Guides

Are you ready to find your perfect apartment? The first step in your apartment search is learning how to schedule an apartment tour. Touring apartments is essential to getting a feel for the space and determining if it's the right fit for your lifestyle.

Whether you opt for a virtual experience or an in-person visit, scheduling an apartment showing will provide you with the insights needed to confidently select your perfect new home. Here's everything you need to know before booking your tour.

Tour virtually or in person

When beginning your apartment search, you'll need to decide between virtual or in-person tours, as each offers distinct advantages. Virtual tours are a great way to see multiple properties without leaving your current home, saving you time and allowing you to narrow down your options before visiting in person. These online experiences give you a real-time look at the apartment complex and can be especially helpful if you're relocating from another city or have a busy schedule.

In-person tours, however, allow you to experience the apartment building firsthand and get a true sense of the space. When you schedule tours in person, you can interact with the leasing agent, ask questions about specific features, and get a genuine feel for the community atmosphere. Many properties now offer self-guided tours that allow renters to explore at their own pace, or you can opt for a traditional guided tour with a property manager who can answer questions and highlight amenities.

How to schedule a virtual tour

Booking a virtual tour of an apartment complex is perfect for remote apartment hunting. Start by visiting the property's website and looking for their tour scheduling option, then select your preferred tour time. After submitting your request, you'll receive confirmation details and instructions for accessing the virtual platform, whether it's a pre-recorded walkthrough or a real-time guided experience with a leasing agent.

Before your scheduled tour, prepare specific questions about the property and note areas you want to see in detail, as this preparation helps you make the most of the virtual tour experience. Remember that virtual tours are a great way to efficiently narrow down options during your apartment search, especially when relocating or when you have limited time to visit properties in person.

How to schedule an in-person tour

To arrange an in-person tour, either call the leasing office directly or use the property's online scheduling system to book tours of available apartments at your convenience. When making arrangements, be prepared to provide your contact information, specify which floor plans interest you, and share your move-in timeline so the leasing agent can match you with available units.

For the best experience, plan to arrive about 10 minutes early on the tour day to complete check-in procedures. Many properties now offer various touring options, including traditional guided tours, self-guided experiences where you explore independently, or hybrid approaches where an agent meets with you afterward to answer questions, so inquire about these options when planning your visit.

Questions to ask during the tour

Knowing the right questions to ask when touring an apartment can help you make an informed decision about your future home. Before your tour, consider preparing a list of inquiries about lease terms, amenities, and community policies to ask questions that will help you determine if the apartment meets your needs.

Preparing for the tour

Proper preparation before an apartment tour ensures you'll make the most of your time and be able to gather all the information needed to make a confident decision. Preparing ahead of time allows you to focus on evaluating the space rather than scrambling to remember what you wanted to see or ask.

How far in advance should I schedule an apartment tour?

Planning is key when it comes to how far in advance you should schedule an apartment tour. Most property management companies recommend scheduling your tour at least 1-2 days in advance to ensure availability and give the leasing office time to prepare for your visit. If you're interested in a popular apartment complex or searching during peak rental season, you might want to book even further in advance to secure your preferred tour time.

For in-demand properties, it's wise to book tours up to a week ahead, especially if you're looking at multiple properties or have specific time constraints. Remember that scheduling with adequate notice also demonstrates your seriousness as a potential tenant and can make a positive impression with the leasing agent who will guide your tour through the property.

What should I bring with me when going on an apartment tour?

When preparing for an apartment tour, it's a good idea to bring documents that may be commonly requested by property managers or leasing agents. These typically include a government-issued photo ID, recent proof of income, and a list of personal or professional references. However, specific requirements can vary by state or locality, so it's best to confirm with the property representative in advance.

Bringing a notebook or your smartphone for taking notes and photos will help you remember specific details about each property, especially if you're touring multiple apartments in one day. Consider bringing a tape measure to check if your furniture will fit and a list of questions about the lease terms, policies, and amenities to ensure you gather all the information you need during the tour.

How long does a typical apartment tour last?

Understanding how long apartment tours take helps you plan your day efficiently when seeing multiple properties. A standard apartment tour typically lasts between 30 to 45 minutes, allowing enough time to see the unit, common areas, and amenities without feeling rushed.

For larger communities with extensive amenities, or if you're viewing multiple floor plans, your tour time might extend to an hour or more. The duration can also depend on how many questions you have and whether you're taking a guided tour with a leasing agent or a self-guided experience that lets you explore at your own pace.

Can I take photos or videos during the apartment tour?

Documenting your visit with photos can be helpful for remembering specific features of a property; however, photography is generally only permitted in common areas accessible to all tenants and guests. Taking photos inside occupied units or private spaces - such as another tenant's apartment - is prohibited.

Photos of unique features, views from windows, and potential problem areas will help you make your decision when reviewing properties later and can also be useful for planning furniture placement if you decide to move in.

Can I bring someone with me on the apartment tour?

Having a second opinion can be invaluable when making such an important decision about your new home. Most properties welcome having additional people join your tour, whether it's a roommate, family member, or friend who can offer another perspective.

If you plan to bring others, it's courteous to mention this when you schedule the tour so the leasing office can be prepared for the additional visitors. Having someone else along can help you notice details you might miss and provide feedback on whether the home seems like a good fit for your needs, wants, and lifestyle.

Apartment inspection checklist

When touring apartments, having a systematic approach to evaluating each property ensures you don't miss important details. An apartment tour checklist is a good way to remember all the elements you should examine during your visit.

• Noise. Pay close attention to the sound insulation between units and from outside the building. Take a moment of silence during your tour to listen for sounds from neighboring apartments, hallways, or street noise that might disturb your daily life.
• Plumbing. Check all faucets, showers, and toilets for proper function and water pressure. Ask permission to turn on taps in the kitchen and bathroom to test water flow and temperature, and look under sinks for any signs of leaks or water damage that could indicate recurring issues.
• Safety. Examine security features such as door locks, window latches, and building access systems. Ask about emergency exits, fire safety equipment, and whether the security deposit covers damages related to break-ins or other security incidents.
• Electrical. Test all light switches, outlets, and built-in electrical features to ensure they're functioning properly. Count the number of outlets in each room and note their placement, as this can impact your furniture arrangement and daily convenience when using electronic devices.
• Appliances. Inspect all included appliances to confirm they're in working order and meet your needs. Open refrigerator and oven doors, ask to turn on the dishwasher (if present), and check the condition of all appliances to avoid surprises after moving into your new apartment.

Schedule an apartment tour with Greystar

By thoroughly evaluating each of these areas during your tour, you'll gain a good understanding of the apartment's condition and suitability for your lifestyle. This methodical approach is the best way to schedule apartment tours and make the most of each visit, helping you confidently take the next step toward finding your new home.

Remember that the tour allows you to not only see the physical space but also get a feel for the community and neighborhood. Pay attention to your gut feeling about the property, as this can be just as important as checking off items on your list. When you find the right place, you'll know — and you'll be ready to move forward with the application process and sign the lease agreement with confidence. To get started finding your dream home, schedule an apartment tour with a Greystar property in your area today!