How does everyone get people to show up for apartment tours?

We are a small company with only about 100 units but across 3 counties. It is just me. People set up tours and then just don't show up! Even when I call them a few hours before to confirm. I have tried to require applications before doing a showing but then I get no interest at all because of course most people want to see apartments before they apply. Thanks in advance!

Are they setting online appointments or are you calling / texting them. They’ll be less likely to no show if they have an appointment with a specific person. Just introduce yourself on the phone. It adds a personal touch beyond email. And of course use Google voice or any other texting app / service before your real cell number if you text

Jack, I call them or message them directly through Zillow and we have call masking so when I call it always comes up the office number.

Utilize Self guided tours.

Erica Swinson we have been using RENTLY. It prescreens the prospects. However RENTLY charges the prospect a fee, and a lot of people object to that.

Look at using Rently locks with remote access. Remote tours via FaceTime.

I have small affordable communities. I don't have a model unit & I never show vacants. I have floor plans & lease from these. I encourage prospects to drive through the property, get out, walk around, to see if we are a good fit for them. I encourage them to apply & get on the waitlist.

Maybe send them a calendar invite so it’s in their phone and they feel obligated to respond yes or no? I live by my calendar so I won’t be at an appointment if it’s not on my calendar. Just a thought.

If create a set schedule. Maybe something along the lines of MWF - tours at one site.
THUR/Tues- tours at another
Etc..

Anonymous, I try to do this. If I'm gonna be at 1 property, I just try to make them back to back so I don't have to drive 35 minutes each way so much.

I would just have some videos of units based on bedroom so that you can share that with them instead of booking showings that do not show up. I have a small complex of 74 units, and I rely on videos to send to them if they are interested in a specific layout. That way it doesnt waste your time. If they are interested after the layout video then they will fill out an application.

Nakota A Hernandez what do you use for your videos? Do you care to share an example?

I take them with the iPad and then put them on Realync or any of your social media platforms such as FB and Instagram. Hashtags always work the best when trying to reach a large audience. I also have files for each of my units on my computer that I download the video to so that if they want to see a unit that I have available I also have a video.

Same with work interviews....🫣

They have to meet me in the office, we go over all of the details, and if they're interested we meet over at the property to show the apartment. Saves me from going to the property then just sitting around waiting to see if they'll show up.

Mark, unfortunately our office is too far away from the some of the properties, but this would work for stuff close by, thanks.

I get that this is frustrating, but it's also part of the game. What is your main frustration? That they are taking up your time? You could do something like a lock box on the door.

Brooke, yeah it's time, miles, gas. I am AR and AP too so it's frustrating to have 2hrs of my day wasted depending on the property I'm showing.

I have small boutique communities and have found dedicating a half day or two at each site for tours works very well.

I wouldn't worry about no shows it's part of the business. You won't get 100% of the people.

1. Do you follow up w/ no shows?
2. We have lockboxes on our units so we don't have to meet anyone, saves a ton of time.
3. Are you tracking the number of requested tours vs. shows / no shows?
4. Like someone said we're going to start posting video walk throughs of units to see if that increases tour request / applications.

Yes, self-guided tours have saved us with multiple properties in different locations. It's like we hired a part time person! We use UTOUR which a link is sent to the prospect to schedule a tour. They provide their ID through the site and a signal is sent to the hub and lock with a code for them to enter the home. We are notified through the entire process via email and text.

If someone does not show up, it is more than likely I do not want them as a resident. It is clear that person does not know how to communicate and will ghost me when a problem arises. I can tell the difference on the phone with someone that will be there and one that cannot afford the rent but just schedules the showing to appease me. There is a tone of the voice that changes. I do not bother adding those to my calendar. I have never had a person show up that I detected this with. Overall, try to get leads in that want to live there, not just a warm body.

I have the same issue I schedule appointments and they don't show up I keep calling and 50% of the time they never call back. so frustrating..