6 Tips For Touring & Scheduling New Apartment

Home | Blog | 6 Tips For Touring & Scheduling New Apartment

Reading Time: ( Word Count: )

Trying to find the right apartment requires planning and research.

Scheduling can be challenging as it depends on both your available time and the specific community office hours and availability of their staff, as well as, travel time in between complexes. If you spread the task over too much time, it’s possible your preferred unit will have been leased by the time you make your decision.

It’s typically best to try to visit as many apartments as possible that meet your criteria, in a fairly short period of time.

You do not want to exhaust yourself. You also need time to ask questions and quiet time to digest all the information you’ve gathered before you have to make a decision.

Tip 1: Create a List

Couple Making a List of Apartments | www.phillyaptrentals.com

Create a list of apartments. You can search by location. Write them down. While there is no right number, you should hopefully have at least a few on your list, so you can compare apartments and feel confident you are making the right decision.

Tip 2: Map it Out

Map out all of the apartments on your list so you can see where they are located geographically. If you’re familiar with the area, this should be fairly easy. If you’re not or if you want to make the process easier, copy and paste all the addresses of the apartment complexes into your favorite online map websites such as Google Maps, Apple Maps, or MapQuest.

This way, you can visually see where all of the apartments on your list are located and plan your visits out by geographic cluster.

Tip 3: Figure Out How Many Per Day

Map Showing Apartments To Visit | www.phillyaptrentals.com This will be based on your available time, travel time, and touring time. You’ll probably walk into a few apartments and know instantly they’re not right for you. In these situations, be polite and thank your guide, but don’t waste your time or the rental agent’s time either.

While it’s your decision, a good rule of thumb is to allow for about 75 minutes per tour plus travel time. If it takes less time, you can relax and have a coffee break.

Tip 4: Plot Out Route

Plot out your ideal trip (and over multiple days if needed). Use a navigation app such as Google Maps, Apple Maps to map out a logical progression between all the places you want to visit.

You can also try using MapQuest New Route Planner to get their sense of an optimized route. See what route makes the most sense for you.

Tip 5: Call to Schedule

Call in Advance | www.phillyaptrentals.com

Call all of the apartments you plan to visit, and make sure someone will be on-site to show you a unit when you plan to visit and/or inquire if an appointment is needed (if an appointment is needed, you can either make an appointment while you are on the phone or wait until you know what time works best for your schedule).

You may find you need to adjust your optimized route based on your and the landlord’s availability. In this case, repeat steps as needed.

Tip 6: Print List

Print or write down your route so you have it handy the day of. If you are having trouble getting the map to print exactly as you want it, consider taking a screenshot and printing it out that way. It’s a good idea to call again to confirm someone will be able to see you when you visit, to maximize your time.

Happy Touring

Remember to allow for the estimated 75 minutes per tour, plus travel time. Limit your tours to between 3 to 5 apartment per day.

Bring a pencil and pad for notes (or if you don’t mind typing, make use of memos in your smartphone).

Of course, visiting 3 to 5 apartments in a day assumes all the apartments are fairly close to each other and this schedule meets your endurance and your own preferences. You’ll perform better when you’re well rested.

Bonus Tips:

  • If you will be driving, call ahead and ask where you should park. If you are touring in a major city, parking can be particularly problematic. Call and ask the community if they have guest/visitor parking.
  • To get the time slots you want, you might want to do your tour on weekday when landlords are generally not as busy.

Subscribe

* indicates required

Don't Forget to Share this post! If you like it!

Fidelity Management – Our content has been featured or mentioned nationally by some of the industry’s best websites including:
ApartmentGuide | Rent.com | MyFirstAmartment | RENTCafe | The Balance …and many more

Tags

Categories

Editor’s Picks

Ben Franklin Bridge leading into Philadelphia at sunset

Subscribe

Stay a Smart Renter. Join the Group!

* indicates required

Related Articles

Can I See the Exact Apartment I’m Interested In?

Can I See the Exact Apartment I’m Interested In?

If you are in the market to rent an apartment, you may want to see the exact apartment you intend to rent. However, the management company may not be able to show you the exact apartment as better apartment complexes have enjoyed very high occupancy rates in recent...

read more
Is Two Months Enough Time to Find an Apartment?

Is Two Months Enough Time to Find an Apartment?

While 2 months isn't the ideal amount of time (usually you want about 2.5 months) to search for an apartment, it can work if the complex you want to move into has a vacancy available. How Long Does It Take to Find an Apartment? The ideal length of time to find an...

read more
How to Find an Apartment Rental Not in a Complex

How to Find an Apartment Rental Not in a Complex

If you're looking to rent an apartment that's not in an apartment complex, odds are you're looking for a 'for rent-by-owner' apartment or a single individual apartment to rent. This means a single landlord, instead of a property management company that operates and...

read more
0 Shares
Skip to main content
Share via
Copy link
Powered by Social Snap