Virtual Tours vs In-Person Showings: Which is Best for OKC Landlords

Ever spent an entire day driving to show a small 1-bedroom apartment in OKC? Imagine an effortless way to connect with renters, whether they are across town or the country. That option already exists through virtual tours. It’s not just about convenience; it’s about reclaiming your time and finding the qualified tenant with ease.

After the COVID-19 pandemic, the way of rental property marketing has changed as people have shifted towards digital experiences. Virtual tours have been popular, offering a convenient way to display homes. Yet, the traditional In-person showing remains essential for building trust and closing deals.

According to Redfin, Oklahoma City’s real estate market is rising steadily, up 3.7% as of 2025, and landlords need to showcase their properties effectively. Choosing the right method, whether virtual tours or in-person showings, can directly impact leasing success and long-term ROI.

With over 20 years of experience in property management across Oklahoma, I have helped multiple landlords successfully navigate this evolving landscape. In this blog, we will compare virtual tours vs in-person showings, and find out which is best for landlords.

What is a Virtual Tour?

A virtual tour is an online walk-through of a property that allows potential tenants or buyers to explore a space without being physically present. This approach is not just convenient; it has become an essential part of how modern renters decide whether a home fits their needs before scheduling any in-person visits.

What are the Types of Virtual Tours?

Virtual tours come in several formats, each offering different levels of interaction and immersion. Below are the most common types of virtual tours landlords use when marketing their properties:

1. 3D Virtual Tour

A 3D virtual tour is the most immersive type. It’s created using specialized cameras and walk-through software like Matterport, allowing renters to navigate seamlessly from room to room. You can literally walk through hallways, enter rooms, and even look up and down, offering a truly comprehensive visual inspection. This is best for letting potential renters feel the flow and layout of the rental unit.

2. 360-Degree Virtual Tour

A 360-degree virtual tour is similar to a 3D tour, which provides panoramic views of individual rooms or spaces. While it does not offer the continuous walk-through feel of a 3D Tour, it still provides a comprehensive property viewing experience for each area. Instead of just a flat image, you can spin the view horizontally and vertically, simulating the sensation of standing in the room and turning around. This is a highly effective way to showcase the entirety of a room without needing to be physically present.

3. Guided Virtual Tour

A guided virtual tour is a live video session where a real estate agent or landlord walks a tenant through the rental unit in real time over a video call using platforms like Zoom or Google Meet. The viewer can ask questions about the spot, and the guide can focus the camera on specific features or rooms as requested.
For Landlords, this is a better option when prospects are unable to visit in person but want a personalized, interactive experience. It also adds a human touch, building trust even from a distance.

4. Self-Guided Virtual Tour

For landlords who have a busy schedule or manage multiple properties, a self-guided virtual tour can be an excellent choice. It lets viewers explore the home independently through a click-through interface, where no live host is needed. The tour has interactive hotspots, embedded videos explaining features. This format is suitable for landlords who want to provide 24/7 access to their listing without committing to scheduled showings.

5. Virtual Reality Tour

Virtual Reality is an advanced form of tour, where the viewer uses VR headsets to create a fully immersive experience, making them feel as if they are physically inside the property. VR technology is still emerging in the rental market and is gaining attraction among luxury and high-end properties.

In today’s fast-paced rental market, these tours offer landlords an invaluable tool to showcase properties efficiently and effectively, saving time and expanding reach beyond traditional in-person showings.

What are the Pros and Cons of a Virtual Tour for Landlords?

Virtual tours are powerful tools in the real estate market, offering both exciting advantages like convenience, expanded reach, and modern appeal to your listing, and some considerations for Oklahoma landlords. Let’s break down the pros and cons of interactive property showings, focusing on their practical implications for your rental properties.

The pros of a virtual tour:

1. Saves Time

This is one of the biggest benefits of a virtual tour, especially if you are managing multiple properties scattered across Oklahoma City. Imagine a day when you have to travel from Midtown to Moore to meet a potential tenant, and each showing takes at least 45 minutes to 1 hour, not counting your travel time.

With a well-captured virtual tour, you only need to prepare the property once, film it, and then share it with as many renters as needed. You don’t need to travel anymore for a property showing.

2. Reaches Remote Tenants

For landlords, 3D home walkthroughs offer a way to attract tenants from virtually anywhere. With an online tour, prospects can view your online rental listing from any location, day or night, eliminating geographic barriers. This wider exposure leads to a larger pool of qualified applicants and helps fill vacancies faster, often with less hassle.

3. 24/7 Availability

A virtual tour is always open for business. Whether a potential renter is browsing a listing at midnight or during their lunch break, your property will always be available for remote home viewing. This flexibility allows for diverse schedules and can lead to faster decisions from interested parties who appreciate the convenience.

The cons of virtual tours:

1. Lack of Physical Feel

The most common drawback is the inability to experience the property with all senses. A virtual tour cannot convey the feel of a neighbourhood, the actual space of the property, or the precise amount of natural light. Because tenants cannot fully feel the space online, many still ask for an in-person visit before applying.

2. Tech Cost

While a virtual tour saves time for landlords, creating a high-quality virtual tour still requires an initial investment in equipment like a 360-degree camera, professional services, and paid software tools. Landlords who are not from a tech background can have difficulty creating a virtual tour.

For a 360-degree camera, you will need an investment of about $200-$500, depending on the quality and brand of camera, and a software subscription for a platform like Matterport, which costs around $10-$50 per month. If you are hiring professionals for a virtual tour, it ranges from $150-$500 per property, depending on the size and complexity of the tour, with additional costs of services like drone footage.

3. Potential Misrepresentation

If a virtual tour is outdated, poorly lit, and of low quality, it can misrepresent the property, leading to tenant frustration and wasted time. An old tour that does not reflect recent upgrades or changes in the property’s condition can create a negative impression. In Oklahoma, reputation matters. A disappointed tenant could leave negative feedback online, making it harder to attract quality applicants in the future.

While online tours cannot replace the sensory experience of walking through a home, combining virtual tours with targeted showings can speed up, reduce unnecessary travel, and attract potential tenants.

How to Create an Effective Virtual Tour?

An effective virtual tour is one of the most powerful ways to market your rental. But it’s not just about pointing a camera or taking a 360-degree video. It’s about showcasing your online rental listing in a way that makes tenants feel they are already there.

Here are some tips for creating an interactive home exploration:

1. Start by Cleaning your Property

• Before you start to take photos or videos, make sure your home looks its best. Deep clean everything, as dust, smudges on the window all show up in digital media.
• Remove all personal items, excessive furniture, and anything that distracts from the unit itself.
• If the property is furnished, arrange furniture to make rooms appear spacious and functional.

2. Focus on Lighting

Lighting is crucial for an effective online rental listing. Dim, yellow, or uneven lighting can make your unit feel smaller and less appealing. Always aim to capture your tour during the day. Open curtains and blinds to let in as much sunshine as possible, as it gives your space a warm and inviting feel.

3. Highlight the Selling Points

Every property has features that need special attention, it can be a spacious backyard, modern kitchen appliances, or a newly renovated bathroom. Don’t assume tenants will notice them on their own; you must highlight them in the tour by yourself. Think about what makes your property better than others in your area, and make sure it gets special attention in your tour.

4. Keep Navigation Simple

No one wants to get lost in a confusing online property tour. Make sure that the flow of your tour follows a logical sequence, starting from the front door, moving through the main areas, showing bedrooms and bathrooms. Try to label each room clearly so tenants know where they are. Always remember that the easier your tour is to follow, the more comfortable tenants will feel exploring your rental unit.

5. Pair tours with a Detailed Description

A virtual tour is a powerful tool, but pairing it with a well-written property description adds depth. Include information like square footage, recent renovation, and nearby amenities. This helps potential tenants make faster decisions because they have both the visual and the facts at their fingertips.

6. Use Good Equipment or Professional Help

While you can shoot a basic online tour on a smartphone, investing in a 360-degree camera or hiring a professional can make your property stand out. Professional tours often include smooth transitions, room labels, and interactive features that keep viewers engaged.

A well-captured virtual tour can be one of the most effective tools in your landlord toolkit, but only if it’s done right. Focus on presentation, lighting, quality, and accessibility to attract more applicants.

What is an In-Person Showing?

An in-person showing is a traditional method of showcasing a rental property. It involves tenants physically visiting the rental unit for inspection, which is guided by the landlord or a property manager. This method allows potential tenants to walk through the home, observe its condition, and experience the surrounding environment directly.

The in-person showing plays a vital role in building trust and connection between the landlord and potential tenant. It’s an opportunity for direct interaction between you and the tenant and potentially pre-qualify them for further conversation.

In Oklahoma City, traditional property viewings are still very popular for local renters who can easily attend an open house or private showing without much travel.

What are the Pros and Cons of In-Person Showing for Landlords?

While digital tours have gained significant popularity, the classic in-person property viewing remains an essential step in the rental process, particularly in Oklahoma.

The pros of in-person showing are:

1. Full Sensory Experience

This is the best advantage of physical showing. A tenant can see, feel, hear, smell, and gauge the neighbourhood vibe of your rental unit. The photos and videos can show a property, but they cannot replace the real-life feel. This sensory experience often leaves a stronger impression than any online tour, which can help your property stand out among others they are considering.

2. Easier Trust Building

In-person interactions facilitate direct communication. As a landlord, you can answer questions on the spot, address concerns, and highlight features in a way that resonates personally with the prospect. You can also observe the tenants’ behaviour and level of seriousness. These small clues can help you know how serious and reliable they might be as a renter.

3. Builds Emotional Connection

Being physically in space can spark instant attachment. Many renters and buyers make decisions much faster after stepping inside because they can picture themselves living there right away. This emotional pull can speed up decision-making.

The cons of in-person showing are:

1. Time Consuming

For landlords, especially those managing multiple properties across Oklahoma City, coordinating individual property showing appointments can be a significant drain on time. It involves finding mutually agreeable times, traveling to and from the property, and waiting for prospects who may be late or not show up.

2. Higher Cost

Every in-person showing has expenses like cleaning, staging, and sometimes small touches like bottled water or snacks. On average, OKC landlords spend about $25-$50 per showing when you factor in cleaning supplies, travel, and presentation.

If you use a real estate agent for showing, their fees can add up. Some agents charge a flat fee or up to one month’s rent for tenant placement, depending on the service.

3. Security and Privacy Concerns

Allowing strangers into your property, especially if it’s occupied, raises security and privacy issues. There’s the chance of damage, theft, or just making current tenants feel uncomfortable. While precautions can be taken, it’s a valid concern for many landlords.

Physical property viewing can create strong connections and help you close deals faster, but it also requires more time, effort, and expenses than virtual tours. Many landlords find the best approach is to use online property tours for initial interest and screening, and reserve in-person showings for serious, pre-qualified applicants.

How to Make an In-Person Showing Successful?

A well-executed physical home tour can be the deciding factor for a tenant. For Oklahoma landlords, mastering the art of in-person showing means maximizing your chances of finding the perfect tenant quickly.

Just unlocking the door and letting them look around is not enough. A successful in-person showing requires planning, attention to detail, and clear communication. The goal isn’t just to show the property, it’s to help prospects imagine living there and make them feel confident enough to move forward.

Here are the ways of making an in-person showing successful:

Before Showing the Rental Unit:

1. Deep Clean and Declutter

This is non-negotiable. The dusty baseboard, dirty floor, and streaky mirror can turn off any prospect instantly. So, you need to deep clean everything like floors, windows, bathrooms, and the kitchen. Also, remove unnecessary furniture or personal items to make the space feel bigger.

2. Highlight Unique Property Features

Don’t assume that the potential tenants will notice everything. Identify some standout features like a newly renovated kitchen, spacious backyard, or a smart home thermostat system. During the tour, naturally guide the conversation to these features, like this kitchen was just updated with energy-efficient appliances.

3. Mention Nearby Amenities

Location plays a huge role in a renter’s decision. You should not assume they will research the area themselves; highlight it for them. It helps tenants visualize their life in the community. Mention access to well-regarded schools, parks, and popular spots. Example: this home is just a 10-minute drive from Penn Square Mall.

During the Showing:

1. Be Welcoming

A welcoming atmosphere can make the potential renter feel more comfortable and connected to the space. Greet them warmly at the door, introduce yourself, and offer a quick overview of the property. Then let them explore at their own pace.

2. Encourage Questions

Being a landlord, you should ask open-ended questions like “Is there anything specific you would like to see again?” This helps you understand their priorities and tailor your response to their needs.

3. Allow them to Interact with the Space

Encourage them to step into the backyard, test faucets and water pressure by themselves. The more they interact with the property, the easier it is for them to picture living there.

After the Showing:

1. Follow-Up Quickly

Once the showing is over, your work is not done. Follow-up is where many landlords miss out. So consider sending a text or email within 24 hours to thank them for coming and ask if they have any additional questions. This keeps you fresh in their mind and shows you are responsive.

2. Collect Feedback

All in-person showings will not result in an application. If a prospect declines, politely ask if there was anything that didn’t meet their needs. This can provide valuable insights for future showing or property improvements. If multiple feedback raises the same concern, it indicates there is an area for improvement.

By implementing these strategies, your in-person showings will be more efficient, more effective, and more successful in securing the ideal tenant for your Oklahoma rental unit.

Which One is Best For You? Virtual Tour vs. In-Person Showing

Deciding between a virtual tour and an in-person showing isn’t always straightforward. Both have their unique benefits and challenges, especially when it comes to renting out properties in Oklahoma City. Let’s find out the key differences between these two methods.

Factors	Virtual Tour	In-Person Showing
Cost	Medium(DIY) to High(Professional service)	Low to Medium
Time Saving	High	Low
Renter Engagement	Low	High
Geographic Reach	Broad reach(attracts out of state as well)	Local only(limited by travel)
Security and Privacy	High	Low

There is no single best answer to choose between a virtual tour and an in-person showing. The optimal approach often depends on the specific circumstances of your rental unit.

For Small Rentals

If you have smaller rental units (like a 1-bedroom apartment) or properties that attract a high volume of inquiries (e.g., student housing), starting with a robust online property tour first is often the most efficient strategy. A virtual tour is suitable for small rentals because it acts as an excellent initial filter. Many inquiries are from casual browsers. A virtual tour allows them to self-qualify. This significantly reduces the number of unnecessary physical property evaluation appointments, saving you immense time and effort. It’s especially effective for landlords who manage multiple units.

For High-Value and Luxury Properties

When it comes to more expensive, unique, or luxury homes, a combination of both methods is highly recommended. A stunning digital tour can spark initial interest, but high-end renters often expect and demand a comprehensive in-person experience. They want to feel the quality of materials, assess the neighborhood, and confirm every detail. The virtual tour serves as a beautiful digital brochure and a strong pre-screening tool, but the in-person showing closes the deal, building that crucial emotional connection and trust for a high-value investment.

Final Thoughts on Online vs Traditional Property Viewing

Deciding between virtual tours and in-person showings ultimately depends on your unique situation. Virtual tours offer incredible convenience, broad reach, and cost savings, making them perfect for busy landlords or those targeting remote tenants. On the other hand, in-person showings provide an irreplaceable sensory experience, build trust, and often create a stronger emotional connection with prospective renters.

Many landlords find that combining both approaches yields the best results, starting with a high-quality virtual tour to screen interested tenants, then inviting serious prospects for a physical showing to seal the deal. This hybrid strategy can save you time, reduce costs, and still offer the personal touch that tenants value.

If you’re an Oklahoma landlord looking to elevate your rental listings, now’s the time to invest in a professional virtual tour or plan a carefully prepared in-person showing. Want expert help creating engaging virtual tours or organizing smooth showings? Contact OKC Home Realty Services for personalized advice tailored specifically to the Oklahoma City rental market!

FAQs on Virtual Tours vs. In-Person Showings