efficiently.
- Virtual Apartment Tours – Discussing virtual tours will help in knowing what to expect from these increasingly common tour types.
- For Landlords: Why Not Professional Property Management? – If you’re a landlord, we will touch on how property management might be a worthy time saver for you.
What is Typical? How Long Do Apartment Tours Take?
Apartment tours generally take between 30 minutes to an hour. This time frame includes a comprehensive walkthrough of the property. The agent or landlord will likely walk you through at least one unit, showcase the amenities, and give a look at any common areas. Potential renters get a good feel for the layout and makeup of the apartment or unit. They also get an overview of the community environment and what to expect. It also allows time for questions and detailed discussions about lease terms, utilities, and any other concerns.
There are such things as “express tours” and “extended tours”… which might vary just what you can expect and how long the tour will take.
During a typical tour, expect to start with a brief introduction to the building and its features. The agent will likely show the lobby, any common entryways, as well as any shared spaces like the gym, pool, or rooftop terrace. If you’re asking how long do apartment tours take, you’re likely wondering just what you will see. While seeing all the amenities isn’t a guarantee, seeing some of them might extend just how long the tour is.
You might visit a model unit or the specific unit you are looking to rent. They will highlight key aspects like appliances, storage space, and any unique features.
The tour sometimes ends with a recap in the leasing office where you can discuss the next steps or additional questions. While the details of this can vary based on how formal or informal the rental property and the landlord are, the whole process is designed to help you make an informed decision about whether the rental suits your needs.
Preparing for Your Apartment Tour
As for preparing for an apartment tour, there are a few things you could do. What to wear to an apartment tour? Casual is fine. You could bring your ID (to confirm who you are). You could bring a notepad just to jot down any notes. Bringing your phone might work just fine for that need. Also, your phone can be used to take any photos you want to take. Perhaps you want to call a friend or family member and get their opinion.
On that topic, you could consider bringing a friend or family member along on the tour. They might think of questions you do not think of along the way, along with just being a fresh set of eyes on the property.
Virtual Apartment Tours
Offering a virtual tour is an option that many apartments offer nowadays. There tend to be two types:
- A Real-time Guided Tour – This is conducted with a leasing agent or landlord, often using the same type of technology you do video calls such as smartphones. This is most similar to an in-person tour since you have someone there who can answer questions.
- An On-demand 3D or Video Tour – This is not with an actual agent, so while it can be helpful to be walked through the property, you don’t have the advantage of talking with someone directly.
While they vary from each other, they are both solid options for having a chance to view the apartment and the community. While nothing quite compares to an in-person visit, these can help potential tenants make decisions on which apartment they might want to pursue. As for how long do apartment tours take when it comes to virtual tours, by and large, they are bound to be 30 minutes or less based on the fact that it is not in-person and there is no travel involved whatsoever. And of course, if it is an on-demand or video tour, you can quickly look and see how long the video is… usually they are less than 10 minutes.
For Landlords: Why Not Professional Property Management?
Each and every day a rental property sits vacant is a missed opportunity… for renters who might want to stay there, but also for landlords and property owners. For landlords, an efficient marketing process, effective rental property tours, and thorough screening are vital to reaching profit potential. While landlords can do this alone, why not rely on the experience of trusted industry professionals?
Bay Property Management Group is the area’s go-to source for dedicated property managers in Boston. We guide owners through every step of the rental process. Whether you need help managing an occupied unit or help finding your next great tenant, BMG can help. So give us a call today to learn more about how our targeted marking and full-service rental management approach can benefit you.
