The COVID-19 pandemic is acting as a catalyst to propel self-serve solutions from more than just a generational request to a broader safety issue for everyone.
BOSTON (PRWEB) June 10, 2020
As many states phase out of shelter-in-place restrictions and into a ‘new normal,’ Tour24, the on-demand platform that automates the process for apartment tours, is helping property managers streamline leasing tours to ensure residents and staff remain safe, while also helping them secure a place to live. Tour24 saw an 11 percent increase in tours conducted over March - and a 21 percent increase over February. Tour24 is working with over 100 properties and with thousands of tours conducted, data shows the platform drives a 33 percent lease-to-close ratio (compared to the industry average of 25 percent close ratio for leasing agents); with some properties reporting a 60 percent close ratio during the pandemic.
“The COVID-19 pandemic is acting as a catalyst to propel self-serve solutions from more than just a generational request to a broader safety issue for everyone,” said John Doyle, co-founder of Tour24. “Smart tech provides a contactless experience which assists properties in adhering to state and local health guidelines. When the burden of when and how to see an apartment is lifted, residents and property managers can have a more seamless experience that focuses on getting units rented and making the entire process more convenient and safe.”
In this time of social distancing, curated self-guided tours can extend the capabilities of leasing teams, without adding headcount to cover walk-ins, after-hours requests, or managing leaner teams. Using the Tour24 mobile app, which is available in the App Store and Google Play and compatible with both iOS and Android devices, consumers can view properties, schedule tours, visit apartments and start the leasing process. The platform delivers a curated tour with geolocation beacons that provides detailed information of the amenities, the model and the community, while also providing administrators the ability to track the prospect's path through the community. As an added level of security, Tour24 requires three levels of security checks: facial recognition, identification and credit card verification to make sure all are valid and match.
To help properties manage the next phase of the pandemic, Tour24 has developed its top five tips for how to return to the new normal:
Go Virtual: In addition to taking advantage of self-guided tours, take this time to enhance the property’s website, highlighting the personality and features of your property by creating additional interactive content and videos. There are many talented freelancers, maybe some that are even residents in your community, looking for projects these days.
Support the Community: Publicize things like curbside pick-up from neighborhood restaurants or outdoor green markets. Share information about how to donate to a local food pantry, non-profit organizations that tutor children, or services helping families pay their bills.
Contactless Common Areas: As residents move around the property more, find friendly ways to help residents and staff practice social distancing. Create safe-distancing around the reception desk and manager's office. Spread out or remove the furniture in the lobby altogether. Spell out the guidelines for elevators, exploring the feasibility to provide greater access and encourage people to use the stairs instead.
Adjust Amenities: Set realistic expectations of what it will take to safely reopen your amenities. Change the gym configuration and increase sanitation procedures and supplies. When you reopen outside areas like the pool and pool deck, consider changing occupancy limits and reducing the outdoor furniture.
Delivery decisions: From groceries, to retail, to restaurant meals, people of all ages and diverse demographics are embracing Prime, Instacart, Grubhub, and other home delivery services. Multifamily residents are likely to continue to use home delivery even when businesses reopen fully. It is imperative that property managers have an efficient strategy that minimizes the impact on building operations while responding to resident needs - including automated locker solutions and/or package rooms, which reduce contact and keep deliveries safe and secure.
For more information about Tour24’s innovative platform for self-guided tours, visit https://tour24now.com.
About Tour24
Tour24 is the on-demand platform that automates the process for apartment tours. Created by the founders of Package Concierge, a Gibraltar Industries Inc. company that creates leading automated package locker systems, Tour24’s transformative technology integrates with smart-home providers to deliver self-guided property tours and serve as an extension to leasing teams. With Tour24, prospective residents can tour apartments on their own schedule, reducing the time it takes to find a new home and driving more leases for properties. Follow us on Twitter @Tour24now.