Searching for an apartment during a global pandemic can be downright challenging. Many property managers and landlords have turned to digital tools to meet the new social distancing requirements, which means renters must now rely on virtual tours rather than in-person showings.
With experts predicting this trend will continue even after things return to normal, it’s important to know in advance what to expect in order to make an accurate assessment of a property. Here’s what our apartment locators recommend.
Preparing Ahead
There are a few things you should do before you schedule a virtual apartment tour. These things will ensure that the meeting goes off without a hitch and that you find out everything you need to know to make an informed decision.
- Charge your cell or laptop battery.
- Make sure you’ve got a strong, reliable WiFi signal.
- Choose a quiet place where you won’t be interrupted or distracted.
- Research the property and neighborhood.
- Prepare your list of questions in advance.
Questions to Ask
One of the biggest challenges of taking a virtual tour of an apartment is that you can’t physically inspect the place in question. To avoid any unexpected disappointments, make sure cover all the important points during your digital meeting. At the very least, be sure to do the following:
- Ask to see each room from multiple angles.
- Request a close-up view of all the appliances.
- Ask to have the water turned on, particularly the shower to assess water pressure.
- Ask to have the windows opened. This will help assess the view and gauge noise level.
- Ask about the WiFi and cell phone signal quality. This is especially important if you plan on working from home or attending online classes.
- Request a list of amenities, such as parking or pool use, and ask whether they are included in your rent or will cost extra.
- Find out whether there are laundry facilities on-site (hookups in-unit, laundry room in the building, etc.)
- Ask for a tour of the rest of the building and grounds.
- Inquire about the guest, roommate and/or pet policies (if applicable).
- Find out whether any utilities are included in your monthly rent, or if you’ll need to pay them separately.
- Ask who is responsible for maintenance costs.
- Ask whether there are any additional fees to prepare for, such as application fees.
- Ask about lease terms and move-in availability.
- Find out how much of an investment will be required upfront (e.g. first month, last month, security deposit, pet deposit, etc.).
And, of course, you’ll probably have a bunch of other questions that are specific to your own needs and preferences. The more you inquire about during your tour, the easier it will be to narrow down your options and choose the Dallas apartment that’s perfect for you.
As searching for apartments online continues to become the norm rather than the exception, being as prepared in advance as possible will become your ace in the hole. Signing a lease is a big commitment, and that doesn’t change when you are touring properties from afar. In fact, it’s even more important to be diligent upfront in the age of virtual apartment hunting.
Have more questions or concerns? Interested in learning more about our inventory of luxury Dallas apartments for rent? Get in touch today! We’re happy to help.
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