How Virtual Tours and Digital Leasing Are Reshaping Tenant Expectations

In today’s fast-evolving real estate landscape, technology is no longer just an add-on it’s at the core of how properties are presented, marketed, and leased. Industry professionals like Shannon Bachsihan, who specialize in real estate management and business development, are witnessing a significant shift in how tenants engage with spaces before signing a lease. The introduction of virtual tours and digital leasing platforms has transformed the tenant experience, creating a new standard for convenience, transparency, and personalization.

This digital transformation has not only improved efficiency for property managers but also raised the bar for what tenants expect from modern leasing processes. Whether for commercial or residential properties, the demand for immersive, tech-enabled experiences continues to grow and it’s reshaping the entire industry.

The Shift Toward Digital Leasing

For decades, leasing involved physical tours, paper contracts, and in-person negotiations. While that personal touch still holds value, the industry is increasingly embracing digital tools that simplify these steps. Digital leasing allows potential tenants to explore listings, review lease terms, and even sign contracts online all without stepping foot inside a leasing office.

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated this transformation, forcing many property managers to adapt quickly. But even as the world reopened, the convenience and accessibility of digital leasing remained. According to industry data, more than 70% of tenants now expect online access to leasing applications and digital communication options.

The benefits are mutual. Property managers save time and resources by automating administrative processes, while tenants enjoy a seamless, user-friendly experience. This shift also allows real estate professionals, such as Shannon Bachsihan, to focus on strategic growth and relationship building rather than paperwork.

Virtual Tours: Bringing Spaces to Life

Virtual tours have arguably been the most visible and transformative innovation in leasing. Gone are the days when tenants relied solely on static images or brief video clips to imagine a property. With virtual tours, prospective tenants can now “walk through” a property in 3D, exploring each room, angle, and amenity from the comfort of their own home.

A 2024 survey by Zillow found that listings featuring virtual tours generate up to 80% more engagement than those without. This technology not only saves time but also builds trust. Tenants feel more confident making decisions because they can see every detail of the property in advance.

For real estate professionals, virtual tours serve as powerful marketing tools. They can highlight a property’s best features, such as natural light, modern layouts, or neighborhood views, and even tailor tours for specific audiences such as remote workers seeking home office space or families looking for kid-friendly amenities.

As Shannon Bachsihan and other industry leaders recognize, this technology isn’t just about visuals it’s about creating an emotional connection. A well-crafted virtual tour invites potential tenants to imagine themselves in the space, fostering engagement that traditional methods can’t match.

Why Tenants Expect More Now

The rise of digital leasing and virtual tours has fundamentally changed tenant psychology. Today’s renters are more informed, tech-savvy, and selective than ever. They expect transparency, flexibility, and immediacy.

Here are a few key ways expectations have evolved:

1. Convenience Is Non-Negotiable:

Tenants expect to browse, apply, and sign leases at any time, from any device. The traditional “office hours” leasing model is quickly becoming obsolete.

2. Transparency Builds Trust:

Virtual tours eliminate surprises. By providing a complete view of the property upfront, landlords and managers can reduce misunderstandings and build stronger tenant relationships.

3. Personalization Matters:

Just as e-commerce platforms recommend products, digital leasing tools can suggest units or properties that fit a tenant’s preferences from location to amenities.

4. Speed and Efficiency Drive Decisions:

Tenants no longer want to wait days for application processing or manual approvals. Automated leasing workflows speed up the process, improving conversion rates and tenant satisfaction.

These expectations are not temporary trends; they represent a permanent shift in how real estate operates. Managers who embrace these tools will remain competitive in a market where convenience and experience drive decision-making.

Benefits for Property Managers and Owners

While tenants gain convenience and clarity, property managers and owners enjoy significant operational advantages from adopting digital solutions:

• Efficiency: Automation reduces administrative workload, allowing teams to focus on strategic priorities.

• Cost Savings: Digital documents and online communication cut down on printing, storage, and labor costs.

• Wider Reach: Virtual tours attract out-of-state or international tenants, expanding the potential market.

• Data Insights: Leasing platforms collect valuable data on tenant preferences and behaviors, helping owners tailor offerings and pricing strategies.

• Consistency: Digital tools ensure a uniform and professional leasing process across all properties.

Leaders like Shannon Bachsihan emphasize that technology isn’t replacing the human element it’s enhancing it. By offloading repetitive tasks, real estate professionals can dedicate more time to customer service, relationship management, and portfolio growth.

Challenges and Considerations

Of course, the shift to digital leasing and virtual tours isn’t without challenges. Some tenants still value in-person experiences, especially for high-value or long-term leases. Property managers must strike a balance between technology and personal touch.

Additionally, maintaining data security and privacy is critical when handling digital lease agreements and personal information. Transparent communication about data handling builds trust and compliance with privacy laws.

Finally, not all properties or markets are equally suited for digital-first leasing. In some regions, internet access, demographic factors, or local regulations may influence adoption rates. Successful implementation requires adapting to the target audience’s needs and comfort levels.

The Future of Tenant Engagement

Looking ahead, virtual tours and digital leasing are likely to evolve even further. We can expect:

• Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR): Allowing tenants to visualize furniture layouts or décor in real-time.

• AI-Driven Recommendations: Personalized suggestions for properties that match a user’s lifestyle or budget.

• Smart Contracts: Blockchain technology enabling secure, automated lease agreements.

• Integrated Smart Property Management Systems: Connecting leasing, maintenance, and communication platforms for a seamless experience.

These advancements will continue to elevate tenant expectations, pushing real estate professionals to innovate. Adaptability and openness to technology will remain the key differentiators between industry leaders and those left behind.

Conclusion

The rise of virtual tours and digital leasing has permanently transformed how tenants search for, evaluate, and secure properties. Tenants now expect more transparency, speed, and convenience than ever before and the real estate industry must continue to evolve to meet these demands.

Professionals like Shannon Bachsihan are at the forefront of this transformation, combining technology with strong management principles to deliver exceptional experiences for both tenants and property owners. By embracing digital tools and focusing on continuous improvement, real estate leaders can create lasting value and trust in an increasingly digital marketplace.

In the end, the future of leasing isn’t just online it’s interactive, data-driven, and human-centered. And as Shannon Bachsihan and her peers demonstrate, those who adapt today will define the real estate experience of tomorrow.