Real estate marketplace Zillow has introduced an instant tour booking feature for renters on its platform. The company now allows users to book face-to-face tours directly at a suitable time without contacting an agent or property manager.
Until now, if someone wanted to see a rental property, they had to rely on a virtual tour on the platform or request a tour to get in touch with the property manager, a cumbersome process. Users can now book appointments instantly. This works just like her Calendly for conference booking platform.
According to the company, 2,600 rental properties have the instant tour booking feature available, with more being added regularly. The proptech start-up said it also plans to add a feature that allows users to choose the type of tour they want (in-person, self-guided, or live virtual tour) while scheduling.
A survey conducted by Zillow last year found that 71% of users visited a property up to four times before renting it. As such, the platform sees benefits in facilitating the scheduling process by eliminating middlemen like agents.
Zillow Rentals Vice President Michael Sherman said in a statement:
“By enabling renters to book tours instantly, it removes barriers and provides a more seamless and convenient experience for renters and property managers. , renters can focus on finding the perfect location without worrying about when they’ll get the chance to see it, and property managers can regain valuable time for other important tasks.”
Zillow laid off 300 employees last October, impacting teams including Zillow Home Loans and Zillow Closing Services Zillow Offer advisors, sales and backend staff.
