When it comes to finding a new rental property, prospective tenants have a few options for viewing properties. Two popular options are self-showing and in person scheduling with an agent.
Property managers know that as critical as the rental showing process is, it’s also really time-consuming. Between scheduling and rescheduling appointments, completing the showing and then following up afterward, it’s not a simple task.
Self-Showings
Self-showing or self-access is a convenient option for renters who prefer to view properties on their own or outside of typical business hours. With this method, renters can access a property using a lockbox at the rental property. This allows tenants to view the property at their own pace, without the need to coordinate their schedule with a leasing agent.
One of the main advantages of self-showing for renters is flexibility. Renters can view properties at their convenience, without the need to wait for a leasing agent to be available. This can save renters time, help them avoid taking time off of work and make the search process more efficient. Renters are able to view multiple properties in one day, which can be useful for those who are pressed for time or need to make a decision quickly.
Self-showings can also be more convenient for property managers. Self-showings widen your applicant pool, automate instant communication with leads, frees up time and allows you to focus on other aspects of your business. Self-showings drastically reduce the amount of time your leasing agents need to spend out of the office driving to and from properties. This also eliminates wasted time on no shows, rescheduling and unqualified applicant showings. This method of showing can be particularly useful for spread out metro areas or during high traffic times, allowing more showings per day.
Concerned about security and safety around self-showings?
With Tenant Turner only those who have been pre-qualified by requirements you determine are given an access code. The prospective renter does not receive this code until they arrive at the rental property. All access is monitored and our team is notified each time an authorized person arrives at your rental and requests an access code. These codes are one-time use codes that can be used only once and only on the day for which they are generated.
Related: Overview of Self-Access with Tenant Turner
Boost Your Business with Self- Showings
Contactless showings aren’t a silver bullet. For some properties, it makes more sense to stick with the in-person approach. But for most property managers, contactless showings bring big benefits for the vast majority of your vacancies. Richard Henry, owner of Druid City Properties sums it up best,
"We are able to manage 400 units with just 1 leasing manager. We love that applicants can view vacant properties 8am- 8pm 7 days a week. We lease properties faster with much less labor. Nothing better than getting online applications from applicants that you didn't ever need to speak with."
Find out more about how contactless showings can benefit your business — watch our on-demand webinar.
In Person Showings
Scheduling with a leasing agent is a more traditional method for viewing rental properties. With this method, renters schedule appointments to view properties with a leasing agent. The agent will show them around the property and answer any questions they have.
One of the main advantages of scheduling with a leasing agent is that the agent can answer questions in real time. Another advantage is that renters can get a sense of the landlord or property management company's communication style. This can be important for renters who want to make sure that they can easily get in touch with their landlord or property manager if they have any issues or questions.
However, scheduling with a leasing agent can also have some downsides. Most importantly, the agent’s safety. Unfortunately incidents of robbery and attacks against leasing and real estate agents have increased, making it critical to protect your self when showing a rental property.
The downside for renters is that they may have to wait for an appointment or need to take off work to coordinate their schedule which can delay their search process. Additionally, renters may not be able to view multiple properties in one day, which can be a disadvantage if they're pressed for time or want to make a quick decision.
Related reading: Safety Tips for Showing Properties
In person showing safety
Tenant Turner scheduling software helps to keep you safe when showing rental properties. Use Tenant Turner to prequalify your prospective tenants and easily capture photo IDs before the showing. Our automated process collects relevant information that you can use to disqualify potential scammers or persons with ill intentions before the showing.
Self-Showings or In Person Showings?
Both self-showing and scheduling with a leasing agent have their advantages and disadvantages. Self-showing is a more flexible option for renters who want to view properties on their own schedule. But scheduling with a leasing agent is a more traditional method that allows you to meet your prospective tenants in person.
Some Tenant Turner customers utilize both methods of showings, depending on the geographical area, their bandwidth and the type of property.
Talk to someone today to find out how Tenant Turner can streamline your leasing process with lead pre-qualification and scheduling automation no matter which method you prefer!
