Virtual tours are a marketing tool that not enough landlords and rental property owners leverage. 

They’re convenient, and they’re especially beneficial when scheduling an in-person tour becomes difficult. Maybe your prospective tenants are from out of state, and they cannot come and see the property before they rent it. Give them the next best thing, with an online tour and all the answers they need to their questions. 

At Western Property Management, we love improving our systems. We love efficiency. It helps us rent your home faster. So today, we’re sharing some of our best tips on conducting virtual tours of your rental property. 

Virtual Tours Matter in Rental Property Marketing

Virtual tours save time for both landlords and tenants, as they allow prospective tenants to view properties anytime, from anywhere. Additionally, properties with virtual tours often receive more attention as renters increasingly expect this kind of accessible and immersive experience. 

If you’re wondering why it matters to make virtual tours available, we can tell you that a well-executed virtual tour can inspire confidence in tenants, making them feel more connected to your property before they even set foot inside.

Tips for Creating Exceptional Virtual Tours 

We have conducted live virtual tours, and we’ve also created virtual tours that can be sent to tenants whenever they reach out to us and express interest in a property. Sometimes, you might see listings that include a virtual tour. That can be beneficial, too, because if a tenant reaches out after already taking a virtual tour, you know they’re a solid prospect with an intention to rent your home. 

Here are some of the ways you can make your virtual tour stand out:

1. Invest in High-Quality Equipment 

You don’t want poor quality, and you don’t want to make prospective tenants turn away because of shaky or shady video work. 

To make a lasting impression, ensure your video or 3D tour is crisp and clear. Using a good quality camera or smartphone with features like wide-angle lenses, 4K resolution, and stable video recording can significantly enhance the end product. A tripod or gimbal is also helpful for creating smooth footage, eliminating shaky movements that might disorient viewers.

2. Stage Your Property 

Appearances matter. Before conducting a virtual tour, stage your rental property to make it look its best. The home has to look move-in ready. The point of this virtual tour is to create a connection with tenants. You want them to imagine living there. So, declutter before you film. Remove unnecessary items and personal touches. A clean, minimalist space feels larger and more appealing. Incorporate decorative elements such as fresh flowers, clean bedding, or neutral artwork to make the property feel cozy but neutral. Always highlight key features. Make sure standout features like modern appliances, natural lighting, or a large backyard are showcased prominently. 

3. Plan Your Virtual Tour Layout 

Organize your walkthrough thoughtfully to give potential tenants a clear sense of the space. You don’t want to start in a random bedroom and then wander through the home without a plan. Begin with a compelling introduction, such as a view of the property’s exterior or a welcome message. Then, present the interiors in a logical sequence—for example, start with the living room, move to the kitchen, and then tour the bedrooms and bathrooms. 

Here’s a pro tip: Highlight the layout by guiding viewers to how the rooms connect, helping them visualize the flow of the property. 

4. Leverage Natural Lighting 

Lighting can make a big difference in the appeal of your property during the virtual tour. Schedule your tour during the day when the property is naturally well-lit, as sunlight enhances colors and creates an inviting atmosphere. Be sure to open curtains and blinds fully, and turn on all lights to eliminate shadows in darker areas. 

5. Provide Multiple Virtual Tour Formats 

Not all prospective tenants will have the same preferences or technical capabilities, so offering flexibility is key. Consider these options for maximizing accessibility:

• Basic Video Tour. A walkthrough video is simple yet effective and can be shared on your website or through social media. 
• 3D Interactive Tour. Using tech tools can create an interactive, immersive experience and will set your property apart. 
• Live Tours via Video Call. For more personalized interactions, use platforms like Zoom or FaceTime to give live virtual tours and answer questions in real time. 

During the tour, don’t just focus on the property itself. Mention amenities like parking spaces, laundry facilities, or storage areas. Additionally, include details about the neighborhood—highlight nearby schools, parks, restaurants, or public transit to give tenants a sense of what life in the property’s area would be like.

6. Optimize for Mobile Viewing 

Many people will access your virtual tour from their smartphones, so make sure the experience is seamless across devices. Whether you’re sharing videos or 3D tours, test your content on different screen sizes to ensure functionality and clarity.

7. Promote Your Virtual Tour Effectively 

Once your virtual tour is ready, share it widely to maximize its reach. Post it on property listing platforms, your social media channels, and your rental website. Including the tour link in emails to prospective tenants can also help them feel better prepared for the application process.

Motivate viewers to take the next step after watching the tour. Whether it’s scheduling an in-person viewing, submitting an application, or contacting you with questions, make it clear what you’d like them to do next. Include links or contact information for easy follow-up.