Questions to Ask During Virtual Apartment Tour

Whether you are buying an apartment in another city or doing your own research remotely at home, virtual tours can be useful. These allow potential tenants to define living spaces with more comfort and convenience than ever before. But with all the benefits that this virtual perk brings, it can still come with downsides compared to the in-person experience.

Make sure you take full advantage of the interior of your next apartment, even if you can’t get in! In this article, we’ll present some tips for going through this assessment in its entirety. Virtual tours are the future of home research – make sure the process is covered by asking these critical questions.

Does this place tick all of my boxes?

Before planning virtual tours with all the apartments in your search area, it is necessary to create a list of the essential criteria that your next apartment must meet – and filter out all the properties that do not match the bill!

Apartmentsearch.com can help you find a place that checks all of your boxes. With our advanced filtering system, you can narrow down properties based on points of interest such as wheelchair access, fitness centers, pets, and more. Once you’ve narrowed it down to a handful of solid options, you can contact and schedule your virtual tours.

Is the unit we are visiting the same as the one available?

Once you have started your first apartment tour, check whether or not you see the unit you will be renting! Often, apartment complexes will have a staged model to guide you. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but model apartments usually have more bells and whistles than vacant units. In addition, they can also be more spacious! By asking this question, you’ll know what you’re looking at right off the bat.

What are the dimensions of the room (s)?

If social media has taught us anything, it’s that even the smartest phone cameras can be very deceptive! Therefore, be sure to ask basic questions about the layout and square footage of the apartment. Pay special attention to areas where you know you need more space, like the kitchen if you like to prepare meals, the closet if you share it with a forward-thinking partner, etc.

Does the unit for rent have the same finishes and appliances as the one we are visiting?

As mentioned above, more often than not the apartments will take you on a virtual tour of a model rather than the available unit. Asking how the finishes and fixtures shown on the tour compare to those in your potential home will keep you from falling into the techniques of staging baits and switches.

For example, if the model you see has granite countertops and stainless steel appliances, make sure the unit you are renting includes the same things or is reasonably priced for what it has / has. has not.

Where is the available unit located in the larger complex?

The location of a unit in the property can make a significant difference in your quality of life. Unfortunately, this is also one of the hardest things to glean on a virtual apartment tour!

For example, if your apartment is right behind a dumpster, you might have to deal with odors and pests that come from its proximity. If your apartment is by the pool, you might be faced with loud parties and after-hours shenanigans! Get some perspective on your next potential apartment by having your rental agent walk you to the unit on a video call.

Even if you can’t get into the unit, you’ll get a general idea of ​​what’s around the apartment, whether you have neighbors up or down, and even how long your car will last. at your front door. It is also a good opportunity to check if the property is well lit and well maintained.

Is there anything else I should know (insert your concerns)?

At the end of the day, no one knows your apartment better than the person renting it to you – whether they are a landlord or a property manager. If you notice anything fishy during your virtual tour, or if there is a particular convenience / feature that you are particularly interested in, inquire! Some good topics to consider when requesting more information on:

• Is there anything else I should know about security in the area?
• Does this property have a courtesy agent?
• Besides rent and utilities, can I expect mandatory charges for internet, garbage, or pest control?
• I read an online review of some tenants having issues with [subject], can you tell me a little more?

Use these questions to ask when visiting an apartment, and you will be reassured in knowing that you have carried out a thorough investigation before signing the lease. Finding an apartment can be long and even emotionally draining, but it doesn’t have to be difficult from a practical standpoint! Apartmentsearch.com can help you create a shortlist of apartment properties to visit and explore before committing.