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20 Essential Tips for Your Next Virtual Apartment Tour

Reading Time: 9 minutes

Do you want to tour a Houston apartment without leaving your couch? Got your eyes on an apartment in Baltimore , but don’t want to deal with the traffic?

A virtual apartment tour is the perfect way to check out a property before you commit to anything. They’re great for potential tenants who live outside the area or would rather tour from the comfort of home.

The up-and-coming virtual tour is a convenient and safe time-saver for renters, leasing agents, and property managers across the country. Here’s how to get the most out of your private walkthrough.

What is a virtual apartment tour?

During a virtual apartment tour, you’ll use your smartphone, computer, or tablet to tour an apartment unit. A leasing agent, property manager, or landlord usually serves as your tour guide during a live tour.

“Virtual tours create immersive experiences that effectively communicate the apartment’s potential to renters and help them make informed decisions,” says Gabriel Esteban of Plus Render .

Virtual tours allow renters to “walk through” the space and look at the unit and overall apartment complex. Some tours allow you to speak with someone on the property and ask questions along the way.

There are three main types of virtual apartment tours:

•     Live video call tour: A live tour is the most hands-on option. An on-site representative will walk around the unit to show you the space and answer your questions in real time.
•     Recorded video tour: A recorded tour shows the apartment from the first-person point of view, but it isn’t in real time. The person recording the video has complete control over the pace of the tour and what is (and isn’t) shown.
•     3D virtual apartment tour: A 360° camera and specialized software create a premade 3D rendering of the apartment. Renters “navigate” through the unit by clicking around in different parts of the unit, similar to the 3D home tour many people use when they consider buying a house on Redfin.

Any virtual tour can provide a handy way to view an apartment without being there in person. However, many people find live tours the most helpful since they can ask live questions and make requests on the spot. Here’s how to prepare ahead of time:

Deciding between renting or buying your next home?

A live tour gives you the power to ask questions on the spot. Researching the apartment and complex beforehand gives you a leg up during the tour.

1. Floor plan and layout

The floor plan could determine how well the space functions for your needs and how comfortable you’ll feel living inside. Do a little homework ahead of time to understand how the space is laid out before you see it virtually. If you have to focus too much on the layout during the tour, you could miss other details like worn fixtures or poor lighting. If you have any questions or concerns, write them down and look (or ask) for answers during the tour.

“Embrace an immersive perspective,” says Alex Narvaez of Superior Property Management . “Tenants should ask about the morning sun’s trajectory, whether the kitchen is spacious enough for their gourmet cooking sessions, or if the balcony can accommodate their favorite hammock. It’s vital to understand amenities, parking policies, and rent payment logistics. Unleash your lifestyle onto the apartment to ensure it suits you, not just on paper, but in practice. Truly “living” the space through a virtual lens is paramount.”

Jaime Sanford from Prime Property Group adds, “When embarking on virtual apartment tours, it’s crucial to gather vital information to make an informed decision. Start by finding out about the apartment’s layout, dimensions, and storage options to assess if it suits your needs and belongings.”

2. Spaciousness of rooms and total size of the unit

Knowing the layout, you can ask your virtual tour guide questions that help determine the furniture placement if the unit isn’t a furnished apartment . Use the tour to decide whether certain areas might feel cramped. This could help you determine if you want to pursue this unit or look into a bigger one or a different complex altogether.

“Be sure to ask for a floor plan or blueprint or at least room dimensions after you conduct your virtual tour,” says Nate Morris of Laker Real Estate . Also, ask the person giving the tour for the ceiling height, which is normally not included in standard blueprints. When you’re doing a virtual showing, the camera can tend to make spaces feel bigger than they really are. You’ll want to make sure you understand the actual square footage of the space and the measurements of things such as wall space in relation to things such as windows and doors. This allows you to better plan for furniture layouts and interior decorations.”

3. Storage options

It always helps to know how much space you’ll have for storage, especially if you have a lot of stuff. Ask your tour guide to open cabinets and closets to see whether they’re big enough for your clothes and other belongings. If you like the unit but storage is lacking, you might consider buying storage furniture ahead of time to bump up your storage space. For example, opting for a storage ottoman instead of a traditional ottoman adds precious cubic feet of storage space to your home.

4. Natural lighting and views

A camera doesn’t always display light accurately, so schedule your virtual tour during a time of day with ample natural light. Ask your virtual tour guide to stand in the middle of each room and pause in each direction to see how light fills the space. Spend more time in the main living areas and rooms with outdoor views. Ask the guide to place the camera next to the window to preview your view from each room.

5. Functionality and signs of wear and tear

If you were there in person, you’d probably open cabinets, look closely at finishes, explore appliances for wear and tear, and get a general feel for the apartment’s cleanliness.

Ask your tour guide to slow down while they show the kitchen or kitchenette to get an up-close look at cabinets, countertops, light fixtures, and appliances. Do the same for the flooring, ceiling, and walls.

Ask your tour guide to test water pressure in the kitchen and bathroom, then turn appliances on and off to verify that they function. Look closely at windows, doors, and locks to ensure they’re in good working order. Keep a watchful eye out for any signs of moisture or water damage, which can lead to harmful mold in the apartment .

6. Outside condition and curb appeal

Take your time in the entry area and lobby, noting the number of people coming and going. Note the condition of each area. Look at the staircases and elevators and see what kind of shape they’re in. How well property management maintains the interior and exterior can tell you a lot about how the complex is maintained overall.

10 questions to ask during your virtual apartment tour

1. which changes can i make to the apartment.

Adding personal touches to a new apartment truly turns it into your space, but not all changes will be allowed. Find out which types of changes they’ll allow, and whether you’ll need to reverse your changes when you move out. For example, if you can’t paint or put up shelves, you’ll need a backup plan for decor.

2. Which amenities does my lease include?

Utilities may or may not be included in your lease. If tenants are responsible, find out about typical monthly utility costs to help determine how much you’ll need to budget. If the landlord does pay for the utilities, are cable or internet included? Apartment amenities might also include fitness centers, pools, on-location laundry, and community rooms.

3. Where will I park?

Find out how on-site parking is handled, whether in an open lot, a covered parking spot, or a garage. Ask about any costs involved and how spaces are situated, including potential inconveniences like tandem parking . A unit with assigned spots is highly regarded since it means you’ll never have a problem finding a place to park.

4. What’s the guest policy?

Knowing the building’s guest policy can save you a lot of trouble, especially if you plan to host parties or have groups of people over for dinner. Ask about any limits to the number of guests, including how long they can stay. That way, you’ll stay in your property manager’s good graces.

5. What’s the pet policy?

If you want to bring a pet into your apartment , find out if the building allows them. Ask about any size and breed restrictions . Some facilities charge tenants a pet deposit and an additional monthly fee and may even require your pet’s vaccination records. A landlord has the power to turn down specific breeds if their insurance policy prohibits them.

6. Are there any plans to update the building?

Construction is messy, noisy, and generally inconvenient. If there are plans to renovate, you’ll want to know how long the project will take ahead of time. Completed renovations will reward you with an up-to-date living environment or new amenities if you can live with the inconvenience during construction.

7. How do I pay my rent?

You want to be able to pay your rent quickly and easily. Ask if the property manager accepts bank transfers or provides an online payment portal. Some landlords and property managers still require a physical check.

If you plan to start your lease in the middle of a pay period, ask if they prorate the rent . If so, you’ll only pay for the portion of the month you’re living in the unit.

8. How are emergency repairs handled?

Ask your tour guide if there’s an emergency repair number to call and how quickly you can expect a response. Ask for information about how to submit apartment maintenance requests for non-emergency repairs.

9. Which security features does the complex have?

Feeling safe and secure is an important part of any rental home . Ask whether there’s a door or gate buzzer for access and if a security guard monitors the area. Is there a fire escape on your floor? What’s the nearest exit in case of an emergency?

10. Which shops and services are nearby?

Learn what’s in the neighborhood. Ask your guide about any notable shops, services, and restaurants within short walking or driving distance. It never hurts to come prepared with some research of your own too. Get a head start by skimming any online resources geared toward that area, like this Atlanta city guide , for example.

4 tips for 3D apartment tours

1. know how a 3d tour works.

A 3D virtual tour offers 24/7 access to images of the apartment unit, with interactive views from every angle inside the apartment. A 3D tour allows potential tenants to change views while viewing each room. They can then decide whether or not to schedule an in-person walkthrough.

2. Understand how to navigate inside a 3D tour

A 3D virtual tour will feature one or more of these views:

•     Inside view: This view lets you virtually walk through any room in the unit and zoom in wherever you want. It helps you get an idea of what you’ll see walking through the actual apartment.
•     Dollhouse view: This is an outside perspective like you’re looking at a doll house. You’ll see the whole room and rotate around to view it from different angles.
•     Floor plan view: This shows you the room layout, just like an architectural drawing or blueprint. It’s usually a bird’s eye view looking down.
•     Measurement view: This displays measurements for wall lengths and ceiling heights for each room and the unit overall. It provides the specific size and layout for the kitchen , bathroom, living area, bedroom, and all other rooms in the unit.

3. Verify that all the appliances work

Another key component to verify during a virtual tour is whether all the appliances are in working order. This can be difficult to verify virtually if you don’t specifically ask. “Ask for a video of all the working appliances in the property to ensure that everything is fully functional,” says Lena Stevens of Dwellsy . “This should include faucets, lights, fans, garbage disposals, and more. The same applies to water pressure – ask for a video showing the shower running so you know that you’re going to get the shower you want.”

4. Know when a 3D tour is most useful

A 3D virtual tour is best served before you schedule a live virtual tour or in-person walkthrough. After you explore the apartment on your own time, you can decide if you want to take the time to get a more in-depth look.

Why should you tour an apartment virtually? 

A virtual apartment tour can help you pre-qualify an apartment before visiting in person. They’re a convenient, time-saving way to eliminate the properties you don’t like before you invest more time into your search. If a virtual tour checks all your boxes, you can check it out in person, address any concerns, and fill out an application .

Virtual tour tips if you’re renting out an apartment

Virtual tours are great for renters, but they can be a great tool for landlords. Here are a couple of things to consider if you’re a landlord planning on offering virtual tours.

Virtual tours can benefit landlords as well as tenants

“While most tenants would still prefer to see the rental unit in person before signing a lease, incorporating a virtual apartment tour offers some benefits to both landlords and tenants,” says  Meng Chen, founder of PortfolioBay . “For landlords, sharing a pre-recorded tour video with multiple prospects can reduce the number of physical showings required.”

Keep security in mind

“Virtual apartment tours provide a convenient and flexible method for potential tenants to explore properties at their own pace, it also opens the door for on-demand touring while potential tenants drive past your property,”  says Roel van de Ven of Keyrenter Property Management Miami West . “To safeguard against scams, it is crucial to prioritize safety. Always request identification before sharing the lockbox code, and regularly change the code to prevent unauthorized access. Moreover, in today’s digitally driven society, renters often prefer receiving information about rent payments, parking policies, and amenities digitally, allowing them to review the details at their convenience.”

Chibuzo is a Content Marketing Specialist on Redfin’s content marketing team. He’s been with Redfin for over two years and enjoys running and playing basketball when he’s not writing. His dream home is a Mediterranean-style house with a large kitchen and plenty of windows.

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Your guide to virtual home tours.

While taking an in-person tour is one of the best ways to view a home or an apartment, it isn’t always a feasible option. Whether you can’t physically tour because of COVID-19 or because you currently don’t live in the same city as the one you’re moving to, virtual tours offer an alternative. You might be thinking, “are virtual tours worth it?” Virtual tours don’t just offer a quick look at an apartment or home, they also offer the convenience of doing it right from wherever you are and they save you time and money. Follow this comprehensive guide on how to tour a home or apartment virtually.

What is a virtual home tour?

A virtual home or apartment tour is an online tour that lets you view an apartment or housing unit using a mobile phone, tablet, or computer. By doing this, you can learn a lot about an apartment, such as its condition, layout, size, and amenities, without having to be physically there. With this information, you’ll be able to make a better-informed decision on whether you should rent the apartment. Some virtual tours are user-controlled, allowing you to decide which part of the unit to check out next.

Benefits of Taking a Virtual Home Tour

Virtual tours are becoming an increasingly popular option among apartment hunters in large part due to COVID-19 and shelter-in-place orders. But even when the dust has settled and apartments can be seen in person, there are several benefits that will have made virtual tours an integral part of the apartment-renting process.

1. Convenience

Visiting a prospective apartment in person can be a hassle. You may have to take time off work or sacrifice your free time on a weekend to physically tour the unit. Additionally, you might find it difficult to find a time that works for both you and the leasing agent or the landlord. If the apartment you want to see is far away, you also have to spend a considerable amount of time traveling there.

Virtual tours make it possible for you to view apartments anytime without having to schedule appointments or travel to their locations. If a certain apartment doesn’t meet your expectations, you can check out another one with minimal hassle.

2. Expanded Geographic Boundaries

If you’re moving to another city , state, or country and don’t have the time to travel all the way there to see a prospective home or apartment in person, you can tour the unit virtually instead. Virtual tours enable you to do some long-distance apartment hunting while saving time and money.

3. Enriched Experience

Photos of an apartment give you a basic idea of how the unit looks, but they may not give you the full picture. A virtual tour, on the other hand, shows you many things that pictures don’t reveal, including the apartment’s layout and features. It allows you to view each room at your own pace and look for amenities that matter to you, such as flooring, lighting, and countertops. You can take your time exploring the details of the apartment and then prepare questions to ask your landlord if you need clarification on anything.

4. Repeated Tours

If you choose to tour an apartment in person, it can be inconvenient to revisit the unit if you missed something the first time around. In a competitive market, you might only get one chance to look at an apartment before someone else swoops in and rents it first. A virtual home tour is available at any time of the day, so you can check out an apartment as many times as you want without feeling pressured to sign on the spot.

Types of Virtual Home Tours

Virtual apartment tours come in a few different forms. While some of them give you a more comprehensive look at apartments, others are specially designed to allow you to view units at your own pace. Here are four common types of virtual apartment tours you can try.

3D Virtual Tours

A 3D virtual tour is a 3D simulation of an apartment that lets you “walk through” the unit by clicking the direction in which you want to move. In this type of tour, you can explore a model apartment, view its floor plan, and walk through bedrooms. You may also be able to check out the apartment’s community amenities, such as the swimming pool, fitness center, and resident lounge area. 

Personalized Video Tours

Video tours are perhaps the best way to tour virtually. A video tour allows you to click a button and watch the video all the way through, pausing in places where you want to get a closer look at some of the apartment’s details. When a landlord, leasing agent, or property manager puts together a video tour, they can use a variety of platforms. Some of the most popular ones include YouTube, Vimeo, Helix, and Matterport. Zumper integrates will all of these, so you will be able to watch a video on Zumper that a landlord has created and uploaded.

Video Calls

Real estate agents or landlords can use video calls in several ways to provide apartment tours for potential renters. They may engage in an informal video call with you and show you all of the rooms and features as they walk around the apartment. Alternatively, they might host a virtual open house to allow renters to view an apartment at a specified time via video chat.

Panoramic Tours

If you prefer to tour an apartment at your own pace without the presence of a real estate agent, you can opt for a panoramic tour instead. Also called a 360 virtual tour, you can often find these on an apartment’s website. They give you an unbroken view of each room in a unit as well as other community facilities using a still camera that has taken a number of different shots from a single vantage point. This allows you to get a 360-degree view of an apartment, which makes you feel like you’re there in person.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Virtual Tours

If you’re going on your first virtual tour, here are a few tips to make sure your virtual home tour is a success:

• Write everything down: Make notes of things you liked and didn’t like about the apartment. Was the kitchen too small? Did you like the layout? Once the tour is over, your notes can help y9ou make your decision.
• Ask the right questions: Ask the landlord questions about aspects of the apartment that the virtual tour doesn’t show, such as cellphone coverage, noise levels, neighborhood vibe, and parking spaces.
• Request additional photos: It’s also important to get detailed photos of certain rooms and features in the apartment, such as pictures showing the amount of sunlight entering the rooms, the inside of closets and cabinets, and the condition of the carpet.

No matter where you are, you’ll be able to search for your perfect apartment more easily and effectively using virtual tours. Make sure you choose the type of virtual tour that works best for you and ask the right questions to get all of the information you need about your prospective apartment.

Ready to get started? Check out thousands of apartments for rent on Zumper and filter your search results by those apartments offering online tours. 

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How to Make the Most of a Virtual Apartment Tour

In today’s fast-paced digital world, apartment hunting has transformed, and the virtual apartment tour is leading the charge. Gone are the days when your only option was physically visiting each potential apartment. Now, whether your current home is thousands of miles away or just a few blocks down the road, you can embark on an apartment-hunting adventure online. 

The Rise of the Virtual Tour

The move towards online services and the changing roles of in-person rental staff have made virtual tours not just an innovation but a necessity. The virtual apartment tour presents a convenient solution, offering a comprehensive look at potential homes through your screen. Whether it’s a studio apartment virtual tour by video call or a self-guided 3D tour, the digital age has got you covered.

The Perks of Going Virtual

Accessibility and convenience.

Imagine touring an apartment while lounging in your pajamas, coffee in hand. The main advantage of a virtual tour is its convenience – it’s accessible from anywhere, saving you time, money, and energy. This is particularly advantageous if you’re relocating beyond a reasonable travel distance and want to get a feel for your future home before making the journey.

Safety and Efficiency

In times when health concerns may limit physical interactions, virtual tours offer a safe way to explore your options without risk. Plus, you can screen multiple properties quickly, helping you narrow down your choices efficiently before you ever start packing to move in .

Advanced Viewing Technology

With options like an apartment 3D virtual tour, technology allows you to get a 360-degree view of the property, providing a more immersive experience than standard photos or videos could ever offer.

Facing the Virtual Reality

Lack of physical experience.

One challenge renters might face is not being able to experience the space physically. The texture of the walls, the natural light, or even the ambient noise might be missed in a virtual setting.

Dependence on Technology

Not everyone is tech-savvy. Navigating through a virtual tour might be daunting for some, potentially leading to a frustrating experience rather than an informative one.

Misleading Impressions

Sometimes, what you see online might not perfectly match reality. Whether it’s due to enhanced imagery or the absence of certain sensory details, there’s a risk of being misled by a virtual presentation.

Maximizing Your Virtual Tour Experience

Embarking on a virtual apartment tour offers a world of convenience and insight right at your fingertips. To make the most of this virtual experience, here are some essential tips to help you find the perfect space.

Get Interactive

Engage actively during live tours. Feel free to ask the person conducting the tour to pause, zoom in, or revisit a room. Your engagement can turn a simple viewing into a comprehensive exploration.

Use screen share wisely. If the tour is happening via a video call, make sure you know how to use the screen share function. This way, you can share what you’re looking at with a roommate or family member for their input.

Document the Tour

Take notes and screenshots. Keeping a record of what you love and what you’re concerned about will help you compare different apartments objectively.

Request follow-up materials. Ask for the latest photos, floor plans, or even video recordings post-tour. These can offer additional clarity as you narrow down your choices.

Check the Surroundings

Ask about the neighborhood. Inquire about local amenities, parks, transportation options, and the overall vibe of the area.

Request a virtual walk-around. If possible, ask for a video call to be made outside the apartment to get a feel for the community and its immediate surroundings.

Key Questions to Ask

Arming yourself with the right questions during a virtual apartment tour will not only clarify the physical and logistical aspects of the apartment but also give you a deeper understanding of the lifestyle and community you might be joining. Here are some questions you should consider asking and why. 

Apartment Features and Amenities

What appliances are included, and how new are they? Knowing the condition and age of appliances can help you gauge future maintenance needs or additional expenses.

Can you demonstrate the water pressure and hot water availability? It’s something often overlooked but crucial for daily comfort.

Does the apartment come furnished or unfurnished? It’s important to know if your new apartment includes furnishing or if you’ll need to provide furniture yourself .

Are there any smart home features? Understanding if the apartment is equipped with smart technology (like thermostats, locks, or lighting) can be a bonus.

Building and Community

What are the building’s security features? Ask about entry systems, security cameras, and any on-site security personnel.

Are there shared amenities available? Get details on gyms, pools, lounges, and how often they are maintained. Make sure you get a live view or photos of the amenities.

Natural Lighting and Ventilation

Could you demonstrate how much natural light each room receives throughout the day? Natural light can significantly impact the ambiance and mood of your home. Requesting to see the apartment at different times or asking for photos taken at various hours can give you a better idea.

How effective is the ventilation system, especially in key areas like the kitchen and bathroom? Proper ventilation is crucial for maintaining air quality and preventing moisture-related issues. Ask for specifics on ventilation features, such as windows in the bathroom, range hoods in the kitchen, and any integrated ventilation systems.

Noise Levels

Can we have a moment of silence during the tour to listen for any background noise? This can help you assess the ambient noise levels from traffic, neighbors, or nearby facilities.

Are there any soundproofing features installed in the apartment or building? Inquire about the construction materials used for sound insulation between units and exterior walls. Knowing about soundproofing measures can be a significant factor in your comfort.

Storage and Parking

Could you provide detailed views of all storage areas, including closets, pantries, and any additional storage spaces? Storage space is often at a premium, and seeing these areas up close can help you plan for your belongings.

What’s the parking situation like? Ask for a view or tour of the parking lot so you know what you and potential guests are dealing with. Parking availability and proximity may be a dealbreaker for some renters . 

Dive Deeper with ApartmentSearch

A virtual tour can be a great way to view a new apartment community, especially if you know what to expect and how to make the most of it.

When you’re ready to start looking for a new apartment, ApartmentSearch is your go-to resource! With advanced filters to help you narrow your search for exactly what you need, you’ll be off to a great start before the tour even begins. Visit ApartmentSearch today!

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Search Rentals with Virtual Home Tours

Virtual housing tours are no longer for those moving across the country.

Top Cities for Virtual Housing Tours

Types of virutal apartment tours.

Up to 30% of renters now sign their lease after doing virtual tours, no onsite visit required! There are several ways to see your next apartment virtually before signing a lease. Rentable offers our property managers many different options ranging from 3D tours to scheduling video calls.

Depending on where you are in your search, you may find different types of virtual tours to be your best option. Typically renters begin with a tour they can browse on thier own time and then progress to scheduling a time to Facetime, Skype, or Facebook live stream with the property manager.

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Get The 3D Advantage

3d virtual tour / 3d walkthrough.

3D Virtual Tours NY

Welcome to 3d virtual tours ny serving new york city and its surrounding areas..

We offer the most advanced and realistic virtual tour experience available in the market today. Our technology creates highly detailed and accurate 3D models of your property, giving you an immersive experience that feels as if you were actually there.

Whether you are a property owner, real estate agent, or tour provider, we are here to help you showcase your property in the most visually stunning and engaging way possible.

Why Choose Us

Quality and time.

Affordable, high quality 3D Virtual Tours with minimal time spent on site and quick turnaround times.

Social Media Sharing

Share easily on social media sites, such as Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

Online Network

Publish to Google Street View, VRBO and Realtor.com, Redfin, Homes.com, HomeAway

Virtual Staging

Create measurements within your space to help manage virtual staging.

Embed your 3D space on your website.

Virtual View

Viewable with a virtual reality headset.

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Testimonials

What our clients say.

No time to schedule a tour? Take a look around our virtual apt homes. See something you like? Apply today!

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