How do you optimize self-showings?

Question

My property management company utilizes self-showings and I'm curious to hear from others who also do this. Is there anything you do to optimize self-showing?

For example, typically a potential tenant would have the opportunity to ask questions, and the agent can point out features of the home or neighborhood during a showing. With a self-showing this doesn't happen and I'm considering leaving a pamphlet in the home to provide additional information.

I'd also love to hear if anyone has noticed an increase or decrease in the time it takes to rent a property after switching to self-showing.

Drew Sygit · Answer

@Jennifer Rullmann because of the pandemic all we do now is self showings. The tire kickers don't waste our time anymore with questions that they really don't care about. The serious prospects are diligent about contacting us with their questions before applying.

So it's a great filtering tool figure out who's serious and who's not.

Account Closed · Answer

@Jennifer Rullmann

Video tour that you narrate will help. 3D tour will also help. Then as suggested above, a good one sheet takeaway with instructions for next steps to apply.

Zachary Ray · Answer

Self guiding tour services like rently are available. Its great for delegation but I do feel like it takes away the personal interactions you need to get a feel for the tenant.

Jennifer Schelkopf · Answer

Emailing before they arrive sounds great - that way I wouldn't have to worry about printing something out, and could more easily change it over time.

Brendon Pishny · Answer

@Jennifer Rullmann

I was thinking about having them call me on the phone and stay on with them while they walk the property. I would just have a lockbox on the door. That way I can explain things, answer questions and go over next steps. I’ve never done it before and always do showings in person. But I’m in the processing of buying a condo a little farther away from me than I normally buy which makes me want to try showings without being there. Some flyers and information in the house is a good idea too. Or maybe something you email them before they arrive.

Aigo Pyles · Answer

@Jennifer Rullmann

No. Our projects are usually single family homes and we did not install them with keyless locks. Due to the pandemic we provided 360 tours.

Jennifer Schelkopf · Answer

Thanks - do you do self-showing yourself?

Jennifer Schelkopf · Answer

Good luck!

Aigo Pyles · Answer

This is usually applicable if the property owners have smart lockbox technology. You need less coordination with self showing. It would be easier to show the property specially we have pandemic going on. And prospective renters/buyers can tour the property as soon as they want. But it's more appropriate for vacant rentals or vacant properties. Since prospects may have questions about the property it can be toughed for them to get answers on their own, so better prepare sort of a flyer. But there is always a risk that the property might get damaged without the supervision.

All the best!

Avery Rustad · Answer

@Jennifer Rullmann I currently am just doing as much reading and listening as I can at the moment as I am still in school. Therefore, I have not made my first investment yet. Nevertheless, I would like to believe based on the number of books I’ve read and podcasts I’ve listened to, that this would be a solid idea and something definitely worth pursuing.

How do you optimize self-showings?

How do you optimize self-showings?

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