To find a great tenant, you must understand that listing the place and waiting for the applications to roll in won’t do the job. You must focus on the connection. The right vibe. The moment a renter walks in (physically or virtually) and thinks, “Yeah. I could see myself here.” The problem? That moment is harder to manufacture than it used to be.
With virtual property tours becoming the norm in the post-2020 rental world, you might be wondering: Are we really capturing that same “love at first tour” feeling? Or are we all just clicking through 3D walkthroughs and hoping for the best?
Let’s see what actually gets tenants to sign a lease, and whether your listings should lean into the tech or stick to good old-fashioned, in-person charm.
The Case for Virtual Tours (a.k.a. Renting in Pajamas)
There’s a certain beauty in letting someone “tour” a property at midnight in their sweatpants. Virtual tours, especially interactive ones with 360-degree views or video walk-throughs, give renters the flexibility to explore on their own time. And according to PhotoUp, listings with virtual tours get 87% more views than those without.
That’s not nothing.
Virtual showings are also a game-changer if your target renter is relocating, working odd hours, or just allergic to small talk. They help weed out tire-kickers, too; only truly interested folks will bother booking an in-person follow-up.
Plus, property managers love virtual tours. They cut down on no-shows, reduce scheduling headaches, and help showcase a unit while it’s still occupied. It’s efficient. Maybe even a little too efficient, sometimes.
But Here’s the Thing…
Virtual tours are great for looking. But signing a lease? That’s a bigger leap.
A high-resolution video can’t tell you what the neighbor’s dog sounds like at 7 a.m. Or how the building smells. Or whether the bedroom window actually gets any sunlight, despite what the camera angle suggests.
This is where in-person showings still shine. You get a chance to engage the senses. Have a real conversation. Build trust. And in many cases, you’ll seal the deal right there, face-to-face.
Some renters need to feel the place before they can say yes. It’s less “add to cart,” more “do I see my dog here in the corner by the window while I drink my morning coffee?” vibes.
What Property Managers Have Noticed
Talk to a few experienced property managers and you’ll hear the same thing: virtual tours are great for exposure, but leases often get signed after an in-person visit.
Wurth Property Management, for example, has leaned into both strategies. We know some renters want to explore on their phones first, while others want to smell the fresh paint and test the water pressure in real time. The trick is offering both,and knowing when to nudge the next step.
Because you don’t want someone signing sight unseen only to realize later that the layout “feels weird” or the noise from the nearby bar is a little too lively.
Mixing the Two = Best of Both Worlds
So here’s a thought: why not start virtual and end in person?
Think of it like dating apps. The virtual part helps you narrow the field. The real magic happens when you show up, see it for yourself, and feel the gut instinct that says, “This is the one.”
Use virtual tours to qualify leads. Let renters fall in like. Then give them a real-world moment to fall in love.
Oh, and here’s where property managers come in again; they’re the ones who can balance both approaches. They’ll make sure your listing pops online and shows well in person. Which, frankly, is harder than it sounds.
So… Which One Really Gets Tenants to Sign?
It depends. (Sorry. But also, not sorry.)
Some tenants are all about the convenience of virtual tours. Others need to smell the wood floors and check cell service in the hallway before committing.
If you’re renting a place in a hot market or to a long-distance renter, virtual tours might be enough to close the deal. But if you’re managing a high-end rental or catering to renters who care deeply about the feel of a space, in-person wins every time.
The best approach? Give them options. Make your property easy to explore online. Then back it up with a warm, well-timed in-person showing for those ready to take the next step.
Because at the end of the day, you’re not just renting square footage. You’re offering someone a place to live their life. And that still deserves a little human touch.
Final Thought
Whether you’re team sweatpants or team handshake, one thing’s clear: the best rental experiences start with flexibility. And a good property manager (like Wurth PM) knows how to strike that balance. So if you want fewer headaches and happier leases, maybe give us a call. Or a click. Your future tenants will thank you.
5 FAQs About Virtual and In-Person Showings
1. Are virtual tours effective for renting apartments?
A: Yes. Listings with virtual tours can get up to 87% more views. But many renters still want an in-person visit before signing.
2. Do in-person showings lead to faster lease signings?
A: Often, yes. In-person tours let renters connect emotionally with the space, which can speed up their decision.
3. Should I offer both virtual and in-person property showings?
A: Ideally, yes. A hybrid approach meets renters where they are and increases your chances of finding the right tenant.
4. How do virtual tours help property managers?
A: Virtual tours reduce no-shows, streamline scheduling, and attract long-distance renters. They also save time on repeat showings.
5. Can tenants sign a lease without seeing the property in person?
A: Yes, but it’s riskier. Encourage at least one in-person visit when possible, or offer a flexible lease that allows for an early exit.
