If you’re moving from far away or too busy to take in-person apartment tours, it’s still possible to find a great new place. With today’s technology, you can find an apartment entirely online. From the search to the leasing process, you can secure a new home without seeing it in person. Here are some tips and tricks to make the most out of your online apartment search:
- Use filters and renter tools to refine your search
- Take a 3D tour
- Request a video of the actual apartment
- Read reviews
- Complete the leasing process online
Use Filters and Renter Tools to Refine Your Search
With so many listings available online, it is impossible to look through all of them. Narrow down your search to just the apartments that fit your criteria by using filters and renter tools.
On Apartments.com, there are filters for price, home type, number of beds/baths, amenities, and more to ensure the rental matches your needs. You can also sort in a variety of ways including rent price, listings with videos, and most recently updated. It’s easy to find the perfect rental on Apartments.com with tools built just for renters.
Take a 3D Tour
3D tours let you freely explore the potential property without ever having to step foot inside of it. Taking a virtual apartment tour is a great way to get a comprehensive view of an apartment instead of solely relying on snapshots from pictures or videos. You’ll get a better sense of the apartment’s size, dimensions, and floor plan.
Keep an eye out for red flags during the 3D tour
Red flags in a 3D tour are different than what you need to look out for during an in-person tour. It is just as important to keep your eyes peeled to avoid any issues or rental scams. Look out for these red flags during a 3D tour:
- Skipped areas or abrupt transitions can signal that the landlord is trying to hide a specific area.
- Damage to the property are signs of ongoing issues or past issues.
- Damaged or outdated fixtures suggest neglect from the landlord.
- Over the top staging is used to hide any flaws or issues in the rental.
Ask questions during the virtual apartment tour
To make the most of your live virtual tour, you need to ask the right questions. This way you’ll get a tour as detailed as if you went in person. Don’t be afraid to ask thorough questions like:
- Can you show me the inside of the appliances?
- Can you walk me from the parking lot to the apartment?
- Is there a lot of traffic noise?
- Where is the closest grocery store?
Request a Video of the Actual Apartment
3D tours are a great way to get a precursory feel for an apartment, but it is best to tour it in-person before signing a lease. However, if you’re moving from out of state, this isn’t always possible. Since most 3D tours are of a model, ask for a video of the actual unit if you can’t take an in-person tour. You’ll get to see the apartment to ensure it meets your expectations and is in good condition.
Read Reviews to Get the Inside Scoop
Now that you’ve seen the place, whether by 3D tour or video, you want to get a sense of the community as a whole. When you tour in person, you get a feel for the area. You can see how far you are from stores, noise levels, the condition of the community, and other important aspects.
Reading reviews helps replicate the in-person tour experience and even offers more information. You get to hear about other people’s experiences and what they think about the community. It’s like having a friend telling you all the insider details about the place.
Keith P. Davis, Regional Director of Multifamily Marketing at Apartments.com, suggests, “Read reviews, and perhaps do research on the community and on the management company. Raise any questions or concerns with them.”
Complete the Leasing Process Online
Many communities offer the ability to do everything online, from the tour process to the lease signing. Even after you sign the lease, you can take care of all your renter responsibilities online. Most communities offer renter portals where you can request maintenance and even pay rent.
This article was originally published on April 3, 2020.
FAQs
How do I see the neighborhood without visiting in person?
As you go to your in-person tour, you’ll likely drive through the neighborhood and get a good idea of what it’s like. However, virtual tours don’t include this insight. To get an idea of what the area is like, check out the local guide for the neighborhood on Apartments.com.
These area guides will tell you everything you want to know and help you see the neighborhood virtually. The guides include crucial information, such as the cost of living, the best transportation methods, a little about the city/neighborhood, points of interest, and more. Make an informed decision on where to live by reading the local guides on Apartments.com.
What documents do I need when applying for an apartment online?
To make sure that your lease signing goes without any hiccups, make sure you gather everything you need. Before applying, gather these commonly required documents:
- Proof of income/employment
- ID/Photo identification
- Rental history
- Landlord references
- Proof of renters insurance
