🎓🐴🏠 When to Use VIRTUAL vs. IN PERSON Tours To Check Out a New Apartment!
Howdy y’all! As a brand-new Texas Aggie grad, I just went through the crazy process of finding my first “real world” apartment after leaving College Station. Between moving to a bigger city, starting a new job, and trying to budget like an actual adult, I had to figure out whether I could trust virtual tours—or if I really needed to show up in person before signing a lease.
Here’s what I learned that might help my fellow Aggies who are about to make the same leap. 👇
🖥️ Virtual Tours: When They Work Best
Virtual tours are a lifesaver when you’re short on time or not even in the same city yet. I had job interviews and apartment hunting happening all at once, and there was no way I could drive up every weekend to see places. Here’s when a virtual tour really makes sense:
Early in the search: If you’re just trying to narrow down your list, a virtual tour lets you rule out spots that don’t fit your vibe.
When the apartment is newer: Freshly built apartments usually look almost exactly like the model unit you see online. Less chance of surprises.
If the leasing team is responsive: A good sign is when they’re willing to hop on FaceTime and walk you through the exact unit you’d be renting—not just a polished marketing video.
You’re on a tight schedule: If you’re moving for work, sometimes you simply don’t have the luxury of multiple trips. Virtual helps you move fast.
💡 Pro tip from my own search: Always ask them to show the actual VIEW from your unit. Online tours almost never cover this, and you don’t want to be shocked by a dumpster or highway outside your window.
🚗 In-Person Tours: Why They Still Matter
As convenient as virtual tours are, nothing replaces setting foot in your future home. Here’s when it’s worth taking the time (and gas money) to visit in person:
Older apartments or renovated complexes: Virtual tours can be misleading if different units vary in layout or condition. What you see online may not match what you get.
You care about noise and community feel: You can’t sense the vibe of the neighbors, the soundproofing, or how busy the street is through a screen.
Checking safety and parking: Online, they’ll show you the fancy lobby. In person, you’ll notice if the gates never close, the hallways smell weird, or the parking lot feels sketchy.
Trust but verify: If you’re about to sign a year-long lease, sometimes you just want peace of mind that everything looks as good as it did on your laptop.
💡 Pro tip: Drive through the neighborhood at night. That’s when you’ll get a real sense of how safe and active the area feels.
🎯 My Aggie Grad Takeaway
I ended up doing both—starting with virtual tours to save time, then making one weekend trip to see my top 3 places in person. That combo gave me confidence and saved me a lot of stress.
As Aggies, we’re stepping into a new chapter, and where we live sets the stage for work, friendships, and sanity. Don’t skip the extra effort—it can make the difference between loving your first apartment and regretting it every day.
👉 Fellow Ags, how did YOU find your first apartment after graduation? Did you trust the virtual process, or did you need to see it with your own eyes before committing? Drop your stories below—I’d love to hear them! 👍
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Aggies—find your perfect apartment in your new city for FREE with Howdy Apartments! We’ll guide you on the best areas, recommend the right places, and even set up your tours. 100% free and Aggie-focused.
👉 Sign up here: howdyapartments.com/start
📲 Call or text me anytime: Grant – 214-492-9791
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