Here are some of our best tips when it comes to conducting virtual inspections as a property owner or manager:

• Choose the right medium. Discuss this with your potential renter and agree on either a 3D tour, a live virtual inspection (using a video conferencing software like Zoom or WhatsApp) or a pre-recorded walkthrough. Decide if this will be a single or group viewing.
  
• Prepare the property. Renters may want to see each nook and cranny of the property, and they may ask you to show them the interiors of the cupboards and drawers as well. Make sure the property is in good condition, and has been cleaned and de-cluttered.
  
• Get some practice using virtual tools beforehand. If you are doing this for the first time, get in some practice runs with a colleague or family member before the actual inspection. It also helps to be well-dressed and look professional for the viewing.
  
• Be ready to answer questions. Prepare a potential list of questions and answers to boost your confidence and reassure your viewers. Be transparent and be honest - if you don’t know an answer, it’s better to check back later than guess.
  
• Punctuality is attractive. It is always unprofessional to be late, even for a virtual inspection. Be on time, and remember to test your internet connection beforehand so that your viewers are able to see and hear you clearly.

Here’s a few tips on what to look out for as a renter at a virtual inspection. 

• Make sure that all areas of the property are presented equally. If some areas or rooms weren’t documented well enough, or you feel that the tour in that area was a little rushed, you can ask your inspection guide to walk through the area again and show you all its features in greater detail.
  
• Pay attention to closed curtains. If the curtains are closed at your inspection, you have the right to ask the inspection guide to draw back the curtains and show you the view. Not every rental property is going to have the perfect view, but it’s important to make sure that you’re happy with what you see.
  
• Watch out for distorted images. If the video or images look stretched and edited, exercise caution - the property size may be falsified or misrepresented! We recommend that you request a live virtual inspection where you can clarify any doubts and have the ability to ask more questions.
  
• Research the location and surrounding area. Always conduct your own research on the neighbourhood, and ask the inspection guide to show you what the immediate surroundings look like.
  
• Be confident and ask questions. It is best to clarify all your concerns at this stage. If you feel like you are getting sketchy information or half answers, don’t invest. A good property manager or owner will not leave potential renters hanging.