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Looking for a place to rent can be stressful, and requesting tours (without knowing when or if you’ll be granted one—and whether it will even work with your schedule if you are) certainly doesn’t help. But a new update on the Zillow app is making the whole thing a little easier. The new update, which is live now, gives interested renters the ability to book a tour at their preferred time. No longer will you have to “request a tour” and simply hope you can see the property at a time that works for both parties.
“Setting up apartment tours can be super stressful—you have no idea if a property manager is going to get back to you about the listing you’re interested in,” said Emily McDonald, a Zillow spokesperson. “Being able to instantly book a tour time helps renters act faster and with more confidence in today’s market. It also allows apartment shoppers the ability to plan around their busy schedule.”
How to book an apartment tour on Zillow
Once you’re logged into your account and find a property listing you’re interested in, look for the “Book tour now,” button as seen in the screenshot below.
Once you click to book, a window with time slots on multiple days will pop up, and you’ll be able to choose the time that works for you. The options are first come, first served. Once booked, you’ll receive an automated email and text reminders for your appointment time.
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The option is not currently available for all properties, but more apartments are being added to the update, according to McDonald. If you live in Jacksonville, Fla.; Orlando, Fla.; Austin, Texas; Dallas, or Plano, Texas, you’re most likely to find apartments with the automated tour feature. As of this writing, there are more than 2,600 properties offering the service.
Unfortunately for buyers, the feature is not yet available to tour a home for sale—but Zillow says they’re working on a similar update for that.
