Finding a new apartment is exciting, but fitting apartment tours into a busy schedule isn’t always easy. Between work, family, school, and everything else on your calendar, it can be difficult to find time to visit a community during traditional leasing office hours.
Self-guided apartment tours offer another way to see a potential home. Instead of coordinating with a leasing agent, you can schedule a tour for a time that works for you and explore the home at your own pace.
But how do self-guided apartment tours work, and what should you look for? Here is what to know before your next apartment tour.
What Is a Self-Guided Apartment Tour?
A self-guided apartment tour lets you explore a rental home without a leasing agent. With Burkentine’s SmartRent Self-Guided Tours, prospective residents can select a property and available unit, choose a date and time, complete a short questionnaire, and verify their ID before arriving.
When you arrive, geofencing technology confirms you are at the correct location before granting access. Your phone then guides you through the tour so you can explore the home on your own.
This lets you take your time, look around each room, and get a better feel for whether the home fits your lifestyle.
How Do Self-Guided Apartment Tours Work?
While the exact process can vary between rental communities, scheduling a self-guided tour is generally straightforward.
With Burkentine, the process includes:
- Choose a property and rental unit that you’re interested in.
- Select a date and time that works around your schedule.
- Complete a short questionnaire.
- Verify your ID before the tour.
- Arrive at the property at your scheduled time.
- Use your phone to access and navigate the tour.
The entire process is designed to be convenient, and you don’t need to download an app for Burkentine’s SmartRent self-guided tours. Help is also available if you have questions during your visit.
What Are the Benefits of a Self-Guided Tour?
One of the biggest benefits is flexibility. You can choose a tour time that fits your schedule instead of coordinating with someone else’s availability.
Self-guided tours also let you explore without feeling rushed. You can spend more time looking at the rooms that matter most to you, think about how you would arrange your furniture, and get a better sense of what living in the home could be like.
Another benefit is having the chance to focus on the home itself. Without a leasing agent walking you through every room, you can take your time and make your own observations.
What to Check During an Apartment Tour
A Self-guided tour gives you the freedom to explore, but it also means you are responsible for looking closely at the home. Don’t just walk through and decide whether you like the finished product. Take a few minutes to check the details that could affect your everyday life.
Check the Apartment Layout
Think about how you’ll use each room and whether you need a one-, two-, or three-bedroom apartment. Ask yourself: Is there enough space for your furniture? Does the bedroom have enough room for your bed and storage? This way, you’ll know your furniture will fit before you move in
If you’re moving with roommates, children, or pets, consider how the layout will work for everyone in your household.
Look at Storage Space
During your tour, open closets, cabinets, and other storage areas. A home may look spacious when it is empty, but you’ll want to know whether it has enough room for clothing, kitchen supplies, cleaning products, and everything else you own.
Test the Features
Check things you will use regularly. Turn on faucets, check the appliances, test the light switches, and check the thermostat.
Look at the condition of appliances, countertops, flooring, windows, doors, and fixtures. You don’t need to test everything extensively, but a quick check can help you notice anything you may want to ask about before signing a lease.
Check the Natural Light
Open the blinds and look at how much natural light enters the home. Consider which rooms get the most light and whether that works for your preferences.
Natural light can also help you get a better sense of how the home will feel throughout the day.
Listen to the Surroundings
Take a moment to listen. Can you hear traffic, neighbors, or other outside noise?
You may also want to consider the apartment’s location within the community. Think about whether you prefer to be near the parking lot, community amenities, or a quieter part of the property.
Look at Parking and Outdoor Areas
Don’t forget to explore beyond the front door. Check where you would park and how far it is from the home.
If the community offers amenities like walking trails, fitness centers, pools, dog parks, or outdoor gathering spaces, check those out, too. These features can become an important part of your everyday life.
Think About Your Daily Routine
As you walk through the home, imagine a normal day there.
Where would you put your keys when you get home? Where would you keep your shoes and coats? Is the kitchen large enough for your morning routine? Is there enough room for your home office or hobbies?
Thinking about the apartment this way can help you determine whether you can actually see yourself living there.
Is a Self-Guided Apartment Tour Right for You?
A self-guided tour can be a great option if you want to see an apartment on your own schedule and take your time deciding whether it feels like home. It can be especially helpful for busy renters who may not be available during traditional leasing hours.
The key is to use your tour time wisely. Look beyond the finishes, check the features you will use every day, explore the community, and picture what your routine would look like in the home.
With Burkentine’s SmartRent Self-Guided Tours, you can explore select apartments on your schedule and experience the space for yourself. When you’re ready to take the next step, schedule a self-guided tour and see if your next home is waiting for you.