In the not-so-distant past, renting an apartment meant juggling schedules, phone tag with leasing offices, and hours spent physically touring properties that didn’t quite live up to their listings. Today, that friction-heavy process is being radically transformed by technology. Virtual tours, digital scheduling systems, and agent accountability tools are redefining how leasing teams and prospective tenants connect, making the experience faster, more transparent, and increasingly tenant-centric.
From the first inquiry to the signed lease, technology is smoothing out the traditional pain points in apartment showings. Jon Beaulieu of Millstone Property Group takes a closer look at how each major innovation is changing the game.
One of the most dramatic shifts in the apartment showing experience has been the widespread adoption of virtual tours. No longer limited to static photo galleries or vague floor plans, prospective renters can now engage with immersive 3D walkthroughs and video tours that simulate the in-person experience with impressive accuracy.
Benefits for renters:
Virtual tours allow apartment hunters to explore multiple properties in a fraction of the time. Whether they’re relocating from another city or simply trying to save on commute time, renters can narrow down their options before ever setting foot inside a building. In a digital-first housing market, especially post-pandemic, this level of convenience has quickly become an expectation rather than a luxury.
Benefits for leasing teams:
For property managers and leasing agents, virtual tours serve as powerful pre-qualification tools. Prospects who book an in-person tour after a virtual experience are typically more serious and better informed, increasing the likelihood of conversion. Additionally, with self-guided virtual access available 24/7, leasing teams can engage prospective renters even outside of business hours.
Types of virtual tours in use:
Perhaps no single pain point has plagued the rental process more than scheduling. Jon Beaulieu of Millstone Property Group explains whether it’s coordinating with a leasing office, a third-party agent, or multiple roommates, syncing calendars used to mean a frustrating back-and-forth. Digital scheduling tools have turned this bottleneck into a breeze.
Streamlined for tenants:
Digital scheduling platforms allow renters to instantly book tours based on real-time availability. Embedded directly in listings or emailed automatically after inquiries, these systems reduce the waiting game to a single click. Many platforms even let renters choose between live in-person tours, virtual tours, or self-guided showings.
Operational efficiency for leasing agents:
Leasing professionals no longer need to manually manage calendars or field dozens of scheduling emails. Instead, digital booking systems automate confirmations, send reminders, and allow last-minute changes or cancellations. With less administrative work, leasing teams can focus on what they do best: building rapport and closing leases.
Leading platforms include:
While virtual tours and scheduling make it easier to start the leasing process, agent accountability tools ensure it runs smoothly through to the lease signing. Jon Beaulieu of Millstone Property Group explains that these platforms monitor agent responsiveness, tour follow-up, lead management, and customer satisfaction—all key metrics in a competitive rental market.
Why this matters:
Today’s renters expect quick responses and consistent communication. If a leasing agent takes too long to follow up or offers inaccurate information, a prospective tenant may move on. Accountability software not only tracks these touchpoints but provides team leaders with real-time data on how well agents are managing their pipelines.
Common features of agent accountability tools:
For example, CRMs like Entrata, Knock, and RealPage now integrate these features to create a unified leasing experience, from initial lead to move-in. This ensures a higher level of professionalism and consistency across entire leasing teams, even when managing dozens of properties.
Jon Beaulieu of Millstone Property Group explains that the combined impact of these technologies is more than the sum of their parts. Together, they remove major friction points from the rental journey. Virtual tours answer the “Is this worth my time?” question. Digital scheduling answers the “When can I see it?” question. Agent accountability answers the “Will anyone actually follow up with me?” concern.
For leasing teams, the results are just as tangible:
For prospective tenants, the experience feels more modern, accessible, and empowering. Instead of feeling like they’re chasing a leasing office or blindly booking tours, renters can confidently move forward with clarity and ease.
As the rental market becomes more competitive, we can expect further technological innovation. AI-powered leasing assistants are already being integrated to handle inquiries 24/7. Personalized tour recommendations based on renter preferences and browsing behavior are also on the horizon. And advanced analytics will soon help leasing teams make smarter decisions on pricing, marketing, and availability.
Ultimately, the future of apartment showings will be shaped by a desire for speed, transparency, and trust, values that modern renters increasingly demand and technology is now capable of delivering.
Jon Beaulieu of Millstone Property Group emphasizes that by embracing digital tools and automations, the multifamily housing industry is undergoing a quiet revolution. Apartment showings are no longer a logistical headache; they’re becoming one of the smoothest, most user-friendly parts of the rental experience. And for both tenants and leasing professionals, that’s a win worth celebrating.
